Last Saturday, Riddell senior footballers enhanced their reputation as hot favourites for the 2024 premiership by advancing straight to the grand final.
While coach Aaron Bray has never coached in a grand final before, he is very comfortable that the Bombers can deliver the goods.
Wild, wet and windy conditions put a whole new perspective on the second semi-final between Riddell and Wallan, played at Romsey.
For the first three quarters it was a war of attrition, with goals a scarce commodity.
The Bombers did well defensively to restrict the Magpies to one goal in the first term, and at half-time the scoreboard showed 2.8 to 1.2, with the game wide open for either side to seize opportunities.
At the last change, Riddell led by six points, with the advantage of kicking to what appeared to be the scoring end coming up.
The Bombers, with the prize of a grand final appearance virtually in their grasp, never relented.
Breaking the game open, they kicked six last quarter goals to one by the Magpies.
The 8.10 (58) to 3.5 (23) scoreline did not necessarily reflect the full-on tussle which had taken place for much of the match.
Having recruited strongly, Riddell has a side laced with experienced players who know what to do.
The “imports” obtained for this season have generally proved their worth.
Coach Bray has had plenty to work with, and the Bombers are keeping the lid on expectations with the knowledge that anything can happen in grand finals.
As someone pointed out, Jacana lost a Riddell League semi-final to Wallan by 15 goals, then came out and beat the Magpies in a grand final, before departing to the Essendon District League.
Riddell does not have injury problems, and it is hard to see Wallan, or Macedon – whichever wins the preliminary final at Kyneton this Saturday – causing an upset.
Jacob Chahine and Ben Sonogan were strong in defence for the winners, captain Josh Grabham stopped the Magpies getting any sustained ruck advantage, and Matt Darby used his experience to advantage.
For the Magpies, ex-AFL player Jake Carlisle and Bowen Medal winner Steve Boyall were prominent.
Coach Daniel Nolan needs to weave some magic if the Magpies are going to cause an upset – that is, if they can firstly overcome surprise packet Macedon in the preliminary final.
