Inspired by an eight-goal haul from captain Brad Mangan, Gisborne Giants toppled reigning premiers Riddell by 16 points on Saturday.
It was the most significant victory by the Giants since they entered senior RDFNL ranks last season, and augurs well for the club’s future.
Round 15 was the most dramatic for 2026 as far as upsets were concerned.
Not only did the Giants outstay the Bombers, ladder leader Wallan suffered a confidence-denting defeat at the hands of fifth-placed Melton South, and Romsey — after thrashing Lancefield by 112 points — lost at home by 16 points against a fired-up Melton Centrals.
Sanity was restored for tipsters as strong flag prospect Diggers Rest surged to top spot with a 62-points margin against Woodend-Hesket, and sixth-placed Kyneton demolished Lancefield by 118 points, having 40 scoring shots to two at the Showgrounds.
Third-placed Macedon had the bye and is now favourite to retain third place on the ladder.
The Riddell Bombers have won the past two flags, accounting for Woodend-Hesket (2024) and Macedon (2025).
This Saturday, the Riddell versus Diggers Rest round 16 clash should be an absolute blockbuster, with the Burras spearhead Callum Moore in sight of 100 goals for the season.
GIANTS SHOW CHARACTER
The Giants showed heaps of resilience and character to bounce back after a dismal performance at Macedon, and the vastly experienced Mangan showed his leadership qualities with the match in the balance.
Riddell fought back to be a point down at the last change, then the Giants kicked 6.2 to 4.0 in the last term to score a memorable 20.8 (128) to 17.10 (112) victory.
Matt Pannucio, enjoying a fine season, was listed as the Bombers’ best.
With Gisborne FNC transferring from Bendigo to the Ballarat League in 2027, the Giants could well see some more young talented players from the immediate area seeking a future ‘home’ with the club.
The Giants toppled Riddell by 13 points in the Reserves and have their sights well and truly set on the U19.5 premiership with a strong grip on top place.
Premiership contenders will be analysing how Melton South found an answer to defeat Wallan 14.8 (92) to 11.12 (78).
This season Melton South has been hard to beat on its home ground, but questionable in away games.
Romsey captain Jack Jedwab followed up his 14 goals against Lancefield with seven against Melton Centrals, who won 17.14 (116) to 16.4 (100).
Matt Burkett, Seamus Menner, Jedwab and Jakson Kinnear were listed as the Redbacks’ best.
Formidable at home, Diggers Rest took control against Woodend-Hesket in the first half and went on to a 17.14 (116) to 8.6 (54) against Woodend-Hesket.
For the second game in succession, Tom Gawthrop kicked six goals for the Hawks who also had good competitors in Austin Pennefather and reliable skipper Dan Toman.
KYNETON READY
In the ‘Battle of the Tigers’, the home side absolutely dominated, and the 17.23 (125) to 1.1 (7) margin must have lifted confidence for the big clash against Melton South at the Showgrounds this Saturday.
Jesse Waters, Harley Blake and Harry Ryan (six goals) had plenty of teammates keen to impress with three rounds remaining.
Teenager Fletcher Young made his debut in senior ranks for Kyneton and showed enough ability to indicate he’s quite at home at this level.
Lancefield’s best were Walter King, Flynn O’Meara and Ben Sankey.
