EFL 2018: South Croydon moves to a 12-3 record in the Eastern Football League after a 20-point win over Blackburn

SOUTH Croydon showed its fighting qualities with a 20-point win over Blackburn to move another step closer to securing a top-three berth and leaving the Burners finals aspirations in jeopardy.

IT’S going to take a exceptional side to topple South Croydon this year.

For much of Saturday, Blackburn looked the better team in its Eastern Football League clash against the Bulldogs at Cheong Park.

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The Burners led by 20 points at halftime and kept the typically high-scoring South Croydon to its equal lowest three-quarter-time score (7.8) this year.

Blackburn’s numbers around the ball and contested brand had stifled the Bulldogs’ run-and-gun style.

Trailing by 18 points late in the third quarter, late majors to Nick Evans and Max King brought the difference to within a goal.

The tide was turning South Croydon’s way, ultimately running in waves in the final term to finish with a 20-point win.

Ryan Bathie escapes a tackle. Picture: Steve Tanner

In the space of 20 minutes from late in the third quarter to midway through the last, the Bulldogs slammed home seven goals to show why they have set the standard in Division 1 in 2018.

Blackburn was down to one rotation by the last quarter with Kyle Dove (hip), Luke Conca (leg) and Ben Daniher on the pine.

But having laid a platform for victory, Burners coach Brendan Allen wasn’t using injuries as a get-out.

“I thought our first half, we really took it up to them and could probably argue that we outplayed them,” Allen said.

“Second half we went away from the method that got us into that position to be honest, which wasn’t great, something we’re going have to review this week but credit where credit is due, they are a bloody good football team.”

The 13.11 (89) to 10.9 (69) result sets up a blockbuster clash for Blackburn next weekend against Balwyn, which sits a game outside the top five.

The fixture looms as a virtual elimination final for the Tigers, while the Burners are still in the running for a shot at the top three.

South Croydon coach Luke McCormick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“South, Doncaster, Rowville, Vermont … we want to be up there when the whips are cracking,” Allen said.

“The next three weeks are pretty big for us and the result of making sure we secure a finals berth but there’s still a double (chance) spot up for grabs.”

South Croydon coach Luke McCormick said the Bulldogs’ comeback again highlighted the spirit in his group.

“It builds a lot of character, for the boys it is a great feeling to know you can do that but at the same time, give Blackburn credit, they were very good,” McCormick said.

“I try not to compare local footy to AFL too much, but you see Richmond playing with that confidence and belief that they can do anything and any side needs to be able to do that.

“That’s the essence of footy, trying to play with confidence and belief that you can get anything done and we’re playing with that sort of confidence at the moment and if you do it for four quarters you are very hard to beat.”