While it's early days in the 2025 season, the Bombers are proving themselves a formidable force, their Good Friday victory over Benalla at home showcasing a well-executed game plan and team cohesion.
The 24.16 (160) to 8.7 (55) triumph over the Saints makes it two triple-digit drubbings the Bombers have doled out, carrying on a hot start for Corey Carver’s men.
Ky slammed home eight goals in the first quarter and never looked back, with Benalla’s third quarter fightback, where they outscored the Bombers 39-27, the only bright point on a dour day for Jarrad Waite’s High Country cohort.
The home side had match-winners on every line; Anthony DePasquale and Charlie Barnett booted four goals apiece, Jack Russell and Riley Ironside produced their best performances of the season, and Ky signed off on their dominant day by keeping Benalla scoreless in the final term.
But chief among the best is a man who could muster just five quarters last year – and now his team is reaping the rewards of his constant presence.
Ky coach Corey Carver heaped praise on star leader Mick Mattingly.
“Mick led from the front and won a lot of footy himself,” Carver said.
“We only got five quarters out of him for the whole of last year, so we basically didn’t see him.
“He’s our assistant coach as well, so he’s not only a good player, but he directs a bit of traffic on the ground.
“I thought Jack Russell probably played his best game, and he’s getting a bit better each week.
“Anthony (Depasquale) was solid up forward, he gave as a good option, Riley Ironside probably played his best game of the season as well.”
Nick Warnock, Ryley Ely, and Nick Mellington were the main contributors for the Saints.
Their mission for a maiden win won’t get any easier, however, with a clash against reigning premier Echuca at Benalla Showgrounds in round four.
For the Bombers, Carver could find no fault in his side, who have a decisive three-game stretch coming up against Mansfield, Echuca, and Mooroopna.
“We played three really good quarters,” he said.
“We had a poor third quarter, but apart from that, we played well, I’m pretty happy with that.
“Over the next month, we play those sides that are probably regarded in the top three or four, so we’ll see where we’re really at.”
Before then, Kyabram journey’s out to Deakin Reserve to tackle Shepparton United, a team Carver said his side will pay full respect to despite the Demons not yet picking up a win.
“They have a pretty good midfield and a good spread of young players, so we know we’ll need to bring our best game, particularly on their home deck.”
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