RDFL Thread 2009 (Part 2)

[Grant3]

Romsey to defeat Riddell by 25 pts and move into the big dance.

Diggers to continue their winning ways with a 5 point win over Lancefield.

 

[Itsmyshow]

1st Semi Final - Lancefield Vs Diggers Rest, Saturday 5th September, 2.15PM, Riddell

The 1st Semi Final sees Lancefield take on Diggers Rest at Riddell.
The Tigers, coming off a heartbreaking 1 point loss last week to the Bombers will be looking to bounce back against a Burra line up that demolished Macedon in the 2nd half.
This game is an intruiging one, with the game already being shifted off a flooding Woodend/Hesket ground and on to a Riddell ground that showed signs of becoming heavy last week. Will Riddell again be the nemesis of a Tiger side desperate for a shot at a prelim next week.
The Tigers were found out when the heat was on with some key turnovers and were a little succeptable in the final quarter. They couldn't find a match up for Cam McCabe and this week have to deal with two players of a similar ilk. The Tigers back 6 is the weakness, while the midfield must hit targets, as they did in the first half last week, but they need to do so while under pressure. The Tigers strongest defender, Leigh Irwin, will need to find a suitable match up, in the first half on the weekend he was fantastic, but after half time Meacham took him out of the space and the Bombers forwards, especially the smaller forwards, took advantage. If Sims plays he will play forward, Irwin needs to go to him. The Tigers need to find suitable matchups for Laurie and Danny McCabe. Travis Smith tried hard but couldn't go with Kegga on the weekend and will probably be better suited in this game with a midfield tagging role. James House couldn't find a suitable match up and will be exposed if he plays on Laurie or McCabe. The Tigers might be well served with a tall defender on McCabe and or Laurie, Phil Conway could be an option.
The Tigers not only have to win the midfield battle to win this game, they have to hit targets. If Talbot is fit he has to play in the middle. He played a great game at CHF but lacked the impact he is capable of. Waters Vs Marchewka/Gleeson will be an interesting match up. If Marchewka can get forward on Waters he will hurt the Tigers, while Gleeson is good enough to go with him around the ground. This frees up Thompson to go forward. Hopefully John Ryan is fit, he was outstanding on Fleming and will be a perfect match up for Ruffell or Baker. Baker could be the key to this one. He has kicked alot of goals this year and is benefiting from having Ruffell in the forward 50. The Burra need to be wary.
The Burra will be looking at this weeks weather reports and hoping for rain. Smaller ground + rain = Contested footy, Contested footy = Burra win. If the Tigers open the game up, then the Burra will find this a bit difficult.
Key Players:
Lancefield
Leigh Irwin - If he is allowed to impact the game, the Burra will find it hard to score.
Ben Talbot - IMO is the best player in the competition along with Cuffe. Needs to move onto the ball to be of most benefit.
Chris Collins - Wins plenty of the ball, must ensure he hits his targets.
John Baker - Slips under the radar, needs to kick goals if Ruffell is quiet and vice versa.
Diggers Rest
Steve Ruane - Was clear BOG last week playing in the sweeping role, if he is left to his own devices will cause headaches for the Tigers.
Mid Forwards - Laurie, McCabe and Sims could hold the key as the Tigers couldn't stop Ash and Kegga last week.
Tom Gleeson - Could be a run with role with Waters, if he roams free he will pick off the Burra footy out of defensive 50.
Jeff Heritage - The key man through the middle, you know the Burra are up and running if he is getting his hands on it alot in the centre square.

Diggers Rest by 8 points.

