What was confirmed to me after watching Kilmore v Macedon on Saturday and hearing reports of the other matches, this is what I've learned this season.
- Take away Riddell and Rockbank and the competition is the most even it has EVER been. On their day, any of the nine remaining sides can beat one another. Riddell perhaps can be beaten (note: side's might have to go the knuckle

).
- We have perhaps the best crop of young guns (16-20). I'm mentioning James Wright, Paul Conversano, Alistair Collins, The Big Rig (no name needed), Jae Wilton, Nathan Carroll, Paul Newton, Brenton Sutherland, Peter Robertson, James Climas, Ben Sonogan, James Petran, Cam Dawson, Jamie Michael, Ben Richmond, Myles Dorman, Alex Laidlaw, Ben Pronk, Dylan Walker, Andrew Hibbert, Trent Kelly, Chris Smith, Stuart Clarke, Dylan Hannon, John Ryan, Ben Shippard, James Hepburn etc. all playing key roles at senior level at some stage or another.
- Making big statements before a season does not change a club's culture. Kilmore the big disappointments of 2008. Needed to secure Wittmer and Kaakour. Should have done what Lancefield, Macedon, Melton Centrals have done and just quietly go about their business.
- The Cats can make the grand final, and can beat Woodend-Hesket this Saturday. Match of the year thus far.
- Woodend-Hesket can go back-to-back if they have all thier players firing at the right time again.
- The All-Star match concept is good in theory, but the players have yet to really warm to it, neither have the fans. That might all change in a week or so when the game is upon us, but the league perhaps should have locked in a venue at the start of the season and done a little more promotion. Lack of communication between the coaches/league/clubs/players has been the biggest issue I've heard to date. All is not lost yet, lets hope we get a big crowd at Riddell and the players put on a spectacle.
- Crowds are on the up, especially at clubs like Wallan, Lancefield, Macedon, Melton Central where success has been dry in recent seasons.
- The RDFL is starting to grow its reputation as a strong league both on and off the field. I think our better sides would be very competitive in neighbouring leagues, who appear to be dropping back while we advance.
- Depth in a playing list is still the key to success.
- The fans are hoping that sixth beats third in the first week of the finals to show up the flawed top-six system.
- Having an aura helps you win football games
