Wallan Seniors were well-rested from last week’s bye, playing a competitive game against Melton at Greenhill’s Reserve in Wallan at the weekend.
Melton Blues won the toss, but Wallan quickly scored the first goal. Chris Stewart played tall in the ruck, and Reuben Rode was swift as always. Thanks to turnovers going their way, the Pies had a massive 37-point lead at the change, 6.3 (39) to 0.2 (2).
The second quarter was an opportunity for Melton to catch up, and their Thornton-Gielen brothers applied the pressure, but Captain Michael Mannix inspired the Pies to dominate from each centre bounce. The Blues kicked just one goal while Wallan added 32 points, 11.5 (71) to 1.2 (8).
Fresh from their rooms, the players took their positions, and the Pies scored first with back-to-back goals. Melton did get one near the four-minute mark, but it was 10 minutes before they scored another. In between, Wallan scored three, with Matthew Perrie, Jacob Langborne, and John Bellino finding the middle of the posts easily. The Blues forward line was able to get in two behinds before the third quarter siren sounded, yet Wallan were clearly in front, adding 45 points to their score, 18.8 (116) to 3.4 (22).
In the final term, Pies Coach changed Vice Captain Sean Morris to the backline, perhaps in preparation for finals. Wallan scored 46 points to Melton’s 16, and the Blues suffered a crushing defeat, one they won’t forget for a long time. The final score was 25.121 (162) to 5.7 (37).
Assistant Coach for Wallan Spencer Mathieson was pleased to comment on the game.
“We were pleased with our performance overall, especially at home on our sponsor’s day,” he said.
“Our pressure early was excellent, Melton did win some clearances early, but our backs did a great job holding them out and we capitalised once we won the ball back. We managed to have 10 goal kickers and it was hard to pick best players because we had plenty of lads play their role,” he said.
Matthew Perrie was Wallan’s leading goal kicker with five and John Bellino bagged four. Jacob Langborne, Reuben Rode, and Chris Stewart each kicked three goals, while Max Russell and Sean Morris each kicked two. Single goal kickers were Jake Carlisle, Owen Fowler, and Steven Boyall.
Wallan are final hopefuls, and they sit second on the RDFNL ladder under Riddell, with Diggers Rest third and Romsey fourth.
Around the ovals, Kyneton defeated Lancefield, 6.10 (46) to 6.6 (42), Macedon defeated Woodend-Hesket, 12.9 (81) to 4.5 (29), and Riddell defeated Romsey, 19.9 (123) to 5.10 (40).
Forty nets for Wallan
Wallan netballers had high hopes the home court advantage would give them the edge over Melton, after falling short by a goal last meeting.
Melton dominated the first period with a five-goal lead, but Wallan were fast on their feet and closed the lead to just one goal at the half time change.
Melton got away in the third period, and Wallan’s Coach rotated his players, relieving Centre player Maddi Wallmeyer, promoting Dakota Lister from Wing Defence, and calling Amanda Rothwell-Hisock on court to replace Lister.
Melton had a seven-goal lead going into the final period, and unfortunately Wallan couldn’t catch up. At the final whistle the score was 40-50, in favour of Melton.
Wallan’s Goal Attack Rebekah Konstantopoulos netted 12, while Goal Shooter Maeve Donegan netted 28.
Around the courts, Kyneton defeated Lancefield, 40-31, Macedon was defeated by Woodend-Hesket, 34-59, and Riddell defeated Romsey, 56–41.
Wallan are final hopefuls, and they sit second on the RDFNL ladder, with Woodend-Hesket on top, Riddell third and Macedon fourth.
Next week Wallan will host Lancefield, and the following week they will travel to Kyneton for the last game of the RDFNL season.
Bendigo Bank sponsor day
Bendigo Bank – Wallan, Kilmore, and Broadford are proud sponsors of the Wallan Football Netball Club (WFNC), and Director Kit Holland and Community Liaison Officer Nic Tassone hosted lunch while they watched the teams compete at the weekend.
WFNC Club Senior President Stuart Broomfield said the Club can do amazing things with the financial assistance of the bank.
“We can pay for lights, ground keepers, and host social events. We couldn’t do it without them,” he said.
