Riddell might not see itself as premiership favourite, but it’s hard for others in the Riddell District Football League to see it otherwise.
The Bombers have won their past nine consecutive games – the longest winning streak in the league.
Breaking it down even further, in the past seven weeks the Bombers have defeated the six other sides in the top seven.
On Saturday, the last of those top six, ladder leader Rupertswood went down 10.15 (75) – 7.9 (51).
As they’ve often achieved this season, the Bombers were solid early in the game, making the most of every opportunity before taking control in the last quarter.
Bombers’ coach Troy Scoble said afterwards it had been “a good game of footy”.
“Rupertswood is a really good side and they run hard,” Scoble said.
“They brought a lot of pressure in the second half and we matched that.
“We were always confident we could do that … as we are really potent up forward.”
Jeremy Krojs kicked two goals for the Bombers as the players shared the scoring around, a feature of their season.
“We took our chances when we had momentum,” Scoble said.
PICTURE GALLERY/PHOTO SALES: View all of the action from this match.
“As a footy club, we’ve played in some big games in the past 10 years, so we know that when you play top sides that’s what it comes down to.
“Jarryd Allen is back on the park and has been really good for us, too. He should have kicked a couple today.”
After originally just wanting to make the finals, Scoble says the Bombers want to feature strongly in those final weeks.
The side has the bye this week, before playing Sunbury Kangaroos in the final round.
“I think I have said before, we had a draw which would show us exactly where we are as a club,” Scoble said.
“The form of the players has been outstanding.
“We are going to play finals.”
As for being premiership favourites?
“I look at the top seven as even,” Scoble said. “The first week of finals could be a toss of the coin in all three matches.”
The fight for sixth spot on the ladder couldn’t get much closer with only 0.53 per cent separating Sunbury Kangaroos and Broadford.
The Kangaroos lost nearly 10 per cent after their 20.10 (130) – 13.13 (91) loss to Romsey but remain in sixth spot with Broadford right on their tail.
Kilmore got its first win of the season with victory over Melton Centrals.
Lancefield defeated Rockbank in the remaining game.
