Kyabram made a winning if unimpressive start to the GVL season on Saturday, getting home by 11 points over a gritty Tatura at Tatura Park.
In what was a genuine battle of the defences on a fine day six goals were good enough to get the Bombers the premiership points in a dour four-quarter struggle marred by constant stoppages and basic early season errors.
Kyabram led at every change, but never looked like breaking away with Tatura, who dug in for the fight, refusing to go away for four quarters.
Kyabram was guilty of over-use of the handball and some inaccurate kicking, but was never given a chance to run away with the game by the determined and hard-running Bulldogs, who might have a few surprises in store for teams this year with their leg speed, pressure and willingness to run the ball and create overlap.
The Bulldogs’ plucky effort earned plenty of praise from Kyabram coach Paul Newman in his first coaching role since leading the Bombers to the 2019 flag.
‘‘It was pretty ugly and they were very good with their pressure, but defensively I was very happy with what we did,’’ Newman, summing up his team’s win, said.
The Bombers had a good side on paper and went into the game warm favourites.
It was Kyabram’s defence led by key men Lachie Smith and Jason Morgan and Cade Mueller who were able to ensure Tatura had to earn every goal.
After a slow start Smith had his trademark fingertip saving marks in play as the game progressed, drifting across half back where he held up many Tatura forward thrusts.
Mueller was one of the few Kyabram players to hit targets all day.
Tatura’s defence also stood up on the day although Kyabram’s goalkicking genius Kyle Mueller missed several set shots, which would have further enhanced Kyabram’s win.
The player they call “Wiz” finished with four goals and as many behinds and along with Cooper Vick and at times Aidan Robinson threatened to blow the game wide open.
Vick was Kyabram’s only other goalkicker with two timely majors in the third term when Kyabram secured its biggest break — three goals — for the game.
Kyabram recruits showed out at times.
Anthony Depasquale was the pick of them and did some skilful work on a forward flank, particular early in the game, to show he can be a class act.
Kyabram’s onballers in ruckman Zac Norris and rover Zac Keogh were active along with midfielders in Kaine Herbert and Nick Denahay, who also did a lot of telling work.
For Tatura, Brad Ryan, James Bennett, Billy Cooper, Aubrey Coote and Mitchell Elliott were the pick of an even lot.
Kyabram meets Rochester under lights at Kyabram this Friday night in another much-anticipated early season showdown.
My best for Kyabram: Lachie Smith, Zac Keogh, Kyle Mueller, Cade Mueller, Jason Morgan, Zac Norris, Kaine Hebert, Aidan Robinson.
Reserves
Kyabram reserves also did not get it all their own way, but won handsomely in the finish.
Tall talent Mitch Dodos who kicked six first half goals in the thirds in a half continued his goal spree on the day with another seven majors for the reserves.
The Bombers’ onballers and midfielders in ruckman Mitch Fitzgerald, Sean Dillon, Billy McLay and Jarrod Pertzel provided a lot of drive and in defence Luke Donnell was a standout on a back flank.
Coach Tom Curnow was happy with his charges efforts and was pleased to get a win to kick off the season.
Thirds
Kyabram thirds had a big win over undermanned rivals.
New skipper Liam Francis and other talented onballers in ruckman Will Burnett, Bohden Learmonth and Adam Pulsoni got the Bombers rolling and Mitch Dodos kicked six first-half goals before playing in defence for the last half.
Tatura forfeited its Under-16s clash, but with Kyabram loaning some players a limited places practise game was able to be played.