Wallan continues dominant form with big win over RDFL flag rival Riddell

The three-week lockdown-enforced break hasn’t slowed down RDFL flag favourite Wallan, the Magpies beating up previously undefeated Riddell.

Jake Layley keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Aaron Cook

The COVID lockdown-enforced break couldn’t stop the Wallan juggernaut from rolling over the top of Riddell on Saturday.

The Magpies showed no signs of rust in disposing of the previously undefeated RDFL ladder-leader at Greenhill Reserve to the tune of 74 points.

It backs up the record-breaking 142-point demolition of Diggers Rest before the three-week hiatus and lifts the 2019 runner-up to the top of the table with a percentage of 404.28.

Wallan coach Dan Nolan admitted he was nervous heading into the game but was rapt with his players’ preparation.

“Due to the circumstances I was a bit nervous going into it,” he said.

Shaun Stewart in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We had a great win over Diggers and then I haven’t got access to my players for a couple of weeks but it comes back to the faith I’ve got in the group and our leadership to make sure every box is ticked.

“I would rather the COVID break didn’t happen but maybe it did freshen us up a bit.

“Players have lives outside of footy, so to have that family time and switch off, maybe it was a break the players needed physically and mentally.”

A seven-goal second quarter broke the game open and gave Wallan a 41-point lead at half-time.

The Magpies didn’t let up in the second half, pouring in seven goals to three to claim a commanding 19.9 (123) to 7.7 (49) win.

Steve Boyall was dominant through midfield with his skills in difficult conditions a feature.

Corey Grindlay booted four goals and Michael Mannix finished with three, while spearhead Matt Perri was held to just one major.

“Steve was outstanding. He can make a wet footy look dry and has a lot of composure around the contest,” Nolan said.

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Paddy Mahoney stepped up in the ruck and was superb and Michael Mannix continues to lead the way, he went from centre half-back to centre half-forward and kicked three goals.

“The thing about Pez is he’s very unselfish, he always trying to bring his teammates into the game.

“He’s a player I’d love to play with in the forward line, even though he does kick some big bags he’s always looking to give off and his forward pressure is second to none.

“It was also really pleasing to see six players from our 2017 under-18.5s premiership in the senior team, so our future looks bright.”

Frustratingly for Wallan the club now has a bye week before facing Woodend-Hesket at Gilbert Gordon Oval on July 3.

Nolan knows his team can’t afford any slip ups with just four point separating the top five teams.

“It’s a big win for us, we’re on top but we’re only half a game in front of Riddell and Macedon,” he said.

“With the restructure of the season it’s going to be very interesting in the last few games when it gets to the pointy end.

“If you look at the top six, anyone can challenge for the premiership.

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“Now we go into another bye, we’ve had a good win over Diggers and have a few weeks off, come back and beat Riddell and got to have another week off.

“We’ll have to adapt, I would have liked to have kept playing while we’ve got momentum but that’s the fixture, that’s COVID.”

Riddell was best served by Ben Donnelly, Riley Paterson and Callum Williamson.

The Bombers will look to respond next week when they host Woodend-Hesket at Riddells Creek Reserve.