Diggers Rest primed for finals in RDFL after big win over Macedon in final round

DIGGERS REST believes it could not be better placed heading into finals after sewing up second spot on the ladder with a huge win over Macedon in the RDFL on Saturday.

RDFL footy: Diggers Rest V Macedon. Stephen Ruane for Diggers Rest tackled by Macedon's Jason Cooke.

DIGGERS REST believes it could not be better placed heading into finals after sewing up second spot on the ladder with a huge win over Macedon in the final round of the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

Not only have the Burras now won five games in a row, but they will regain at least two — if not three — key players for a qualifying final clash with Riddell this weekend.

Midfielder Craig Harvey returned in the reserves on Saturday while forward Brandon Kilty was rested but will also slot back into the senior side this week.

Fellow forward Brent Tuckey is a chance to return from a hamstring injury which has sidelined him the past three weeks.

The three inclusions would leave Diggers Rest at full strength for its clash with the Bombers — the last team to have beaten it back in Round 12.

Burras coach Shaun Sims said his side was eagerly awaiting the chance to test itself against the premiership favourite once again after an impressive past month.

“What they (Riddell) have done since the start of the year is remarkable, really,” Sims said.

“They struggled at the start of the year but they’ve won their last 10 now.

“You finish where you’re supposed to finish and they’ve finished top of the ladder so they’re a really good team.

“They defend really well and they’ve got some really good ball users. So it’s important that we try and curtail that. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Diggers Rest’s Stephen Ruane tries to get a handball away against Macedon on Saturday. Photos: Carmelo Bazzano

Diggers Rest kicked seven goals to one in the opening quarter of its match with Macedon on Saturday, all but putting the game out of the Cats’ reach.

Jason Williams had four goals to his name by the first break on his way to six for the match in a best-on-ground performance.

But the Burras had no shortage of other options in the attacking 50m, Luke Smailes (four goals), ­Michael Kilty (three goals) and Jamie Lobb (three goals) also getting in on the action in the 20.17 (137) to 8.6 (54) win.

“We seem to have different guys popping up which week which makes it a bit harder to plan against,” Sims said.

Elsewhere on Saturday, former Richmond midfielder Mitch Farmer kicked seven goals as Romsey romped past Woodend-Hesket by 163 points, Riddell thumped Sunbury Kangaroos by 97 points, Rupertswood took care of Wallan by 57 points, Lancefield overcame Kilmore by 52 points and Broadford beat Rockbank by 35 points.