Stick together: Outgoing Kyabram coach Paul Newman hopes to see Kyabram’s core group regroup and go again in 2024.
Kyabram coach Paul Newman has called on the Bombers’ core group of players to stick fat following Sunday’s disappointing 36-point loss to Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League grand final.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Newman, who will step down at the helm of the Bombers, called on the club’s talented list to regroup and dust themselves off for another tilt at silverware in 2024.
Although the multiple premiership-winning coach won’t be there to see his charges chase glory next season, he hoped the youngsters would stick fat and go again.
“This is an important part of growth in young footballers,” Newman said following the 15.13 (103) to 9.13 (67) defeat.
“They have got to understand what it’s like to lose in order to know what it takes to get back there and win.
“They have to stick together and the fruits will come in a few years.
“It might take a few goes but they just need to stick with it and in a few years they’ll be ready to be a juggernaut again.”
The Bombers had no answer for Echuca’s onslaught in the third term.
Echuca piled on eight goals to one in the premiership quarter to blow the Bombers’ hopes out of the water.
“It just epitomises our other three games against them,” Newman said.
“We were there for two-and-a-half, three quarters and it’s just a lapse in that third quarter that let us down.
“It’s just good opposition that can take it to another level and we were just unable to go with them.
“I’m just proud of the group for putting themselves in that position again and I’m sure they gave a scare or two in the first half anyway.
“There’s disappointment but there’s a lot of growth and development in the group so hopefully they stick together and go again.”
Brad Whitford battled hard for the Bombers down back, while Rhys Clark, Jason Morgan, Tom Burnett and Anthony DePasquale all performed strongly.
In the huddle: Kyabram players listen to coach Paul Newman at the three-quarter time address.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Go Bombers: This sign illustrated the support for Kyabram at Deakin Reserve.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In action: Kyabram’s Archie Watt with the football in the grand final.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Red and Black: The Kyabram faithful sported their colours for the grand final.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Scanning ahead: Kyabram's Kaine Herbert with the footy.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Eyes up: Echuca’s Liam Tenace and Kyabram’s Zac Norris battle for this hitout.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Good luck: Captains Will Monahan (Echuca) and Jason Morgan (Kyabram) shake hands before the coin toss of the GVL senior grand final.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
