There is quiet optimism in the Bombers’ camp that it can return as a major force this season.
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And it seems well justified with the inclusion of several quality recruits, the return of two key forwards and an engine room expected to match the best in the league.
Newcomers in tall, mobile and athletic Toby Wooller, a Brisbane Lions draftee three years ago, Will Golds a Hawthorn draftee, the return of gun crumber and premiership player Liam Odgen can all assist last year’s Morrison Medal top three placegetters Kaine Herbert and Zac Keogh.
Reuben Rode (Calder Cannons, Northcote Park) has nominated Kyabram, along with Golds (Essendon VFL) as his home club.
Goal-kicking star Kyle Mueller, who played only three games last year, is so ready to go again and powerhouse Goulburn Valley League representative and VFL player Brad Mangan is also on the comeback trail after two years on the sidelines with anterior cruciate ligament tears in both knees.
Big contest: Zac Norris.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Another big bonus is the return of triple premiership player Rhys Clark who will be a fly-in player from the Gold Coast. He played in Southport’s VFL runner-up side last season.
With Jack Sheldon rejoining his brother Tom and cousin Sam Sheldon at Moama this season, Clark and veteran star Jason Morgan, assistant coaches Billy Barnes and Lachie Smith and Tom Holman are experienced campaigners Kyabram can build a strong defence around.
Super veteran Kayne Pettifer has also committed again and will be carefully managed.
Rising stars Mitch Dodos (Bendigo Pioneers) and Charlie Barnett, who is training with North Melbourne, are also expected to be available for some games.
In the action: Kaine Herbert.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Kyabram coach Paul Newman is also expecting further improvement from his younger brigade led by Cooper Vick, Anthony Depasquale, Riley Ironside, Aiden Robinson and Tom Burnett to make it competitive for places in the senior team — a dream situation for all coaches.
‘‘We will definitely be stronger than last year and providing we can have a good run with injuries I’ll be very disappointed if we aren’t competitive against the best sides,“ Newman said.
“But in saying that a lot of the clubs are going to be stronger this year so nothing can be taken for granted.’’
FINISHING RANGE: 2ND-4TH
The Bombers were decimated with injuries to key players last year, but still played finals. They have stocked up again and are ready to make a presence. Only deficiency appears to be a ruckman to assist Zac Norris, but most other bases seem covered.
2022 top performers (average per game)
Disposals: Kaine Herbert (23.4)
Contested possessions: Zach Norris (10.6)
Uncontested possessions: Kaine Herbert (14.3)
Marks: Lachie Smith (9.2)
Tackles: Josh Dillon (4.9)
Rebound 50s: Jack Sheldon (4.9)
Inside 50s: Kaine Herbert (6.1)
Data Points: Kaine Herbert (94.0)
Clearances: Zac Norris (5.2)
Kick efficiency: Jack Sheldon (80%)
Zac Norris
2022 season stats
Disposals: 15.0
Hit-outs: 26.3
Data Points: 79.4
FAST FACTS
JOINED LEAGUE: 1894 NICKNAME: BOMBERS HOMEGROUND: KYABRAM RECREATION RESERVE COACH: PAUL NEWMAN PRESIDENT: PETER LEARMONTH PREMIERSHIPS: 1919, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1948, 1950, 1958, 1975, 1996, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: J. COOPER (1958, 1961), C. STEWART (1963), R. CLAY (1964), P. GITTOS (1987), B. GUGLIOTTI (1993), M. MATTINGLY (2019) 2022 FINISH: FOURTH (8–3) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: LACHIE SMITH 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: COOPER VICK (31)
PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: Toby Wooller (Carlton VFL), Liam Ogden (Pascoe Vale), Rhys Clark (Southport), Reuben Rode (Calder Cannons, Northcote Park), Will Golds (Essendon VFL).
Outs: Jack Sheldon, Brad Edwards (Moama), Mitch Gugliotti, James Ross (Tongala)
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