Inside Richmond Central’s season defining win

Richmond Central had no choice but to put a lot of “risk” into its win on the weekend and it may be the catalyst for greater success. Here’s why.

Richmond Central picked up a crucial win. (Photo by Dennis Timm/VAFA Media)

“We had to go all in”.

Those are the words Richmond Central coach Michael Motta described an 11-point win upset of VAFA Division 3 ladder leader Power House.

The victory ensured the Snakes led the race for the top-four and with Albert Park continuing to breathe down their necks, Motta knows how critical it was.

The two sides will meet in Round 17 before Richmond Central closes it season against fellow finals contender North Brunswick meaning the penultimate game of the season could which team plays into the business end of the season.

Heading into the weekend’s game, Motta said “there were a lot of conversations” with sore and tired bodies to give a rest but in the end, he had no choice.

“We risked a few because of the importance of the game,” he said.

“If we lose, it almost could have been curtains when you look at who both sides (Albert Park and Richmond Central) are going to play to finish the season.

“It was a risk we had to take because Power House are such a talented side. The conditions made it a lot messier and we were able to get some reward for effort.”

The way in which the Snakes’ depth has been tested this season meant senior debuts were handed to Chay Pollinger and Pete Rafferty on the weekend.

Pollinger is a former rugby player and was playing one of his first games of footy while Rafferty is an Irishman who recently finished the local Gaelic football season.

Richmond Central coach Michael Motta addresses his players. (Photo by Dennis Timm/VAFA Media)

“Sometimes I think bringing guys in for their debuts can create a bit of energy and it certainly worked for us,” Motta said.

While the conditions were less than ideal for attacking footy, Motta was pleased to see his side hold Power House to just seven goals.

“Our back seven with guys like Angus Adams and Jack Hartley really led the way,” he said.

“Were able to limit their ball movement which is so important because they’re stacked forward of centre.

“Campbell Mellor was at the other end on one leg and he managed to kick the last two goals which ended up winning us the game.

“To knock off one of the top sides was something we hadn’t managed to do.”

BIRD’S MILESTONE OCCASION

Nathan Bird celebrated his 100th game for Wattle Park on Saturday and he enjoyed a big performance in the win. He finished with six goals as his side ran out big winners against Chadstone as captain Harry Davis kicked 10 to fake his season tally to 39.

‘UNLUCKY FOR SOME’

Albert Park’s socials had some cheek in tongue comments before La Trobe University arrived on Saturday and thankfully the players were able to back it up. “Round Thirteen, unlucky for some, and by some, we mean La Trobe,” the club wrote. The Falcons kicked 8.6 to 2.0 in the last quarter to run out 39-point winners to keep touch with the top-four. Tom Wilson was brilliant in the clutch while Cambell Franceschi produced his best game of the season.

THE KID IS ON A TEAR

Ryder Daffy is proving to be the mid-season recruit. The youngster from Canterbury booted six goals as his side stunned West Brunswick on the weekend. He’s now got 20 goals from four outings after joining the club mid-season after playing in the APS system. While they’re unlikely to play finals themselves, Canterbury is proving to be a side which will shape the top-four. Former state cricketer Seb Gotch was the best player on the field on the weekend.

UNICORNS KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

MHSOB remain in the hunt for the top-four in Division 2 after holding on to beat relegation threatened Aquinas on Saturday. The Unicorns led at every break to came away with the hard fought win as James Lake made an impression in his second senior game with four goals. Lake had been a regular goalkicker in the reserves the last two seasons before getting his opportunity in the senior side. Will Hellier continued his brilliant season with a best on ground display.

ORMOND REMAIN PERFECT

They were pushed the entire way but Ormond remained perfect on Saturday after holding on for a one-point win against UHS-VU. Jackson Hille returned from Big V duties and was dominant in a best on ground performance. It was a special day for Ormond with Aaron Trusler debuting for the club. Trusler is a former Sandringham Dragon who spent time in the US college American football system as a punter. He kicked two goals.