Kyabram overcame a gallant Shepparton Swans outfit on Saturday to ink its fourth win of the Goulburn Valley League season.
Although the Bombers chalked up a convincing 18.10 (118) to 10.6 (66) win, they were forced to work hard for the four points at Princess Park.
The young Swans, which featured cameo appearances from Murray Bushrangers’ Max Clohesy and Joeve Cooper, put up a spirited fight against the powerhouse Bombers.
Despite the Swans bringing their A-game, Kyabram held the advantage for the entirety of the contest.
Tom Holman was everywhere in attack and ended up with five majors, while the midfield brigade — Zac Keogh and Kaine Herbert — got on top around the contests.
Star onballers BJ Squire and Quade Johnstone flew the flag for the hosts.
Unfortunately for the Swans, the 52-point defeat to Kyabram ended on a bitter note.
Gun ruckman Mitch Bell was helped from the ground at the start of the third quarter with a serious knee injury.
Shepparton Swans playing coach Andrew Riordan said Bell would need scans on his knee to determine the severity of the injury.
“It hurts to see a guy like Mitch suffer an injury like that,” he said.
“It was really hard to watch, you just really feel for him. We’re not sure yet what he’s done but he’s hoping to get scans early in the week. We’re all hoping for the best.”
The injury to Bell only adds to the Swans’ lack of available talls.
Riordan said the coaching team would need to get creative and adapt to the team’s situation.
“We will be a bit light on in the height department because Ty Sutherland is out until later in the year,” he said.
“We will need to learn to adapt going forward.”
On a more positive note for the home side, the appearance of two teenage talents gave supporters something to smile about.
Murray Bushrangers duo Max Clohesy and Joeve Cooper both donned the red-and-white due to a break in the NAB League season.
“It was a real positive for the club to see them out there running around,” Riordan said.
“They both adapted well and they both were able to hit the scoreboard which was great to see. Everyone at the club wants to see them perform well at the Bushies but it’s also great to have them back.
“It’s just unfortunate we weren’t able to get the win for them.”