Romsey’s elimination win against Riddell is one of the best games of local footy coach Justin Sherman has seen.
The Redbacks, who snuck into the finals were the underdogs against the reigning premiers, having not won a final since 2015 when they won the grand final.
The match had everything with the Bombers leading by five points at the final break.
The Redbacks kicked the early goals to kick away to a lead before the Bombers hit back to bring it back to under a goal.
The ball then went back and forth late with the Redbacks able to do enough to come away with the 14.13 (97)-13.14 (92) win.
Sherman said it was an unbelievable feeling.
“It’s pretty special,” he said. “It’s one of the best games of local footy I’ve seen in a long time. It’s the greatest win I’ve had as a coach.
“There were momentum swings throughout the game to come out on top against the reigning premiers in a game that went right the distance is special.”
Sherman said they knew they had to take the game on in the final quarter as they tried to hit the front.
He knew that the Bombers would come hard, but they had to hold their composure.
“You don’t win it by going into your shell,” he said. “We had to play really smart footy to win it.
“We felt like it was the perfect 25 minutes of football from the boys in the last quarter.
“We started winning the contests and Benny Way in the ruck was giving us full use. We were able to get ascendency in the middle and that was the difference in the game.”
Nathan Rayment kicked three goals for the Redbacks as five other players kicked multiple players.
Way was named best on ground for his performance in the ruck.
For the Bombers, Tommy Alkemade kicked four goals and was named their best.
While Sherman is only new to the club this year, he is fully aware how much the win means to the club.
“We felt like we had the answers all day,” he said. “A few guys haven’t won a final as we last won one eight or nine years ago.
“We had lost four or five the last few years. Anything is possible now.”
The Redbacks will face Woodend in a knockout semi final on Sunday at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
Sherman said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“We don’t fear them, we knocked off the reigning premiers and it has instilled a lot of confidence in the group.”
Diggers Rest will play Wallan in the other semi final for a spot in the grand final.
