Wallan’s fourth-quarter blitz seals win over RDFL premiership rival Riddell

After the passing of coach Daniel Nolan’s father, Barry, Wallan paid tribute in the best way possible – a big win over RDFL flag rival Riddell.

Matthew Bonello in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wallan paid tribute to coach Daniel Nolan following Saturday’s 47-point win over RDFL premiership rival Riddell.

Nolan’s father, VFA great Barry, passed away last week and the Magpies were determined to win in his memory at Riddell’s Creek Reserve.

Leading by just nine points at three-quarter-time, Wallan pulled away with a dominant final quarter to further establish its premiership favouritism.

Assistant coach Matt Huy filled in for Nolan and revealed how important the win was to the players and club.

“Steve Boyall touched on it in the pre-game meeting and then I touched on it before going out on the ground, reiterated that Barry was a great man and footballer and today they’re doing it for Nug and his dad,” Huy said.

Nathan Fowler in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Liam Berry is tackled by Steven Boyall. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It was never going to be easy to beat Riddell at Riddell, the ground was a bit heavy but the boys came away with a well-fought win.

“Riddell took it too us for the first two-and-a-half, three quarters but the boys banded together and got over the line.”

The 14.9 (93) to 7.4 (46) win now sets up a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against Macedon.

Wallan showed no signs of rust after two weeks off due to a second COVID-19 lockdown of the season.

The Magpies piled on seven goals in a fourth-quarter blitz while holding the Bombers to a single major.

Matt Perri was dominant in attack, finishing with eight goals to extend his lead over Romsey’s Jack Jedwab in the leading goalkicker award.

Corey Viani was best-on-ground in his return from injury, while Steve Boyall showed why he’s one of the most respected players in the competition.

“We were a little bit fumbly in the first half and we were a little worried about how everyone was going to be after three weeks off,” Huy said.

Trent Stead in action for Riddell. Picture: Hamish Blair

Patrick Mahoney in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

“But to the boys credit they did their bit over the break, kept the miles in the legs.

“Corey missed out last game, so that little bit of a break has helped our injury woes.

“He was phenomenal off the half-back flank, he was everywhere and just dominated.

“Stevie has stepped up all year, he’s motoring along really nicely, he’s one of the older boys in the group by he’s like an old statesman – he’s a leader on and off the ground.”

Brad Collins was named Riddell’s best in defeat, while Jackson Young and Michael Treweek were also strong contributors.

The Riddell District league will continue to play out its home-and-away season, further shortening its finals series after the break.

The final four will remain but will now be played over two weeks, with a pair of elimination finals before a grand final.

The season finale has also been pushed back another week with the decider to be played on August 3.

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Huy said it was important to play out the home-and-away season for those teams fighting for a premiership.

“We were unsure of what was going to become of the season, it came to a vote that we were going to restart where we left off,” he said.

“Coming towards finals you want to make sure you’ve got all aspects of your game working, you don’t want to miss a bit come finals time.”

Riddell has the week off with the bye before returning to action against Melton Centals at Riddell’s Creek Reserve on August 14.