Riddell exacts revenge with big RDFL win over Rupertswood

RIDDELL  managed a 100-point turnaround against Rupertswood to move through to the second week of Riddell District Football League finals.

Riddell coach Jamie Elliott. Picture: Richard Serong

RIDDELL  managed a 100-point turnaround against Rupertswood to move through to the second week of Riddell District Football League finals.

The two sides met for the second-straight week in an elimination final on Saturday, the Bombers recording a 43-point triumph after putting in a disappointing showing in the final round of the regular season to fall by 57 points.

Riddell coach Jamie Elliott said there was a stark difference in attitude and desire for the contest from his side.

“I was very disappointed with last week,” he said.

“Third spot was up for grabs and we just didn’t take it. But we did plenty of bodywork this week and putting your head over the footy stuff and I think it worked.

“I don’t think many of our boys got beat (on Saturday), which was a good thing.

“Just from the week before we learnt a heap and we took a different mindset in and we were pretty physical and tough.

“I thought the boys tackled really well and put their heads over the footy. That’s the main reason we won, I think.”

Riddell opened a 23-point lead at half time, but it was the Bombers’ performance in the third term that was key. Elliott’s side held Rupertswood to two goals as it kicked with a strong breeze at Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve.

The Bombers went on to kick six goals to two with the breeze in the final term to run out 14.9 (93) to 7.8 (50) winners.

Matthew Panuccio was named Riddell’s best, finding plenty of the ball through the midfield,

Nathan Croft and Paul Sahlberg also had big games, while Brian Ruffell was again a focal point forward, booting six goals to take his season tally to 76.

“Ruff’s had a great season for us and he was terrific again (on Saturday),” Elliott said.

Riddell will meet Macedon in a semi-final this weekend at Riddells Creek Reserve. Elliott is hopeful the side will repeat its uncompromising performance.

“We’ve still got a young side, so you wonder what you get every week, but if we can bring that every week and compete and pressure and smother and tackle, I don’t think there’s anyone in the league that we can’t beat,” he said.

Riddell won the only previous meeting between the two sides this year by 21 points in Round 9.