 

[Itsmyshow]

2nd Semi Final - Riddell Vs Romsey, Sunday 6th September, 2.15PM, Tony Clarke Reserve

The 2nd Semi Final.. Winner through to the Grand Final with a week off, Loser gets a shot at a preliminary final.
The Redbacks did what they had to do last week to see of the Hawks to move into this match. All of the talk centre's around Moorcroft who is spending most of his time in the middle. But the Redbacks are getting plenty from Shannon Green, Ash McNaughton and Cam Dawson. Moorcroft seems to be fed the ball rather than win it contested and this is where sides seem to be caught out. With Ben Richmond, Adam Kearney, Steve Burlak and Clint Wheatley up forward, the Redbacks have plenty of options up forward, but the back 6 is where they are most succeptable. Last week they were able to hold off a fast finishing Hawks team, but they are in the firing line this week. Meacham, Cam McCabe, Dean Besanko, Nick Ash, the Bombers have options and if the Redbacks defence isn't on thier game they will be exploited and exploited quite badly. Obviously the key is winning the ball forward. On Sunday, the Bombers were well served by Ryan Leitch, Ben Sonogan and Rick Elliot, the younger brigade, Elliot especially is most impressive, he improves every time I see him and has become a vital part of the Riddell line up. Whittard, Belleville and Whittle we good on the weekend but probably just need to provide a little more grunt to ensure that the Bomber forward line receives enough of the ball to score.
The ruck battle of Ryan Connellan Vs Brayden Allen/Mick Burnett will be an interesting one. The Tigers made the mistake last week of letting Waters try to ruck all day, by the last quarter Allen was jumping all over him and giving the Bombers first use. Connellan needs to ensure this doesn't happen this week. If the half forwards of the Bombers find themselves with enough time to come in off the bounce and get to the contest they tend to clear the ball forward more times than not.
Both sides make the first trip of the finals to a bigger ground. When the Redbacks played at Tony Clarke last, the talk was that some players ended up lost, this happens easily at Macedon. The Bombers game style means they will know the ground a little better than their opponents.
Key Players:
Riddell
Chris Meacham - Quiet last week but sacrificed his own game for the greater good. Will have a bigger impact this week.
Cam McCabe - Proved last week what an impact he can have on a game.
Nick Ash - Could be a finals wildcard. As a junior was a perennial goal kicker, could become a finals winner.
Ben Sonogan - What a talented youngster, his first half last week was ordinary, his second half, unstoppable.
Rick Elliot - Underrate him at your peril, and accurate long kick and accumulates plenty of the ball.
Romsey
Gary Moorcroft - Nuff said
Shannon Green - Gets plenty of it, can be exploited though.
Ryan Connellan - Could make or break this game.
Cam Dawson - With Dorman is one of the most talented youngsters the RDFL has produced. If he is on, its showtime.
Warren Kairns - One of the best defenders in the competition on his day, his days are coming less frequently these days.

Riddell by 22 points

 

[ROOTA#6]

Re: 2nd Semi Final - Riddell Vs Romsey, Sunday 6th September, 2.15PM, Tony Clarke Reserve

The 2nd Semi Final.. Winner through to the Grand Final with a week off, Loser gets a shot at a preliminary final.
The Redbacks did what they had to do last week to see of the Hawks to move into this match. All of the talk centre's around Moorcroft who is spending most of his time in the middle. But the Redbacks are getting plenty from Shannon Green, Ash McNaughton and Cam Dawson. Moorcroft seems to be fed the ball rather than win it contested and this is where sides seem to be caught out. With Ben Richmond, Adam Kearney, Steve Burlak and Clint Wheatley up forward, the Redbacks have plenty of options up forward, but the back 6 is where they are most succeptable. Last week they were able to hold off a fast finishing Hawks team, but they are in the firing line this week. Meacham, Cam McCabe, Dean Besanko, Nick Ash, the Bombers have options and if the Redbacks defence isn't on thier game they will be exploited and exploited quite badly. Obviously the key is winning the ball forward. On Sunday, the Bombers were well served by Ryan Leitch, Ben Sonogan and Rick Elliot, the younger brigade, Elliot especially is most impressive, he improves every time I see him and has become a vital part of the Riddell line up. Whittard, Belleville and Whittle we good on the weekend but probably just need to provide a little more grunt to ensure that the Bomber forward line receives enough of the ball to score.
The ruck battle of Ryan Connellan Vs Brayden Allen/Mick Burnett will be an interesting one. The Tigers made the mistake last week of letting Waters try to ruck all day, by the last quarter Allen was jumping all over him and giving the Bombers first use. Connellan needs to ensure this doesn't happen this week. If the half forwards of the Bombers find themselves with enough time to come in off the bounce and get to the contest they tend to clear the ball forward more times than not.
Both sides make the first trip of the finals to a bigger ground. When the Redbacks played at Tony Clarke last, the talk was that some players ended up lost, this happens easily at Macedon. The Bombers game style means they will know the ground a little better than their opponents.
Key Players:
Riddell
Chris Meacham - Quiet last week but sacrificed his own game for the greater good. Will have a bigger impact this week.
Cam McCabe - Proved last week what an impact he can have on a game.
Nick Ash - Could be a finals wildcard. As a junior was a perennial goal kicker, could become a finals winner.
Ben Sonogan - What a talented youngster, his first half last week was ordinary, his second half, unstoppable.
Rick Elliot - Underrate him at your peril, and accurate long kick and accumulates plenty of the ball.
Romsey
Gary Moorcroft - Nuff said
Shannon Green - Gets plenty of it, can be exploited though.
Ryan Connellan - Could make or break this game.
Cam Dawson - With Dorman is one of the most talented youngsters the RDFL has produced. If he is on, its showtime.
Warren Kairns - One of the best defenders in the competition on his day, his days are coming less frequently these days.

