By Tricia Mifsud
Wallan sits half a game away from a top two position in the Riddell District Football Netball League, RDFNL, after a 40-point home win against Macedon on Saturday.
In true winter conditions at Greenhill Reserve, Wallan had the advantage of kicking with the wind in the first quarter and kicked away to a 40-6 lead.
Magpies’ spearhead Matthew Perri excelled in the first term, kicking four of his seven goals for the match.
The 34-point quarter-time margin kept Wallan comfortably in the lead for the remainder of the match, as Macedon failed to benefit when kicking with the wind.
At the main break, the visitors trailed 22-47, managing only two goals.
Kicking with the wind in the third quarter, the Magpies added a further two goals, while keeping the Cats goalless, cementing a 40-point lead at the final break, and going on to keep the margin the same to record a 77-37 win.
Wallan assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said the Magpies played well to the conditions, making the most of its opportunities.
“We had the wind in the first quarter, and we took advantage of it, and when Macedon had the wind, we played very well and made sure they didn’t capitalise. The conditions then … got a bit of rain and that helped us as well,” he said.
“We were happy with the way we went all day, and it was a great four quarter performance. Even in the fourth, we still were able to draw the quarter when Macedon had the wind.”
After falling to a 40-point loss to Diggers Rest in round eight, the Magpies were searching to bounce back on Saturday and did so, impressing the coaching panel.
“This week, compared to our intent against Diggers Rest, was so much better. You could see the guys wanted the win,” Mathieson said.
“Our side is pretty good, and they have a lot of pride in their performance. They didn’t play their best against Diggers Rest, and they wanted to rectify it and that’s what they did.
“The boys didn’t want to play a couple of games subpar in a row, they wanted to bounce back and that’s definitely what they did.”
Mathieson said the win was a product of a whole team performance and reflected its willingness to get back on the winners’ list.
“We had a lot of contributors, and it was hard to find best players this week when we had so many who deserved to be recognised, compared to the week before when we found it hard to find them for other reasons,” he said.
“We didn’t want to have two bad games in a row, and we bounced back against a really good side, and it was great for our confidence and just good to get a win.”
RDFNL have a league-wide bye this weekend for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend before it hosts Romsey on June 18.
Mathieson said it was a must win match for both sides, with Romsey sitting fourth on the ladder.
Wallan Football Club is also inviting the community to support the Magpies throughout the day, followed by attending its $5000 draw at 7pm.
Tickets are $60, which includes food, beer, wine and soft drinks, and can be purchased by contacting Stephen Shepard on 0407 411 148.
In other RDFNL results, Romsey and Lancefield battled it out at Romsey Park, with the home side recording an 86-33 win.
Scores were tied 2.1 (13) at quarter time, before the Redbacks began kicking away, keeping the Tigers goalless during the second term.
Despite Lancefield being only 21 points down at the final break, a six-goal-to-one fourth quarter in favour of the home side secured the Redbacks’ 53-point win.
Romsey’s reliable man in front of goal Corey Pertzel led with a game-high three goals, while Aaron Paterson and Dean Walsh each kicked two.
Lancefield will be in search of its second win for the season when it travels to play Macedon after the bye.
