A disappointing end to a promising debut season has left Riddell wanting more in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.
The Bombers exceeded all expectations this season as they made it through to the grand final despite half their side never playing before.
They came up against a red hot Macedon side in the grand final on Saturday night, which was seeking back-to-back premierships.
The Cats’ class showed through as they came away with a 6.12 (48)-1.3 (9) win and the premiership.
Bombers coach Rob Bretherton is so proud of what his group has been able to achieve this year.
“We started just wanting to play footy and make a team and we got to the big dance,” he said. “Macedon showed their experience and great play.
“They are what we are aiming to be over the next few years. We’ll be back this year, in the same big game we’re hoping.
“With a different result.”
The Bombers started their season against Macedon back in round one, when they were quickly shown what the standard was.
The margin decreased from that occasion to the final game of the season, but the result was still the same.
Bretherton said they probably gave the Cats a bit too much score on Saturday night but that is the thrill of grand final football.
He said there might have been some nerves.
“Girls change the way they play,” he said. “They were experienced and came out hard. They were red hot.”
While the Bombers were outplayed, they won the final quarter to take some positives out of it.
Ruby Taranto was the goalkicker for the Bombers.
Lauren Nolan was named their best after a really good battle with Charlotte Noonan.
Breanna Tarczon and Jessica Sproule were others named among the best for the Bombers.
Bretherton said the group which included a number of netballers who had never played before had taken massive steps this season.
“They will be scary next season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that.
“We will celebrate the year that we’ve had, which is a record breaking from a club and league perspective for a first ever team.
“We will celebrate that and come back prepared for next year. I’ll be struggling to push players away.”
As well as having their women’s side in the grand final, the Bombers junior girls had also made the grand final in their first season.
The under-14s lost to Melton, 3.9 (27)-2.1 (13) on Sunday.
