Tara Murray
After a number of near misses in recent years, Wallan is hoping that it will be its turn this time round in the Riddell District Football League.
The Magpies have made at least a preliminary final in the past three completed seasons and were in another one on Saturday against Macedon.
It was the experience of the Magpies that proved to be the difference in the second half, with the Magpies winning 9.8 (62)-5.5 (35) and sealing a grand final spot.
Magpies coach Daniel Nolan said it was good to get to their first grand final since 2019.
“It was good,” he said. “They boys played really well.
“Macedon is a good young side and the contest was hot early on and it was even at half time.
“The boys stepped up and we changed a few things after half time.”
With scores level at half time, the Magpies knew they couldn’t afford to switch off.
In their two finals wins, the Cats had come from behind against Romsey and Diggers Rest.
“I’ve known Al Meldrum for a couple of years,” Nolan said. “They look to spread on the outside.
“We spoke about that during the week and the players were able to adjust. We started to use our height o our advantage and were able to take some contested marks.”
John Bellino kicked three goals for the Magpies, while Hayden Gill and Matt Perri got two each.
Nolan said some of their leaders and more experienced players stood up when needed.
Steven Boyall, who has been back for four to five weeks after doing his ACL, was really good, as was Chris Stewart, who has a number of premierships under his belt.
Brodie Gilchrist was the other player singled out by Nolan, saying he just keeps getting better every year.
For the Cats, Jason Cooke was the only multiple goalkicker with two goals.
Jacob Gough, Lachlan Hay and Aaron Morham were named their best.
The Magpies will now face Riddell in the grand final. The Bombers beat the Magpies last week in a semi final by 35 points in tough conditions.
Nolan said the two teams had built a healthy rivalry and he has a lot of respect for Bombers coach Arron Bray.
“We finished one and two,” he said. “One team was number one in attack and points and second in defence, and it was the other way round for the other team.
“We’ve had some good battles. Riddell finished on top and you know it will be a challenge.
“Hopefully we can go one step further. It would be good for our town.”
In the reserves, Diggers Rest will face Romsey in the grand final, while in the under-19.5s, Kyneton will play the Gisborne Giants.
