RDFL 2019: Runner-up Riddell preparing to contend again after near-miss last season

Grand finalist Riddell has resisted the temptation to overhaul its game plan as the club targets its first premiership since 2013.

Riddell's Paul Sahlberg gets a kick away during last year’s RDFL decider. Picture: Josie Hayden

Grand finalist Riddell has resisted the temptation to overhaul its game plan as the club targets its first premiership since 2013.

The Bombers were the best side in the Riddell District Football League for much of 2018, winning 15 consecutive matches before falling short against Diggers Rest in the decider.

RDFL 2019: FOREMAN’S RETURN A HUGE BOOST FOR BOMBERS

RDFL 2019: NEW INTERLEAGUE COACH TARGETS BIGGEST STARS

RDFL 2019: VFL PREMIERSHIP PLAYER A TOP ADDITION FOR ROMSEY

RDFL 2019: WRFL BEST AND FAIREST JOINS MACEDON

Justin Belleville, who has since been appointed co-coach with Jamie Elliott, said the club had identified improved kicking efficiency and a greater fitness base as areas it needed to address.

“I don’t think we were that far away last year,” Belleville said.

“We did win (15) on the trot and then lose in the big dance. You don’t want to be tinkering too much with what we have got.

“If we work on using the ball a lot better, we have got a lot of young kids that can carry the footy, and I think we will be around the mark again.”

Nathan Croft evades a tackle during last year’s RDFL grand final. Picture: Aaron Cook

The return of Ethan Foreman (Kyneton) and addition of Riley Paterson (Gisborne) and Gavin Urquhart (Pascoe Vale) will add further class to last year’s runner-up.

While former North Melbourne defender Urquhart has brought elite-level experience and Foreman has developed a reputation as a prolific goalkicker, Belleville said Paterson had been “a standout” during pre-season.

“He’ll come off half back or the wing and we’ll use his pace and ball use as much as we can,” he said.

Foreman, who kicked 58 goals in 20 matches in the Bendigo Football League last year, is unlikely to be used solely as a forward.

“He’ll have different roles and at some stage throughout the year he’ll be coming out of the square,” Belleville said.

“(But) he can come off half back and use the ball for us through the middle.”

Belleville said Riddell was determined to atone for its grand final loss, an attitude which has been reflected in a promising pre-season.

“I know I lost a few of them,” he said.

“It always burns so I don’t think you really need to bring it up.

“They’re all pushing themselves to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

The Bombers open their campaign with an away fixture against Macedon on April 6.

MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS

OFF-SEASON HQ: LATEST COACH, PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY

TARGET 1000 CAMPAIGN: HOW YOU CAN HELP COBURG VFL

TOP SHOTS: THE BEST LOCAL CRICKET PICTURES FROM FEBRUARY 23

THE 16-YEAR-OLD WHO TOOK FIVE WICKETS WITH A FRACTURED FINGER

WHY TOM BELL CHOSE GREENSBOROUGH OVER RIVAL SUITORS