On the back of catapulting into one of the stars of the Goulburn Valley League in 2023 Kyabram ruck Zac Norris is ready to spearhead the Bombers back to the top.
Norris, 25, is gearing up for Sunday’s preliminary final clash against Euroa in a bid to push the Bombers into their first grand final appearance since the memorable 2019 premiership.
“Very excited and keen to get stuck into it,” Norris said this week.
Standing in the way is last year’s elimination final foe Euroa.
The Magpies look like the form team at the business end of the season and have won both their finals in eye-catching fashion, yet the Bombers have been Euroa’s bogey side this year.
The ruck duel will be worth the price of admission alone on Sunday as Norris goes head-to-head with fellow gun talent Andrew Smith.
The duo last squared off in round 17 ― a game the Bombers won by nine goals ― and with 18 hit-outs compared to Smith’s 39, Norris uncharacteristically lost the duel.
But there’s more to the ruck craft than just winning tap outs.
Norris anticipates another tough assignment against one of Euroa’s standout performers.
“I think we’re both very similar players and we’re not the big and bulky ruckman you see,” Norris said.
“We try and do a bit more around the ground in that sense. I know where my strengths are and it’s just about where I can hone in on them and help the side win.
“(Euroa are) obviously a very good side and they had a couple of injuries and players missing last time we played them.”
The Bombers enter the cut-throat preliminary final at Deakin Reserve following a whirlwind 16-point defeat to Echuca last weekend.
Norris was once again one of Kyabram’s top performers in the defeat.
“I thought we were in the game, particularly that first half,” Norris said.
“When they put that heat on us try not shy away from it and keep pushing forward. Keep going and keep pressing forward instead of taking the foot off.
“Hopefully we can get another chance against them next week.”
The talented and athletic tall has been a standout for the Bombers this season and would be hot favourite to take out the club’s best-and-fairest medal.
From his 20 appearances this campaign, Norris has been judged in the best players a whopping 15 times.
The premiership player has averaged 17.8 disposals a game, is ranked elite in contested possession with 13.7 a match and leads the competition in clearances and gathers.
The return of more experience heads has helped according to the classy tall.
“It’s probably been one of my better years. Having people like Liam Ogden and Rhys Clark back at the club has been good for me,” Norris said.
“I can turn around and ask the question if you need advice.
“People like (them) it’s good to have around because they’ve obviously played more footy than me and have more experience.”
Those numbers never play into the mind of skilful performers and Norris is no different.
He’s the ultimate team-orientated player and he’ll be doing everything he can to ensure the Bombers book a ticket into another grand final.
“It’d be huge, it’s what we play footy for,” Norris said of clinching silverware in a fortnight.
“For the turnover of players, with all the young fellas coming through it would just be huge for them as well.
“It shows that we haven’t gone anywhere and the club is still in good stead. We’re looking forward to getting into it this weekend.”