By Tara Murray
Kyneton has set its standard for the rest for the RIddell District Football League in a dominant round one display.
The Tigers had the weekend off due to playing on Good Friday in a split round tow, but couldn’t have asked for a much better start according to coach Ethan Foreman.
Kyneton faced newcomers, the Gisborne Giants, in round one.
“It was really good and I was happy with the boys,” he said. “We were able to stand in solidarity with the supporters after the pre-season and we were able to set the standard for the rest of the year.”
While things were tremulous off field over the summer at the club, Foreman said on the track it had been a really good one for the men’s football program.
He said going into their second season in the competition they were always going to be better placed. The Tigers finished last season in sixth spot, a game outside the top five.
“We’ve had a really good strong pre-season,” he said. “We’ve added a couple new boys who have been handy additions across the pre-season.
“It was always the plan to take a step back last year and focus on local talent and build from there.
“It was our first time and we could gauge where we were at. We’re now looking at finals and pushing for top three.”
The new recruits made an instant impact for the Tigers.
Foreman said Danny Grmusa was best on ground in round one while Hayden Smith, Isaac Barassi, Frankie Ellia and Jacob Grinter all made their debut for the Tigers.
Foreman, who kicked seven goals in the opening round, said there were plenty of youngsters that had taken that next step in the off season as well.
He said while last year was tough at times with injuries, it allowed others to get their opportunity and they were keen to continue to develop this season..
“We’ll keep bringing through the youth,” he said.
“We had a young kid who’s only 19 who was on the fringe of playing seniors last season.
“We had two injuries to rucks and he ended up rucking the whole season and finished three in our best and fairest.
“Something like that and development from him has been unbelievable and it shows coming into this year.”
Foreman said while it can be tricky having a bye straight after round one, he said with many sore bodies, including his the break would be good and they would be ready to go for Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday.
