Kaine Herbert, Jason Morgan, Mick Mattingly, Bailey Tome, Brad Mangan, Archie Watt, Charlie Barnett, Jake Torney, Riley Ironside, Eamann Ogden, Nic Jephson, Tom Burnett, Caleb Williams.
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That’s a list of Kyabram players who have played senior football this season, but for various reasons, mainly injuries, weren’t in the side that represented Kyabram against Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League clash at Echuca on Saturday.
No-one expected Kyabram to win, but a lot also didn’t expect them to be as competitive as they were.
But if ever there is a post-mortem with an ‘honourable loss’ verdict this was it.
Considering the lengthy list of ‘outs’ at present, the Bombers put up a gallant effort in going down by 25 points loss to the reigning premier.
Kyabram co-coach Corey Carver summed up his team’s effort ‘‘they did everything we asked of them’’.
As the scores indicated, Echuca could and should have won by a bit more, but the Bombers didn’t take a backward step all day.
Skipper Josh Dillon showed the way in terms of endeavour in an inspirational display of leadership.
The Ky players just made a lot of basic errors when they had the ball but in terms of winning it they were as good their hosts.
Echuca’s defence was also steady on the day and its forward line offered more scoring options which was telling in the final result.
Apart from Josh Dillon, Brad Whitford in defence was Kyabram’s most dominant player before being forced from the ground in the third term.
Whitford punches well above his weight and is too brave for his own good.
But as far reading the play and fearlessness goes he is as good as any defender in the league.
But he suffered a heavy knock and may have to spend more time on the sidelines.
The Bombers had another first gamer in Riley Gallivan, promoted at half-time of the reserves game, who is another player who puts it all on the line in his attacks on the ball.
Other key playmakers for the Bombers were Jackson Griffiths, the Queensland recruit who has been a bit of a surprise packet, and the ever-reliable onballer Liam Ogden, master of the quick kick and Will Golds who collected a match high 36 possessions.
Big men in Mitch Dodos and Aidan Robinson worked very hard all day in defence and on the ball and Cameron Khoo also did a lot of good work and kicked two goals.
Moama recruit Khy Stovell proved the most productive Kyabram forward on the day with three goals while the league’s leading goal kicker Anthony Depasquale had a quieter day than usual with only two goals.
Bohden Learmonth was the best of the young brigade with Miller Griffiths and Liam Dillon also making their presence at times.
Learmonth played his best game for the year as onballer and forward flanker.
The Bombers have shown all season they can be competitive fielding sides that seem well below what their best team would be and Saturday was no exception.
There is no respite either for Kyabram in coming engagements with assignments against Rochester at Kyabram on Sunday week, followed by trips to Euroa and Mansfield, three teams with genuine finals ambitions and credentials.
My best for Kyabram were: Brad Whitford (until injured), Josh Dillon, Liam Ogden, Will Golds, Jackson Griffiths, Mitch Dodos, Aidan Robinson, Bohden Learmonth.
Second loss for season
Kyabram reserves suffered their second loss for the season, forced to play catch-up footy all game after a slow start against the competition pacesetter.
The Bombers had only one goal on the board at half-time to Echuca’s six but played their best football in the third term when they took control for a period and kicked four goals to Echuca’s three for the term.
But they couldn’t sustain their efforts and went goalless in the last term as Echuca kicked away to a 51-point win.
The Bombers had their best players in defenders Will McDonell, Danyon Stockdale, Oscar Shortis and David Coulthard, who worked hard all day repelling the constant Echuca forward excursions.
Ben Railton also turned in his usual reliable game in the centre and Lachlan Carver showed his skills on a wing after plying in the Under-18s clash.
Big men in Jayden Fitzgerald and Brendan Brasier also again made their presence felt at times.
Competitive match
Kyabram thirds also found the competition pacesetter too strong, but weren’t disgraced.
Coach Peter Ryan said he was pretty happy with his team’s performance against the best in the competition.
‘‘We handed them some easy goals, but I wasn’t disappointed in our endeavour,’’ Ryan said.
Max Caroll on the ball and up forward was in everything for Kyabram again and his namesake defender also put in another solid game.
Jack Doolan presented at every chance up forward and kicked three goals along with emerging talent Hamish Stewart.
Liam Mason rucked tirelessly all game and Huter Fawcett, Cohen Hooper, Charlie Isaac and Lachlan Carver were other Kyabram players to hold their own against class opposition.
The defeat has left the Bombers finals chances in jeopardy, and they will need to beat Rochester on Sunday week to keep their chances alive.
Sports reporter