A badly undermanned Kyabram was brushed aside by a slicker Shepparton side in their sixth round GVL duel at Deakin Reserve on Saturday.

The Bombers went into the game without key defenders Jason Morgan and co-captain Aiden Robinson, as well as goalkicking utility Anthony Depasqule and live wire small man Reuben Rode, and they were outs they couldn’t cover.

Without Morgan and Robinson, Kyabram’s undersized defence was found wanting, with Shepparton producing 10 individual goalkickers on the day, led by the elusive Luke Smith with four goals.

‘Miracle Man’ Brad Whitford was the only Kyabram defender who guarded his territory all day with his uncanny intercepts and hardness at the ball.

Whitford and ruckman Zac Norris were the only Kyabram players who could claim they beat their opponent on the day.

Norris claimed a big scalp in Morrison Medal winner Ash Holland and gave the Bombers tireless service all game.

On ballers Jack Russell, Kaine Herbert, Josh Dillon and Riley Ironside worked hard all game to try and keep Kyabram in it but just didn’t receive the help, particularly from the team’s forwards, who badly missed Depasquale’s goalkicking ability.

Up forward, Charlie Barnett worked hard against a much bigger opponent, but the Bombers lacked the players with the leg speed to pounce on any loose balls.

In saying this, there were patches in the game in which Kyabram outplayed their hosts or at least held their own.

But these periods didn’t last long enough, and the bigger, faster, hard-running opponents had dominant second and last quarters when they kicked a total of 14 of their 19 goals to set up their win.

The Bombers host another top six side this week in Mansfield and with none of their wounded players likely to return will be up against it.

Co-coach Corey Carver acknowledged Shepparton played a superior brand of football to Kyabram, but warned the lesser lights in the team will have to step up to cover the club’s crippling injury list.

Key players who missed the Shepparton game were Jason Morgan (hamstring), co skipper Aiden Robinson (collarbone), and Reuben Rode (broken leg bone).

They have now been joined on the sidelines by Aaron Hayes who suffered a hamstring pull in Saturday’s game.

Carver said all these players will miss Saturday’s clash with Mansfield but is hoping most will return after the following week’s general bye.

My best for Kyabram were: Brad Whitford, Zac Norris, Jack Russell, Kaine Herbert, Josh Dillon, Riley Ironside, and Charlie Barnett.

Reserves

Kyabram’s reserves were the only football winners on the day, posting a 39-point win.

The Bombers were in control for most of the game and built a match winning lead in the first half.

Brendan Brazier skippered the side in the absence of Jayden Fitzgerald and showed the way in the ruck.

Kyabram had other busy players in Jack Sinclair, Tom Bruhn, Ben Railton, Ash Quinn and Cohan Hooper, who were involved in many scoring opportunities.

Bruhn and Quinn did some great finishing off work as well with four and three goals respectively.

Co-coach Sean Dillon, who made his first appearance the previous week also did a lot of good work on the ball in the comfortable win.

Under-18s

Kyabram’s thirds found the unbeaten reigning premier a bit too good but battled hard to the finish.

The Bears ball use was more positive than the Bombers, but in terms of having a dip the Kyabram players held their own.

Kyabram’s first and thirds quarters were particularly encouraging when they matched Shepparton’s every move, including on the scoreboard, before the Bears blew out the winning margin late in the last term to register a 44-point win.

For the Bombers, James Hargreaves in midfield and tagging roles produced his best game for the season.

Nathaniel Gee moved into the ruck in the second half and cleared the ball regularly from the centre bounces, while Max Stockdale in the midfield and up forward was a fine contributor all game.

Antonio Depasquale also held his own on a wing, while Tyler Doolan in the midfield and defence also played well against classy opponents.

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Wednesday, 31st January 2029

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