EFL 2018: The Basin out to overcome poor record against top five sides in the Eastern Football League

THE Basin will use Heathmont’s fairytale 2017 finals run as the blueprint for a September charge as the Bears look to overcome a winless record against the top five sides this year.

The Basin coach Justin Stantin. Picture: Stuart Milligan

THE Basin’s push towards a second finals appearance in six years has received a boost with coach Justin Stanton re-signing for 2019.

First-year mentor Stanton is set to take the Bears to their first finals campaign since 2015, but question marks hover over their premiership credentials as they are yet to defeat a top-five side this season.

ROOS SET TO REBUILD IN SECOND TIER

SOUTH CROYDON COPS HUGE INJURY BLOW

The Basin’s six losses have come against teams above them on the Division 3 table, with each defeat by less than four goals.

Jayden Brown has been among The Basin’s best players in 2018. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The Basin has suffered two defeats by six points or less against the undefeated Ringwood, while its four other losses — against Boronia (second), Scoresby (third) and Heathmont (fourth) — have been by between three and four goals.

“Our worst result all year has been 22 points ... we’ve, basically, pushed all those teams for good periods of the game,” Stanton said.

“I guess we had a situation that whenever we would find our way of getting our noses in front against the good teams throughout the year, we were unable to hold them off when they challenged us.”

Captain Trevor Mills and Max Kruger have been among the The Basin’s top performers this year after injury-ravaged seasons over the past two campaigns, while Josh Adams and Jayden Brown have also played key roles in the Bears’ climb up the ladder.

However, Jono Morris (broken arm), Sean Carlos (ankle) and Jackson Kean (knee) are in doubt to return this year.

Mitch Brown has risen from The Basin’s junior ranks to senior football this year. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Stanton said the Bears would use Heathmont’s fairytale finals run last year, when the Jets won three cutthroat finals to advance to the decider, as the blueprint for September success.

“They were a team that had some good wins but dropped some games last year but found form at the right time of year and really had a strong finals campaign,” Stanton said.

“That’s our motivation but in saying that, as I reminded the boys, all the wins against the teams equal or below us don’t really count for much if you can’t win games against the teams that do count.”

The Basin’s next assignment will be against Heathmont at H.E. Parker Reserve on Saturday.

MORE EFL NEWS

EFL 2019 SALARY CAP FIGURES RELEASED

MUSTANGS UPSET FALCONS IN ANOTHER EFL BOILOVER

LIONS DECLARE FLAG IS ‘OURS TO LOSE’