Wallan looks long term despite strong start to RDFL season

WALLAN has moved to subdue talk it could push for a finals spot in the Riddell District Football League this season, declaring it is focused on a long-term plan.

WALLAN has moved to subdue talk it could push for a finals spot in the Riddell District Football League this season, declaring it is focused on a long-term plan.

The Magpies won just four matches last year to finish 10th on the ladder, but were boosted by a host of recruits over the off-season who have already helped bring improved fortunes.

The side lost its Round 1 clash to Rupertswood by 41 points but lifted its output to score triumphs over Melton Centrals (15 points) and Woodend Hesket (50 points) the next two weeks.

But first-year coach Daniel Nolan is keeping a lid on things for now, well aware his side is coming from a long way back.

“After winning four games last year, I’m not going to come out and say we’re going to play finals,” he said.

“But I think we’re heading in the right direction and I think if we continue to work hard on and off the field then we’ll be competitive and we can relaunch again.

“We’ve got a plan in place and you’ve just got to stick to it.

“We’re under no illusions we’ve got a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do, but we’ve started well, which is pleasing.”

Finding consistency is the short-term focus for Wallan, Nolan saying his side had been unable to produce a four-quarter performance in the opening weeks.

Wallan led by just four points at halftime in last weekend’s match against Woodend Hesket at Greenhill Reserve but lifted after that to run out 16.10 (106) to 8.8 (56) victors.

The Magpies had 10 individual goalkickers in that match and spreading the load is something Nolan has been aiming for.

“We’ve got Sam Rexhepi up forward. He’s a really good contested mark and he straightens us up but I think we needed to find different avenues and over the last few weeks we’ve found that,” he said.

Nolan highlighted reigning best-and-fairest Brenton Hanson, centre half-back Michael Mannix and lively small forward Brent Fitzgerald as the Magpies’ standout players so far this season.

Wallan was to tackle a winless Rockbank on Saturday (after deadline) ahead of a home fixture against Lancefield this weekend.