Bailey Tome is likely to be one of several new faces in the Bombers’ line-up to meet Mooroopna under lights at Kyabram on Saturday.
Tome is one of three players from the Mt Gravatt club in the AFL Queensland competition who will make their debuts for the Bombers against the Cats.
Tome’s Mr Gravatt teammates, Jake Torney and ruckman Marcus Khoo, have played in practice games with the Bombers, and will also don the Kyabram jumper for premiership points for the first time.
The 200cm-plus Khoo made a huge impression in Kyabram’s hit-out last Saturday week against Bendigo League side South Bendigo in a final rehearsal for the start of the season.
A robust onballer-midfielder and left-footer, Tome has been playing with VFL side Northern Bullants, but with the VFL having a bye this weekend, he is expected to be available for Saturday’s showdown.
With impressive ruck recruit Khoo to show the way, Tome will add further depth to Kyabram’s on-ball and midfield brigade, already boosted by the return of 2019 Morrison Medallist Mick Mattingly, who joins proven stars in Kaine Herbert, Liam Ogden, Josh Dillon and Will Golds.
Also expected to make their debut with the club on Saturday are Eammon Ogden, younger brother of Liam, and Moama recruit Khy Stovell.
Ogden is likely to play off half-back or on a wing, while Stovell is a pacey flanker.
Ogden, new vice-captain Josh Dillon and ace interceptor Brad Whitford are expected to be fit for Saturday but big man Aidan Robinson will miss. He rolled an ankle in a practice match and could be out for a few games.
Young thirds talent Nic Jephson has impressed in attack in practice games and is in contention to make his senior debut.
With defensive pillars Jason Morgan and Lachie Smith going around again and supported by another stalwart in Jake Parkinson, the Bombers should have a strong backline to complement their talented on-ball brigade.
But just how the forward line functions without departing matchwinners Kyle Mueller, Tom Holman and Kayne Pettifer could decide Kyabram’s fortunes this season.
Veteran Brad Mangan will shoulder a lot of responsibility and talented young players Mitch Dodos, Andrew DePasquale, Charlie Barnett, Tom Burnett and Cooper Vick will all need to step up if the Bombers are to kick winning scores.
Talented youngsters Bohden Learmonth and Archie Watt, when available from Bendigo Pioneers, will also add extra pressure for spots, which is another plus.
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