Wallan coach Daniel Nolan impressed by team’s response after Woodend-Hesket comeback

Headed by a flying Woodend-Hesket, Wallan responded to the challenge to snatch a thrilling qualifying final win and earn a crack at minor premier Diggers Rest.

Hayden Gill in action for Wallan. Picture: Aaron Cook

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan has hailed his young team’s spirit after surviving a Woodend-Hesket last-quarter comeback on Saturday.

The Magpies led by as many as 30 points early in the third quarter before going to sleep as the Hawks stormed back into the contest with six unanswered goals.

Kyle Baker put Woodend-Hesket in front mid-way through the final term before Wallan snapped out of its slumber, kicking the last two goals of the game to snatch a seven-point victory, 9.11 (65) to 8.10 (58), in their RDFNL qualifying final.

Just as the game looked to be slipping away, Sean Morris won a free kick and goalled to put Wallan back in front.

Jacob Langbourne then kicked the sealer with a beautiful long-range goal from the boundary line with six minutes remaining and the Magpies were able to close it out.

Brenton Cox in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Nolan was pleased to see his young players answer the challenge.

“I’m proud of the group for the way they responded when challenged again, they’ve stepped up the last few weeks against quality opposition,” he said.

“The group is pretty young, we do play a fast, attacking game style, and when it clicks and the ball is moving through the corridor I feel we can give our forwards a great opportunity to hit the scoreboard.

“Full credit to Woodend, they’re a quality opposition, they kept coming and we knew they would.

“They’re probably the tallest team in the competition, (Tim) Martin is an outstanding ruckman, (Tom) Gawthrop, (Alistair) Rae, (Dan) Davie and Tayte Pears and they were able to clunk a few marks up forward.

“They hit the front, so the most pleasing part when our young group is challenged, to be able to stay calm in the moment was very impressive.

“We try to teach the group to never panic, trust each other, stay calm when the game is close – which is has been the last three weeks – and we’re able to absorb the pressure and control the situation.

“I talk a lot about our young players but we’ve got a great balance of experience – Mannix, Viani, Morris, Perri – to be able to settle the group.”

Wallan held a narrow four-point lead at quarter-time but exploded in the second quarter to go into half-time 26-points to the good.

When Jake Layley marked and goaled in the opening minutes of the third the margin was 32 points.

However, Woodend-Hesket quickly took control and three goals to finish the term had the deficit back to 12 points at the final change.

Dan Davie marked and kicked truly in the opening minute of fourth term and when Oliver Watt ran into an open goal it was just two points the difference.

Baker would put the charging Hawks in front of the first time before Morris and Langbourne saved Wallan.

Riley Gilchrist was named best on ground in the victory, nullifying Woodend-Hesket prime-mover Daniel Toman and providing drive out of midfield for Wallan.

Hayden Gill had an enthralling battle with Tim Martin in the ruck, while Corey Viani and Sean Morris impressed.

“Riley, he’s got a big future, he’s still at school at Assumption,” Nolan said.

“We’ve thrown Riley into the middle after Steve Boyall (injured) his ACL, we looked around for something different to inject into the midfield and Riley offers that – he’s young, fit and really discipled.

“He had a bit of a run-with role with (Daniel) Toman and I thought he nullified his impact on the game and get his own footy.

“It was a great contest to watch, Hayden is very athletic, got a good leap on him, great contested mark and Martin is really strong.

“Hayden turned the game in the second quarter, he got the boys going, he moves so smoothly around the ground and for a big man is clean below the knees.

“And Corey has had an outstanding year and has stepped up since Boyally’s injury.

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“He’s one of the toughest footballers in the competition I’ve seen in my time, wins the contested ball, runs back into the pack and I really admire the way he goes about it.”

The win secures Wallan a shot at minor premier Diggers Rest and a chance to go straight through to the grand final.

Having earned the double chance, Woodend-Hesket will face the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Riddell and Romsey.

Wallan will also face Diggers Rest in reserve grade, while the club’s under-19s are through to a semi-final after a win in Sunday’s elimination final.