Kyabram will play Goulburn Valley League finals football after sealing its place in the top six with a commanding 28-point victory over Euroa in the final round of the home-and-away season.

With its season on the line, the Bombers produced a dominant second half at Euroa Memorial Oval to prevail 14.15 (99) to 10.11 (71) on August 22.

The victory lifted Kyabram to a 10-8 record and 40 premiership points, which proved enough to secure fifth position and a finals berth.

It was far from straightforward, however, with Euroa making the Bombers work for their September ticket.

Only two points separated the sides at quarter-time after Kyabram edged the opening term 2.6 (18) to 2.4 (16).

The Magpies then produced their best football of the afternoon in the second quarter.

Lachlan Hill kicked two goals during the term, while Mitchell Walters, Max Gleeson and Darby Wilson also converted as Euroa piled on 5.3.

Kyabram responded with five goals of its own, including majors from Aidan Robinson, Riley Ironside, Zachary Norris and Coby McCarthy, but Euroa's greater accuracy allowed the home side to take a slender 49-48 advantage into the main break.

With its finals hopes hanging in the balance, Kyabram responded emphatically after half-time.

The Bombers held Euroa goalless in the third quarter while adding 4.5 themselves, turning a one-point deficit into a commanding 24-point lead by the final change.

Robinson was central to the surge, kicking three goals during the quarter as Kyabram broke the contest open.

Euroa managed only four behinds for the term, with the Bombers' 29-4 quarter proving the decisive passage of the match.

The Magpies attempted to respond in the final term, with Wilson, Hill and Darby Wilson finding the goals, but Kyabram had already established the buffer it needed.

Robinson added his fifth major of the afternoon and Charlie Barnett kicked his second as the Bombers closed out a 28-point triumph.

Most importantly for Kyabram, the victory ensured its season would extend beyond the home-and-away campaign.

The Bombers finished fifth on 40 points, level with sixth-placed Mooroopna but comfortably ahead on percentage, while Rochester and Shepparton United finished four points further back.

Kyabram vice-captain Norris reflected on hitting the scoreboard twice in the clash and felt his side put in a convincing showing ahead of finals.

“After half-time we hit our straps a little bit and got going which was nice,” he said.

“Individually, I went about things and tried to get the team going as much as I could and it all just fell into place with the game itself which was good.

“It’s always good to kick a couple of goals too - something a bit different!”

As for the mood within the locker room heading into September, the stalwart confirmed that the Bombers camp is relishing the chance to defend the GVL flag that it won in 2025’s Grand Final.

“I feel like we’re in a good place, it’s always so exciting to play finals, it’s always the time when you want to be playing,” Norris said.

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Wednesday, 18th February 2032

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