Riddell moves a game clear on top of ladder after ‘best team performance’

In an ominous sign for rivals, Riddell coach Arron Bray says the club produced its “best team performance” on Saturday to move a game clear on top of the ladder.

Joshua Grabham in action for Riddell. Picture: Josh Chadwick

A game clear on top of the ladder, Riddell coach Arron Bray believes his team is starting to find its best form.

The Bombers claimed an 18-point win over RDFNL premiership rival Wallan on Saturday at Riddells Creek Reserve to cement itself in top spot.

Reigning premier Diggers Rest and Romsey sit second and third with the Magpies now a further game back in fourth.

Bray labelled the 11.5 (71) to 7.11 (53) victory as the club’s best “team performance” of the season.

However, he knows any slip up in the second half of the year will be quickly capitalised upon by rivals.

Matthew Panuccio celebrates a goal for Riddell. Picture: Josh Chadwick

“It was probably the best team performance so far this season – it wasn’t a four-quarter performance – but the way they played as a unit was the most pleasing thing out of the game,” Bray said.

“It’s probably the closest I’ve had all year to the best list we’ve had, the most balanced team we’ve put out all year.

“I suppose, being a top-five No.1 gets the week off, some people say it can be a bad thing to have that first week off but I’d rather have it, play one game and go straight in.

“In saying that, we lose two or three games in the back end and there’s no guarantee we’re even going to be top two.”

Bray said the game was an early taste of finals.

Riddell showed its defensive prowess, holding the Magpies to just four goals to three-quarter-time.

Wallan will rue inaccuracy in front of goal as it had two more scoring shots on the day.

Holding a three-point lead at half-time, Riddell’s five-goal third quarter broke the game open.

Nathan Croft wraps up Angus Nolte. Picture: Josh Chadwick

“It was pretty hot, there were some big collisions out there,” Bray said.

“A lot of their points, they missed a few in the first quarter, a lot of them weren’t clear cut chances, they were scrappy shots at goal.

“They had more scoring shots than us, so we were pretty effective.

“I think we switched off in the last 10 minutes, I think we were five or six goals up, and I did take a couple off but credit to Wallan for keeping going.”

Skipper Josh Grabham was named best afield, while Tommy Alkemade, Callum Williamson and Ben Sonogan also impressed.

Two goals for Dean Galea sees the legendary spearhead sit on top of the league goalkicking charts.

Galea has 24 majors this season but Bray has been most pleased by his team’s ability to share the load in attack.

“Changing leagues and changing clubs it can take a while to click with your ball movement but it’s starting to get there,” he said.

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“I’m not big on Dean kicking bags every week, I’d rather see the whole forward line kick a couple each and feel good about themselves rather than one bloke kick 10.

“That’s what we’re working on, we’re trying not to be one dimensional.”

Jesse Horton escaped serious injury but is expected to miss a week after a horrible fall that saw him “fold like a deck chair”.

Riddell hopes to welcome back Harrison Sloss and Nathan Croft in the coming weeks.