Riddell by 22 points

This games is played on Sunday yeah??

 

[FIFO6]

rumours, rumours, rumours, everybody loves one.

Rumours are what keeps this league interesting,

Everybody keep up the good work

 

[FIFO6]

some of riddells young guns returning to their home stomping ground next year after a year in the ballarat league

Where's all this money coming from to entice these player's to come home to play footy. Nowday's everyone's a superstar and asking for money without ever doing anything.

 

[blues12]

Rumours are what keeps this league interesting,

Everybody keep up the good work

Too true, lets start another
Broadford are looking for a coach, Lawrence Angwin & Barry Hall have ties with the club and Aaron James Lives just down the road.

 

[terry_tugboat]

Where's all this money coming from to entice these player's to come home to play footy. Nowday's everyone's a superstar and asking for money without ever doing anything.

there are some very rich plummers in the town although they already have a couple on board they are about to hit up a couple of others who are going about their business quietly taking home close to the million dollar mark for the year , this is were the money is going to come from

 

[terry_tugboat]

Re: 2nd Semi Final - Riddell Vs Romsey, Sunday 6th September, 2.15PM, Tony Clarke Reserve

This games is played on Sunday yeah??

yes it is roota , played at macedon.
should be a pretty good crowd their also i would have thought

 

[ROOTA#6]

Re: 2nd Semi Final - Riddell Vs Romsey, Sunday 6th September, 2.15PM, Tony Clarke Reserve

yes it is roota , played at macedon.
should be a pretty good crowd their also i would have thought

Thanks for that. Few of Yaks old Lalbert team mates heading to the game for a look at how the big fella is travelling

 

[Halffullonfence]

rumours, rumours, rumours, everybody loves one.

And who is calling who ?

 

[matt_nicholls]

there are some very rich plummers in the town although they already have a couple on board they are about to hit up a couple of others who are going about their business quietly taking home close to the million dollar mark for the year , this is were the money is going to come from

OMNI, you're a plumber in Riddells Creek aren't you?

What are those blokes doing that you're not?

All your millions must go on these famous footy boots.

 

[OMNIPOTENT_1]

They aren't married !

 

[Nothing but Facts]

Terry the tugboat i would like to quote a comment you made towards another poster on GDCA thread...........

"your obviously one of those sad pathetic people who will sit there and take a shot at anyone willing to have a go. How about you save your opinion until the season has ended and do some home work and ask some people who played under him what they thought.
if you have sufficient evidence to support the crap you speak then talk about it,but i doubt very much that you will hear a bad word .
Until then best you shut your trap instead of coming on here and bagging a guy who would do anything for anyone at his club."
I know you were talking about a cricket coach just appointed but you would be well served by following your own advice.

I have seen and spoken to people throughout year and im led to believe Flea has done a super job with Macedon this year. I know him well enough to know that he would do anything for his club and his players.

