The strong football finals campaign by Macedon senior footballers came to an end in the preliminary final against Wallan on Saturday.
After decisive victories over the more fancied Romsey and Diggers Rest, the Cats’ players and supporters dared to dream at half-time at Kyneton Showgrounds.
Scores were tied at 3.4 apiece, and a grand final appearance possibility seemed real for the Cats.
On resumption, Wallan seized the initiative and a four-goals-to-two third term left the Magpies in the box seat with a lead of 14 points.
Macedon’s brave finals performance ended with the Magpies proving too strong in the second half, the final margin being 9.8 (62) to 5.5 (35).
Macedon coach Al Meldrum and his players can reflect on what has been a good season, with plenty of players showing their worth.
Meldrum’s ability to get younger players to improve their team capabilities has been very evident.
And the match-winning seven goals from captain Jason Cooke, including four in a short space of time in the third quarter against Diggers Rest, is arguably the individual highlight of the finals series so far.
Wallan’s Bowen Medal winner Steven Boyall showed he is very close to peak form after overcoming injury, and Brodie Gilchrist showed why he is rated as one of the best young players in the league.
The Cats were best served by Jacob Gough, Lachlan Hay, Aaron Morham, Zac Smedley, Jason Cooke and Hamish Govan.
The Reserves preliminary final was a battle of defences, with just three goals kicked in the first half.
Diggers Rest persisted and eventually defeated Wallan 4.8 (32) to 3.4 (22), earning the right to play Romsey in Sunday’s grand final.
Hamish Govan. 
James Wright.
