A very big ruckman from Tasmania came to the rescue of the injury-riddled Kyneton senior football side on Saturday.
Haydn Smith had a huge influence on the outcome of the important Romsey versus Kyneton match.
It was close and low scoring all day, but two late goals deep into the last quarter gave the Tigers a vital five-point win over the Redbacks.
“It’s the one we really needed,” excited and proud Kyneton Tigers playing coach Ethan Foreman declared immediately after the match.
The coach predicted Kyneton could now make the finals this season, praising his players for believing and working hard irrespective of what the Redbacks were doing.
“We’ve been close in several matches against the top sides, and this time we delivered,” Foreman said.
Both sides were hit by injuries during the game, and Romsey clearly missed Jack Jedwab, who had starred against Diggers Rest seven days earlier.
But it was Haydn Smith who was the subject of during and after-match conversations.
“Who’s that big bloke?” one spectator asked, as Smith made his presence felt in ruck and marking duels early in the game.
FAMILY, FOOTY CONNECTIONS
It was actually his first game with Kyneton for 14 seasons; he left the Tigers as a 19-year-old and has chalked up over 300 games in a stellar career.
Smith is the number one ruckman with Lauderdale Football Club, based in Hobart, and he said he had really enjoyed the chance to come and help the club where he began his football. He feels a strong affiliation with his home town.
Circumstances were such that Lauderdale, third on the ladder, were not playing for two Saturdays in Tasmania.
Smith heard about the Tigers’ plight and said he was pleased to come to the mainland, so much so he will line up for Kyneton against Riddell this weekend. He thoroughly enjoyed the chance to play in Kyneton colours – and win.
Strong family connections with football in Kyneton abound; Smith’s grandfather was the legendary Maurie ‘Mozza’ Smith. Mozza died in 2019 having been a club trainer and head trainer for 42 years, and played about 100 games. He was made a life member of Kyneton, and the Bendigo League.
The big ruckman’s father, Brian, also played with the Tigers, and the Mangan name is linked over generations as well.
Smith was listed as Kyneton’s best player, and club president Hayden Evans endorsed Foreman’s praise for the ruckman coming to the Tigers’ aid.
“We’re all rapt he came over and helped out,” the president said.
Evans said the Tigers had several very talented young players who were doing well, and were expected to play a big part in the club’s future.
Injuries meant the Tigers were having to improvise; but not with Smith playing on Saturday.
It’s one of the big recruiting stories in the Riddell League for years, even if it only lasts for two games. Well done, Haydn Smith!
