By Catherine Ferraro
WALLAN First XVIII took more than the four points against Broadford in round 16 of Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
With seasons on the line for both sides, the results went down to the wire at Harley Hammond Reserve and the one point victory to the Magpies left the Roos ‘heartbroken’.
“ I’ll admit there were some tears after that game. They were shattered and definitely feel like they haven’t seen returns for what we have put in.
“We have all worked so hard, but it is a real mindset thing and they have got to learn how to be successful and that is not the easiest thing to do,” Broadford senior coach, Matt Finch stated.
Both sides contested a very close match and Finch was happy with his side’s efforts.
“We were hitting targets early and made great use of the ball but a couple of definitive skill errors allowed Wallan to pounce and they converted quickly and made us pay.
“Wallan came out after half time and made the most of every opportunity and in the end that quarter gave them the game,” Finch said.
Broadford fought back with a five goal to one last quarter but, despite having almost all the momentum in the last term, failed to snare the win.
Finch made special mention of Anthony Whitty who shone with five goals and was inspirational in his second efforts and work rate on-ball all day.
Young Josh Wheeler on the wing and the ever reliable Grant Wearne were also notables in a commendable performance for the Roos.
Finch is confident the side can learn how to believe in themselves.
“We have had to go backwards to achieve what we have, staying true to game plan and structures can mean losses.
“Once we achieve that productive and assertive mindset, the side will take that step forward,” Finch stated.
Broadford run out the season with matches against Riddell this Saturday and Melton Centrals next week.
“We are determined to finish off the season well and continue to work with structures and plans,” Finch said.
Magpies celebrate
“We had everything to play for and came out to win and that is what we did,” Wallan senior coach, Scott Gilchrist said.
“It was a game of ping pong football which made it scrappy, but scores still came quickly.
“They know how to work the smaller ground well and their full ground press really halted our run and didn’t allow us to play to our game plan.”
The Magpies regained some of their signature run and carry in the third term.
“Some of our senior players really stood up in that quarter. Matt Robertson, Leigh Irons and Luke Zerella all did want they had to do for the team,” Gilchrist said.
Five goals in the third saw the Magpies head into the final break with all the momentum and when they scored the first major in the last term, they looked to run away with it.
However, Broadford were not done and a spirited fightback saw them claw back a 32 point lead to the smallest of margins before the siren saved the visitors.
Magpies Shaun Standley, on the half forward flank, and Jordan Ormerod on the wing were commended for their work rates, and alongwith Luke Zerella, who booted six, were named in Wallan’s best.
In addition, David Cornish was again highlighted for his motivational leadership on field.
The win sends the Magpies back into sixth place and definitely in the hunt for a finals berth come September.
“Our Reserves are definitely there and so are the Under 18s, so to make it three across the board would be great for the club as a whole,” Gilchrist said.
“The match this week against Woodend will be our grand final, the winner will probably take sixth spot and a finals shot and it is huge for us.
“We need to treat this week like a final and enjoy it and all the atmosphere that comes with finals football,” Gilchrist said.
The Magpies meet the Hawks this week and then Riddell in a tough run home which will do the side well in preparation for a much anticipated finals season.
Match results:
Wallan 5.4 9.5 14.8 15.12 (102) d
Broadford 4.3 9.7 10.10 15.11 (101)
Goals (W): L. Zerella 6; D. Cornish 3; B. Van De Kuit , J. Colliss 2; L. Irons, J. Ormerod.
Best: L. Irons, L. Zerella, M. Robertson, J. Ormerod, S. Galea, D. Cornish.
Goals (B): M. Whitty 5; G. Wearne, N. Simpson , M. Williams 2; J. Ingham, B. Walsh, M. Brizzio, J. Webb.
Best: G. Wearne, M. Whitty, J.Wheeler, B. Walsh, B. Littlewood, S. Duggan.
