Riddell returns to RDFNL grand final with semi-final win over Wallan

Just four goals were kicked in the match before Riddell exploded with a match-winning burst to secure its RDFNL grand final return. And it could be a bumper day for the Bombers.

Dylan Tarczon celebrates a goal with Riddell teammates. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Riddell is back on the RDFNL big stage.

The Bombers booked their grand final ticket with a 35-point semi-final win over Wallan at Romsey Park on Saturday.

It’s the club’s fourth decider in six seasons as it chases a second flag in three years.

In a fierce arm-wrestle that had seen just four goals kicked in three quarters, Riddell smashed the game open in the final term.

Kick-started by two goals from Matt Darby, and with the wind behind it, a six-goal burst secured a 8.10 (58) to 3.5 (23) victory.

Riddell and Wallan players fly for the mark. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Dylan Tarczon gets a kick under pressure for Riddell. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Coach Arron Bray said the team’s work against the wind set up the victory

“It was pretty tough conditions so it was a pretty tough contested game,” Bray said.

“Wallan brought a good game but I think we just structured up better at certain stages and came home with a powerful last quarter.

“We went into the breeze in the first and third quarters and restricted them to one goal.

“With us having a lead going into three-quarter-time, Wallan had a decision to make whether they restrict our scoring and put an extra behind the ball or go for it.

“Credit to them they went for it but that opened the game up as well.”

Just one goal was scored in the first and second quarters, Wallan holding a six-point lead at quarter-time before Riddell went into the half-time break with a 10-point advantage.

The Bombers managed to hold a six-point break at three-quarter-time before coming home with a wet sail.

Bryce Williamson in action for Riddell. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Wallan’s Patrick Mahoney flies over the pack. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Darby kicked the first two goals of the final term to end any hope of a Wallan comeback.

Brent Swallow and Jack Hammerling pushed the lead out to 30 points before Corey Viani answered for the Magpies but Matt Panuccio and Dean Galea sealed the win.

Jacob Chahine’s move to the backline proved a Bray masterstroke, while Darby, Brodie Miller, Ben Sonogan, Panuccio and Josh Grabham were all key contributors.

“Jacob was really good, he’s played forward for most of the year but we spotted a match-up we thought we could expose,” Bray said.

“We played him across half-back and he played close to full-back or centre half-back and it was his best game for the footy club.

“Darbs was very influential, he’s such a mobile tall and has got sticky hands.

“He kicked a couple of really important goals when we really needed them, which was really pleasing for Matt, because it wasn’t a big fella’s conditions but he just worked and put himself in the right spots and got rewarded.”

Riddell is expected to make at least one change for the grand final with defender Jordan Reardon expected to be fit after missing the semi-final.

For Wallan, Jake Carlisle was best afield and Steven Boyall, Michael Mannix and Patrick Mahoney stood tall.

The Bombers could be in for a grand final bonanza with the club’s B-Grade, C-Grade and under-19s netball also winning through.

The reserve grade football and A-Grade netball teams play for a preliminary final place on Sunday, alongside the D-Grade netball.

250: NIPPER WRIGHT GROWS MACEDON LEGEND

LEADER: GET YOUR RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTY NEWS HERE

WRAP: FLAG DROUGHTS END, GF TICKETS BOOKED

“There’s three netball teams in the grand final as well, I think five teams played (on Saturday) and four made the grand final, which is really good for the club.

“We’ll prepare as well as we can, we’ve obviously got another week off.

“We’ll try and get the troops cherry ripe and plan for whoever gets there.”

Wallan will face the winner of Sunday’s minor semi-final between Diggers Rest and Macedon in the preliminary final.