Oh, so close. Kyneton senior footballers bowed out of the 2026 Riddell League finals in a desperate last term finish that saw Wallan snatch victory by three points on Sunday.
The Tigers put themselves in a great position to advance to the preliminary final when they opened up a lead of 21 points with a dominant third quarter in the knockout semi-final at Gilbert Gordon Reserve in Woodend.
It was an all or nothing last quarter for both teams, and the Magpies — who had finished on top of the ladder but failed badly against Diggers Rest in the first weekend of finals — rallied strongly with the crowd at fever pitch.
With pressure on, it became impossible to confidently predict which side would win as the clock ticked down.
Kyneton, with Ethan Foreman coaching for the last time, managed to score 3.2 in the last quarter, but the determined Magpies kicked 6.8 in the same period.
The final score in the semi-final was Wallan 15.19 (109) d Kyneton 15.16 (106).
Earlier in the day, Kyneton Under 19.5s had also bowed out, going down to Woodend-Hesket by six points.
“So close. Proud of all our Tigers across the board. Done us proud and our roar will be even stronger next year,” KFNC president Julie Priestley stated in summing up the day.
Wallan players and supporters were elated, while recognising the main match had been too close for comfort.
After finishing sixth on the ladder, Kyneton knocked third-placed Macedon out of the finals, and almost repeated the feat against the ladder leaders.
Now its Wallan versus Riddell in this Saturday’s preliminary final to be played at Romsey.
Diggers Rest is a red-hot favourite for the 2026 flag after thrashing the Bombers on Saturday (See separate report).
PROMISING START
Kyneton made a promising start to Sunday’s main match with Daniel Davie and Harry Ryan each kicking two goals to show the Magpies they were in for a real contest.
By half time scores were level — 6.8 (44) apiece.
The Tigers applied plenty of pressure in the third term, urged on by their loyal supporters, as the Magpies struggled to thwart forward thrusts.
Skilful forward Angus Nolte was a constant threat, and he finished the match with six goals in one of his top performances this season.
The last quarter will stick in spectators’ memories for a long time.
Overall Magpies were well served by Ben Dessent, skipper Steven Boyall, Dion Hill, Chris Stewart, Jake Carlisle and Nash King.
For Kyneton, Nolte, Davie, ruckman Haydn Smith, Ethan Turner, Indy Williamson and Caleb Turner were on the ‘best’ list.
In the Under 19.5s, Woodend-Hesket maintained a narrow lead at each break, eventually winning 11.11 (77) to 11.5 (71).
After a close first half, Macedon Reserves took control in the third term and went on to defeat Melton Centrals 10.5 (65) to 7.7 (49).