Tara Murray
Diggers Rest is rested and ready for a big Riddell District Football League finals series.
With just one loss for the season, the Burras have known for weeks that they would finish on top of the ladder.
With that in mind coach Jamie Lobb has had his mind firmly on finals the last few weeks.
“It’s been nice to have a different scenario,” he said. “The final round last year we had to win to keep top spot.
“Last year we played a few guys in the final round and it hurt come the finals. We’ve been able to manage them and it’s made it a bit easier and hopefully we peak at the right time.”
The Burras have blooded a number of youngsters in recent weeks, while taking the opportunity to rest some guys.
On Saturday, the Burras faced Melton Centrals in their final game of the season.
Centrals led at quarter time before the Burras hit the front in the second quarter. They were able to stay there without blowing out the margin, winning 10.11 )71)-8.3 (51).
Lobb said it was a stress free game for him on the side lines.
“I don’t think the scoreboard reflected where the game was at,” he said. “We dominated the game.
“Jaidyn [Caruana] came off late and thought we were 10 or 11 goals up and it was only 15-16 points.
“It was windy conditions and Melton Centrals were able to score when they went forward. With that in mind the guys played some good footy.”
Caruana kicked four goals in a best on ground performance, while Marcus Calvaresi had another good game.
Lobb highlighted the role of Glenn Stewart of league leading goalkicker Dylan Jobson, having come into the side the last three weeks.
Happy to come away with the solid win, Lobb had one eye on the reserves match earlier in the day.
Captain Mitch Jensen played just his fourth game of the season. He hasn’t played senior football since Anzac Day.
Lobb said the return of Jensen would give him a full squad to choose from.
“Mitch got through a full game in the reserves,” he said. “He hasn’t played since round two and is captain of the club and one of our integral players.
“We’ve been trying to get the right mix up forward and tried a few different things. Him coming as an option adds three or four goals and however many he sets up.
“With players injured and unavailable I have not had to make too many calls. I would rather be in this position and picking who players and there will be a few who miss out.”
The Burras have the first week of finals off and will play the winner of Woodend-Hesket and Wallan for a spot in the grand final.
Lobb said they would just try and keep it as normal as possible.
“We’ll train heavier in the week and do some match simulation, so we don’t slip off.”
In the other final match up, Riddell play will Romsey in an elimination final.
