EFL 2019: Balwyn improves its record to 5-1 in the Eastern Football League

Last year Balwyn missed finals for the first time in 23 years, but the Tigers gave another example of why they’re on track for a top-five berth after a crushing win over Doncaster.

Cameron Manuel takes a mark for Balwyn. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Last year Balwyn missed Eastern Football League finals for the first time in 23 years.

But on Saturday it gave another example of why it’s on track to make a return to the top five and possibly challenge for a fifth premiership this decade.

The Tigers scored their fifth win of the campaign when they defeated Doncaster by 49 points at Balwyn Park.

Balwyn kicked 10 goals to three across the middle two quarters to record a 16.16 (112) to 9.9 (63) win.

The victory could have been beyond 10 goals had it not been for five posters and Doncaster adding four consolation goals in the final quarter.

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade. Picture: James Ross/AAP

“Last quarter was disappointing. I thought we went to sleep but overall I was really pleased,” Balwyn coach Rodney Eade said.

“It was a good game. Pretty solid. The first half I didn’t think we stuck to our process and the way we play and their pressure was really good.

“I thought we got away from that early but overall really pleased.”

Doncaster forward Kyle Viccars kicked the first goal of the game but it was one of the few times the Sharks held the lead.

Balwyn pair Charlie Haley (four) and James Freeman (three) proved a dangerous combination in attack, while Yarran Jaffer-Williams was always a threat.

It was the Tigers’ third crushing win in as many games after recent victories over Montrose (99 points) and Rowville (57 points).

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After a 10-8 record last year and watching September football from the sidelines for the first time since 1995, Balwyn sits where it has for the past decade — entrenched in the top five.

It was only seven games ago the Tigers nearly forfeited their reserves side in the final home-and-away match last year.

But their seconds have been boosted by numbers to also hold a 5-1 record.

“We’re getting 60 to training now. We’ve got 10 out, including seconds injuries,” Eade said.

“It’s turned around, players have returned to the club that left before the start of last year.

“They’re coming back and giving us some depth in the seconds.

“Some kids who played last year are really developing and we’re lucky to get a couple of other ones who are pushing for senior selection.”

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