Ranieri scores BFL’s Robert Allan

By Jessica Howard

Moorabool’s Riely Ranieri is the joint winner of the Ballarat Football Netball League’s
under-16.5 senior Robert Allan Medal.

The Ballan resident claimed the prestigious award at the league’s junior presentation
night on Monday (August 28).

Riely, who plays for North Ballarat, polled 14 points alongside East Point’s Nick Stevens.
The Robert Allan Medal was introduced in 2004 and sees coaches vote on their top three
players from the opposing side. Players are also awarded votes for inter-league and state
and Australian selection.

The 16-year-old midfielder said he was shocked to have taken out the top award.
“I didn’t expect it, but I was pretty honored to win such an important medal for the
league,” he said.

Riely’s season saw his selection in interleague, the Greater Western Victoria TAC Cup
and AFL Goldfields.

“Going up to play Cairns and Townsville as part of AFL Goldfields was a really good
experience for us boys,” he said.

“The highlight of this season would probably have to be finishing first on the ladder
though, as it meant a lot to us boys.

“Last year, we were knocked out in the final so it was really good to finish on top this
time around. Hopefully we can carry it all the way through”.

North Ballarat’s under 16.5s will this week play Ballarat in the semifinal.

“I am feeling confident. We lost by a goal last week but it was a first verses second team
clash so we get another chance. I think as a team we are pretty confident too, but we
can’t take that too lightly”.

Riely said he hopes to carry on with his football and later make it to a higher level.
“I will hopefully play in more squads which will help me potentially get picked and
drafted.

“I’m a Geelong supporter so if I could choose I’d definitely go there”.