The Riddell and District Netball Football League (RDFNL) Seniors grand final was played between Riddell and Wallan on Sunday afternoon at Romsey Park, with Riddell tipped to win.
Riddell’s Captain Joshua Grabham won the coin toss and he chose to kick with the gusty strong wind towards the northern end of the oval. Near the four-minute mark, Riddell celebrated Dean Galea’s first goal, and then quickly another from Decon Kalpakis.
Wallan’s John Bellino kicked their first goal, and when the umpire awarded Steven Boyall a 50m penalty against Riddell, Wallan scored their second.
Back at Riddell’s end, Matthew Derby, under the duress of a tight angle, kicked their next goal and his team rallied around him. They were in front by 20 points at quarter time, 5.2 (32) to 2.10 (12).
Early in the second quarter, Wallan’s Reuben Rode gathered up a loose ball and expertly disposed it to Hayden Gill who was positioned front and centre of their goal square. Riddell capitalised on the next ruck contest with Galea receiving the spoils and earning his second goal for Riddell.
Next, near Wallan’s centre half, Bellino took an uncontested mark and quickly kicked long, and the tall player’s second goal sailed through.
Riddell replied with two back-to-back goals, and once again the side were 20 points in front at the end of the first term, 8.4 (52) to 5.2 (32).
Fresh from the half time break, the teams returned to the windy oval and took their positions. Five minutes after the umpire bounced the ball, Riddell scored the opening goal and Wallan replied with a goal from Matthew Perri. A strong tap from ruckman Chris Stewart sent the ball to Brodie Gilchrist, and the rowdy Wallan crowd cheered when they got back-to-back goals.
Riddell’s next goal was something to behold, and achieved with a fast passage of handballs and short kicks from one wing to the other. Wallan forced each disposal. Riddell maintained possession for the remainder of the quarter and finished with a winning 24-point margin, 10.9 (69) to 7.3 (45).
The opening six minutes of the final quarter was full of action. Gill positioned himself near the goal square and leapt into the air to take a spectacular chest mark. Riddell’s Trent Stead kicked a goal, and then Gill quickly scored another for Wallan. Riddell kicked three back-to-back goals to increase its winning margin to 39 points.
At the next bounce, a turnover at Riddell’s end allowed Wallan’s ball carrier Rode to steal the ball and race away, and he found Bellino again near their centre line. Bellino marked and spun around and kicked his third goal for Wallan.
With nearly five minutes of game time remaining, Riddle had a 15-point advantage to defend. Wallan’s coach swapped their ruckman around but to no avail as Riddell created another goal and three points before the siren sounded to signal the end of the 2024 grand final.
Every Riddells player rushed to pat their captain on the back, and the mob quickly attracted their families and faithful supporters, with the final score 15.12 (102) to 11.5.(71).
At the post-game presentations, Riddell President James Nolan thanked Wallan’s ‘Nugget’ who he said led the club very well. He also thanked the RDFNL and their sponsors.
“I know it’s hard to take, but you put up a really good fight out there so stick around each other and I’m sure you’ll be back next year. Thanks to our sponsors, and all our supporters for not only welcoming me, but the new players to the club,” he said.
The Doug McIntyre medal was awarded to Best on Ground player Tommy Alkemade.
Wallan Football Netball Club Coach Daniel Nolan congratulated Riddell on their wonderful season and he thanked the umpires and the Wallan Community and Committee.
“Thanks to my coaches. I’m very lucky to have their support in the coach’s box. To the player’s group, I’m very proud of you boys and we’ll work hard on the off season and hopefully we’ll be back up here next year,” he said.
Riddell’s best players were Callum Williamson, Tommy Alkemade, Dylan Tarczon, Matthew Darby, Dean Galea, and Jesse Horton.
Goal kickers for Riddell were Dean Galea on five, Trent Stead with three, and Dylan Tarczon, Tommy Alkemade, Kamen Ogilvie, Jack Hammerling, Matthew Panuccio, and Matthew Darby each kicking one.
