Kyneton senior footballers opened their 2026 season campaign in impressive fashion with a 62-point victory over Woodend-Hesket on Good Friday.
The Tiger Reserves won by 61 points, and the Under 19.5s by 24 points at the Showgrounds, with an enjoyable evening of celebrations to follow.
Netball matches had to be transferred to Gilbert Gordon Reserve in Woodend because the new courts at Kyneton were still not ready for use … the countdown is on.
Now the Tigers have a break, with the bye this Saturday, and then the Anzac Day match at Lancefield on March 25.
Kyneton senior coach Ethan Foreman was pleased his side made the RDFNL finals last season, and the objective is the same … play finals and give yourself a chance.
The Tigers’ dominance against the Hawks began in the first quarter, the second term was even, and the home side took full control in the second half.
Woodend-Hesket seniors, with Al Rae again playing coach, need to regroup and find a way to put more goals on the board when a capable Wallan come to Gilbert Gordon Reserve for the second round match this Saturday.
Final scores were Kyneton 14.17 (101) d Woodend-Hesket 5.9 (39).
The dependable Jake Safstrom was listed as Kyneton’s best, and experienced big ruckman Haydn Smith again proved his worth.
Dangerous forward Isaac Barassi kicked four goals, recruit Harley Blake made an impressive debut, and speedster Caleb Fisher and Daniel Davie also stood out in a pleasing team performance.
Cody Bowen was listed as the Hawks’ best, and Bowen Medallist and irrepressible captain Daniel Toman again showed his class.
Matt Doody, Luke Butcher, Rae and William Wiseman also made their presence felt.
Kyneton Under 19.5s made the grand final last season, and opened 2026 with a 10.10 (70) to 7.2 (44) victory.
The Hawks failed to score in the first and third terms.
In the Reserves, Kyneton monopolised the ball for much of the match to win 14.11 (95) to 4.10 (34).
Several players will be looking to advance to senior ranks as the season progresses.
