Kyabram held its inaugural Jeff Cooper round against Tatura on Saturday as the Bombers moved back into the Goulburn Valley League top six after a spirited result.
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The Bombers held pre-game and post-game ceremonies to acknowledge legendary former player Jeff Cooper, regarded as Kyabram’s best Indigenous footballer, and arguably the club’s most talented football ever in its 133 years of history.
Members of Cooper’s family attended the match and tossed the coin pre-game as the Bombers wore their Indigenous Round guernsey for the match, before a best-on-ground medal was handed out after the day’s play.
“We had a bit of information in the lead up from our president John Guinan, and he (Jeff Cooper) certainly sounded like a star player,” Kyabram coach Corey Carver said.
“Obviously we weren’t fortunate to watch him play but it was really good to learn about him and his contribution to the club.”
As clouds of fog set onto Kyabram Recreation Reserve throughout the contest, it was the Bombers that controlled the match from the first bounce.
Tatura’s backline was peppered with inside 50 deliveries to begin with as Kyabram rebounded any exit out of defence with Jason Morgan dominating as an interceptor.
However, the Bombers were unable to fully make the most of their chances, kicking 3.6 (24) in the opening term, while the Bulldogs were held scoreless.
The second term saw Tatura’s grit and determination elevate to match Kyabram, recording its best quarter for the contest.
Harry Murdoch kicked a sizzling dribbler from the boundary in the opening minute of play to put the Bulldogs on the board, before the Tatura defence made scoring a real arm wrestle for Kyabram.
After nearly 10 minutes without a goal, Kyabram’s Jack Russell snagged a major in his return from a GVL interleague best-on-ground performance, but Tatura continued to issue a reply through goals by Blake Armstrong.
The term’s play saw Kyabram’s lead grow by seven, entering the sheds ahead by 31.
With finals on the line, a winning opportunity wasn’t to be taken for granted by the Bombers and the red and black put their foot on the throat in the second half as fog enveloped the turf.
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Kyabram's Aidan Robinson takes a strong mark in the fog. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 2 of 9
Tatura's Kitt McCamley drives the Sherrin inside 50. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 3 of 9
Tatura's Will Russell stabs a short pass. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 4 of 9
Kyabram's Riley Gallivan puts full force in the kick. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 5 of 9
Kyabram's Jack Russell returned from interleague duties with a three-goal haul. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 6 of 9
Kyabram's Kaine Herbert won the Jeff Cooper medal. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 7 of 9
Kyabram's Thomas Burnett appeals to the umpire after tackling Tatura's Kitt McCamley. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 8 of 9
Kyabram's Aaron Hayes unloads from long range. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWImage 9 of 9
Tatura's Will Russell stops Kyabram's Charlie Barnett in his tracks. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROWWhile the Bulldogs were commendable for their intent, Riley Ironside (four goals), Russell (three) and Aidan Robinson (two) made sure Kyabram powered towards a top six spot.
An after-the-siren goal from Liam Scopelliti was Tatura’s sole major for the second half, Kyabram recording a 74-point triumph, 14.20 (104) to 4.6 (30).
“It was a mostly good performance, certainly wasn’t complete but our ball movement was reasonably solid, we just should’ve kicked straighter,” Carver said.
Kaine Herbert was named as the game’s best afield by the umpires, rewarded with the first Jeff Cooper medal.
“Kaine is Kaine, he’s a star player and he just runs all day and links up,” Carver said.
“I thought Jack Russell played really well too, I would’ve had no fuss seeing him win the medal either, he returned from interleague really well.”
The win puts the wheels in motion ahead of a blockbuster game against Echuca next week, with an upset win for the Bombers to hold Kyabram’s September aspirations in good stead.
“Echuca defend and set up really well, but as we all know they’re quick too,” Carver said.
“We’ll need to be at our absolute best.
“It’s come at a good time for us, it’ll be a good test.”
Tatura host Rochester in round 15.