Kyabram came from behind to secure a thrilling two-point victory over Rochester under lights at Moon Oval in Rochester on Saturday in the Goulburn Valley League.
The Bombers faced a 20-point deficit at half-time, which was cut to 15 at the final change, before storming home to claim the contest 9.13 (67) to 9.11 (65).
But how exactly did Kyabram overturn the deficit after half-time?
Pressure.
The Bombers were beaten fairly comprehensively in the first half in terms of overall pressure, with Rochester +26 in this category at the main break, although Kyabram was able to turn it around to be +13 in the second half.
That pressure extended to tackles, where Kyabram recorded just 12 tackles in the first half, however came out a more ferocious side after the break, laying 36 in the second half.
An increased intensity also paid dividends in terms of turnovers – Rochester surrendered possession on 42 occasions in the second half compared to Kyabram’s 34, with the Tigers’ disposal efficiency dropping to 54 per cent in the second half while Kyabram went at a much higher 68 per cent.
Kyabram put 5.5 (35) on the board from turnovers in the second half alone, which amounts to 52.2 per cent of their total score.
The Bombers also adjusted to stop Rochester’s main source of scoring from the first half, being marks inside 50.
The Tigers had slotted 3.3 (21) of their total 6.7 (43) from marks inside the attacking arc before half-time, which Kyabram was able to restrict to just 0.1 in the second half, while increasing their output to 4.3 (27) from the same source.
Interestingly, the Bombers managed the win despite being smashed in clearances all night – a stat they ranked inside the top five in the competition for last season.
Rochester was +10 in clearances in the second half, and +17 overall, while also beating Kyabram 6-1 in centre clearances after half-time as the Bombers recorded just two centre clearances for the match, well below their 2023 average of 11 per game.
Kyabram’s second half resurgence vs Rochester
Overall pressure: Kyabram – 96, Rochester – 83
Tackles: Kyabram – 36, Rochester – 27
Turnovers: Kyabram – 34, Rochester – 43
Score from turnover: Kyabram – 5.5 (35), Rochester – 2.1 (13)
Score from marks inside 50: Kyabram – 4.3 (27), Rochester – 0.1 (1)
Disposal efficiency: Kyabram – 68 per cent, Rochester – 54 per cent
Total score: Kyabram – 6.8 (44), Rochester – 3.4 (22)