Tara Murray
After years of building Riddell is finally back on top in the Riddell District Football League.
Having not won a premiership in 2013, the Bombers have been around the mix ever since including making a couple of grand finals.
On Sunday they faced Diggers Rest, which had beaten them in those grand finals. It would be third time lucky for the Bombers as they won 14.10 (94)-9.10 (64).
Both teams had big selection calls heading into the match.
Lucas Shaw, Tim Walsh and Riley Patterson came back in for the Bombers. For Burras who were already missing Cale Morton, they lost Taylor Hine to a knee injury.
The Burras came out flying with nine scoring shots to one in the first quarter as they kicked with the wind.
It was the Bombers turn in the second quarter as they turned it on to pile on the goals and hit the front at the 13 minute mark.
While they slowed down after that, they still took an 11 point lead into half time.
The Burras needed goals in the third quarter while they had the wind.
They had two within the first seven minutes to take the lead back. From there the ball spent the majority of the quarter between the arcs.
The Burras led by two points at the last quarter. With all 12 goals in the first three quarters kicked to the end the Bombers were kicking in the last, it was the Bombers match to lose.
It took five minutes to get one and they started to come as they kicked eight for the quarter. The Burras would kick three late against the wind, but the game was already over.
There were winners lining up all over the ground for the Bombers.
Callum Williamson won the Doug McIntyre Medal after being adjudged the best player by the umpires.
Mick Edwards was busy around the ball, while captain Josh Grabham dominated the ruck. Ben Sonogan was massive, especially in the third quarter in defence.
Nathan Croft kicked three goals, while Edwards, Walsh, Berry and Dylan Tarczon kicked two each.
Justin Belleville can now add premiership winning coach to his playing success at the club.
He was quick to point out this had been a team effort over a number of years.
“It’s been too long and well overdue,” he said. “I just think it was a good team effort.
“We knew we had a young group and we went with our young group. We trusted the process and the young players coming through and will hold us in good stead for the next few years.”
Belleville said they almost knew that the Burras would continue to push them throughout and with a history of close games between them a thriller was always on the cards.
He said his boys had a bit in reserve in the second half.
“Holding them out [in the third] was the key,” he said. “We just had to stay composed.
“We had plenty of run and we had to be brave with the football. We’ve been brave all year with the footy, don’t go into your shell, take the game on.”
Grabham said this side was the closest he had ever been a part of. Grabham returned to his junior club last season, having played with Gisborne in recent times after a successful junior basketball career.
“It feels good,” he said. “I’ve been talking about it [captaining a premiership side] for too long, so it’s kind of a relief.
“I knew most of them beforehand. It’s such a tight knit group and we talk about it at every huddle every single speech. We are a team and we feel like we can get on top of other teams and it happened today.
“They got off to a hot start, we stuck fat, we showed what we can do and can score quickly.”
Grabham said they always had confidence they could get the job done, it was just about being aggressive.
While the Bombers claimed the senior premiership, their under-19.5s grand final to Wallan, 14.5 (89)-9.5 (59).
Belleville said the side was hurt by their best three players all being in the seniors team, but it showed they were on the right track.
Belleville, who is yet to commit for next season, said he would deal with that later on.
“Let’s get over this week and go from there.”
