RDFL 2019: Wallan defeats Rupertswood in thriller

Wallan produced a result for the record books on Saturday as it overcame a fast-finishing Rupertswood.

Wallan’s Michael Tang sends his team forward on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wallan produced a result for the record books on Saturday.

The Riddell District Football League club conquered Rupertswood at the Sharks’ home ground for the first time.

But the Magpies were made to earn it, as Rupertswood kicked the last three goals of the game to draw within three points, only for the visitors to hold on.

“In the coaches’ box that last three minutes felt like 10 minutes,” Wallan coach Daniel Nolan said.

“There were a lot of stoppages.

“It was a finals-like atmosphere in that last quarter, with a lot of contested ball and it really could have gone either way. To come away with the four points was a reward for the effort.”

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Only four points separated the teams at half-time, but a four-goal burst in eight minutes gave Wallan a 24-point lead at the final break.

The visitors ultimately prevailed 11.10 (76) to 10.13 (73).

“We knew they were going to come,” Nolan said.

“They are a very good team who finished at the top of the ladder after the home-and-away rounds last season and smashed us at their ground last year.

“We knew they would come and when they did I thought our leadership group stood up and really controlled the tempo.”

Wallan’s Ricky Schraven looks for an option on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Among those was captain Michael Mannix, who took “three or four” crucial marks late in the game, while the coach rated ruckman Will Brock as the best player on the ground, giving his midfielders first use.

He was also impressed with younger team members Nathan Fowler (three goals), Corey Grindlay, 17-year-old Angus Love, Cameron Nickson and Bill Direen.

“The win gives the boys confidence that we can match it with the best in the competition,” Nolan said.

“Probably one of the more pleasing things from the coaching department … is we know that anyone who comes in can play and perform really well.”

Wallan will need its players to carry strong belief in the weeks to come.

“After playing reigning premier Diggers Rest last week, Rupo (on Saturday), next week we have Riddell, who played in the grand final, and then Macedon, who knocked us off in the finals last year,” Nolan.

“It’s great because it’s exciting to see where we’re at.”

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