A dramatic last quarter in Sunday’s knockout semi-final between Kyneton and Diggers Rest senior footballers will be talked about for generations.
There were nine goals kicked in the term, and Kyneton virtually came from nowhere to force extra time.
The Tigers’ momentum continued before the enthralled crowd at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend, and three behinds to one in five minutes each way gave Kyneton a 12.17 (89) to 13.9 (87) over the ladder leader, Diggers Rest.
Kyneton now play Macedon in the preliminary final at the Kyneton Showgrounds this Saturday.
RYAN BRILLIANT
The star for Kyneton was versatile high-marking Harry ‘Flying’ Ryan. This young player has just re-signed for 2026 with the club, and he produced six goals in an awesome display.
Diggers Rest supporter Rhys Berry said afterwards he had been watching Riddell League football for the past 20 years.
“Not sure I’ve seen a better individual performance than what I saw from this bloke,” Berry said.
Kyneton supporters were overjoyed after the match, and they swamped and embraced their players.
Diggers Rest probably found it hard to reconcile what had happened in the final few minutes when they appeared to be ‘home’.
Experienced defender Harry Huntley was included in Kyneton’s lineup, and the Burras brought back stars in Michael Day and Jaidyn Caruna.
The Burras were determined to make amends for their thrashing at the hands of Riddell in the qualifying final, scoring three goals to Kyneton’s three points in the first quarter.
Kyneton coach Ethan Foreman called on his players to lift, and they surely did, producing five goals in the second term to trail by 11 points at half-time.
It was “game on” with the crowd buzzing, and the Tigers drew within three points, only to see Diggers Rest score a goal after the three-quarter time siren.
To beat Wallan and Diggers Rest in successive matches must have lifted the Tigers’ confidence level.
The Burras quickly added another in the last term, and there was a stalemate for a time.
A substantial lead opened up, and Kyneton appeared to be running out of time, while the Burras did not shut down the game.
Surging, attacking football yielded Kyneton goals, and the noise level grew.
There were some brilliant passages of play, and a contested point levelled the scores … and the siren sounded.
Extra time, with the Tigers using the ball well, and play was bottled up when the final siren sounded to conclude an epic final.
Kyneton’s best players were listed as Ryan, Hamish Yunghanns, Frankie Ellis, Danny Grmusa, Angus Nolte and James Gatt.
Big ruckman Haydn Smith played an important part in the Tigers’ win. Quality player Ryan Mullen was in top form for the Burras.
Foreman said it was important for the Tigers to recover well this week, with just six days to the preliminary final.
Kyneton has both seniors and Under 18.5s in the preliminary finals, and supporters are being urged to “pack out the Showgrounds and roar our Tigers into the grand finals.”
A TIGHT CONTEST
Saturday’s semi-final between Riddell and Macedon at Romsey was a really good contest, with the Cats finding ways to stop the Bombers running riot.
With ace forward Jason Cooke dangerous, the Cats kicked five goals in the first term to lead by 17 points at quarter time. Coach Al Meldrum was pleased with the application of his players.
By half-time, the Bombers had regained their poise and did enough to draw level.
The third term was largely a lock down, with all 36 players being in one quarter of the ground at times as the Bombers defended effectively.
The slight wind advantage earlier diminished, and it was all square on the scoreboard at the last change.
The favourites were generally expected to take control, but Macedon dug deep, twice regaining the lead as time ticked down.
Finally, Bombers’ ace goalkicker Dean Galea showed his worth, kicking two smart angled goals late in the match.
Riddell was relieved to win 10.13 (73) to 10.5 (65) and advance straight into the grand final, being favourites to repeat last year’s success.
Proven defender Ben Sonogan showed all his class to take timely marks, and others on the Bombers ‘best’ list were Zak Saad, Bryce Williamson, Lachie Hay, Tommy Alkemade and captain Josh Grabham.
Versatile Matt Dick, big ruckman Charlie Rossetti, Cooke (four goals), Leo Webb, Blake Watson and Hamish Govan were the Cats’ best.
The Cats are looking forward to Saturday’s contest against Kyneton.
