Worksafe AFL Victoria Country Championships Preview – by Chris Yeend
Recent outings
2014
Alberton 16.8 (104) defeated Riddell 15.13 (103)
Nepean 16.12 (108) defeated Central Murray 9.15 (69)
2013
Riddell 16.20 (116) defeated Kyabram 5.9 (39)
Nepean 18.17 (125) defeated Heathcote 13.14 (92)
WATCH – The Final Word from RDFNL coach Matt Power
Build-up
This is the blockbuster that fans of the Riddell and Nepean Football Netball Leagues have been eyeing off all season. This is a match made in heaven between two sides who were not initially scheduled to face each other. They both had different opponents who opted to pull out, and now the two will do battle on one of the biggest grounds in Central Victoria, the Tony Clarke Reserve. This ground is enriched with great history with the diameter of the playing surface the same as the hallowed MCG turf.
The RDFNL have fond memories of this ground. It was only back in 2009 where they returned to interleague football action for the first time in many years where they took on the Southern Football League. They lost the game in torrential rain, yet typical cold Macedon weather by four points, but locals didn't care, the best of the best wore the same jumper, fighting for the league's honour.
The RDFNL joined the Country Championships in 2013, registering one win on the road at Tatura followed by a loss at Romsey Park last year. Nepean has been a dominant team for a number of years and has long been pushing for a place in the top 10 rankings. They record a comfortable 39 point win over Central Murray at home in Rosebud last year with small Sorrento forward Leigh Poholke the star with eight goals. He is in the initial squad this year.
RDFNL
Key players to look out for -
Jon Kent - Lancefield forward who joined the club after a lengthy and successful stint in the Essendon District Football League. Has played in two premiership teams and kicked 100 goals in a season. He is quick, clever, sharp and accurate around the goal front. He isn't your typical tall full forward but don't let that fool you, he is not to be taken lightly. He has kicked 30 goals in five games and converts most of his opportunities.
James Wright - Captain at Macedon and knows this ground better than anyone else. He is quick, clever on both feet and inspirational leader. He is in the prime of his career. He performs at his absolute best in an RDFNL jumper including winning the best on ground award in the 2013 clash against Kyabram. Handy goal kicker, kicks well on both feet and has a good defensive element to his game. Trained with the VFL in the pre-season and has returned to the competition better than ever.
James Nolan - Riddell premiership player who is capable of dominating a game off his own boot. He is tall, strong and accurate. When he is having an off day, players can get under his skin and he can give away a few silly free-kicks, but on his day, he is unstoppable. He moves well up the ground and his best football is truly ahead of him. He kicked five goals in last year's game and played mostly at centre-half-forward.
Chris Petroro - The 2014 Romsey premiership player will be the quickest player on the ground in the game today. Originally from Melbourne, he played with the Northern Bullants and was a representative in one of the Victoria Country teams in recent seasons. Kicked the goal of the game against Alberton last year when he bounced his way from half back to half forward to kick a memorable goal. Classy left foot player with a basketball background. He handles the ball really well and is not afraid to take the game on.
Brett Chambers - A loyal star at Rupertswood, Chambers is one of the best assets in the team. He completely shut down his opponent in last year's effort against Alberton and was the second best player on the ground for Riddell behind Nolan. He has been vital at both ends for the Sharks this year, playing a great stoppage role down back when needed while occasionally drifting forward. He kicked six goals last week and will play a key part in today's game if Riddell should win.
Coach - Matt Power
The Riddell Football Netball Club premiership coach takes on the position as coach for his third year. He has outstanding career as a player and a coach. While he no longer coaches outside interleague duties anymore, he is the secret weapon to guiding the RDFNL to a competitive performance.
NFNL
Key players to look out for -
Ryan Mullett – Nepean captain in his first year playing with Rye after a stellar career at Vermont in the strong Eastern Football League, where he captained the Eagles to their 2009 premiership as well as playing in three other flags with the Eagles. One of the most skilful midfielders with damaging foot skills. He is the older brother of North Melbourne’s Aaron Mullett won the EFL’s Chandler Medal, their Division 1 Best and Fairest award in 2010, 2012 and 2014, classifying him as a 'legend' of the Eastern Football League
Kris Bardon – First year with Rye after also crossing over from Vermont in the Eastern Football League, where he was a four-time premiership player, best on ground in their hard-fought 2005 premiership win over Donvale and the EFL’s Chandler Medallist in 2008 and 2009. Will float through the on-ball rotations on the weekend with good foot skills and hard running.
Nathan Henley – First year with Rye after also crossing over from Vermont, Henley won the EFL’s Chandler Medal in 2007 and was awarded Best on Ground in Vermont’s 2007 and 2009 premiership victories. Another hard-running midfielder with silky skills, who came to Vermont after a stint in the Tasmanian VFL side.
Dean Millhouse – Key defender in his first year with Rye, and a key part of Vermont’s premiership success in the mid to late 2000’s. Will hold down a key defensive post, and can effectively be used as a 'pinch-hitter' up forward. Originally crossed over to Vermont from Tasmania, where he was a teammate of Nathan Henley in the Tassie VFL side.
Verdict
Nepean has a very strong line-up with plenty of premiership experience. They possess outstanding experience to play at this level and their results reflect their dominance. Riddell is still quite new in this environment and contain a well balanced team. Nepean should win here based on ranking alone but don’t be surprised if the locals pull off an upset.
Radio
Catch this game live and exclusive on 100.7 Highlands FM. Tune in from 10.30am right through-out the day. Listen via 100.7 FM at the ground and online – highlandsfm.org.au
The expert commentary team will give a bottle of Hanging Rock wine to the player they feel is best on field.
Follow LIVE SCORES from all RDFNL interleague football encounters from your smartphone or tablet through the RDFNL’s app via TeamApp. Download TeamApp from your App Store, and search for “Riddell District FNL” within. You can also listen to all of the day’s action LIVE on 100.7 Highlands FM from 10:30am
Riddell District FNL Selected Senior Side
B: Corey Viani (Broadford) , Daniel Gregory (Sunbury Kangaroos), Matthew Leonard (Sunbury Kangaroos)
HB: Ayden Tessari (Romsey), Brett Chambers (Rupertswood), Hamish Govan (Woodend-Hesket)
C: James Wright (captain, Macedon), Matthew Sullivan (Sunbury Kangaroos), Chris Petroro (Romsey)
HF: Zak Saad (Romsey) , Rex Hickman (Melton Centrals), Haydn Ross (Riddell)
F: James Nolan (Riddell), Brian Ruffell (Riddell), Kayne Murphy (Sunbury Kangaroos)
R: James Philpot (Broadford), Josh Pound (Broadford), Shaun Harrison (Macedon)
Int: Brenton Sutherland (Sunbury Kangaroos), Jason Williams (Diggers Rest), Jack Mills (Macedon), Mitch Gaunt (Rupertswood), Jon Kent (Lancefield)
Emerg: Jason Cooke (Macedon), Jordan Braddy (Rupertswood), Matt Welsh (Sunbury Kangaroos)
Last Modified on 22/05/2015 14:30