EFL 2019: Blackburn enjoys 43-point win over Balwyn in the Eastern Football League Good Friday game

Blackburn confirmed pre-season suspicions it would be a team to beat in 2019 after a comfortable 43-point win over Balwyn in the Good Friday fixture.

Max Otten was among Blackburn’s best players. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Balwyn and Blackburn produced two three-point classics in 2018.

But the Good Friday fixture resembled more thrashing than thriller after the Burners’ 43-point win at Balwyn Park.

Balwyn was kept to two goals in the first half before a more competitive showing after the main break.

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The game at times resembled the Round 16 clash between these two sides last year when Blackburn pulled away to a significant lead only to be pegged back by Balwyn.

And Blackburn are hammering Balwyn. To clean, pressure and effective ball movement.Balwyn poor skill execution and no accountability

— Peter Banfield (@Peter_Banfield_) April 19, 2019

The Tigers trailed by 61 points at half time before closing the margin to 32 points midway through the last term.

Only this time when the Tigers threatened, the visitors shut the door on an unlikely comeback to come away with a 20.9 (129) to 13.8 (86) victory.

Blackburn coach Brendan Allen said it was a “clinical” first half showing from his side. It confirmed pre-season suspicions the Burners have only improved on last year when it was a kick away from a grand final berth.

Balwyn was without champion defender Kris Pendlebury and recruits Jack Martin and Xavier Richards for much of the contest.

Cam Manuel gets a kick away for Balwyn. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Martin came from the ground before quarter-time, while Richards (hamstring) and Pendlebury (calf) sat out the second half.

Richards was moved into defence after the first change to stop star Blackburn forward Jake Hammond, but the Burners found other avenues to goal.

Luke Conca and Matthew Bartlett each kicked four, while Max Otten starred in defence.

Hammond (two) and Ryan Bathie (three) combined for just five goals, underlining the threats Blackburn has in its forward line.

“I think three years ago Blackburn’s reliance on Jake Hammond was too much and now it is a question of who you go to,” Allen said.

“That’s what good sides do. You look at Vermont, they have a multi-pronged attack and you’ve got to be good all across the ground.”

Mackenzie Doreian hunts the ball. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The victory gave Blackburn two wins from its first two games ahead of the Anzac Day clash against South Croydon.

The Burners started last year 1-3 but recovered to finish two games clear in the top five.

“It’s something we spoke about in our reviews at the end of last year that wins early are really important for a top-three finish,” Allen said.

“If you can bank them early, it allows you to at least try a few things coming into finals.”

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade said his side was left with too much to do after a poor first half.

“The game was gone by then but pleased we were able to fight back,” Eade said.

“They answered the challenge but the first half was terrible. We gave ourselves a chance but just didn’t have enough run with the rotations.”

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