The Baby Bears definitely go all right.
Comfortably top of the table in the Goulburn Murray Junior League’s top division at under-16 1 level with one blemish on its 2024 record, the Shepparton Notre Gold contingent can be more than confident heading into Sunday’s grand final against Kyabram at Deakin Reserve.
How fitting it is, as well, that these two junior sides should collide 24 hours after the Bombers and Bears seniors embark on a pivotal Goulburn Valley League clash to close out the regular season.
Notre Gold wasn’t necessarily blowing sides away every weekend, but the results have spoken for themselves in a runaway campaign that saw only Shepparton United land a blow.
The young Bears have run scores up at a rapid rate, significantly enhanced by the tandem efforts of Riley Myers and Alex Whitlock, who sit first and second in the league’s goal-kicking by a comfortable margin.
Each averaging more than four majors a game, it was no surprise that the lion’s share of Notre Gold’s offence in the qualifying final was supplied by those twin threats, who combined for seven in a 14-point victory over Tatura to earn a spot in the decider.
Kyabram’s under-16 contingent, meanwhile, won through to the grand final with a powerful display against the Bulldogs at Euroa’s Memorial Oval last Sunday, creating a straight-sets exit.
Gold coach Greg Montgomery hailed an undoubtedly fruitful season to this point, but asserts nothing is guaranteed once the ball touches the Deakin turf.
“We are confident in what we intend to do and we’ve had a successful year, but Ky has really improved as the year’s gone on,” Montgomery said.
“It’ll be a lot more even than what the ladder has probably showed.
“(Riley and Alex) are really talented players and they’ve been really strong for us all year, but a lot of it is a result of players working up the ground; I think they’d be the first to admit that.
“Our captains and leadership group with Cody Montgomery, Jack Supple, Angus Williams and Riley have led every game pretty much throughout.
“The addition of Hunter Howells has really topped things off.”
The club’s continued success on the youth front continues the pattern of burgeoning prospects emerging from the maroon and gold contingent, with much made of dual-position talents Jack and Matt Whitlock among others.
Hype aside, though, Montgomery will be looking beyond a small handful of elite contributors in order to lift the cup on Sunday.
“I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but even though we’ve got the top-end talent, our strength has been teamwork and willingness to play our roles,” Montgomery said.
“They’ve been a joy to work with and the whole side has been really well-supported by the parents.
“It’s been a fantastic family atmosphere and the president and committee have been really good supporting us.
“We’re very respectful of Kyabram, though, and what they’re going to bring on the weekend.
“It’ll be a very tight clash.”
The top two sides in the under-16 division two competition each won through to Sunday’s big dance as well, with Euroa and Moama set to collide.
At under-14 level, the Magpies will field another team on the final day as they take on Tatura in the division one decider, while the Shepparton Swans will meet Echuca Green in the division two final.
The News will be running a live blog across Saturday afternoon’s action as the Goulburn Valley and Murray leagues wrap up their home and away seasons, so stay tuned to The News’ Sport website for updates during the day.