Kyneton senior footballers debuted in the Riddell League on March 29 this season by outclassing Woodend-Hesket by 53 points.
Weather conditions were ideal for football, appreciated by players and spectators alike.
At Gilbert Gordon Oval on Saturday the Hawks gained revenge, defeating the Tigers by 15 points and ending their slim hopes of making the finals.
For Woodend-Hesket, it was a good way to end a season (they have the bye this Saturday), which did not live up to expectations after being runners-up in 2023. For the Tigers it was another chapter in a learning experience about what can occur in a different league.
There’s no doubt a string of injuries depleted Kyneton often enough to make the difference between winning and losing on occasions – including Saturday.
Kyneton coach Ethan Foreman and the selectors/match committee are likely to find positives about the debut season in the RDFNL, and plan ahead for 2025.
Hawks’ coach Al Rae was pleased with his side’s resilience, which finally led to a victory to cap off the season.
The Hawks controlled play in the first half, but Kyneton fought back in the third quarter to cut the deficit.
The Tigers actually hit the front early in the final term before the Hawks rallied with decisive goals for a 11.7 (73) to 9.4 (58).
Once again prolific possession gatherer and 2023 Bowen Medal winner Dan Toman shone for the Hawks, along with Will Wiseman (three goals), Campbell Barton and Dean Bramley.
Kyneton’s best were Francis Randall, Josh Willmott, Josh Smith and Angus Nolte.
TOP FIVE SETTLED
The final five is settled, as Romsey slipped to fourth place after being overwhelmed by a revitalised Diggers Rest, 12.10 (82) to 6.8(44).
The Redbacks had no answer to the mercurial Mitch Jensen, who chimed in with six goals.
Romsey struggled to find goals for the first three quarters, and last season’s premiers go into a tough qualifying final against Wallan.
Ultra-consistent Nathan Blair, Jack Jedwab and speedster Callum Sankey were listed the the Redbacks’ top three.
By losing, Romsey will play Macedon in the elimination final with coach Justin Sherman conceding missing the double chance is a setback.
Macedon play Romsey this Saturday at Tony Clarke Reserve in the final home and away round, then the two sides clash again
at Diggers Rest in the elimination final.
The Cats had to work hard to wrap up a finals berth with a 10.8 (68) to Melton Centrals 8.5 (53).
Hamish Govan, Matthew Dick and Dylan McDonald were in good form.
Macedon match-winner Jason Cooke has been sidelined with a leg injury, and if he returns for the finals it would lift the side.
The Cats have been fielding a team with almost half the players being teenagers – a great effort with the future in mind.
Bottom side Lancefield stunned flag contenders Wallan by taking the game right up to the Magpies, with the difference just three points at half-time.
In the second half class prevailed, with the final margin 14.16 (100) to 7.11 (53).
Ladder leader and flag favourite Riddell had the bye, and play Lancefield this Saturday.
Finals participants will have the option of resting key players or those carrying injuries this Saturday.
Breakaway: Woodend-Hesket’s Dean Bramley escapes from the desperate clutches of Kyneton’s Alex Mahoney at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
