Wallan dismantles Diggers Rest in Riddell District qualifying final rout
Wallan picked a fine time to produce its best performance of the season, destroying arch-rival Diggers Rest in a qualifying final rout.
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Wallan picked a fine time to produce its best performance of the season, demolishing Diggers Rest by 93 points in Saturday’s Riddell District qualifying final.
The Magpies simply blew their arch-rival off Romsey Park with a clinical display, keeping the Lions goalless in the first half.
It was Wallan’s second win over Diggers in eight days after a 38-point triumph in the final round of the home-and-away season last week.
The 17.14 (116) to 3.5 (23) mauling earns the Magpies a major semi-final date with minor premier Riddell next week.
A dominant win on a big stage made the win all the more special for Wallan coach Dan Nolan.
“I have a lot of respect for Diggers, especially Lobby (Jamie Lobb), he’s a great coach, I know what they’re capable of and that’s why it was such a pleasing win,” he said.
“To do it in the last round was a tick but to do it on a bigger stage, in a final when it mattered, that was really pleasing.
“The boys are just playing with belief, they’re a pretty tight group – the camaraderie and culture is strong – and you can see that every night at training.
“If anything the win makes us more determined to be grounded and focused on the task ahead.”
Wallan took a 23-point lead into quarter-time and kept Diggers Rest to a single behind in the second quarter to earn a 51-point half-time margin.
The Lions broke their duck in the third quarter but couldn’t halt the Magpies’ onslaught with a five-goal-to-one final term putting the icing on the cake.
Stepping in for the injured Matt Perri, Todd Muldoon booted four goals in an eye-catching performance.
Nathan Fowler also kicked four in his third game back from a serious injury that saw him miss 11 weeks, while Jarryd Bonello was best-on-ground.
Star midfielder Jesse Davies continued his comeback from serious injury sustained in the pre-season, playing his sixth game of the season.
Perri is expected to return for the semi-final clash against Romsey after coming up short in his fitness test.
Nolan praised his backline for not only a dominant defensive performance but setting off the offensive.
“The back six seems to go unrewarded at times, especially externally but internally we rate them so highly,” he said.
“They set us up, they defend well and then they run and create and spread when we’ve got the football and are led by, who I think is the best captain in the comp, Michael Mannix.
“Blokes like Corey Baker has taken a big step this year, Matt Bonello, Cody Lynch, Brenton Cox set up our play off the half-back line.”
Riddell claimed a 26-point win in Round 11 at Riddells Creek Reserve, while Wallan enjoyed a 53-point victory at Greenhill Reserve in Round 4.
Nolan said there was a special opportunity on offer for his club.
“It’s a big day for our club, we’ll have our 19s, reserves and seniors all playing in the second semi, so the carrot is there – if all three teams win we’re all playing in a grand final together,” he said.
“Riddell finished on top, the beat us last time and they’ve had the week off so we’re under no illusions.
“We’re going to have to play well and have everyone contribute again … it’s going to be a good game to watch.”
VFA great Phil Cleary spoke to Wallan before the match after an invite from Nolan.
“Phil was close to my dad, they were arch-rivals back in the VFA days, fierce on the ground but had great respect off the ground and Phil’s been a mentor for me recently,” Nolan said.
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“He was so good, speaking about what it takes to win big finals – he’s coached back-to-back flags – and for him to give up his time was special.”
Diggers, the second most potent attack in the competition, has now been kept to 30 and 23 points in its last two games.
The Lions will look to bounce back against the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Romsey and Macedon.
Patrick Jackson was Diggers’ best in defeat, while Justin Tenaglia, Tom Schwarzenberg and Mitch Jensen also stood tall on a tough day.
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