In what proved to be one of the spectacles of the season so far at Kyabram Recreation Reserve, the Cats eventually prevailed 15.8 (98) to 11.17 (83), but not before being pushed to the limit by a Bombers side that refused to yield.
The opening quarter set the tone for what would become a fierce, high-quality contest as the visitors honoured captain Ben Hicks’ 150th outing in style.
Kyabram burst out of the blocks and looked the sharper side early, with Anthony Depasquale and Ash Quinn helping the Bombers establish a seven-point lead at the first break.
The home side's pressure around the contest and ability to convert field position into scoreboard pressure had Mooroopna on the back foot but the Cats responded in emphatic fashion during the second term.
After trailing by seven points at quarter time, Mooroopna slammed on 4.3 to 3.1 in the second quarter to edge ahead by a single point at the main break.
The Cats’ midfield began to gain ascendancy and their ball movement became increasingly dangerous as the contest intensified after the interval.
In what was the defining passage of the match, Mooroopna exploded with 6.2 while restricting Kyabram to 2.4 as the Cats repeatedly punished the Bombers on transition, turning a slender halftime advantage into a commanding 23-point lead at the final change.
The Bombers threw everything at the visitors in the final term, kicking 4.5 and repeatedly surging forward in an attempt to reel in the deficit.
Depasquale continued to threaten around goal, while Aaron Hayes and Jake Parkinson added important majors as the home side mounted one last charge.
Mooroopna's resilience dominant third quarter was the difference between the two teams, with the Cats winning the term by 22 points as Keelin Betson, Coby James, Liam Betson, Reeve Evans and Mackenzie Calleja all proved key contributors en route to maximum points.
The Cats coach John Lamont felt composure in key moments proved critical as his side weathered the late storm before securing an important victory on a tough away trip.
“It was an uncharged lineup from the Seymour win and that was really positive,” he said.
“We spoke about the challenge playing last year's grand finalists in a row, the premier and Rochester (next week).
“I challenged our young players this week and to ‘bring your youthful enthusiasm, bring a rock 'n' roll attitude to things’ and the young guys lifted their output.
“I told them to ‘lead, follow or get out of the way’ and talking to a few older guys after the game, they just absolutely loved it.”
The Mooroopna helmsman was particularly impressed with how his young guns demonstrated resilience by seeing out the win, despite a tireless effort from the Bombers.
“We kicked the first couple of goals, then Kyabram came back and had her noses in front at halftime by a point,” Lamont said.
“But a really strong third quarter got us on top, we used the ball well, applied good pressure and had a nice little buffer at three quarter time of 23 points.
“Then the old champ Kyabram got up off the got up off the canvas and swung the left and connected and they kicked the first four goals.
“So there is just a huge merit to then go get our noses back in front against the old champ at their joint with the crowd cheering them on.”
This third consecutive victory meant the Cats continue their rise up the GVL standings, with a major test to come up against Rochester away at Moon Oval on June 13 in round 10.
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