IT might only be round two, but Diggers Rest is already putting its hand up as a Riddell District Football League contender after a 55-point win against Riddell at the weekend.
The rematch of the 2010 decider ended in a big Burras margin as six last-quarter goals to two sealed the 18.7 (115) to 9.6 (60) win.
But new Diggers Rest coach Jamie Elliott was keen to keep a lid on things in spite of his team beating two of last year’s finalists by a combined 92 points to start the season.
Brent Tuckey booted five goals for the Burras, Daniel McCabe four and Craig Marshall three.
“I think the margin flattered us in the end with the goals in the last quarter,” Elliott said.
“The boys played some good footy and matched [Riddell] at the contest.
“It was a matter of who was going to win the footy because the pressure was fairly good. [Riddell] turned the ball over a little bit more than we did.”
Diggers Rest led by a point at quarter-time but edged ahead by 26 at the long break with a six goals to two second quarter.
Even with a 32-point margin at three-quarter time, Elliott was not comfortable.
“I’m not a really big stats fan, but you keep an eye on the way the boys are going … you get a good hold on the game. The way we went about it was good.
“I think this team has been defensive in the past and we needed to create an outlet, run and create.
“I know their last coach [Glenn Hopkins, now at Woodend] got them pressuring and tackling the right way. I want to see us get the ball away and spread.
“I think the way we played today was a snowball that just got bigger as it rolled.
“Our players worked hard.”
Rockbank rules
At Rockbank, the Rams are off the mark after an eight-point win against Broadford at Ian Cowie Reserve.
Tristan Zerafa was the Rams’ best while Steven Paone kicked three goals in the 10.12 (72) to 9.10 (64) win.
Melton Central’s rampant start to the season also continued as the Blues crushed Kilmore by 80 points.
Adam Fenton’s six goals led the rout as Central turned a two-point quarter-time deficit into a 17-point half-time lead, then kicked away with 10 goals to two after the long break.
