Tara Murray
After a lull leading into finals, Diggers Rest has found its groove and earned another Riddell District Football League grand final appearance.
One of the premier teams in the competition for a number of years, the Burras had to find something special after two straight losses against Riddell and Wallan.
After accounting for Macedon last week, the Burras got revenge for the earlier finals loss against the Magpies on Saturday in the preliminary final.
The Burras led throughout the 12.5 (77)-6.9 (45) win.
Burras coach Jamie Lobb said for the group it was ensuring that they regained their focus to get their season back on track.
“We aim for nothing less than a grand final,” he said. “There’s a lot of hard work and to get four sides there, it’s some reward for all the volunteers.
“The guys fell into a bit of a lull leading into finals, which wasn’t ideal. They knew what we needed to do.
“The focus during the week was really good. They were professional and got the job done.”
Lobb said despite having set the game up in the first three quarters, they knew that the Magpies would come at them late.
He said the group was able to stay focused and get the job done.
“All the planning we put into place was executed well,” he said. “The little things everyone knows how to do.
“It’s pleasing what we have put into place all year was executed. “It was nice being four to five goals up, but Wallan would try and storm home. We knew if we kicked one or two goals, it would be out of their reach.”
Mitch Jensen kicked six goals in the win, while Thomas Schwarzenberg and Mitchell Day kicked two goals apiece.
Lobb said Matthew Krul in the ruck was outstanding, while Jensen was hard to stop up forward.
Marcus Calvaresi and Luke Delahey were others to stand up according to Lobb.
The injury concern out of the game was a knock to the knee of Taylor Hine, but Lobb expects him to be right for the grand final.
The Burras reserves also won on Saturday, beating Melton Centrals, 7.15 (57)-4.0 (24).
Lobb said it would be a tough week at the selection table.
“Austin Cicero didn’t play on the weekend and he will be available this week for selection,” he said.
“We made four changes this week. Jarrod Rowan, Sean Egan and James McMahon all played reserves on the weekend.
“It’ll all depend on how we are going to play and match ups.”
Lobb said with four teams across football and netball into grand finals it would be a good week at the club.
In the seniors, the Burras renewed their rivalry with Riddell.
“It seems to be a trend,” he said. “We want to play against the best and they have been the best all year.
“They will be hard to stop.”
