The 201cm skyscraper from the Mt Gravatt Football Club in Queensland dominated the ruck against Bendigo Football League side South Bendigo and played a pivotal role in the team’s domination of the game and a winning margin of more than 12 goals.
Khoo impressed with his athleticism, mobility and old style ruck craft in a display which hinted he’ll be more than an adequate replacement for injured Kyabram skipper Zac Norris, who is not expected to return until late in the season at the earliest after recent shoulder surgery.
The Bombers were sharp again in their final pre-season hit-out and with Khoo in complete control in the ruck and other classy on-ballers Kaine Herbert, Mick Mattingly and Liam Ogden freeing up the ball from the clinches, again produced an impressive brand of relentless football.
Key defender and club stalwart Lachie Smith made his first appearance for the season and was a standout in defence where he got plenty of support from another experienced campaigner in Jason Morgan.
Up forward Anthony Depasquale and talented thirds player Nic Jephson impressed.
They shared the goals with Brad Mangan and Queensland recruit Jake Torney with Jephson’s three goals the biggest haul among nine individual goal-kickers.
The Bombers had regular senior players in star defender Brad Whitford, new vice-captain Josh Dillon, big man Aidan Robinson and recruit Eamonn Ogden missing, but their expected availability for the opening round night clash against Mooroopna on Saturday night week is going to pose selectors with some pleasant problems.
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