Banyule young gun proves match-winner in nail-biting win over Thomastown

Banyule has unearthed a goalkicking gem with after an 18-year-old young gun proved the match-winner in a thrilling win over Thomastown.

James Kayrooz (third from left) gets his debut Banyule guernsey.

Banyule’s found one here.

In just his second senior game, 18-year-old James Kayrooz was the Bears’ match-winner in a thrilling five-point win over NFL Division 2 rival Thomastown on Saturday.

The young forward booted five goals for the match, including the final three majors of the game, slamming home the match-winner with just seconds left on the clock at Beverley Road Oval.

It’s been a whirlwind introduction for the Eltham junior having kicked nine goals in his first two games to sit on top of the competition’s goalkicking charts.

Bears co-coach Ricky Dyson has been in awe of Kayrooz’s impact.

“James has been brilliant, he’s 18, and just been super,” he said.

“He did a pre-season with the (Northern) Knights and unfortunately was let go and it’s been to our benefit.

“His attitude has been fantastic, he’s come back and worked really hard and is always in games.

“He kicked the last three goals this week and ended the game last week with four goals as well, he’s been fantastic for our forward line.”

After teammate Jack Langford was awarded a free kick, Kayrooz pounced on the loose ball, taking the advantage and kick the winner.

“It was fantastic to see, to have the confidence to grab that ball and play on, back himself in and kick the goal,” Dyson said.

Just seconds later, the siren sparked wild celebrations as Banyule completed a nail-biting come-from-behind victory, 16.8 (104) to 15.9 (99).

Momentum swung wildly through after the scores were level at quarter-time, Banyule taking a 23-point lead into half-time before Thomastown held a seven-point margin at the final change.

Lincoln Sieben Lincoln in action for Banyule. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Adam Carafa in action for Banyule. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Dyson knew that if his team could just get the ball inside forward 50m cleanly they were a big chance in the final term.

In a near replay of the two team’s 2019 epic, the result was decided on the siren.

“We have a really good rivalry with Thomastown, both teams had some top-end talent out but it was a really good battle,” Dyson said.

“The last few times there’s been a kick in it and it’s been really late or on the siren, so I’m sure really exciting for the people watching.

“They got on top of us through the middle but once we were able to even up through there we started to play the way we wanted to.

“We felt we had some good match-ups forward of the footy, so it was just a matter of getting it in there.

“We were a little slow with our ball movement in the second and third but once we got some speed on the ball and gave our forwards opportunities they were able to score.”

Banyule’s win came with a price with Brent Stanton sitting out the second half with hamstring tightness.

However, Dyson said it was precautionary and believes he will be fit for the Round 3 clash at Diamond Creek in a fortnight – pending Essendon VFL duties.

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“Yeah (Stanton) pulled up tight, he had a cramp in his hamstring, so it just wasn’t worth risking further injury,” Dyson said.

“He sat with us for the second half and it wasn’t too bad but we erred on the side of caution.

“He came into the game with a little bit of back stiffness, so it might be related to that.”

Banyule sits second on the Division 2 ladder, behind Eltham on percentage, while Thomastown is now 0-2 and faces Epping in a standlone Good Friday clash.