Romsey coach Dean Helmers declares “I want to go through undefeated” in the RDFL this season

ROMSEY coach Dean Helmers is certainly not shying away from publicly announcing his expectations in the Riddell District Football League this season. Here’s what he had to say.

Romsey coach Dean Helmers addresses his side. Photo: Eugene Hyand

ROMSEY kept its undefeated run rolling on but was not without a scare as it just managed to edge out an ever-improving Rupertswood in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.

The Redbacks’ winning streak extended to 10 games as the side remained a game clear on top of the table.

But unlike recent weeks it was not all one-way traffic for Romsey, the visitors just getting over the line 6.11 (47) to 5.12 (42) at Rupertswood Oval after scores had been level at the final change.

The match was the first challenge in a big three weeks for Dean Helmers’ men, who face an in-form Rockbank side this week before tackling reigning premier Riddell in a top-of-the-table clash.

Before stepping down a fortnight ago, Sunbury Kangaroos coach Chris Meacham said “everyone knows that Romsey’s got one hand on the (premiership) cup”.

But Helmers dismissed suggestions pressure was mounting on his side to go all the way this year on the back of a successful start to the season.

“I’ve been honest the whole way through — I want to go through undefeated and win the premiership,” he said.

“I don’t take too much notice of what the opposition coaches say. I know that comment came from the Sunbury coach.

“We’re confident with what we’re doing but our noses are still well and truly to the ground. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

At the top of the to-do list for Helmers is settling his side, with 35 players having gone through the senior team, despite the club having a healthy list, as the new coach tries to find his best 22.

“We’ve got no complaints at this stage, we’re just trying to get our best team on the park which has been a work in progress but we’re not far away from that now,” Helmers said.

Meanwhile, in other RDFL results on Saturday, Diggers Rest belted Woodend-Hesket by 83 points, Sunbury Kangaroos took down Wallan by 76 points, Broadford had a 49-point triumph over Macedon, Riddell thumped Kilmore by 91 points and Melton Centrals had a 33-point win over Lancefield.