RDFL 2019: Wallan hoping to fire at end of season to end 27-year premiership drought

Wallan has devised a plan it hopes will avoid a repeat of the late-season fade out which cruelled its chances of a breakthrough Riddell District Football League premiership.

Chris Barton has been flying during pre-season at Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wallan has devised a plan it hopes will avoid a repeat of the late-season fade out which cruelled its chances of a breakthrough Riddell District Football League premiership.

The Magpies were second on the ladder with four rounds remaining last year, but lost three of their last five games — including a 58-point hiding in a knockout final against Macedon.

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For all the promise his side showed, Wallan coach Daniel Nolan was left with a sense of what might have been as the club squandered a chance to end a 17-year finals drought.

“We started really well and then the last five games, maybe the last six games, we lost three,” Nolan said.

“That Melton (Centrals) game that really hurt us, we lost by a point at Melton and that essentially cost us third spot.

“Then we lost to Rupo last game and Macedon in that first final. Three of the last six.

“We really want to make sure we are hitting our straps with our fitness late in the season, so just building the tank a little bit more.”

The Magpies are set to incorporate a “mini pre-season” into their campaign to ensure they are primed for a successful finish to 2019.

“You throw in that 2-3 week mini pre-season with about six or seven weeks to go just to up the ante,” Nolan said.

“We’ll look at doing that this year to prolong our fitness even more.”

Andrew Saladino’s return will bolster Wallan’s midfield. Picture: Hamish Blair

While the loss of Bowen medallist Jesse Davies to Craigieburn was significant, Wallan has added prolific goalkicker Matt Perri (Leitchville-Gunbower), midfielder/forward Sean Morris (North Bendigo), experienced key-position player Brendon Meroli (Pascoe Vale) and on-baller Michael Tang (North Launceston).

Tang has been training with North Melbourne VFL, but shapes as a direct replacement for Davies when available.

Matt Perri marks on Leitchville/Gunbower. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin.

Sean Morris in action for the Heathcote District FL. Picture: David Smith

“We lost JD and it’s hard to replace a Bowen medallist,” Nolan said.

“But we feel like we have got midfield depth.

“Players like Chris Barton, who has probably been our No. 1 over pre-season so far. Chris is someone who can come straight into our midfield.

“We didn’t have (Andrew) Saladino the last six weeks of last year. He won a best and fairest three years ago. Runner-up last year as well.”

Wallan hosts Broadford in the opening round of 2019 on Saturday, April 6.

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