EFL 2019: Blackburn expected to be an Eastern Football League finals contender
Blackburn coach Brendan Allan predicts the Burners will again be a premiership contender in 2019, adding another two quality recruits to their list.
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Blackburn coach Brendan Allen predicts the Burners will again be a premiership contender in 2019 after consecutive preliminary finals appearances.
The Burners have been knocked out of the Eastern Football League premiership race at the penultimate hurdle in the past two years, including an extra-time defeat at the hands of South Croydon last season, but have improved their list for another tilt at Premier division glory.
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Midfielder Brendan Close has crossed from VAFA Premier club De La Salle, while Donvale forward Matthew Day has joined Blackburn after two years with TAC Cup club Oakleigh Chargers.
Day kicked 22 goals from 11 games last year and had drawn interest from AFL clubs, attending the 2017 draft combine.
The pair join Collingwood VFL ruckman Lachlan Howe and De La Salle young gun Liam Murphy on the list of additions at Morton Park.
Allen said Blackburn’s recruits had filled deficiencies on the club’s list.
“We’ve kept everyone from last year and topped up,” Allen said.
“We couldn’t do too much with our (salary) cap and (player) points and the cap being reduced this year, but we’ve targeted what we needed and we’ve got it.
“All things being equal, it’s going to help us.”
Midfielder Ben McIntyre is the only departure from Morton Park, signing with Wimmera league club Minyip-Murtoa to be closer to family.
“Ben could potentially return next year depending on what happens at home,” Allen said.
“He lives in Melbourne so it is a fair bit of travel.”
Allen said the Burners were well-placed to build on consecutive finals appearances, but a 10-team Premier division competition is sure to create a crack field for top five positions.
“The hope is you keep improving and a third-placed finish (last year), it would be lovely to be at the pointy end of the season but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge,” he said.
“We’re at the top end of the EFL, which is the best metro comp in Victoria, so you’ve got some good players and if you don’t show up you’re going to get beaten.”
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