Steve Boyall returns for Wallan as Magpies chase Riddell District finals double chance

Wallan has received a massive boost ahead of a Riddell District finals with star midfielder Steve Boyall making a successful return from a knee reconstruction.

Steven Boyall in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wallan great Steve Boyall’s return to the field could be a finals gamechanger.

Boyall, a Bowen Medallist and three-time Magpies best-and-fairest winner, made his return in the Round 14 win over Macedon.

The star midfielder was named in the best after 12 months out of the game following a knee reconstruction.

He backed up in a clinical 125-point win over Melton Centrals on Saturday and looms as a massive addition ahead of a Riddell District finals campaign.

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan said Boyall was an integral club leader on and off the field.

Chris Stewart in action for Wallan. Picture: George Sal

“Steve Boyall returning from an ACL injury, he hasn’t missed a beat,” Nolan said.

“He’s played the last two games and added some experience and leadership to the midfield group.

“He is like a new recruit and to have someone of his calibre come into the side at this time of year is exciting for the playing group.

“He has won our last three B&Fs plus a league B&F.

“Stevie joins Sean Morris, Reuben Rode and Corey Viani in the midfield which is very dynamic come finals time.”

The Magpies jumped up to second on the ladder with the 25.12 (162) to 5.7 (37) victory over Centrals at Greenhill Reserve.

RDFNL goalkicking legend Matt Perri booted five goals, a season-high to take him to 29 majors for the season – ranked third in the competition.

Transfer deadline addition John Bellino kicked three.

As well as Boyall, the arrival of Bellino and ex-AFL star Jake Carlisle from Craigieburn could prove critical at the pointy end.

“The inclusion of Jake and John provides us with multiple options in the front half,” Nolan said.

Matthew Perri kicked five goals for Wallan on Saturday. Picture: George Sal

“It’s a dangerous forward Line with the likes of Perri, who has hit some great form, Chris Stewart, Jacob Langborne, Hayden Gill and now Carlisle and Bellino.

“Hayden also played Carlton VFL on the weekend, which was a great opportunity. He has a big future H and is still young.

“It was a pleasing win on the weekend, the boys are playing an exciting brand of football, which will hopefully hold up in finals.

“The ladder is extremely tight, which is great for the competition, and percentage will come into play – we have the best attack in the league and second best defence statistically.”

Wallan holds second on percentage, ahead of Diggers Rest and Romsey all on 10 wins, and faces Lancefield and Kyneton in the final fortnight.

A percentage of 172.42, 44 per cent more than nearest rival Diggers, could be critical in a three-way battle for the double chance.

Everyone is chasing Riddell, which is four games clear on top of the ladder having lost just one game all year.

Nolan is confident his team can challenge for a drought-breaking flag.

WRAP: STREAKS END, EX-AFL PLAYER SERIOUSLY INJURED

LEADER: GET YOUR RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTY NEWS HERE

2014: VIC METRO v VIC COUNTRY WHERE ARE THEY NOW

“The second chance is crucial come finals time, so we are determined to finish the season off well,” he said.

“All the attention and expectations will be on Riddell come finals time and rightfully so.

“They deserve to be the standout team on top of the ladder and favourites, they have played excellent football this year but we feel internally we can give it a real shake.

“You can never underestimate Diggers in any finals campaign and Romsey have a good young list too, Macedon and Kyneton have shown they are capable of competing with the best as well.”