In the 2024 Grand Final on Sunday, hot favourite Riddell erased any lingering doubts about which team was the absolute best in the league this season.
The Bombers led throughout before a massive crowd of about 4000 at Romsey Park, and the final margin was 31 points.
Threatening weather evaporated at the right time and the grand final was played in cold but sunny conditions, with swirling wind favouring the northern end of the ground.
Wallan had a 32-year premiership drought, and it continues, with long-term coach David Nolan back again in charge of the Magpies next season.
For much-travelled Riddell coach Arron ‘Skip’ Bray it was his first grand final, and the Bombers did not let him down.
At the after-match presentations, Bray said he was pleased to be back coaching in the Riddell League.
He specifically thanked Bomber sponsors and supporters for welcoming him and the group of mature age recruits who arrived at the club this season.
Riddell had the right combination for a grand final; a good blend of experience and a fierce will to win, with flexibility in the ranks.
Selectors had a full list to choose from, bringing back tall defender Jordan Reardon who had recovered from injury.
The Bombers’ skipper Josh Grabham won the toss and kicked five goals in the first term, then kept the Magpies under control for much of the second term to go to the long inverval with a lead of 20 points.
The Magpies played well in the third quarter, applying pressure and going into the last break with a deficit of four goals.
Not insurmountable, some thought, but after a fine mark and goal from ‘young gun’ Brodie Gilchrist, the Bombers’ teamwork and will to win emerged to snaff out any hope of th upset victory.
Riddell kicked five goals at the southern end and many supporters were waiting for the inevitable siren to begin their victory celebrations. Nine goals came in the last term.
Opinions varied on who would win the Doug McIntyre for best afield; the honour went to on-baller Tommy Alkemade who has enjoyed a fine season for the Bombers.
Final scores were Riddell 15.12 (102) to 11.5 (71).
Oldest man on the field, Dean Galea, kicked five goals and enhanced his iconic status in football.
Best for the Bombers included consisent ballwinner Callum Williamson, Alkemade, Dylan Tarczon, Matt Darby, Galea, and Jesse Horton.
For the Magpies, Gilchrist, Bowen Medal winner Steve Boyall, Corey Viana, Patrick Mahoney, Chris Stewart and Matt Perri were on the ‘best’ list.
A big day for the RDFNL …. Just a day after freezing conditions, including snow, invaded the ground and surrounds.
RESERVES ONE-SIDED
The Reserves Grand Final was surprisingly one-sided, with Romsey failing to live up to expectations again a very experienced Diggers Rest combination.
The match was still ‘alive’ at half time, but the Burras rammed home five goals to a solitary point to guarantee another flag for the club which has had an up and down season in senior ranks.
Diggers Rest ended up winning 11.5 (71) to 4.4 (28).
Romsey’s best were Aaron Flavel, Aaron Paterson, Kyle Brennan, Michael Harris, Josh Smiley and Mitchell Adamson.
