Round 18 football in the Riddell League produced its share of surprises on Saturday.
With an eye on the finals, some clubs rested players, and others closely watched fitness levels.
The big surprise was the senior goalkicking award, with Wallan’s versatile Lachlan Smart coming from the clouds to kick 10 goals and tip out favourite Callum Moore — one of Diggers Rest’s star recruits this season.
Going into the final round, Moore had 81 goals to his credit despite missing matches. Smart’s surge took him to 83.
Moore’s side had the bye, and Smart took his chances as the Magpies booted 16 second-half goals to swamp Melton Centrals 25.17 (167) to 8.9 (67).
The qualifying final at Kyneton on Saturday between Wallan and Diggers Rest should be a beauty.
Riddell kicked 23 goals to crush Romsey a week earlier, but the Bombers received a surprise when they could not get their game going against a resilient Melton South.
The scoreline was 14-19 (103) to 11.6 (72), but one would expect the Bombers — who are reigning premiers –to bounce back hard against the same opponents this weekend.
Last season’s runner-up Macedon defeated a depleted Lancefield 18.20 (128) to 3.2 (20) despite resting several players.
At Tony Clarke Reserve, the third-placed Cats pleased coach Al Meldrum who embarks on another finals campaign with faith in his players.
Lancefield Reserves failed by two points in a brave attempt to make a last-minute entry into the finals.
Romsey had produced good football at times this season yet only had three wins up before Saturday.
Pride must have lifted the Redbacks, as they came from 27 points down at half-time to overwhelm Gisborne Giants 19.11 (125) to 16.15 (111).
Captain Jack Jedwab booted six majors and Nathan Hoy four for the Redbacks in a free-scoring contest.
At home, Woodend-Hesket gave sixth-placed Kyneton a hard workout on the eve of the finals.
The Hawks were seven points up at half-time, but the Tigers lifted to prevail 9.12 (66) to 7.8 (50).
Charlie Thompson and Hamish Yunghanns were the Tigers’ best, and Daniel Toman (again) shone for the Hawks. Could he land another Bowen Medal?
Kyneton is looking forward to the elimination final against Macedon.