Gallery: Kyabram claims ‘crucial’ road win over Mooroopna thanks to Mueller masterclass

By Aydin Payne

Aug 13, 2023

Not a bad day out: Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller was best afield for his side thanks to his five-goal effort. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Star forward Kyle Mueller was at his damaging best as he guided Kyabram to a “crucial” triumph over Mooroopna.

Mueller was dominant for the Bombers with five majors as they picked up a 9.13 (67) to 7.6 (48) triumph on the road at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.

Kyabram’s fast start ― booting four goals to zip ― and its dogged pressure helped lay the platform for the Goulburn Valley League round 16 win over its fellow finals aspirant.

The Bombers laid a whopping 102 tackles, to win the tackle count by 42, with 28 of those coming from inside their forward 50.

Mooroopna managed to mount a comeback from its 40-15 half-time deficit with a five-goal third term, but the Bombers met that with resolute defence and held the host goaless in the fourth quarter for the second time in the match.

The 19-point triumph has Kyabram solidify third spot on the ladder ahead of Euroa and the Cats.

Kyabram coach Paul Newman was impressed with his side’s ability to weather Mooroopna’s turnaround after the break in what was a hard-fought win.

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Brace for impact: Mooroopna's Dom Gugliotti. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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In the zone: Kyabram's Charlie Barnett Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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Manning the mark: Kyabram's Nic Denahy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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Quick handpass: Mooroopna's Ben Hicks. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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Hang time: Kyabram's Kyle Mueller has a shot on goal. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

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Focused: Kyabram's Toby Wooller. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“It was a tough game, a bit of an arm-wrestle, low possession count and it was pretty contested,” he said.

“Goals in the scheme of the day were like gold. We got on a run in the first, they bounced back in the second and they dominated the third quarter, but we were lucky to grab a few goals late.

“It was really pleasing. We knew we wanted to lock in that third spot and yesterday’s win goes a long way in doing that.

“Got to continue what we need to do, we can’t be fluctuating in form, we spoke to the boys the other day that the team that wins (in September) is the team that is playing their best footy now and into finals.

“We have still got areas of improvement, a few guys searching for their best, but we’ll just stick at it and continue working hard to improve on those things.”

Mooroopna’s Jed Woods, Jack Johnston and Jack Lear flew the flag in the defeat, while Mueller received strong support from Liam Ogden and Aiden Robinson.

Newman was impressed with his potent forward who is working his way back to his classy best.

“Kyle was phenomenal,” he said.

“He’s been pretty sore throughout the year, but he was just having one of those days.

“Some of his highlights were his defensive efforts, he was everywhere.”

The win was soured due to an injury concern to defensive stalwart Jason Morgan.

Newman revealed Morgan received a knock to his “midriff region” in an incident with an opponent and looks unlikely to be available for this week’s blockbuster game against Euroa.