Kyabram’s aerial ascendancy was the key GVL Data statistic in its 55-point win against now fifth-ranked Mooroopna on Saturday.
For the second successive week Lachlan Smith pulled in 15 marks as the Bombers racked up 90 for the game — 32 more than Mooroopna — and 17 more than the team’s season average.
Of particular note was the Bombers’ 16 marks (+8) inside 50 and 19 intercept marks (+7), of which Smith took nine.
Smith has 30 more intercept marks than any other player in the competition and is second only to Echuca goalkicker Ruory Kirkby in total marks and contested marks.
Kyabram’s 15.9 came from 52 inside 50 entries, while the defensive output meant Mooroopna was held goalless in the second and final terms.
Again without key midfielder Zach Keogh, and with Kaine Herbert (12 possessions) down on his usual output, it was Cade Mureller who continued his midfield form.
He had 17 possessions, five clearances and four inside 50s, matching the output of Nick Denahy.
The Bombers have replaced the Cats in third, with five home-and-away games remaining, only one win behind second-ranked Euroa and not without a chance of qualifying the the coveted finals double chance.
Euroa suffered a 62-point loss to top-of-the-ladder echuca and is now in a race to keep second place as the first finals series in three seasons looms on the horizon.
Two games clear on top of the ladder is Echuca, while Mansfield has moved above Mooroopna on the ladder — with a game in hand.
If Mansfield can beat Rochester next weekend, in the second week of a split round 12, it will go ahead of Kyabram on the ladder.
There were only three GVL matches this weekend, which the remaining three played on Saturday, July 16.
Smith’s brilliance on the stats sheet saw him lead the team in disposals (seven more than Anthony DePasquale, next best with 19) and rebound 50s.
Jake Reeves and Zac Norris dominated the ruck, Kyabram winning the clearances and kicking eight goals from stoppages.
They won the hit outs 43-29 and Reeves topped the clearance and ground ball get counts.
Kayne Pettifer backed up his three-goal haul a week earlier with four goals from 10 possessions and the equal most inside 50 marks with Tom Holman (four apiece).