Tara Murray
Romsey can take a more cautious approach with returning players in the final few rounds of the Riddell District Football League season after a vital win against Macedon.
With both sides aiming to lock up a finals spot with Woodend-Hesket chasing them, it was the Redbacks that snuck home in a thriller.
Despite missing their spine and going up to Tony Clarke Oval with a really young side, it was the Redbacks that won 8.9 (57)-7.8 (50).
Redbacks coach Paul Kennedy said they knew what was at stake heading into the game.
“We went up there with a really positive attitude,” he said.
“We had a good start. There was a six goal breeze at one stage and we kicked six goals in the first quarter.
“We had a really good second quarter against the breeze. The game swung in the second half and they played really good in the second half.
“We were able to hold on.”
What pleased Kennedy the most was the way the young guys were able to hold their composure when needed.
He said many were playing in roles that they usually wouldn’t have. They were led well by captain Nathan Blair who returned from injury.
“Nathan led from the front,” Kennedy said. “We put his body on the line and kicked a goal in the last quarter to get us over the line.”
Kennedy was pleased with the performance of Corey Pertzel saying he would like to see him win the competition’s rising star award.
Kyle Brennan also played a good game in defence, while Callum Sankey, on the wing, played his best game of the season.
“The young kids are getting better and better,” he said. “Some are playing a couple of quarters in the under-19s and then playing in the seniors.”
The win moves Romsey up to fourth spot. They are now 10 points clear of sixth-placed Woodend-Hesket.
Kennedy said it would allow them to have a bit more flexibility with their line-up next week.
“We don’t have to rush any players back,” he said.
“We should be relatively OK [for finals] now. Had we lost we would have needed to bring a few back, now it gives them an extra week.”
The Redbacks face ladder leaders Diggers Rest this Saturday. Last time the Burras won by a point.
Kennedy said he expected a big challenge, saying that the Burras were a better side on the bigger grounds, like Romsey Park.
Diggers Rest, Riddell and Lancefield were the other winners on Saturday.
