Rockbank hoping this might be its lucky season as it eyes first finals appearance in 13 years in RDFL

ROCKBANK is hoping this might just be its lucky season as the Rams eye the start of their first finals campaign in 13 years in the Riddell District Football League this weekend.

Riddell District Football League Anzac Day match between Rockbank and Sunbury Kangaroos. Robbie Lynch (Rockbank coach)

The number 13 is generally considered unlucky.

But, 13 years after last making finals, Rockbank is hoping this might just be its lucky year.

The Rams were already locked in for a top-six finish in the Riddell District Football League before the weekend but finished the regular season on a high, downing Wallan 17.15 (111) to 12.17 (89).

After the game, it did not take long for the realisation to hit that the long-time cellar dwellers had finally broken a lengthy drought and would quickly be turning its attention to an elimination final.

“It’s certainly been a long time between drinks,” Rockbank coach Robbie Lynch said.

While making finals is one thing, getting past the first week is another.

Rockbank will face reigning premier Riddell in its elimination final at Sunbury’s Eric Boardman ­Reserve on Saturday, an opponent that might not have reached its heights of 2013 yet but is certainly a genuine contender in the premiership race.

The meeting will be the second between the two sides in the space of 14 days.

And while Riddell took the points by eight points in that last encounter, the Rams took plenty of confidence out of the fact they got so close and controlled large periods of the match.

“We played our midfield a bit different in the first quarter which was why Riddell got the jump,” Lynch said of the Round 17 clash.

“But pretty much the rest of the game, in particular the last term, we were completely and utterly all over them.

“We definitely gave them something to think about but it also gave my guys the belief that they are good enough not only to play ­finals but to have an impact and have a big say.”

Five of Rockbank’s best 22 players — John Prudek, ­Malcolm Lynch, Russell Rich, Kade Sextonm, Leigh Sobotnicki — missed Round 17 as well but will be back in the line-up this weekend, adding to the confidence ­levels around Ian Cowie ­Reserve.

“For our first final it will be the first time all year we’ve had a full list to pick from, so with all the guys running into form as well, we’re going to be pretty dangerous,” Lynch said.

The first bounce for the final will be at 2.20pm.