Bombers soar high in second-half dominance over rebuilding Swans

By Aydin Payne

Jun 11, 2023

Mango beginning to ripen: Kyabram's Brad Mangan booted five goals on Saturday to take his season tally to 15 from four games. Photo by Steve Huntley

A barnstorming 10-goal-to-one second half has helped Kyabram skip away to a convincing 66-point triumph over an inaccurate Shepparton Swans on Saturday.

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Star forwards Brad Mangan and Kyle Mueller were at their damaging best with five goals each as the Bombers picked up their eighth win of the Goulburn Valley League season.

In front of their home supporters, the Bombers were matched in the first half of the round nine encounter ― with Jedd Wright’s charges playing frenetic football and had the game on their terms.

But the Swans wasted opportunities in front of the sticks with some golden chances to get the game on level pegging going begging, instead it was the Bombers who marched into the main break with a 14-point buffer.

Teenage young gun Archie Watt caught the eye in his second senior game of the year with 17 disposals, at 76 per cent efficiency and a goal, while teammates Rhys Clark (25 disposals) and Zac Norris (18, 14 contested, 10 clearances) were influential across the four quarters.

Mueller popped up with some moments of masterclass, a goal from 45m out on the boundary quickly followed by his second goal 30 seconds later.

“I thought we were pretty lucky to be in front at half-time,” Kyabram coach Paul Newman said.

“They missed a couple of easy ones and it could have easily been the other way because we weren’t going great. Their midfield in particular were causing us a few headaches and they certainly had it on their terms in that first half.”

The Bombers were able to put the foot down after half-time and it was their key forwards who led the way.

Mangan booted all five of his majors after the main break, while Mueller added a further three.

Mangan, a former VFL premiership winner at Williamstown, has booted 15 goals from his four matches after he had missed majority of the past two seasons due to injury.

“Mango is coming back into his own after missing a lot of footy,” Newman said.

“He’s getting some confidence back and it’s really pleasing to see. Kyle did some special things and had a few patches where he was dangerous.”

Swans’ Nathan Hrovat continued his run of hot form with another 37 disposals and five clearances to be his side’s top performer.

Bowen Calogero had 24 touches, at 87 per cent efficiency and finished with nine intercepts in a strong showing from the Swans youngster.

The Swans have slumped to 10th on the ladder, while Kyabram’s win has it remain in third spot ― tied equal second with Seymour ahead of a trip to Mansfield.