EFL 2019: Blackburn eliminates South Croydon from Premier Division flag race

Blackburn is one win away from its first EFL top-tier grand final since 1975 after eliminating South Croydon from the Premier Division flag race.

Ben Daniher was listed at Blackburn’s best player. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Blackburn is through to its third consecutive preliminary final, where it will have the chance to book its first top-tier grand final appearance in 44 years.

Only this time the Burners won’t meet South Croydon in the penultimate game of the season, as has been the case the past two years.

Brendan Allen’s side will meet Balwyn this weekend for a chance to progress to the EFL Premier Division decider after eliminating the Bulldogs from the flag race in Sunday’s semi-final.

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South Croydon had beaten Blackburn in its previous two finals meetings, including an extra-time thriller last year, but had to swallow a 16-point defeat at Glen Waverley’s Central Reserve.

Bulldogs coach Luke McCormick observed that the Burners “looked like a side that had lost the last two finals series to us and desperately wanted to win”.

“They outworked us both ways,” McCormick said.

“In attack they were quicker, more desperate to win the loose ball and in defence they certainly pressured us really well.”

South Croydon coach Luke McCormick. Picture: James Ross/AAP

McCormick said his side didn’t adjust to the rain (and at times hail) and “missed gettables” in front of goal.

Blackburn kept South Croydon at arm’s length to finish with an 8.11 (59) to 6.7 (43) win and will meet Balwyn for the second time in three games on Saturday.

The Bulldogs started 0-3 but recovered to qualify fifth.

Not for the first time this year, McCormick praised his side’s “belief and hunger” but remained disappointed at the finals exit.

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“(There’s) a lot of guys wanting to play for each other, which is terrific,” he said.

“It was good to come back from that start but once you get to this point, where we had a huge chance to go on and win …

“We didn’t have as much luck this year, which you need in footy a bit, as we did last year.

“There’s a lot of excitement going forward.

“There’ll be a few guys getting on and coming towards the end but we’ve got a few young guys who have stepped up this year and we’ll have an even better balance next year.”

Blackburn’s last grand final appearance was the 2002 second-tier decider.

Dylan Vizzari takes possession of the ball for Blackburn. Picture: Davis Harrigan

It last made a top flight grand final in 1975.

McCormick said he was keen to remain at the helm for a third year.

“Standard line to an extent, but we’re literally going to discuss it this week and just see what is best for the group,” he said.

“In terms of the commitment, I think to win again, I’ve put in a fair bit but you’ve got to step up again and there’s got to be more of a commitment.

“We’ve just to make sure I can do that with the family and we’ll go forward from there.”

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