Tara Murray
Macedon coach Al Meldrum was left speechless after his side’s semi final win against Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football League on Sunday.
The underdogs heading into the finals series, the Cats added the scalp of the Burras to that of Romsey in the first week of finals.
Meldrum said it was so exciting for the group.
“I’m speechless and I normally have a lot of words,” he said. “It was so good the second half how we want about it
“There was no fear and we played really great as well and put the pressure on. Sometimes you just hang in games, but we really deserved this one.”
The game looked like it was going to be a close one in the first half.
The Burras led by 13 points at half time.
For a second straight week, the Burras weren’t able to run with their opposition after the main break.
The Cats kicked eight goals to none in the second half to come away with a 14.7 (91)-8.10 (58) win.
“It was huge,” Meldrum said. “I was really proud of that first half.
“We were 13 points down and I was a little worried about how much they had scored. We had to curtail them and allow us to score as well.
“The way we went about it, we went the easy options in the second half and it generated a lot of offence.”
Leading the way for the Cats was skipper Jason Cooke.
After a tough year with injury, Cooke was sensational in the second half.
He finished with seven goals for the game in a best on ground performance.
“He kicked four goals in the third quarter and six in the second half,” Meldrum said.
“He gets in those moods and you know something will happen. We’ve seen it before. He was magnificent.”
Zachary Smedley, Hamish Govan and Brodie Hoyne were the other standouts for the Cats.
For the Burras, Campbell Wearne, Shaun Campbell and Ben McMahon were their best.
Meldrum said one of the most pleasing things for the coaching group is that the momentum is being driven by the young guys.
He said they are relishing the extra pressure.
“They are feeding off them,” he said. “The belief is through the roof and it’s a pleasure to watch.
“The senior guys are coming along for the ride and are saying we have to step up more and we need to go with them.”
The win puts the Cats into a preliminary final with Wallan. Riddell awaits the winner.
Meldrum said they always felt they could match it with the top sides, but it was about putting it all together.
“Wallan, like Diggers, are always at the pointy end and we’ve learned some good lessons against them.
“We get to go in believing we are a genuine chance. Anything can happen.”
