By Tara Murray
Romsey is hoping to regroup and refocus after a qualifying final loss to Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
The Redbacks were found out against an experienced Diggers Rest outfit during their 10.12 (72)-5.5 (35) loss.
Redbacks coach Corey O’Sullivan said they had some bad “moments” throughout the game which proved costly.
“We knew coming in they are a really experienced finals side,” he said.
“We didn’t handle some moments. We didn’t play smart football.
“We stayed skinny at times and then we went wide deep into our forward line.
“We let Diggers control the game for five-six minute periods of time.”
The Redbacks were held goalless in the first quarter, when kicking with the wind, putting them on the back foot.
O’Sullivan said he didn’t think there was nerves at play, with their attack on the ball excellent, especially in the first half.
PHOTO GALLERY: Diggers Rest vs Romsey
He said they just did not make the most of their good work.
“We’ve done it at times throughout the season, we haven’t handled moments well,” O’Sullivan said.
There were a couple of positive signs out of the match for the Redbacks.
Firstly they stayed in the game throughout and weren’t blown away in a finals loss, like they have the past two years.
The second was the performance of the two 16-year-olds in the team.
Kane Brinkhuis and Ethan Beer, in his second match, both played really well.
Jack Jedwab was the only multiple goal kicker for the Redbacks, kicking two goals.
Jedwab and Jack O’Sullivan were the two standouts for the Redbacks.
“Both played really good games of footy,” Corey O’Sullivan said.
“They are both 21-year-olds and they played mature games of football.”
Having finished second, the Redbacks have a double chance.
They will face Wallan, who defeated Riddell 16.18 (114)-10.9 (69) in an elimination final.
O’Sullivan said they know they are in for a good test.
“At the start of the season we wanted to finish top two,” he said.
“The next opportunity was to play well in finals. We’ve ticked off the first, and now we’re trying to tick off the second.
“We go in with confidence, even though we know we haven’t beaten them.
“It’s a massive test for us. The guys love a challenge.”
The Redbacks are set for a boost with Chris Burkett and Jaidyn Caruana set to return this week.
Aaron Paterson will miss another game with suspension.
In the other elimination final, Rupertswood was too good for Macedon.
The Sharks were out of the blocks early and were strong throughout, winning 18.7 (115) – 9.11 (65).
Sharks big man Dean Putt was named best on ground.
Rupertswood will play Diggers Rest for a spot in the grand final.
