Kyabram’s fighting win to start the GVL season on Friday was soured by a probable season ending injury to one of its main playmakers.

Morrison Medallist and prolific midfield possession gatherer Mick Mattingly limped from the ground in the second term clutching his knee.

It was the same knee which kept him sidelined for the 2024 season.

If the worst fears eventuate after scans this week it will mean the end of season for the star player, just a game into it.

A massive crowd was present at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve to watch the unfurling of the flag from last year’s premiership win and witness a gripping contest between last season’s grand finalists.

Rochester, who were well below top strength, generally had the upper hand in the first half and should have been further in front than 16 points, 6.9 to 4.5 at the major break after missing many gettable shots on goal.

Tough and skilful small man Mitch Trewhella and ruckman Hamish Hooppell were showing the way for the Tigers, and highly rated new forward recruit Felix Fogarty was looming as a match winner in attack.

Nate Rasmussen, Cooper Hamilton and Darby and Bailey Wileman were also posing problems for the hosts, attacking the ball tenaciously and moving it quickly.

Star Kyabram recruit Rhys Clark and Cooper Vick in defence and on ballers and midfielders in Zach Norris, Mick Mattingly, and Jack Russell worked hard to keep Kyabram in the game early and star forwards Charlie Barnett and Anthony Depasquale were looking dangerous but not applying any scoreboard pressure.

But it was a different Kyabram side attitude wise that took to the field in the second half.

Suddenly, nearly all the Kyabram players lifted a cog or two, and it began showing on the scoreboard.

Barnett and Depasquale starting getting maximum returns for Kyabram forays in attack and on ballers and midfielders Norris, Kaine Herbert, Rueben Rode, Riley Ironside, Josh Dillon, Jack Russell and Tom Burnett began winning the ball.

Norris and his opponent Hooppell both played well for their respective teams.

The uncanny Brad Whitford was in top form in defence with plenty of support from Rhys Clark, the ageless Jason Morgan, Cooper Vick and up-and-comer Oscar Dixon.

Successive goals from Barnett and a goal of the match by Riley Ironside to start the third term got the Bombers firing, and they sustained the pressure to kick 8.7 to Rochester’s 2.5 in the last half to run out 28 points winners, just one point difference in the margin when the two sides met in last year’s grand final.

Kyabram co-coach Corey Carver said the most satisfying aspect of his team’s win was its pressure and ability to completely turn around the momentum of the game in the second half.

‘‘We had our hands full trying to match them up to half-time, but we took the initiative in the second half and played the brand of football that wins games,” he said.

‘‘Our pressure in that second half in particular was really good.”

This Saturday, Kyabram will have another tough test against another first round winner, Shepparton Swans at Princess Park, Shepparton.

My best for Kyabram were Brad Whitford, Rhys Clark, Zac Norris, Anthony Depasquale, Charlie Barnett, and Jason Morgan.

Reserves

Kyabram reserves started the season in style with a dominant 54 point win over Rochester.

The Bombers were always in control with dominant players including skipper and ruckman Jayden Fitzgerald, recruit Mackinley Ayton and stalwart Will Wild.

Max Carroll and Sam Sheldon also directed traffic from Kyabram’s defence and midfield in telling games.

Riley Gallivan was active and determined as usual in Kyabram ‘s forward line, along with Will Wild, who kicked a game high three goals.

Classy Cohen Hooper also worked hard all day to provide scoring opportunities in the impressive win.

Under-18s

A new look Kyabram thirds side made an impressive start to the season with an 80 point win.

There were plenty of new faces in the side, being coached by Mark Patten for the first time.

The young Bombers were led in inspiring fashion by talented on ball utility Charlie Isacc and returning key forward Jedd Turpin.

Isaac has had senior experience and has carried that form into the new season.

Turpin, who played at Tongala last season, was a busy forward all day and booted five match-winning goals in an impressive display.

He was well-supported by the other key Ky forward recruit Nathaniel Gee, who along with Turpin was a reliable target in the Bombers’ forward half.

Other young Bombers to show out were Oscar Carver and Olliver Barnett, who led the defence in dashing style from the key defensive posts.

Antonio Depasquale also got a lot of the ball on the wing and looks a talented player.

Coach Patten said it was good to get a first-up win under the belt, and he felt he had a talented young side at his disposal.

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Sunday, 30th September 2029

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