Who are the players that can help lead their club to RDFNL premiership success

Riddell District finals are just days away. We look at the players from the top-five clubs that could be difference-makers in the chase of premiership glory.

The Riddell District finals shapers.

One more week and its finals time in the Riddell District.

It’s time for the big game players to step up and lead their club towards premiership glory.

With one match remaining in the home-and-away season we’ve looked at key players from the top five clubs.

While Kyneton is still a mathematical chance, it will need to beat Wallan, Macedon to lose to Romsey and make up a 17 per cent gap to snatch fifth.

These are the players that can shape the RDFNL finals.

MATT DICK (Macedon)

Returned to Tony Clarke Oval this year after a season off and been a big part of the Cats resurgence. The former AFL-listed midfielder has been limited to 12 appearances in 2024 but has been in Macedon’s best in seven of them. With a top-five spot on the line, Dick has been superb in the last month and will look to carry that form into finals.

LACHIE HAY (Macedon)

The youngster is a fire-starter for Macedon. Capable of pulling something out of nothing and creating for his teammates or hitting the scoreboard himself. Hay has 14 goals in 13 appearances, second most at the club behind skipper Jason Cooke. Seems the type that enjoys the big stage and was one of the best in Riddell District’s under-19s rep game against Southern.

Jack Jedwab in action for Romsey. Picture: Hamish Blair

JACK JEDWAB (Romsey)

VFL duties has limited the reigning league goalkicker to just six matches this season but Romsey would be confident of having him for its finals campaign. The star forward as 12 goals and been in the best four times in those six outings. Hasn’t featured for Essendon since late July and has played the last two with the Redbacks, an important lead in to finals.

JUSTIN WALDRON (Romsey)

The Redbacks’ big man has been exemplary this season and could be in line for Team of the Year honours. Hasn’t missed a game this season after crossing from Ballarat league club Sunbury and energised Romsey’s midfield. Waldron is capable of giving the likes of Nathan Blair, Matt Burkett and Corey Pertzel first use or winning the clearance himself and become a target around the ground.

Shaun Campbell was awarded best-on-ground on Anzac Day.

SHAUN CAMPBELL (Diggers Rest)

Big game players don’t come much bigger than Shaun Campbell. The Diggers ace thrives on the big stage and will play a key role if the Burras are to go back-to-back. Started off the season with a bang and led the league goalkicking at one stage after booting 13 goals in the opening six weeks. Has only kicked six majors in the seven games since but has upped his impact around the ground with six mentions in the best in that time.

BRODIE MEYERS (Diggers Rest)

The dangerous small forward arrived from Tatura in the off-season and had to wait until Round 4 to debut. However, he’s since become one of the Burras most consistent avenues to goal. Meyers has 29 majors in 12 matches, kicking a bag of five against Woodend-Hesket and Lancefield and going goalless just twice.

Reuben Rode in action for Riddell District. Picture: Valeriu Campan

REUBEN RODE (Wallan)

The gun midfielder has been one of the recruits of the year after being lured across from Seymour. Rode starred in the RDFNL inter-league clash with Southern and seemingly carried that form on for much of the year. A ball-winner who can also hit the scoreboard, Rode has 13 goals in 15 matches and been named in the Magpies’ best seven times. A Team of the Year-calibre season and a Bowen Medal darkhorse.

JACOB LANGBORNE (Wallan)

The Magpies know they cannot rely solely on Matt Perri to kick winning scores and must find secondary scoring. That has been Langborne this season, the former Brisbane VFL-listed forward has 19 goals in 14 outings – second most at the club. Now with a couple more key forwards in the forward 50m, his ability to swoop on loose balls and kick timely goals will be even more important.

Riddell’s Ben Sonogan flies for the ball. Picture: George Sal

BEN SONOGAN (Riddell)

The three-time Team of the Year gun will surely make it four in a row this year. The star defender has been a rock for Riddell and it’s no surprise the Bombers are the stingiest defence in the comp. Underlining, Sonogan’s importance, he’s been named in the best nine times in 13 matches this season.

MATT DARBY (Riddell)

The mid-season addition adds more firepower to the Bombers’ attack. Darby crossed from EDFL Premier Division club Avondale Heights and has played the last six matches for Riddell, kicking nine goals. Booted three majors against premiership rivals Diggers Rest and Romsey, showcasing his big game ability.