Riddell District Football League edges out Nepean Football League to win tight AFL Victoria Country Championships battle

LAST YEAR the Riddell District Football League was left heartbroken. But this year, the AFL Victoria Country Championships went its way.

Interleague football: Riddell District FL V Nepean Football League

LAST YEAR the Riddell District Football League was left heartbroken.

It had poured its soul into the AFL Victoria Country Championships, only to come up one point short against the Alberton Football League.

This year, the RDFL’s original opponent for the championships — Tallangatta District Football League — pulled out.

It meant the 28th ranked league was pitted against a Nepean Football League side ranked 14th and the RDFL would have accepted a competitive performance as the clear underdog.

But the league’s hard work and buy-in from players and coaches shone through as it pulled off an upset 15.9 (99) to 13.18 (96) victory. There was no wiping the smile off coach Matt Power’s face.

“We were up against it but we acquitted ourselves well and gave ourselves a chance which was great,” Power said.

“I just think the work ethic of all the players was great. It was an enjoyable day.”

The final quarter got more than a few hearts racing at Macedon’s Tony Clarke Reserve­.

The RDFL appeared likely to claim victory when Jack Mills goaled to put it 16 points up five minutes into the final term.

But the Nepean FL was far from done with. The visitors kicked four of the next five goals to take a two-point lead early in time on.

Mills then roved off a pack to snap a second goal for the quarter and give the RDFL back the lead with just minutes to play.

The Nepean FL had two shots at goal after that but missed both as the RDFL escaped­ with a nailbiting triumph.

“In the end it was lap of the gods stuff, really,” Power said.

“We could have won, they could have won. But we got beat by a point last year so maybe the footy gods looked after us this year. That’s how we saw it.”

Macedon pair Shaun Harrison and Mills were named the RDFL’s best, along with Broadford’s Corey Viani and Sunbury Kangaroos’ Kayne Murphy.

Romsey’s Zak Saad and Riddell’s Brian Ruffell each kicked three goals.

Power said the result was a clear reflection of the progress the league had made.

“What we’re stressing is the league’s improving each year but it basically comes down to who wants to be committed,” he said.

“I know the league’s given its support in regards to interleague, the board and (operations manager) Toby Boyle and all the guys there. They’re great supporters of it and I think that enthusiasm flows down through the coaches and the players.

“So while we’re enthusiastic about it and we want to play, we think we’ll always be competitive.”