A courageous Kyneton is still in the race for the Riddell League’s 2025 senior football premiership, coming from behind in the last quarter to eliminate third-placed Wallan on Sunday.
It was Kyneton’s first finals win in 28 seasons, since the club’s grand final glory in 1997.
Now the Tigers go to Woodend this Sunday to tackle a top-of-the-ladder Diggers Rest side that was outclassed by a dynamic Riddell in the qualifying final on Saturday.
It’s Kyneton’s second season in the RDFNL, and from president Guy Nelson and senior playing coach Ethan Foreman down, there is elation in the club’s ranks after the 12.15 (87) to 11.9 (75) victory.
A sensational mark and goal to young gun Angus Nolte (his sixth) very late in the game wrapped up the match for an overjoyed Kyneton side and a host of supporters watching at Riddell.
“This is surely one of our very best finals victories,” said past president Hayden Evans, who worked hard to ensure Kyneton joined the Riddell League two years ago.
A further bonus for the Tigers is the Under 19.5s still being in the finals race after defeating Riddell 7.17 (59) to 4.5 (29).
Foreman said Kyneton had got back many of its supporters and pursuing a policy of playing locals seemed to be paying off.
Foreman, ruckman Haydn Smith, James Gaff and Ryan Pretty were the only Tigers on the field to have previously played in finals.
The coach said the relatively young Kyneton side took a while to settle down after being jumped by the more experienced Magpies in the first quarter.
“But we bounced back as confidence grew, with scores level at half-time.”
Using pace to advantage, the Tigers led by 10 points at the last change, but the Magpies fought back to regain the lead. It was pure elation for the Tigers when the siren sounded.
Wallan was understandably disappointed, with Bowen Medallist Chris Stewart having little influence after a heavy fall in the first term.
Former AFL player Jake Carlisle was the Magpies best.
Foreman said Smith had been wonderful in the ruck for the Tigers, with Nolte and Harry Ryan dangerous up forward, and Issac Barassi and Francis Randall also doing well.
How will Kyneton go against Diggers Rest?
“I would say we match up quite well,” the coach said, referring to Kyneton’s big effort against a full-strength Diggers Rest earlier in the season.
“It’s great to see our young kids having a real go,” Foreman added, expressing the hope a big influx of Kyneton supporters would turn up at Woodend on Sunday.
Kyneton U19.5s defeated Riddell 7.17 (59) to 4.5 (29) at Diggers Rest on Sunday.
BOMBERS COME TO PLAY
The scoreline shocked everyone at the end of the senior qualifying match between Diggers Rest and Riddell on Saturday.
In home and away matches, Diggers Rest had won twice, but it was soon apparent Arron ‘Skip’ Bray and his charges had come to play.
Surging forward at every opportunity, the Bombers took control in the first quarter by slamming home six goals to nil.
Pace, teamwork and ferocity were apparent, and Diggers Rest ended up 41 points in arrears at quarter-time as Bombers’ fans found full voice.
Several Diggers Rest players sustained early injuries, and Riddell had a match-winning lead of 66 points by half-time.
The crowd was shocked at the blow-out, and the ladder leaders could not make their presence felt.
Five goals to one in the third quarter showed just how much superiority the Bombers exerted, and the last term was largely a pure finality.
To win by 83 points catapults the Bombers into hot flag favouritism.
Brent Swallow, Matt Panuccio, Bryce Williamson, Zak Saad, Dylan Podolczak and young recruit Lachlan Hay were listed as the best in a very convincing display.
Coach Bray was well satisfied with his team’s performance when it mattered.
PURRING ALONG
Macedon led throughout to defeat Melton South 10.14 (74) to 7.6 (48) in the elimination final at Diggers Rest on Sunday.
Coached by Al Meldrum, the Cats are purring along and have nothing to lose when they tackle Riddell at Romsey on Saturday.
Jason Cooke kicked five goals for the Cats, with the best named as Hamish Govan, Blake Watson, Leo Webb, Cooke, Toby Sims and Zac Smedley.
