Despite featuring in a handful of games in Kyabram’s seniors side over the past couple of campaigns, young gun Archie Watt had a breakout year in 2025 for the Bombers in the Goulburn Valley League.
After finishing his schooling in Melbourne last year, Watt has returned full-time to play for his boyhood club and has had an instant impact for the minor premiers.
Watt emphasised how his previous experiences being in and out of the senior side gave him a good platform to perform at a high level in his first full season as a senior player.
“It’s been pretty good, I really enjoyed this season,” he said.
“Last year I was away from home, so it’s been great getting back and getting among it again.
“Just being back with the local boys and having a fun year, we’ve definitely had a lot of wins.
“In my first year, I was 17, and played like six games or something but got to play in the 2023 grand final against Echuca.
“I only got two games last year, and then this year’s been my first full season — and it’s been great.
“I’ve been in and out of the team, and it was difficult to get a bit of continuity, but doing my first full season with the team has definitely helped to get some consistency.”
Playing as a rover, Watt been a significant part of Kyabram’s potent attacking engine, with his success leading to selection for the Goulburn Valley League’s interleague side that played against Ovens and Murray in May.
Watt also previewed the looming grand final against Rochester, citing his desire to get over the top after being a part of the Bombers side that lost to Echuca in 2023.
“Playing in interleague was really good, playing alongside a team full of quality players, I really enjoyed that experience,” he said.
“I’m definitely very keen for the grand final. Ever since the 2023 loss, I’ve been pretty keen to get back into it and now that we’re there, I’m excited to try to win it.”