EFL 2019: Balwyn opens its Eastern Football League season with a 25-point win over South Croydon

Balwyn recorded a 25-point win over South Croydon to suggest it will again be a team to beat in 2019 after missing finals for the first time in 23 years last season.

Charlie Haley made his return from injury on Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Is Balwyn back?

That’s the question many Eastern Football League followers will be asking themselves after the Tigers’ impressive Round 1 victory over South Croydon.

Balwyn posted a 25-point win over last year’s grand finalists to suggest it will again be a team to beat in 2019 after missing finals for the first time in 23 years last season.

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There were seven Tiger debutants, including best afield James Freeman.

Alex Urban is caught in a tackle. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Freeman crossed from Mt Eliza in the off-season and played two games for Casey Demons last year, kicking three goals in the 11.10 (76) to 7.9 (51) triumph at Cheong Park.

Other new faces included Kane Smartt, Cooper Sharman, Ryley Monkhorst, Jack Martin, Bradyn Taglieri and Alex Urban.

Four-time premiership player John Milhuisen was also back for his first game since the 2016 grand final and Charlie Haley returned from a long injury lay-off.

“You can look at it two ways, I think because most people dislike Balwyn that they’re happy to see what happened last year but it was on the back of massive injuries,” Eade said.

“As you know, we won four of the first five and only lost to by a goal to Vermont so we just had massive injuries, which we couldn’t cover.

“I don’t think we ever left but it was a good win. What’s happened in the past has nothing to do with what’s going to happen now. We were very pleased with the way we went about it.”

Ex-Sydney forward Xavier Richards and 2016 Chandler Medal winner Cam Manuel were also missing and will return for the Good Friday clash against Blackburn on April 19.

Cooper Sharman was one of seven players to debut for Balwyn. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“I thought with the draw and three or four out, I thought it would be a tough game first up,” Eade said.

“To get a win away against really good opposition — them and Vermont are obviously the benchmark of the competition — was pleasing. They had a full strength team so good to be able to do that.”

Eade said he was pleased with the cohesion in the new-look side.

“They worked well as a group … their pressure was exceptional and defended really well,” he said.

“We won every quarter and probably a bit unlucky to not be further ahead.

“I think there is still probably room for improvement in our connection and ball movement but certainly our hardness, our pressure and our ability to defend was very good.”

Recruits Smartt and Monkhurst were also mentioned among the best players.

“Everyone contributed, it was pretty hard to pick our best players,” Eade said.

“There wasn’t a lot of difference between first and last. (Shaun) Cross also played well — he was a bit stiff to not be in the best six.”

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