The Bombers barely looked troubled throughout the 16.17 (113) to 6.7 (43) result, establishing control early and putting the game to bed with a dominant three terms.
While the scoreboard ticked over quickly in the opening term, Bombers coach Corey Carver said it was Mooroopna’s defensive structure that forced his side to work for every opportunity.
“Well we missed a few actually early on,” Carver said.
“But yeah that was probably good defence from Mooroopna to push us to spots we were having shots from that we didn’t really want to, so they defended pretty hard and pretty well.
“Overall it was a good effort from our guys. Our contested work was really strong, most of our linkage and play throughout the game was really good. We had a little bit of sloppy time but yeah, overall it was a pretty good game.”
Kyabram led 5.9 at quarter-time, but could easily have been further ahead.
The dominance continued in the second and third terms as the hosts outscored the Cats 54 to 4, completely suffocating the game.
That stretch was particularly impressive to Carver.
“We won a lot of ball in the contest,” he said.
“Our rucks played really well against their really good ruck,and then our on-ballers went to work and won most of that clearance work, so that certainly helps.
“That allowed the ball to spend most of its time at our end of the ground. Couple of our young guys stood up which is really great, so probably just a really good team — 22 were involved and played well so that was the most pleasing bit.”
Kyabram may have put the cue in the rack slightly late, conceding five goals in the final term.
While not concerning in the grand scheme, Carver said it’s a lesson to be mindful of.
“You’re never happy doing that,” he said.
“I mean, we gave ’em five in the last, so I think we just relaxed. Which I know happens, but if you want to be critical of the guys defensively, I think we slipped a little bit and allowed a couple of easy ones which you’re never happy with as coach. Certainly something we’ll talk about this week.”
The win lifts the Bombers to 7-0 and top of the ladder on percentage ahead of the Shepparton Swans — the only other undefeated side.
Their season to date has included big wins over Benalla (105 points), Tatura (128) and Shepparton United (116), while also accounting for Mansfield and Echuca in tougher contests.
Next weekend sets up a blockbuster clash at home against Shepparton — a side Carver says commands respect.
“They were really good last year,” he said.
“They beat us both times last year and they were a really solid side. So we expect them to be the same.
“They’re a really good kicking side. Generally you’ve got to bring your pressure and defensive game and if you don’t they’ll just cut you up.
“That’ll be our message over the next fortnight. We’ve gotta go to work defensively and force them to take kicks they don’t want to take. If you let them play their game they’ll cut you to ribbons.”
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