IN what was a day of statements across the Central Murray, Kerang proved that they remain a force in 2025 with an impressive 11-point win over rivals Koondrook-Barham.
But the Blues’ win came at a heavy cost, with them losing key defender Josh Hunter to a serious ankle injury, with the captain to undergo scans during the week to assess the severity.
The loss of Hunter soured an otherwise perfect afternoon for Kerang, who managed to keep the Raiders at arm’s length throughout their 13.9 (87) to 11.10 (76) victory after opening up an eight-point lead at quarter time.
The win was enough to see Kerang leapfrog their way into the top five for the first time this season, with their second win of the season seeing them replace Koondrook-Barham.
It was a performance that impressed Paul Grayling after the match, with Kerang’s senior coach heaping praise on his young and developing squad.
“I was really happy and proud of the effort from the fellas across all four quarters,” Grayling said.
“We definitely wanted it, the boys were hungry and I think we were just willing to go that extra yard.
“It was a pretty warm day and I think it came down to a little bit of work rate towards the end and our boys were just prepared to work a bit harder.
“We’re a pretty resilient young group and we definitely rode that youth and enthusiasm all the way to the end, which we needed to given how close it was all game.
“There wasn’t a period in the game where we thought we were home until the end, it was a tough four quarter slog and they (Koondrook-Barham) kept coming, but to our boys credit, they stood up and did what needed to be done.
“We didn’t have a passenger all day, everyone contributed and it was a good team win.”
The match will also be remembered for the debut of Kerang’s Zak Bozanich, with the key forward providing the Blues with a much needed target in the forward half of the ground.
Bozanich would finish the day with four goals to be among his team’s better players, along with a number of Kerang’s next generation, including Bohden McKnight, Hugh Bremner, Archer Dibsdale, Leigham Mcalpin and Rylee Gitsham.
Dom Dick-O’Flaherty was also influential across half back for Kerang, along with Cody Makeham and Marty Kelly in the midfield, with Kelly helping to guide the Blues over the line with several key clearances in the final quarter.
After being demoralised at the hands of the Mallee Eagles last Saturday, Koondrook-Barham were expected to bounce back against the Blues.
While their effort and contested ball use was an improvement, the Raiders still have plenty to work on, according to coach Marcus Demaria, who was lamented his team’s inability to maintain possession.
“It wasn’t a bad game of football in terms of the contest, but skill errors and turnovers cost us,” Demaria said post-match.
“They (Kerang) were hungry and (Zak) Bozanich was threatening and gave them a strong target forward of centre
“Their (Kerang) speed troubled us and we were unable to defend as we would have liked unfortunately.”
Lee Dale was dominant through the midfield for the Raiders and won plenty of the ball at the contest, and was a clear standout as the home team’s best player.
Jack Thrum also found plenty of the ball through the middle, while Matt Bilton was also good across half forward.
Koondrook-Barham will face a must-win game against Lake Boga this weekend, while Kerang will encounter their first big test of the season when they host undefeated ladder leaders Woorinen.
VOTES
3 – Archer Dibsdale (Kerang)
2 – Lee Dale (Koondrook-Barham)
1 – Zak Bozanich (Kerang)
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Koondrook-Barham | 3.0 | 7.5 | 9.8 | 11.10 | 76 |
| Kerang | 4.2 | 8.3 | 11.7 | 13.9 | 87 |