Dont forget he had his team 28 points in front at half time so he couldnt have been totally outcoached. I was at woodend/romsey game but i have heard that many of his plans and roles worked perfectly. Ask Sheeds what makes a good coach and he will tell you... good players. yes they got rolled badly in second half but i dont think the coach can take a lot of the blame for that.

So Terry take your own advice and dont be 'one of those sad pathetic people who sit back and take shots at someone having a go'. Despite last weeks results that club has come a long way and the senior coach has to take some credit as well as the flack he has copped this week.

Bad luck to the hawks too who looked like they were going to overrun romsey until dawson did a couple of special things. Was a good game of footy though. Speaking of coaches does anyone know why Cooky only played himself for such short amount of time sat? He seemed ok but spent most of day coaching from bench. Have seen him do this a lot this year. Is his body hurting that badly or does he just not value himslef in the hawks best 18 anymore? Has he re-signed for 2010?

 

[Westcoast84]

I find it funny that Macedon who has struggled for a number of years, finish 3rd, lose the first final to a team that many regard as a dangerous team and people are calling for the coaches head. Then you look at Woodend who most thought at the start of the year as a pontential flag chance, struggle for the most of the year, fall into the 6, lose the first final and not a word said. Not having a go at Woodend, any team who makes the finals should think that they had some sort of success that season, just think that those taking pot shots at the cats (mainly at flea) should put things into perspective. Would also like to point out that Fitzy (who apparently outcoached flea) has only ever yelled at his players when they are playing bad! Even in the 3q time huddle in the GF last year he didn't raise his voice to motivate and I walked away convinced that the burra would find something (probably shows that I am easily influenced ).

Anyway, the cats and the hawks have enjoyed there mad mondays and we are left with 4. My tips below.

Romsey dealt with Riddell easily last time, and really have not given a reason why they shouldn't be tipped. Still even though Romsey have Moorecroft, Riddell have kegga. Going to be interesting, but I am going for Riddell only because it is on the bigger ground. Riddell - 12 points

I believe that Lancefield are the only team in the comp who have the wood on the burra. Not sure when the last time it was when Diggers beat Lancefield, but even if Riddells ground is heavy, it will still hold up a little which will allow the classier players of the tigers to shine on. Lancefield - 6 points

Going to be a crackin weekend of footy. Good luck everyone.

 

[Hotmail]

Lancefield def Diggers by 1pt

 

[Gull35]

Lancefield def Diggers by 1pt

Thats two weeks in a row Lancefield have been in a game thats been decided by a point.. I wasnt there but it must have been a cracking game.

 

[Itsmyshow]

Was a great game at Riddell today.. The Burra's courage was on display for all to see.. Sims playing on one leg yet almost carried the Burra over the line, 5 goals in an outstanding performance. Credit where credit is due, Scott Nettleton played a great game for the Burra. Sims, Nettleton and Stu Clarke were the Burra's best, but Jeff Heritage had an absolute MARE....
Talbot was clearly the Tigers best along with Leigh Irwin and Dave House was very good.
The game went along the path of the Tigers game last week, they looked to be in control but did all of the damage in patches, the Tigers still lack consistency over an entire quarter and it might just cost them a shot in the GF. McCabe looked dangerous early for the Burra before Travis Smith shut out the memories of last week by shutting him down. Kris Marsh racked up plenty of the ball through the half back line and the middle of the ground but his disposal let him down at times. Irwin was a thorn in the Burra's side, they continually put the ball in the area he patrolled. Waters was good again playing the kick behind, but it was Talbot and Dorman that continually looked dangerous. These 2 and Collins hold the key to the Tigers finals fortunes. The Tigers got out to a 19 point lead with only 5 minutes to go but the Burra refused to lie down, goals from Kite (Not Hannan radio 100.7), Kilty and Thompson got them back within a point and a final scramble toward goal saw the ball not have enough legs to dribble through, the Tigers cleaning it up and pushing the ball out on the wing for the win. The Burra put in an almighty effort, missing Cole Laurie hurt too much and Kilty took too long to get going. The Tigers will be happy to get through and with a Prelim at Romsey they are back in the mix, but they will need to work on that consistent effort over the entire 25 minutes of each quarter because against Romsey and Riddell, it just wont be enough.

