The highly anticipated preliminary final for the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL)2024 series was held on Sunday at the Kyneton Showgrounds between Wallan and Macedon.
In the prior weekend’s game, Macedon played Diggers Rest, who started out strong and led at both changes, 8.4 (52) to 6.3 (39), but Macedon clawed back in the third and final term, with help from Jason Cooke who kicked seven goals. Macedon finished with a convincing 33-point win, 8.10 (58) to 14.7 (91), while Wallan lost to Riddell 8.10 (58) to 3.5 (23).
The most recent game, however, got off to a roaring start when Wallan quickly scored an early goal, and fought for possession of the football at every turn. Macedon kicked two behinds, and it was a low scoring quarter, finishing with the Pies in front by 12 points, 2.2 (14) to 0.2 (2).
In the second quarter, Macedon had three shots at the goals that resulted in points, and the Wallan players were running hard to catch up. Macedon had back-to-back goals, and even finished the quarter on a goal, and when the siren sounded the scores were even at 22 points each.
Wallan quickly scored the first goal of the third term, and Macedon’s first goal came near the 16-minute mark. Wallan worked ferociously to secure a safer lead, and at the siren, they were two goals in front.
In the final quarter, Wallan guarded the ball well, and they kicked a goal near the six-minute mark, and the lead was increasing in Wallan’s favour. Unfortunately, Macedon did not score in the final quarter, but Wallan Coach Spencer Mathieson said they played a good side.
“We played well versing a good, young, in-form Macedon side who pushed us all the way,” he said.
“They’re well coached and were very organised. Our last quarter was fantastic to keep them scoreless going to the scoring end.”
The final score was 9.8 (62) to 5.5 (35), in Wallan’s favour.
Goal kickers for Wallan were John Bellino on three, Matthew Perri on two, and Chris Stewart, Hayden Gill, and Steven Boyall with one each.
Best players were Steve Boyall, Brodie Gilchrist, Pat Mahoney, Ty Franks, Chris Stewart, Corey Viani, and John Bellino.
Wallan’s senior side will compete in the grand final against Riddell, and they are playing to win at Romsey Park, on Sunday, September 15, at 2.30pm.
In the Reserves match, Wallan played Diggers Rest for the chance to play in the grand final.
It was a low scoring first quarter, 0.2 (2) to 0.1 (1).
In the second quarter, Diggers scored the first goal near the 10-minute mark and Wallan later got two back -to-back. The crowd were roaring as Wallan finished the first term in front of the opposition, 2.4 (16) to 1.2 (8).
Going into the third quarter, Diggers Rest started to make a comeback on the scoreboard, and Wallan kicked only one late goal. Diggers had more of the ball at their end, yet Wallan finished in front, 3.4 (22) to 2.5 (17).
In the final quarter, Diggers Rest kicked a goal near the eight-minute mark which gave them the lead, and unfortunately, Wallan did not score, 3.4 (22) – 4.8 (32).
While Wallan’s grand final opportunities are over this season, Diggers Rest and Romsey will compete at Romsey Park in Romsey, on Sunday, September 15, at 2pm for the final match of the season.
