EFL 2019: Balwyn veterans aiming for one more Eastern Football League premiership

Balwyn’s group of veterans are hungry for one more EFL premiership as the Premier Division powerhouse aims to win a fifth flag this decade.

Balwyn forward Jeff Gobbels. Picture: Valeriu Campan

This EFL finals series could be the last chance at grand final glory for a number of Balwyn’s premiership heroes.

Tigers football director Paul Johnson said Marc O’Regan has already indicated this year will be his last.

Multiple flag-winners Kris Pendlebury, Rennie Gilchrist, Jeff Gobbels and John Milhuisen have enjoyed decorated careers at the Cherry Rd venue.

Johnson tipped Pendlebury would play again in 2020 and Gilchrist would have “one or two more (years) in him”.

Rennie Gilchrist has captained Balwyn to four premierships. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Milhuisen returned to the club this year after a season at Old Xaverians.

Balwyn finished second on the EFL Premier Division ladder and is in contention to win a fifth flag this decade.

It will meet Blackburn in Saturday’s qualifying final.

Johnson said the club’s group of veterans wanted to win another premiership.

“They know the finish line is closer than the starting line so they’ll be giving everything they can to try and win a premiership,” Johnson said.

Kris Pendlebury feeds out a handball. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

“A few of them may go around again next year but they all realise the team is turning over.

“There are a lot of new players this year and with a lot of boys dropping a point (in the points cap) next year … we’ll obviously be looking to recruit.

“A lot of boys are getting near the end and are hungry for another one.”

Balwyn won four premierships in five years between 2012 and 2016.

Jarrad Wright, Tom Roach, Rod Crowe and Luke Barker have been among those to retire or transfer to a lower division in recent years.

MORE EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS

FAIRPARK ENDS 22-YEAR WAIT FOR FINALS WIN

‘DANO’ KING BRINGS UP GAME No.250 IN STYLE

SOUTH BELGRAVE STORMS TO DIVISION 3 GRAND FINAL

EAST BURWOOD TO CONTEND FOR FIRST FLAG IN 19 YEARS

CROYDON ONE WIN AWAY FROM GRAND FINAL

Johnson said Balwyn’s list transition had already started.

He said starting up an under-19s team next year was a priority.

“We’ve had a lot of new boys come in this year and done a great job,” he said.

“There’s a lot of youth in our seconds. The average age in our twos is 22 and we’ve already spoken to four or five players about coming next year, which have given us indications that they will be coming.”

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.