Macedon senior footballers dug deep under pressure to beat highly rated Diggers Rest by a goal with a resurgence last quarter at Tony Clarke Reserve on Saturday.
The victory was one of the best by the Cats in recent years as they swamped the visitors by outscoring them five goals to one in a pulsating last quarter.
This superb 13.13 (91) to 12.13 (85) effort came seven days after the Cats had fizzled out to be beaten by a determined Kyneton by 10 points.
To master the opposition and the conditions with so much at stake was a performance which senior coach Al Meldrum and his match committee, as well as supporters and players, could be proud of.
Diggers Rest ‘gun’ forward Callum Moore kicked six goals and was a constant threat.
A pleasing aspect of Macedon’s performance was the spread of goalkickers, with nine players getting on the board.
The ‘hunger’ aspect was very apparent and Cats’ supporters found extra voice in the last term with the match in the balance.
In the first half both teams had their moments, and after a slow start the Cats managed to lead by a point at the long interval.
The Burras had plenty of the ball in the third term, outscoring the Cats four goals to one to lead by 21 points at the last change in windy conditions.
Utility Blake Watson and ruckman Charlie Rossetti were again hard to combat, with Brad Hoyne, Josh Govan, Ed Ferguson and James Kernan also making the ‘best’ list.
Macedon Reserves moved into second spot on the ladder by downing Diggers Rest 8.8 (56) to 3.6 (24).
This Saturday, the Cats head south to take on neighbours Gisborne Giants.
FRIGHT FOR KYNETON
After beating Macedon seven days earlier, Kyneton was entitled to be favourite at Romsey.
Tigers’ coach Ethan Foreman played his 150th game for the club and had a birthday as well. He would have been thankful his side had been able to hold off a late surge by the Redbacks.
In the end, there was only five points to spare for the Tigers — 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63).
Ethan Turner, Francis Randall, Hamish Yunghanns (50th game), Foreman (three goals), Indy Williamson and Jackson Balcombe were listed as the Tigers best.
The consistent Corey Pertzel, Nathan Hoy, Nathan Rayment, coach Nathan Blair, Ethan Beer and Andy Millane were best for the Redbacks.
Ladder leader Wallan led throughout against a determined Woodend-Hesket.
The Magpies had a match winner in Lachlan Smart with seven goals, and the side did enough to earn a 14.11 (95) to 7.4 (46) victory.
Wallan has the bye this Saturday, while Woodend-Hesket is at home to finals prospect Melton South.
The Hawks caused an upset in the Under 19.5s, topping Wallan by two goals.
Gisborne Giants had a big win by 61 points, demolishing an off-target Melton Centrals 11.14 (80) to 1.13 (19).
The Giants’ consistent players led by example, and it was 9.7 to six points at half-time.
ROUND 14
Round 14 football matches in the Riddell League this Saturday are:
Gisborne Giants v Macedon.
Diggers Rest v Kyneton.
Lancefield v Romsey.
Woodend-Hesket v Melton South.
Riddell v Melton Centrals.
Wallan the bye.
TWO ROUNDS
FOR WOMEN
Only two home and away rounds remain before 2026 women’s football finals begin in the Riddell League.
Avid followers can go to two matches this weekend.
At 7pm this Friday, second-placed Lancefield is at home to Riddell.
Saturday’s match is at 2pm at Tony Clarke Reserve, where unbeaten hot flag favourite Macedon welcomes Mount Alexander Falcons.