Burras win again as AFL recruit shines

John Ryan was among the best for Diggers Rest at the weekend. (Shawn Smits)

A best-on-ground performance from off season recruit Taylor Hine helped Diggers Rest maintain its unbeaten start to the Riddell District Football League season.

The Burras easily accounted for Lancefield on Saturday, running out 49-point winners.

Hine, who came to the club after playing in the AFL with Gold Coast and North Melbourne, kicked a goal and won a lot of important ball around the ground.

His efforts helped Diggers Rest get off to a flying start with the Burras kicking eight goals in the first half.

It wasn’t just at the attacking end that the Burras were clicking – defensively, they conceded only two goals to half-time.

With the groundwork laid, there was no cause for concern in the second half with the Burras adding another six goals in the 14.14 (98) – 7.7 (49) win.

Brandon Kilty was also impressive for Diggers Rest, kicking two goals, with Cole Laurie and Sean Egan also working hard.

The Burras will take on Romsey this week.

In other RDFL results, Melton Centrals continue to show signs of improvement in the early stages of the season.

After smashing Rockbank in round one, the Centrals pushed Wallan in a hard-fought clash before going down by 15 points.

Melton was left to rue a horror first quarter in which it slipped 30 points behind.

Despite being on the back foot, the Centrals continued to work hard and began to slowly peg back the margin. Six goals of their own and a much stronger defensive effort allowed the deficit to be cut to 11 points at the final change.

But Wallan was able to regroup, kicking six final quarter goals to seal the 16.8 (104) – 13.11 (89) win.

Woodend-Hesket smashed Rockbank, Sunbury Kangaroos defeated Broadford and Riddell easily accounted for Romsey.