IMS Votes

3 - Ben Talbot (Lancefield)
2 - Leigh Irwin (Lancefield)
1 - Shaun Sims (Diggers Rest)

 

[terry_tugboat]

great game at macedon today with romsey getting over the line by 5 pts.
dawson was bog, kicked 6 moorcroft next and the big yak 3rd would be my top three

good tough win how ever it come at a cost, dawson sent off and reported for tripping in the last 5 mins of the game and moorcroft went off early in the last with a shoulder injury which didnt look to good at all.

 

[Itsmyshow]

Today's game typified the finals series so far.. Tough and uncompromising, maybe I should make my posts the same..
Well done to the Redbacks, a great win without Shannon Green and Luke Carroll. Steve Burlak, could be the most important player of the finals series, really played a captains game today, a couple of telling goals from booming kicks. Cam Dawson inspired the win early, kicking 5 first half goals, he made one of the highest rated defender's in the league look insipid, Jason Allen's day went from shocking to terrible by day's end. Moorcroft dominated around the ground, Leigh Coles went physical and Gary just took off. At times with no opponent in sight. The Redbacks looked to have control all day but the Bombers kept coming. I couldn't work out why they kicked around Meacham so much, he looked to have Kairns measure yet the ball seemed to avoid him when he was one on one. Cam Casson was clearly the Bombers best and they would be happy with his return. Brent Purcell went through the first 3 quarters like last week, ineffective, but then he gave away a stupid 50 and his whole game turned, he started to find the ball and showed why he is considered such a dangerous player with some telling disposal. Whittle's send off was just a silly act, not sure if there would be any suspension out of the report, but it was high and stopped the Bombers momentum in its tracks, then the best player on the ground did something even sillier and now risks missing the biggest game of the year... Again, not sure if there should be any suspension out of the incident, but why risk it?
The game on the line, Moorcroft looked to have done serious damage to either his shoulder or collarbone, his season could be finished (although he could probably play forward if they face Lancefield, outside of Irwin they really dont have anyone to go with him). Kegga McCabe looks to have done a hamstring which wont help him for next week or even the week after, if the Bombers get there.
Romsey were 23 points up with 5 minutes to go and the Bombers came again, 3 straight goals bought them within 5 points, but this week they ran out of time, the siren sounding shortly after the restart with Romsey captain coach Adam Kearney sending a loud message to the group of Lancefield players and coaches gathered near the siren... A bit of "You're Next", I think there may have been other words but I missed them.
Speaking of Kearney, his form in the past 3 weeks has been great, but his leadership in the last 4 minutes of that game was just what Romsey needed, along with Burlak and Connellan, he helped drag his side that may have flattened at watching Moorcroft walk off with his arm slung in his jumper, he ensured that his young players fought the game out and got the win. Dawson, Moorcroft, Connellan and Burlak were the best for the Redbacks, while Cam Casson, Brayden Allen, Nick Ash and Ben Sonogan were the Bombers best..
Week off for the Redbacks might see Shannon Green return, while Luke Carroll will be a certain starter, will it be enough for Gary to get right to play forward though, and, will Dawson get off.. Big 2 weeks coming up for the Redbacks.

IMS Votes
3 - Cam Dawson (Romsey)
2 - Gary Moorcroft (Romsey)
1 - Cam Casson (Riddell)

 

[oneeyedblue]

