Kyabram consolidates top spot on ladder with big win over second-placed Rochester

Kyabram is perfectly placed for a shot at its first GV flag since 2019. See all the action from its latest win.

Kyabram tightened its grip on top spot on the Goulburn Valley league ladder with a crushing 62-point win against second-placed Rochester on Saturday.

Three quick goals to start the final term put the result beyond doubt after the ladder leaders led by only 15 points at the last change.

Further final term pain was inflicted on Rochester, which had trailed by only four points at halftime as the Kyabram prime movers, including Morrison Medal favourite Mick Mattingly, took control.

Rochester’s Dillon Williams has his marking attempt spoilt by Kyabram’s Josh Dillon. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Opposing ruckmen, Kyabram’s Zac Norris and Rochester’s Hamish Hoopell, were both effective players, but the game-breaker was Riley Ironside, who booted five goals for Kyabram.

He kicked three in the first half including a brilliant, opportunistic soccer kick from close range late in the second quarter.

Rochester’s Andy Henderson is tackled by Kyabram’s Aidan Robinson.

Both teams conceded goals from 50m penalties in the second term when Kyabram threatened to take control before Rochester fought back late.

Kyabram is the only team to beat the premiers of the past three seasons, Echuca, which replaced Rochester in second spot with a 36-point win against Seymour.

Kyabram will be sweating on the availability at finals time of forward Anthony Depasquale, who hasn’t played since round 3 due to VFL commitments at Werribee.

Rochester’s Lincoln Sieben is spoiled by Kyabram’s Jake Parkinson.

Rochester’s Mitchell Trewhella is pinned in a tackle.

Kyabram ruckman Zachary Norris juggles the ball.

Kyabram young gun Archie Watt drives the Bombers forward.

Rochester’s Dillon Williams holds onto the mark.

Rochester’s Dillon Williams looks for an option by hand.

Kyabram star Michael Mattingly produced another vote-catching performance against Rochester.

Kyabram’s Josh Dillon is tackled.

Kyabram retained top spot on the Goulburn Valley league ladder.

Rochester ruckman Hamish Hooppell marks in front of Kyabram’s Aidan Robinson.

Rochester’s Dylan Gordon flys for the mark.

Rochester big man Hamish Hooppell wraps up Kyabram’s Archie Watt in a tackle.

Rochester’s Hamish Hooppell and Kyabram’s Aidan Robinson battle for the ball.

Kyabram coach Corey Carver addresses his top of the ladder team.

Rochester was no match for Kyabram after halftime on Saturday.

Rochester’s Grant Fuller is tackled by Kyabram’s Riley Ironside, who starred with five goals.