Kyabram's Kaine Herbert stabs a quick kick away in traffic.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
In the Goulburn Valley League’s grand final rematch, Kyabram has produced nearly an identical result to the 2025 decider against Rochester.
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The Bombers were challenged by the Tigers at home in the Good Friday round one clash, but a prolific second half set Kyabram up for victory.
Following the unfurling of the flag, a rocking crowd set the tone for the blockbuster clash, and the first quarter was equally as electric.
Last year’s contenders laid blows in the early going, each scoring seven times in the first term, although the Bombers’ accuracy of 4.3 (27) slightly outplayed the Tigers’ 3.4 (22).
Rochester would take charge in the second period however, with the Tigers threatening grand final revenge, scoring another three goals and five behinds to Kyabram’s one goal two behinds to lead by 10 at the main break.
However, Kyabram would re-jig its backline to restrict Rochester’s attack in the second half, as Anthony Depasquale and Charlie Barnett stamped their authority on the contest.
The pair combined for six goals for the match, booting three each respectively, as the Bombers produced solid output in the third and fourth quarters with eight majors across the half.
At the other end, the scoring had dried up for the Tigers.
Rochester’s Good Friday had turned bad, managing just a pair of goals in the second half, succumbing to its premiership rivals by 29 points in a near identical result to the last match played in September.
Rochester scored its exact 8.14 (62) while Kyabram was one behind shy of its grand final score of 91, instead kicking 13.12 (90) in the round one duel.
Rhys Clark was named best on ground for Kyabram, while Rochester’s Hamish Hooppell and Mitch Trewhella were admirable in defeat.
The reigning premiers will look to continue an unblemished title defence next week when it travels to Princess Park to take on the Shepparton Swans, while Rochester’s difficult early fixture continues when it hosts 2025 preliminary finalists Mansfield, before playing Echuca in round three.
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