By Tara Murray
It may have ended in grand final heartache for Wallan, but it was a season to be proud of in the Riddell District Football League.
Having finished the regular season in fifth, not many people gave the Magpies a chance of making the grand final.
They firstly upset Riddell and then beat Romsey to make the preliminary final against Diggers Rest.
They then ticked that off, to win through to face Rupertswood in Sunday’s grand final.
With three big wins on the trot, Wallan took plenty of momentum into the grand final
While the Magpies were determined, they came up against a red hot Rupertswood.
The Sharks were quickly out of the blocks in the first quarter and a seven goal second quarter, had them leading by 48 points at the main break.
The Magpies fought hard in the third quarter, but the Sharks onslaught was too much, with the margin out to 76 points at the last change.
With the game over, the sting went out of the game in the last quarter.
The Magpies didn’t give up, with the Sharks winning, 21.10 (136)-8.3 (51).
Ben Schraven was the only multiple goal kicker for the Magpies, with two goals.
Michael Mannix, Shaun Stewart and Brenton Cox were named their best.
Magpies coach Daniel Nolan said in his post game speech how proud he was of the group.
“Congratulations to Rupertswood for having football and netball in the grand final,” he said.
“I have a lot of respect for you and you’re really well coached.
“To the Wallan community I’m really proud of our efforts and to Steve and the committee, thank you.
“To our boys I’m really proud, we’ll be back next year.”
Having made the grand final, there’s plenty of upside for the Magpies going forward.
Nine of the playing group in the grand final, is 21-and-under.
They were also missing several players through injuries throughout the finals series, including the grand final.
It wasn’t all bad for the Magpies on Sunday, with their reserves beating Rupertswood in the grand final.
It wasn’t all bad for the Magpies on Sunday, with their reserves beating Rupertswood in the grand final.
