Tara Murray
The focus on youth has paid off for Riddell as it has two teams in the Riddell District Football League grand finals.
The Bombers senior and under-19 teams were the first teams through to the deciders, with their opponents decided on Saturday, after deadline.
Bombers football director Craig Rowsell said it’s terrific for the club to have two sides through to the grand final.
“We had the under-19s getting through and the seniors stepping up later in the day, half the job is done,” he said.
“We’ve been trying to build around kids. We had 10 under-19s play senior footy this year.
“We struggled to get the numbers for the under-19s before the appointment of Ollie Messaoudi. He had a really positive effect and they’ve now got into finals.”
Both sides are looking for their first premierships since 2013.
Rowsell said the most pleasing thing was that the young guys weren’t just making up numbers, but having big impacts.
In the Bombers’ senior win against Wallan to put them in the grand final, it was Jack Hammerling and Jesse Horton, who were the stars.
The two kicked seven goals between them, including six in the second quarter. Both can still play under-19s.
“As we saw on paper Horton and Hammerling have both cemented their side, we’re so pleased with their development,” Rowsell said.
“They had slipped under the radar, but not anymore after their games on Saturday.”
While the Bombers were keen to focus on their youth, Rowsell said they knew they needed to add a bit of experience around the young core.
He said the likes of Lucas Shaw and Andrew Duhau had taken the group to another level.
“Both were ex-captains of their old clubs,” he said. “They have been a great support for Juzzy (Justin Belleville].
“Lucas didn’t play against Wallan. He was 50-50 to play on the weekend. He put the group ahead of himself and said give one of the kids an opportunity to play.
“It was about the greater good of the club. Everyone has bought into their roles and no one is bigger than the club.”
Shaw is one of three key players that will be pushing for a grand final recall. Riley Patterson, who has had his best season, was a late withdrawal.
Tim Walsh, who had surgery six weeks ago, is a chance to return if he can get through training in the lead up to the grand final.
Rowsell was also quick to praise captain Josh Grabham for his leadership right across the board.
The Bombers had been planning a lighter week on the track this week in the lead up to the game after having a run on Saturday and watching the preliminary final between Wallan and Diggers Rest.
“We’ll have a big night on Thursday at the club getting a lot of supporters and past players down,” Rowsell said.
“It’ll be a good place to be.”
