Red-hot Rosellas chase history

Cheltenham is set to regain a string of top-notch players, including an ex-AFL man, as it chases its first division one flag since 1934.

Cheltenham faces a pleasant selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s Southern league second semi-final against Cranbourne.

With no injuries to speak of, the Rosellas have a full complement of players to choose from as they look to claim a spot in the grand final.

“We’ve probably got legitimately 30 guys who can play in that 22, which is a great thing for the club,” Chelt coach Des Ryan said.

Former Adelaide Crow Myke Cooke is set to return to the Cheltenham side after missing the past two games.

The Rosellas will also regain young gun Aussie Johnson, who has kicked 29 goals this season as well as playing nine games with Richmond’s VFL side.

Former VFL player Will McTaggart, young tall Finn Ryan, who played two games with Frankston in the VFL last month, and Jackson Kilner are also up for selection.

Cheltenham’s leading goal kicker Josh Fox, who has 49 goals in nine games, is on the cusp of returning from injury. 

“Josh probably won’t play but he could pop up in the finals,’’ Ryan said.

Cheltenham has won 16 games in a row since losing its first two games of the season.

The red-hot Rosellas are out to win their first division one premiership since 1934.

Ryan is well aware of the long flag drought and says it’s driving his side.

“It’s 88 years,” he said.

“It was first brought to my attention in 2019.

“It’s a big opportunity for us.

“We’ve been developing a list for several years and we’re just super pleased that we were able to keep everyone from 2019. 

“There’s been a couple leave but if you compare it to turnover in suburban footy we haven’t had a lot of churn and we’ve added some more kids to our list who have performed really well.

“To say we’re overdue is an understatement.”

Ryan is expecting a challenging finals campaign.

“No matter who we play it’s going to be tough games of footy,’’ he said.

“And home and away results don’t really matter now.

“It’s a whole new ball game.”