Wallan throws the Riddell Football League premiership race wide open with victory over Romsey

Riddell Football League premiership darkhorse Wallan has claimed its biggest scalp of the season, upsetting league-leader Romsey at home, to move up to fourth on the ladder.

Ricky Schraven in action for Wallan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Wallan has thrown the Riddell Football League premiership race wide open with a superb 33-point win over ladder-leader Romsey.

The Redbacks entered the clash heavy favourites at home but the Magpies dominated in terrible conditions to send a warning to the rest of the competition.

Wallan held Romsey goalless in the first half and restricted it to just five scoring shots, winning 6.12 (48) to 2.3 (15).

It was exactly the performance Magpies coach Daniel Nolan knew his team was capable of.

“It was a really big challenge for the boys and we’d set ourselves for this over the last few weeks,” he said.

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We haven’t played in those conditions for a long time, so going in I wasn’t sure how we’d respond.

“I could tell the players were on — no one tipped us, Romsey had all the momentum — we took that ‘underdog’ tag in.”

A three-goal burst in the second term set up the victory as Wallan adjusted to the conditions far better than the home team.

“We kicked against the breeze in the first quarter, so we really shut the game down, played some slow ball,” Nolan said.

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“Then we tried to open it up in the second and at half-time we thought we were in a position to hold on.

“Full credit to our coaching staff who worked hard on our match-ups. The most pleasing part for a coach is when the players execute the game plan.

“We know we can match it with the best and now that we have that belief we don’t fear anyone.”

Sitting seventh after a Round 6 loss to Macedon, Wallan has claimed four straight victories to jump to fourth.

Nathan Fowler flies high against Diggers Rest. Picture: Aaron Cook

Swingman Nathan Fowler led the way in the win with Nolan praising his young star’s leadership.

In his third game for the club after crossing from EDFL club Greenvale, Jarryd Bonello was pivotal in midfield while spearhead Matt Perri booted three goals.

“Nathan, he’s 20 years of age and he’s going to be a superstar of the future. He’s strong, tough,” Nolan said.

“Jarryd has come from Greenvale and what’s he’s added to our midfield — a bit of class, experience — we’re really welcoming him to the Wallan community.”

Wallan will chase a fifth straight victory when it hosts winless Rockbank this weekend.

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