SENIOR XVIII
ON a bitterly cold day at Memorial Oval, Euroa again faced one of the Goulburn Valley League (GVL) powerhouse senior football teams, with high hopes that their recent form would hold them in good stead against a higher-quality opponent.
Cohen Paul celebrated his 19th birthday and was keen to cap it off with a win, as were coaching staff, players and supporters.
Making his senior debut for the club was Will Jackson, while Tom Burke returned to the line-up.
Kyabram burst out of the blocks, registering several scoring shots compared with Euroa’s four for the quarter.
Latest Stories
This placed significant pressure on Euroa’s back six, with the likes of Jack Frewen and Nic McCabe acquitting themselves well under a constant barrage.
At the other end, opportunities were scarce.
Despite the efforts of Jett and Nate Trotter, Zac Gleeson and the creative Jacob Gleeson, the Magpies struggled to convert in front of goal throughout much of the first half.
Unfortunately, this trend continued into the third and fourth quarters, with Kyabram asserting their dominance and adding 10 goals to Euroa’s one.
The match was played in a tough but fair spirit, echoing the values of the "Say No To Violence" round across the GVL.
Next weekend is the annual Past Players Day, with a highlight being the commemoration of Euroa’s 1965 premiership.
The club will host rivals Mansfield, with a day of strong competition expected.
The Euroa Auskick kids will also take to the field at half-time of the senior match.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 2.11.23 defeated by Kyabram 17.17.119
BEST PLAYERS: Jacob Gleeson, Jack Frewen, Ryan Hill, Zac Gleeson, Nic McCabe, Lachlan Hill.
GOAL KICKERS: Jayden Gleeson (one), Ryan Hill (one).
RESERVE XVIII
By TONY BRODIE
AS the teams ran out, it was clear it would be a tough day for Euroa’s reserves.
Kyabram hit the scoreboard early, moving the ball swiftly into attack.
Euroa had several chances to go forward but were unable to convert.
At the quarter-time break, the coaches urged the team to tighten their defensive efforts to restrict Kyabram’s movement.
Kyabram went into the first break with a five-goal lead.
Euroa worked hard in the second quarter but struggled to match Kyabram, who extended their lead to 10 goals by half-time.
Coaches Jim and Declan Redfern praised their team’s effort and some good passages of play, but again lamented missed opportunities in front of goal.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Kyabram adding five more goals.
Euroa had several chances but remained unable to convert effectively.
In the final quarter, Kyabram threatened to run away with the game, but Euroa limited them to five goals while adding two of their own.
The players are to be commended for their commitment.
Injuries and player unavailability continue to challenge the team, though it is hoped some reinforcements return for Past Players Day against Mansfield.
SCOREBOARD: Kyabram 20.15.135 defeated Euroa 2.9.21
BEST PLAYERS: Declan Redfern, Ollie Day, Nic Thomson, Dublin Anderson, James Henry.
GOAL KICKERS: Declan Redfern (one), Ryan Mackrell (one).
THIRDS XVIII
By KELLEY HOWELL
ROUND nine saw Euroa’s under-18 team face Kyabram at Memorial Oval in wet conditions.
After a heavy defeat in round one, the players were determined to show how far they had come.
Euroa started strongly with a quick centre clearance resulting in a goal from Noah Campbell.
Kyabram replied shortly after.
The Magpies’ pressure was relentless, and a strong mark and conversion from Mitch Robinson followed by a set shot from Baxter Fraser saw Euroa lead 18 to eight at quarter-time.
The second term was an even contest in difficult conditions, with each team scoring two goals.
Ollie Wilson and Lucas McClure contributed majors, giving Euroa a 32 to 21 lead at half-time.
Kyabram had their best quarter in the third, kicking three goals to Euroa’s one.
They took a one-point lead into the final term, 40 to 39.
Euroa lifted their intensity in the last quarter.
A goal from Drew Coller regained the lead before Cal Howell’s goal with five minutes remaining sealed the victory.
The defensive unit held firm, keeping Kyabram goalless for the quarter.
It was a fantastic team performance.
Notable was the return of Archie Wilson from injury, providing rebound off half-back alongside Nathan Hendrix and Max Miller.
The midfield’s dominance at the centre clearances and tackling pressure were highlights.
Each player left the field exhausted but exhilarated after what was arguably their finest win of the season.
With three straight victories, finals football may now be within reach.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 8.5.53 defeated Kyabram 6.5.41
GOAL KICKERS: Noah Campbell (two), Mitch Robinson (one), Baxter Fraser (one), Ollie Wilson (one), Lucas McClure (one), Drew Coller (one), Cal Howell (one).
BEST PLAYERS: Cal Howell, Jack Walters, Drew Coller, Noah Campbell, Jake Quinn, Archie Wilson.
