Football premiers in 2025 and 2026, Riddell squandered a golden opportunity to win their way into the 2027 grand final when they could only manage a meagre four points against Wallan in the last quarter of the preliminary final on Saturday.
At three-quarter-time, there were two goals the difference in an absorbing contest at Romsey, with the Bombers about to kick to the southern end where 14 of the 19 goals to that stage had been scored.
Bombers’ coach Matt Darby told his players they had done the hard work and put themselves into a position where they had a big chance …. but they could not rely on the wind advantage alone.
To be fair, it was a swirling, difficult wind with players often finding it difficult to control the ball.
Darby implored his troops not to get bottled up, and to utilise the western side of the ground; it didn’t happen, and Riddell supporters were left lamenting as the defiant Magpies dug deep, contested everything, then came up with three late goals to win by 24 points.
The 12.13 (85) to 9.7 (61) margin did not convey the last term dramas.
The first half was very even, and at the last break it was 10.9 to 9.3 in favour of the Magpies after a tight third quarter. Many spectators thought it was only a matter of time before Riddell kicked a goal … but it did not eventuate.
Set shots were missed, a ‘poster’ deflated the Bombers as Wallan defenders made some heroic saves, and much of the play was congested along the eastern edge of the ground.
Wallan’s few forward thrusts were generally repelled, but the Magpies were probably thinking positively about their heroic six goals late in the semi-final a week earlier against a luckless Kyneton; different ground, different conditions.
As time ticked away, and neither side could score a goal, the Magpies’ supporters became more confident; their counterparts wondered why there was a goal drought at the southern end.
Finally, a brilliant kick allowing for the gusty wind produced a Magpie goal, and still the Bombers could not break through.
Two more very late goals had Magpie fans cheering, and coach Pat Christofi applauding his team.
Maybe Riddell “ran out of gas” and paid the price for an injury ravaged season?
Bombers’ skipper Josh Grabham had a great battle against Jake Carlisle and the other Magpie tall brigade.
Wallan skipper, Bowen Medal winner Steve Boyall, was tireless and effective.
Owen Fowler, Ben Dessent, Carlisle, Corey Viani and Sean Morris were also named on the ‘best’ list.
The Williamson brothers, Grabham, Jacob Chanine, Brodie Miller and Hadyn Ross were among the Bombers’ best.
Some players on both sides drifted in and out of the game, which ended shortly before a heavy downpour descended.
DIGGERS REST RUNNING HOT
So the stage is set for this Saturday’s grand final at Romsey.
Earlier in the season, Wallan defeated the Burras, but they went down 18.17 (125) to 11.10 (76) in the semi-final, before Diggers Rest demolished Riddell to reach the grand final.
“We’re finding some good form at the right time of the year,” Burras playing coach Shaun Campbell declared after the big win over the Bombers.
The grand final provides an opportunity to see Diggers Rest star forward Callum Moore (100 goals for the season) in action.
Even if the Magpies find a way to quieten him, the Burras have plenty of other top liners including Jayden Caruna, Mitch Day and Oleg Markov to turn to.
Wallan cannot be completely ruled out, but it will require a huge effort to score what would be possibly the club’s best-ever premiership success.
Maybe Liam Smart can “fire up” with one of his magical hauls. After all, he won the goalkicking with 83 in the home and away matches.
SAME AGAIN
The Reserves grand final also brings together Wallan and Diggers Rest, after the latter downed Macedon 5.4 (34) to 3.3(21) in a low-scoring contest.
In the Under 19.5s, Woodend-Hesket take on top side Gisborne Giants after a convincing 11.8 (74) to 5.11 (41) victory over Macedon.
A fine effort by the Hawks to make the “big dance” from fourth place.
The Giants are real up-and-comers and deserve their favouritism.