Gallery | Bears blitz Bombers amid fourth-quarter demolition job

It was the Bombers that landed the first blow of what proved to be a compelling opening term, with Rhys Clark kicking the opening goal of the afternoon to hand Kyabram an early lead.

However, that setback simply lit the touchpaper for the host as Shepparton responded in emphatic fashion.

Luke Smith levelled proceedings before Anthony Andronaco and Liam Teague struck in quick succession to swing momentum firmly in the Bears’ favour.

Josh Dillon helped keep the Bombers within touching distance late in the term, but Kayde O’Dwyer’s major ensured Shepparton carried a 12-point advantage into quarter-time at 4.4 (28) to 2.4 (16).

That early dominance was taken to another level in the second quarter as the Bears blew the contest wide open with a ruthless attacking display.

Liam Broom bagged consecutive goals during a devastating stretch for the home side, while O’Dwyer and Smith continued to hit the scoreboard as the margin ballooned.

Adam Pulsoni momentarily stemmed the tide for Kyabram with a goal midway through the quarter, but Shepparton refused to relent.

Teague added another major before Trent Herbert struck late as the Bears stormed into the main break with a commanding 44-point lead.

Kyabram showed greater fight after half-time and enjoyed some reward through Jack Russell and Charlie Bennett as the Bombers attempted to claw their way back into the contest.

But despite the visitors’ improved third-quarter effort, Shepparton remained firmly in control around the contest and continued to generate forward pressure to take a 35-point advantage into the final term.

With the game still requiring one final push to put beyond doubt, the Bears delivered a devastating final-quarter burst.

Ash Holland opened the floodgates before Andronaco and Lewis McShane added majors as Shepparton piled on eight goals in the final stanza.

Mitchell Fleming and Mitchell Brett also joined the list of contributors in front of goal, while Smith capped another influential outing with two late goals to finish with four majors for the afternoon.

Kyabram continued to battle through Jack Russell, Mackinley Ayton and Charlie Isaac, but the Bears’ relentless pressure and scoring power proved too much to contain as the margin extended beyond 10 goals by full-time.

The latest victory made it six wins from as many outings for Shepparton and further reinforced the Bears’ credentials as one of the standout sides in the competition as they remain undefeated near the summit of the ladder.

Meanwhile, Kyabram’s inconsistent start to the season continued as the Bombers were left searching for answers following another difficult afternoon on the road.

Next up Shepparton will look to continue its flawless form against Benalla, while Kyabram will attempt to bounce back when it faces Mansfield.

Speaking following the win, Bears co-coach Xavier Stevenson was left impressed with the consistency shown by his side in terms of its performance.

“The win really stemmed from a lot of our pressure on the ball, the metrics around our tackles, chases and overall pressure rating was through the roof.

“That gave us the ascendancy early on and I felt that we were able to hit the brief with what we were able to achieve there and take the ball into our own hands – our offence stemmed from there.

“The game was fairly contested to start with, which we expected with Kyabram and with another top six team, we knew that would be the case.

“We were pleased, as the game opened up that we were able to capitalise and force a few of their turnovers.”

In a closing comment, he paid extended congratulations to Liam Duguid who played his 150th club game for the Bears.

“He’s made a huge contribution for this club both on and off the field, he’s a player that our players love to play with.”