Today's game typified the finals series so far.. Tough and uncompromising, maybe I should make my posts the same..
Well done to the Redbacks, a great win without Shannon Green and Luke Carroll. Steve Burlak, could be the most important player of the finals series, really played a captains game today, a couple of telling goals from booming kicks. Cam Dawson inspired the win early, kicking 5 first half goals, he made one of the highest rated defender's in the league look insipid, Jason Allen's day went from shocking to terrible by day's end. Moorcroft dominated around the ground, Leigh Coles went physical and Gary just took off. At times with no opponent in sight. The Redbacks looked to have control all day but the Bombers kept coming. I couldn't work out why they kicked around Meacham so much, he looked to have Kairns measure yet the ball seemed to avoid him when he was one on one. Cam Casson was clearly the Bombers best and they would be happy with his return. Brent Purcell went through the first 3 quarters like last week, ineffective, but then he gave away a stupid 50 and his whole game turned, he started to find the ball and showed why he is considered such a dangerous player with some telling disposal. Whittle's send off was just a silly act, not sure if there would be any suspension out of the report, but it was high and stopped the Bombers momentum in its tracks, then the best player on the ground did something even sillier and now risks missing the biggest game of the year... Again, not sure if there should be any suspension out of the incident, but why risk it?
The game on the line, Moorcroft looked to have done serious damage to either his shoulder or collarbone, his season could be finished (although he could probably play forward if they face Lancefield, outside of Irwin they really dont have anyone to go with him). Kegga McCabe looks to have done a hamstring which wont help him for next week or even the week after, if the Bombers get there.
Romsey were 23 points up with 5 minutes to go and the Bombers came again, 3 straight goals bought them within 5 points, but this week they ran out of time, the siren sounding shortly after the restart with Romsey captain coach Adam Kearney sending a loud message to the group of Lancefield players and coaches gathered near the siren... A bit of "You're Next", I think there may have been other words but I missed them.
Speaking of Kearney, his form in the past 3 weeks has been great, but his leadership in the last 4 minutes of that game was just what Romsey needed, along with Burlak and Connellan, he helped drag his side that may have flattened at watching Moorcroft walk off with his arm slung in his jumper, he ensured that his young players fought the game out and got the win. Dawson, Moorcroft, Connellan and Burlak were the best for the Redbacks, while Cam Casson, Brayden Allen, Nick Ash and Ben Sonogan were the Bombers best..
Week off for the Redbacks might see Shannon Green return, while Luke Carroll will be a certain starter, will it be enough for Gary to get right to play forward though, and, will Dawson get off.. Big 2 weeks coming up for the Redbacks.


IMS Votes
3 - Cam Dawson (Romsey)
2 - Gary Moorcroft (Romsey)
1 - Cam Casson (Riddell)

It doesnt take much courage to pin a guys arms then drive him in to the ground on to his shoulder. This is the second Romsey player to have this done by a Riddell player recently. Was Dawson reported?, he was sent off with the blood rule, maybe he punched himself in the head.If Dawson is suspended then Whittle should get a minimum of 3 weeks

 

[onlyintwos]

It doesnt take much courage to pin a guys arms then drive him in to the ground on to his shoulder. This is the second Romsey player to have this done by a Riddell player recently. Was Dawson reported?, he was sent off with the blood rule, maybe he punched himself in the head.If Dawson is suspended then Whittle should get a minimum of 3 weeks

both players reported

 

[ROOTA#6]

It doesnt take much courage to pin a guys arms then drive him in to the ground on to his shoulder. This is the second Romsey player to have this done by a Riddell player recently. Was Dawson reported?, he was sent off with the blood rule, maybe he punched himself in the head.If Dawson is suspended then Whittle should get a minimum of 3 weeks

Will be interesting to see what happens with Cam Dawsons report. Wouldn't have been put in the book in my league. Thought Yak was excellent today. His ability to jump early and still get his hands to the ball and find the target was good to watch. Nearly cost him his nuts though

 

[headshot]

Will be interesting to see what happens with Cam Dawsons report. Wouldn't have been put in the book in my league. Thought Yak was excellent today. His ability to jump early and still get his hands to the ball and find the target was good to watch. Nearly cost him his nuts though

Wouldn't have been put in the book at any other RDFL game this season either. You would think that he would get off .

 

[catters078]

Yeh i was watching up the end where Cam got reported, terribly soft report.

Cam ran hard for the tackle as he does every time, the player pivoted and most of the body contact was below the hip, but it wasnt a blatant trip..

has to get off..