Injuries disrupt Bombers’ season opener

By MIKE SMITH & SHAUN MCMAHON BONNIE Doon’s 2025 Ovens & King Football League campaign got off to a rocky start on Saturday, with the Bombers going down to a polished Whorouly outfit by 56 points at Whorouly Recreation Reserve. Losing ruckman Luke James to a broken collarbone in the opening minutes proved to be disastrous for the Bombers. Forced to moved a tall from the forward line into the hit-out, it proved to disrupt them in both areas on the field and Whorouly were ready to take advantage. The Lions were sharp and took from the opening bounce and gave their home crowd plenty to cheer about, kicking four straight goals in the first term to take early control of the match. The Bombers, in contrast, struggled to find their footing, managing just two behinds to trail 4.2 (26) to 0.2 (2) at quarter time. Things didn’t get much easier in the second quarter. Whorouly’s midfield continued to dictate terms, pumping the ball forward with precision. The Bombers were able to snag their first major but remained on the back foot, heading into the sheds 42 points adrift at the half, 8.4 (52) to 1.4 (10). To their credit, Bonnie Doon dug deep after the break. The third term was their most competitive, with the Bombers showing flashes of their best footy. They added two goals to Whorouly’s two, including majors from Cody Azzopardi and Zac Tanner. But the damage had largely been done, and Whorouly still held a commanding 65 to 22 lead at the final change. In the last, the Lions kept their foot on the gas. Jessie Smith and Russell Eden proved a handful up forward, combining for nine of Whorouly’s 12 goals, and the home side ran out comfortable winners, 12.7 (79) to 3.5 (23). Despite the result, there were some positives for the Bombers to take from the game. Luke Berriman put in a solid shift across half-back, while Guy Murray and Peter Cairns battled hard around the contest. Jayjay Curtin and Kalim Curran also featured among the better performers, showing grit in trying conditions. Bombers coach Campbell Smedley was disappointed to see injuries disrupt much of the work done in training to prepare for the game. "Whorouly looked like a very strong outfit," he said. "It wasn't the start we were hoping for. "Three injuries in the run-up to the game put us on the back foot. "With 10 new signings added in the summer, the team could take a few weeks to really gel but everyone showed a willingness to fight and they refused to give up. "There's plenty to improve on for next week." There was better news earlier in the day for the Bombers, with the Reserves kicking off their season in style. After trailing at quarter time, Bonnie Doon came home with a wet sail to record a gutsy 16-point win over Whorouly, 7.13 (55) to 5.9 (39). Toby Leiman, Charlie Houghton, Luke Jenkins, Anton Brkljacic, James Octigan and Fraser Cameron were among the standouts in the win, giving the Bombers a strong start to 2025 in the twos. Bonnie Doon will now look to bounce back in round two when they take on the North Wangaratta Hawks at the North Wangaratta Sports Reserve next Saturday.

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