An earlier GVL data analysis highlighted the extent to which ball transition gave Kyabram the life it needed to stave off Euroa’s notorious late lifts.
For the Bombers to take off out of defence so effectively to move up the ground, however, required a stellar effort from an undermanned back six.
Lach Smith and Jason Morgan, arguably Kyabram’s two most prominent defenders, were unavailable for the preliminary final.
This pair of absences set the remaining defensive staff an enormous task in contending with the likes of livewire Jett Trotter and the Giobbi brothers, the latter duo having combined for seven goals in the semi-final against Seymour.
Enter Rhys Clark.
Rhys Clark’s day out vs Euroa
Intercept possessions: 10*
Intercept marks: 6*
Rebound 50s: 10
Contested marks: 5*
Contested possessions: 12
* denotes game-high
With 88 per cent disposal efficiency from his 26 touches, Clark was a backline beacon against a well-renowned offence.
He led all Bombers at Deakin Reserve in each of the above statistics, emphasising the worth he can provide even in the absence of significant figures like Smith.
Smith led the GVL in season 2023 for intercept marks while Morgan ran sixth in the league, an enormous average of 6.8 intercept grabs per game disappearing through the withdrawal of these two alone.
Both were also top-10 across the competition in intercept possessions, including marks and live ball gets.
Of course, Clark’s contribution was far from single-handed, with players such as Archie Watt stepping up as well via his eight intercept possessions (three intercept marks included).
At the same time, Kaine Herbert’s effect was felt on every blade of the Deakin grass with giant contested numbers and a significant 16 50-metre interactions (inside 50s + rebound 50s).
It was Clark, though, who would register twice as many defensive 50 exits as any other Bomber and with the effective ball use by foot that sets him apart from all other contributors on the ground.
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