By Jordyn Grubisic
Celebrating Wallan captain Michael Mannix’s 300th game, the Magpies recorded a strong 59-point win over Lancefield on Saturday.
The home side’s 13.10 (88) to 4.5 (29) victory put them on top of the Riddell District Football League ladder.
It was a heavily-contested, high-stoppage match in the first quarter, which reflected on the scoreboard, with Wallan pulling away by two just points at quarter time.
Wallan’s assistant coach Spencer Mathleson said the side didn’t efficiently convert from clearances in the first quarter.
“When we won a clearance, we weren’t as effective in the first quarter as they were after that. Our clearances were more effective after quarter time and we cashed in,” he said.
“The longer the game got, the better we got.”
The change in play by the Magpies helped the side find their momentum, shift gears and pull away from the Tigers.
With good movement of the football and better results off won clearances, Wallan grew the margin to a 16-point lead.
And the Magpies didn’t slow down coming out of the half, continuing to extend their lead as they added another three goals to the scoreboard to take them to 9.8 (62).
Wallan were effective across the field preventing Lancefield from scoring any goals in the third quarter.
In fact the Magpies kept the Tigers to just four goals for the game, with Lancefield scoreless in the final term.
The unstoppable Magpies continued to effectively use the ball, winning contests and putting pressure on the scoreboard, kicking 13 goals for the game.
Mathleson said it was a good performance from the Wallan side.
“We know Lancefield have improved this season. I know they’ve only won one game, but they’ve been in front against everyone they’ve played this year at some stage,” he said.
“Even with us on the weekend, they were a goal up early in the first quarter. It was a good result to beat them. We’re pretty happy.
“Michael Mannix played his 300th senior game and he was great. Steven Boyle and Corey Viani were great on ball and Hayden Gill was strong in the ruck. Josh Vilinskis and Brayden Bryne were rather good too but we had plenty of good players.”
Senior coach Daniel Nolan was full of praise ahead of Mannix’s milestone match.
“He has been my senior captain since day one and continues to be an outstanding leader of the club. He is well respected by team mates and opposition players,” he said.
“He made multiple team of the year awards and is a regular in the top five in club best and fairests.
“Michael is also a wonderful family man and loved by everyone. He is smart, loyal, dedicated and a role model for the younger players.”
Wallan will host another home game on Saturday – this time against second-placed Diggers Rest. Both sides are undefeated for the season and the match will decide who will sit clear at the top of the ladder.
Lancefield will host a important home game against fourth-placed Romsey, with celebrations for their 150-year milestone planned throughout the day. In other games, Macedon host Woodend-Hesket and Melton Centrals play Riddell.
