Wallan expected to rest players rather than risk injury in Diggers Rest clash

Wallan coach Dan Nolan made the surprise admission he wasn’t focused on Saturday’s blockbuster against Diggers Rest. Here’s why.

Daniel Couwenberg in action for Wallan. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Coaches love to roll out the old cliche, we’re taking it one game at a time, but not this week at Wallan.

No, the Magpies have their sights firmly set on a RDFL qualifying final in a fortnight rather than this Saturday’s blockbuster against ladder-leader Diggers Rest.

At any other time a Wallan-Diggers Rest clash would be must-watch football but this week, with little to play for, could see both sides could rest players ahead of finals.

Unless second-placed Riddell loses to Lancefield, the match at Greenhill Reserve is unlikely to change ladder positions.

As such Magpies coach Daniel Nolan will take the chance to rest some players ahead of a qualifying final date with the Bombers on August 20.

Wallan’s Nathan Fowler fends off a would-be tackler. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“As romantic as it is for the match-up, Lobby (Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb) knows as well, there’ll be some rested bodies because there’s a bigger picture for everyone,” he said.

“I think both teams will hold a few cards close to the chest because although it looks like a big contest, for us, we’ve got the bigger picture and that’s finals.

“It’s been a heavy deck the last couple of rounds, we’ve played on Macedon and our ground, which is pretty muddy at the moment.

“I’ll be resting some boys that are sore with the focus on the first final and we should have our best 22, which we haven’t had all year.”

Wallan locked in a top-three finish with a 37-point win over Woodend-Hesket, all but ending the Hawks’ finals hopes.

Having battled injuries for much of the season, the Magpies are getting healthy at the right time.

Nathan Fowler made his first appearance since May on Saturday, while Will Brock and Lachie Inness featured for the first time since June.

Star midfielders Jesse Davies and Jarryd Bonello have played the last four and three games respectively, while Daniel Couwenberg has played the past two matches.

Sean Morris on the run for Wallan. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Korey Jonkers returned through the reserves as he looks for a senior recall.

Wallan has used 37 players this season but 10 have played all 15 games.

“We haven’t had our best 22 all year and if everything works out, it’s exciting because our squad will be ready to go,” Nolan said.

“We’ve given opportunities to a lot of players, which is strong and healthy for the club – the 19s are sitting on top and the reserves are on top.

“We’re lucky with our depth, we’ve managed to cover those boys and still give ourselves an opportunity with the second chance, which is were I want to be.”

Patrick Mahoney, Bonello and Corey Grindlay (four goals) were Wallan’s best in the win 13.10 (88) to 8.3 (51) win over the Hawks.

Matt Perri was rested on Saturday but should still win the competition goalkicking award with a seven-goal lead over teammate Grindlay.

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Nolan backed Steve Boyall to follow Ricky Schraven and win the Bowen Medal after a consistent campaign.

“Steve’s had an awesome year, he’s been super consistent, and he’s my tip to win the Bowen Medal,” he said.

“We could have three Bowen Medallists in our midfield – Boyall, Jesse Davies and Ricky Schraven – and then we’ve got Pez (Perri) and Grindlay working well up forward and add Nathan Fowler in there we look dangerous.

“Our backline has been really consistent, led by Michael Mannix, Corey Baker has taken his game to a new level and Matt Bonnello and Cody Lynch and Brenton Cox was in the Team of the Year.”