Speaking after his side’s dominant 54-point triumph over Euroa at the weekend, Newman, although happy to claim the four points, wanted to see his side return to its blistering Mooroopna performance.
Newman, who revealed he would be stepping down at season’s end, wants to see his outfit replicate its impressive triple-figure tackle count against the Cats.
“I just want us playing hard-nosed footy, you probably look at the scoreboard last week (against Mooroopna) and think it’s not comprehensive,” he said post-match.
“But I just loved what we were able to do defensively and what we were able to do around the contest.”
The Bombers’ tackling efforts have been one area of concern all season.
Kyabram is ranked second last in Goulburn Valley League for tackles.
On Saturday against Euroa the Bombers managed 39 for the match, down on their season average of 49.3, while Euroa bested them with 46.
Euroa also finished ahead in the pressure acts 36-25.
Key stats
Disposals
Kyabram: 265
Euroa: 263
Tackles
Kyabram: 39
Euroa: 46
Contested possessions
Kyabram: 114
Euroa: 92
Inside 50s
Kyabram: 47
Euroa: 24
Kicking efficiency
Kyabram: 66%
Euroa: 60%
Scores from turnovers
Kyabram: 7.6 (46)
Euroa: 2.3 (15)
Interestingly, Kyabram is the fourth-ranked side in the competition for pressure acts and averages more than 40 a game.
In the round 17 victory over the Magpies, Kyabram won the forward 50 tackle count 10-4 which continued its impressive total from the previous week against Mooroopna.
Kyabram laid 28 tackles inside forward 50 in the win over the Cats and Newman’s charges are the third-ranked side in the comp for tackling inside attacking 50.
The numbers suggest Kyabram is capable of providing high pressure and intensity around the opposition ball carrier and it’s no wonder why Newman hopes his side returns to that level before finals action.
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