Sam’s super seven leads fast-finishing Redbacks

SLICKER-FINISHING Wedderburn has fallen 32 points short of upsetting Donald in North Central league on Saturday.

The Redbacks outscored Donald in the final term after the lead had been blown out by the Royals’ seven-goal blitz in the third quarter.

Almost half the Redbacks’ scores for the day came in that final 30 minutes and key was coach Sam Barnes down at fullforward.

Barnes kicked seven goals - for the first time this season able to make the lead, create space and have the ball delivered.

“I got off the leash and put a couple through,” he said after the game.

“As coach, I have been trying to bring others into games and perhaps sometimes you need a bit of a selfish full-forward to get the edge. Guess that happened in the end on Saturday.”

Wedderburn’s centreline of Jordan Rosengren, Darcy Jack- son and Hamish Lockhart were also up among the best on Saturday.

The Redbacks have lacked strength across the midfield in recent seasons but the trio has proven one of the shining lines this year.

Rosengreen worked overtime at the stoppages and clearance on Saturday and Luke Holt was another of the midfielders who found good touch.

And while Barnes was starring for Wedderburn, Donald had Sam Dunstan in equally good form as he booted six goals for the day.

Former Bendigo Pioneers talent league player Will Burke was best on ground for Donald.

Wedderburn has the bye this weekend and coach Barnes is hoping to see the return from injury of ruckman Adam Postle, captain Corey Lowry and Jones when the Redbacks and Loddon rivals Boort clash at Donaldson Park on July 22.