Riddell District denied potentially match-winning mark in over-time loss to Southern
Riddell District inter-league coach Daniel Nolan delivers his verdict on the contentious match-deciding moment and what’s next for the rivalry with Southern.
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“The sequel was as good as the original.”
In fact, like the Dark Knight and Batman Begins, Southern’s heart-stopping one-point over-time win over Riddell District might be considered even better than Riddell’s heart-stopping one-point over-time win over Southern in 2019.
Saturday’s contest at RSEA Park went down to the very last millisecond.
As the siren sounded, RDFNL forward Dylan Jobson marked but it was waved off, denying him a potentially match-winning after-the-siren kick.
Trailing by seven points with just seconds to play, Reuben Rode cut the margin to a point before Sean Morris won a clean centre clearance and delivered to Jobson, but it wasn’t to be.
Southern had earlier stormed home from 33 points down at three-quarter-time to force over-time and claimed victory, 14.15 (99) to 15.8 (98).
Far from bitter about the finish, RDFNL coach Daniel Nolan just loved the entertainment factor of the entire match.
“We were probably leading for 90 per cent of the day but credit to Southern, in rep footy you’re going to have talented players and they kept coming,” Nolan said.
“Someone said after the game, which was quite funny, the sequel was as good as the original.
“It’s one of the most unique scenarios of all time, we’ve played each other twice – one five years ago – and had the exact same margin, one point is ridiculous when you think about it.
“Maybe we have to go one more for the decider.
“It depends on what side of the fence you’re on, it was close, but it was actually a perfect ending to the day because it was so entertaining.
“Siren-mark, mark-siren, it was the flip of the coin, and it was all smiles after the game.
“It would have been romantic to go back after the siren and either win the game or go to golden point.”
Riddell District led by 26 points at quarter-time and 20 points at half-time.
A dominant five-goal third term looked to have the game in the bag only to see Southern rally with a dazzling seven-goal-to-two burst in the last and over-time.
Ex-AFL star Trent Dennis-Lane finished with five goals and the best-on-ground medal, pipping Riddell District midfield Reuben Rode.
Rode was a standout on the day, showcasing his skill and running ability.
“Reuben Rode, a Wallan boy, it was good for him to come in and get some midfield time, run and carry on a big ground,” Nolan said.
“Tommy Alkemade from Riddell kicked a couple and was really good in the forward-mid rotation as well.
“I thought Sean Morris was good, Harrison Huntley down back is one of the better defenders in our competition and Jacob Gough off half-back from Macedon has exceptional skills.
“Then you’ve got (Jack) Jedwab, who’s on Essendon’s VFL list, he straightened us up and has got beautiful hands and we had Hayden Gill in the ruck as well.”
With the successful re-introduction of inter-league, Nolan hoped the league would continue in 2025.
Working with some of the best talent and his rival coaches was a highlight for Nolan.
“We’ve got so many talented players in our competition and that’s what it’s about, showcasing that.
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“To have three experienced senior coaches as my assistants, to work with Justin Sherman, Skip Bray and Al Meldrum was one of my highlights for the day.
“The camaraderie and mateship after the game, that’s why we do it.
“I’ve been in the Riddell District for eight or nine years now and I have a real passion for the league.
“It was a privilege to coach the inter-league team and I can’t thank Jordan (Doyle) and the league enough for giving me the opportunity.”
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