Wallan torches RDFL contender Diggers Rest in record-breaking win
Wallan coach Daniel Nolan is expecting a fierce reply from Diggers Rest next time they meet after humiliating their RDFL premiership rival.
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There’s winning and then there’s humiliating.
Wallan did just that to Diggers Rest on Saturday, torching its RDFL premiership rival by 142 points on its own home ground.
The Magpies piled on 28.17 (185) to 6.7 (43) to record one of the biggest wins in club history and inflict one of the biggest losses in the Burras’ proud history.
Diggers Rest hadn’t even conceded 100 points in almost three seasons, let alone copped such a demoralising defeat.
Wallan coach Daniel Nolan was just happy to come away with four points and fully expects a strong response next time they meet.
“The boys executed the game plan, it’s an attacking style when we take the game on and run and we came away with a big win,” he said.
“I was just happy to go there and get the four points because they’re one of the flag favourites.
“Even with (Saturday’) result I’m not writing them off because they’ve got some really good footballers there.
“We’re not getting carried away with it, it’s a good win against a good side, but Diggers will bounce back and it would be a brave man to write them off.”
Wallan exploded out of the blocks, kicking seven goals to two in the opening half to open up a 32-point advantage.
Another nine majors in the second term put an end to the contest by half-time.
However, the Magpies weren’t done yet, piling on 12 goals to three in the second half as everything they touched turned to gold.
Spearhead Matthew Perri finished with eight goals in a best-on-ground performance while Corey Grindlay kicked five and Jesse Davies ran riot in midfield.
Nine players got on the scoresheet and Nolan said the return of star forward Nathan Fowler (two goals) was critical.
“Nathan came back from interstate, he was working in Queensland, Wallan is his home club and he had a big presence up forward,” Nolan said.
“He’ll be an exciting player to watch over the next few years at centre half-forward.
“It’s probably the most satisfying aspect as a coach, they’ve very selfless the boys and that comes with the culture.
“They will give off, they will present and will get in and out of the space and that shows with our multiple goalkickers.”
After a surprise defeat to Macedon, Wallan has chalked up 141 and 143 points wins over Lancefield and Diggers Rest respectively.
And the premiership favourites still have Jarryd Bonello, Corey Viani, Sean Morris and Will Brock to return.
Nolan’s attacking juggernaut has racked up 916 points in six outings, more than 400 points more than the Burras in second on 492.
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The Magpies sit second on points against behind ladder-leader Riddell, with the pair set to face off this week at Greenhill Reserve.
“It’s a big game straight up again next week, Riddell are on top and undefeated,” Nolan said.
“It’s another huge test to back up and I’m sure, we’ve got a great captain in Mannix who will keep the boys grounded.”
Diggers Rest will have to wait a week for the chance to respond with their bye coming at a very awkward time.
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