Bill West
Romsey senior footballers are on a journey in 2023, with the chance to write their own story as they progress, according to coach Justin Sherman.
“If this win doesn’t ignite the fire on where we’re going, nothing will,” Sherman declared after the Redbacks defeated reigning premiers Riddell by 23 points on Saturday.
A decisive second term where Romsey banged home several long range goals put them in the box seat against the Bombers as the long time arch rivals battled for supremacy.
Speed around the ground, versatility, a mixture of youth and experience, and the use of interchanges at a rate probably exceeding other teams this season, all played parts in what is a significant victory for the Redbacks.
Armed with a half-time lead of almost four goals, Romsey broke even with their opponents in the vital third term, with each team managing a goal.
The Bombers battled hard, but never looked likely to kick enough goals to put themselves in a position to make amends for being outplayed in the second quarter.
Bombers’ star utility player Dylan Tarczon sustained a shoulder injury in a collision with Aaron Paterson early in the match, and was taken to hospital to determine precisely how bad the damage was.
This was a big loss, as Tarczon has been an inspirational driving force this season and he is one of the few players who can turn a game.
Riddell coach Justin Belleville was realistic after the match, acknowledging Romsey’s victory was earned.
“We’re an entirely different team to last year,” Belleville said, perhaps having thoughts of how his side could rebound in the big match against Diggers Rest this Saturday – a replay of last season’s grand final.
Sherman, in his first season as coach at the Redbacks, has used much of his AFL knowledge from over 100 games in forming team plans for his side.
He does not want the Redbacks to be under achievers this season, and laid down six key pointers to his layers before the match.
Afterwards, he was satisfied they had been met.
The Redbacks finished up winning 10.5 (65) to 6.6 (42).
A mercurial Darcy Lockens bobbed up with four goals, and Jack Jedwab and Callum Sankey two each.
Recruit Ali Khalil, Lockens, Paterson, Kane Brinkhuis, Mitchell Adamson and Corey Pertzel were named as the Redbacks’ best.
Riddell did not have any multiple goalkickers, with Tommy Alkemade, Bryce Williamson, Jordan Reardon, Trent Stead, Callum Williamson and Lachlan Tarczon listed as the best.
It was a big day for the Redbacks, with their Reserves and Under 19.5s also taking the points.
LANCEFIELD SHINE, MACEDON STRUGGLE
A few kilometres up the road, Lancefield broke through for confidence-lifting victories over Melton Centrals in both the seniors and reserves – just what the Tigers needed in their 150th year (See separate report).
Hit hard by injuries, Macedon began well against Wallan at Tony Clarke Reserve, kicking three goals in the first term to lead by 11 points.
The Magpies then took control, and the Cats could manage just a meagre three points across the last three quarters.
Sam Indian, Jacob Gough and Hamish Govan – acting captain and former Kyneton star – were best for the Cats who go to Lancefield this Saturday hoping to get their first win on the board this season.
Macedon Reserves showed tremendous tenacity to fight their way back and upset Wallan by two points, and the Cats had a runaway victory by 70 points in the U19.5s.
As widely anticipated, Woodend-Hesket had no trouble winning at a bleak and near-freezing Rockbank against Western Rams.
The irrepressible Daniel Toman was again in fine form for the Hawks, as was skipper Al Rae, forward Etham Minns, Tobi Duff-Tytler and the consistent Marcus Stapleton.
The Hawks have won three out of four, the only defeat coming at Diggers Rest, and are on track to make the finals.
