Romsey shook off the disappointment of an incredible one-point loss to Woodend-Hesket by knuckling down and disposing of Macedon by 28 points on Saturday.
Romsey was inspired by a six-goal performance by strong utility player Nathan Rayment, who stole the limelight from star forward Jack Jedwab who was restricted to two majors.
The Redbacks have just re-appointed their first season coach Justin Sherman (106 AFL games behind him with Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs) for the 2024 season.
The timing puts added pressure on the 36-year-old Sherman to ensure his side hangs on to fifth place and plays finals.
The second-last home and away round is this Saturday, and Romsey heads south to tackle a Diggers Rest side with memories of an embarrassing loss to Riddell on July 29.
A loss would mean Macedon jump back into fifth place, then face certain finalist Woodend-Hesket in the final home at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Such a scenario would make it Macedon’s last chance to play finals, as the Redbacks should be able to defeat arch rivals Lancefield at Tigerland. What an intriguing season!
For Romsey, Corey Pertzel was again a major ball winner, and Will Di Pietro, Darcy Lockens, Brayden Smiley and versatile defender Nathan Tessari all ended up on the ‘best’ list behind Rayment.
At the last change, Romsey had a seven-goal lead, and Macedon outscored them with 4-3 for the quarter.
The Cats were well served by Brodie Hoyne, Zach Smedley, William Gray and Aaron Morham.
Ace forward/captain Jason Cooke produced three goals, which most opposition sides plan for.
Cooke’s absence through injury for much of the 2023 season has not helped the Cats.
As part of Macedon’s forward planning, the brilliant Cooke has been resigned for a further three years, as has Hamish Govan (ex-Kyneton).
Macedon is at home to Western Rams this Saturday, and will be watching the progress scores from Diggers Rest with interest.
RIDDELL TESTED
Back home at Bomberland, reigning premiers Riddell may have had a mental let down after the huge win over Diggers Rest, as Melton Centrals really threw down the gauntlet in a close, low-scoring affair.
Centrals trailed by just three points at the last change, forcing Riddell to lift the tempo and outscore them for a 9.6 to 5.7 victory to make it eight wins in a row.
Experienced campaigner Haydn Ross led the way with four goals, and the Bombers now play at Lancefield before tackling Wallan in the final home and away round.
Lancefield laid down a challenge to visiting Wallan in the first half, and the Magpies were less than impressive with just 3.10 on the board at that stage.
The second half was different, with the Tigers restricted to 1.7 in a match where Riley O’Meara, Lukas Fellows, Zach Webb and Matt Bowden were their best.
Diggers Rest defeated Western Rams by 81 points, but had the embarrassment of being outscored by the winless Rams in the third term.
