SWAN Hill’s Kayle Kirby has stormed into the Victorian Football League (VFL) in emphatic fashion kicking five goals on debut to hand Richmond a win over Sandringham and keeping their finals hopes alive.
The Richmond forward was unstoppable as he tore to shreds his opponent during his side’s 14.14.98 to 12.7.89 win.
Tigers coach Craig McRae isolated the 23rd man inside 50 with the season hanging in the balance, as Kirby booted three majors in the third quarter.
He ignited the side as they came storming back from a 15-point deficit.
Kirby has sent AFL circles into a frenzy with social media blowing up after his tremendous effort off the boot, proving he could be drafted at the end of the year onto an AFL list.
Also at the match was his Pioneers mentor Brett Henderson who was proud of the young forward’s efforts on debut.
“He looked like he fit right in, he won the game for them off his boot,” the coach said.
“He was isolated down forward and was hard to contain and worked hard in defence. We are so thrilled for him.”
Kirby has been a stand out for the Bendigo Pioneers in his time with the TAC Cup side, with the ability to continue to going up a gear when his side needs him.
“He has some remarkable qualities about him, but we won’t catch our chickens before they hatch,” Henderson said.
“We believe we have a great development program here, a lot of coaches and staff put a lot of time into Kayle’s career and for him to perform as well as we did was awesome.”
Earlier in the year, Kirby was picked to represent Victoria and has been in discussions with the Western Bulldogs.
