To get the total scope of what both teams should expect from one another this weekend at Mooroopna, one must examine their season trends as well as their most recent meeting from in round 10.
Kyabram (15-3) has hit its stride at the right time, steamrolling through its past four games with an average winning margin of 43 points to finish within touching distance of the top two sides.
Meanwhile, Mansfield (10-8) had its finals berth locked in some time ago before dropping its final two games and walking into finals needing a lift to give Kyabram a more competitive effort than its last outing.
When these two met in round 10, Mansfield was held to its lowest score of the season, mustering 4.5 (29) in a listless 51-point hiding.
Kyabram vs Mansfield - 2023 by the numbers
Clearances around the ground: 13.4 (e-10th) vs 16.7 (third)
Contested marks: 17.2 (first) vs 12.1 (sixth)
Pressure acts: 40.2 (fourth) vs 43.8 (first)
Defensive 50 exit efficiency: 71% (first) vs 64% (fifth)
Tackles inside forward 50: 9.9 (third) vs 10.1 (second)
Perhaps the one-sided nature of that day is best illustrated by Kyabram’s uncanny ability to hit a range of targets up forward ― the Bombers dominated the marks inside-50 tally, 14-3 ― and went on to contribute almost half their score from set shots inside the arc (6.2).
Mansfield, meanwhile, could manage a solitary scoring shot from the same source against Kyabram’s steely backline, ranked second-best in the GVL for points conceded.
Up forward for Mansfield, Ben Christopher was a favourite target on offence, the Eagles’ leading goal kicker having finished with far more marks inside 50 (66) than any other player across the GVL.
Kyabram coach Paul Newman highlighted another star forward for the Eagles that his side would monitor on Saturday night.
“He’s a fantastic player, they’ve got a couple of really dangerous forwards. Cam Arnold is just as damaging, if not more,” he said.
“Mansfield has great players across the board, it’s going to be a good challenge for us.
“A new season begins now so what we’ve done up to now doesn’t matter too much ... we’re happy to be in finals but we’re not content there.”
Elite ruckman Zac Norris turned up for one of his finest outings of 2023 in the round 10 smashing, and his presence will be a top priority for the Eagles.
Mansfield coach Chad Owens said recent results should not be taken as an indication his side is making up the numbers.
”We played two good teams (in the final two rounds) and were in winning positions for both. We’ve let ourselves down, but you’d be worried if no morale was there heading into a final,“ Owens said.
“He’s (Norris) a massive man. Nobody is going to outsize him. It’s all about not giving him a chance to get on it straight out of the ruck.
“It’s about making sure everyone on the peripherals of the contest is organised and ready to go.
“We’re keen to make Kyabram work for it.”
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