Kyabram seems to think so.
For the past decade the Goulburn Valley League has been bombarded by the Bombers and the Murray Bombers.
The two clubs have won six out of the past seven grand finals since 2016 — two seasons excluded due to the pandemic.
Echuca took control after the fall of Kyabram’s four-year dynasty (2013, 2016-17 and 2019) and has won the previous three flags consecutively — the last by 96 points over Shepparton.
There has been a general belief among the region’s football fans that the Murray Bombers’ reign won't end anytime soon due to their ability to develop and retain local talent.
However, Kyabram has been working feverishly behind the scenes this off-season to ensure it closes the gap to Echuca and regain its seat at the head of the table.
Having already signed star midfielder Coby McCarthy from Mooroopna, gun forward Tom Holman from Moama as well as several other bright talents, on Monday the Bombers announced arguably their biggest signing yet: Murray league star Jack Russell.
The Moama co-captain was once again a key figure for the Magpies in 2024, with Russell helping drive his side to a tight preliminary final loss to Finley.
Russell tied for this season’s league best-and-fairest award alongside Cobram star Sam Beasley.
Kyabram has also signed Jarryd Pertzel — who played for Frankston in the VFL in 2018 — as a crafty small forward from Kerang in the Central Murray Football League.
In the Murray Football League, reigning premier Congupna has strengthened its list after signing Shepparton East ruck Tom McCluskey.
The star Eagle dominated in the Kyabram District League this year and would have been crowned league medallist — along with the three other winners — had he not been suspended earlier in the season.
McCluskey will team up with current Congupna ruck Sam Buxton — best-on-ground in the grand final — to help strengthen an already dominant Roaders side.
Meanwhile, Kyabram District League’s Avenel has signed key defender Henry Ashworth from Essendon District Football League side Craigieburn for next season.
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