EFL 2019: Boronia eliminated from Division 2 flag race in straight sets

Boronia’s next opportunity for promotion to EFL Division 1 may not be until 2021 after the Hawks were eliminated from the third-tier flag race in straight sets.

Luke Hannon keeps his eyes on the ball. Picture: Dave Nicholas

Not many would have predicted it, but Boronia is out of the EFL Division 2 flag race in straight sets.

The minor premier’s bid for back-to-back flags ended after being handed an 18-point defeat in the preliminary final against Mitcham at East Burwood Reserve on Sunday.

And it could be another two years before the Hawks have their next shot at promotion.

BERWICK APPLIES TO JOIN EFL

STAY IN THE GAME WITH A LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION

ALL THE LATEST EFL NEWS

The EFL has suggested next year’s Division 2 premier would not be promoted as part of Berwick’s application to join the competition in 2020.

Boronia is considered one of the strongest third-tier clubs.

Boronia coach Matt Clark. Picture: Davis Harrigan

It finished on top of the ladder after claiming last season’s flag but was not promoted as part of the EFL restructure.

And the Hawks may have to wait until 2021 for an opportunity to win through to Division 1, as outlined in a league document seen by Leader.

Boronia coach Matt Clark said the club was aware it may be another two years before it could win its way out of Division 2.

“It didn’t put any more importance on (the preliminary final) but it sort of does,” Clark said.

“I’ve seen it first-hand winning a flag and it’s such a euphoric feeling winning one but then the reality sets in a little bit later that you’re not going up.
“Our guys wanted to go up (last year) … everyone wants to go up and the group is driven by that.

“They wanted to win it and go up again and challenge themselves again.”

MORE EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS

RINGWOOD CHASING GRAND FINAL REDEMPTION

FLAG ‘HERO’ ENJOYS FLAG SPOILS FROM HOSPITAL BED

DONCASTER EAST CHASING ‘ULTIMATE REWARD’ OF FLAG

KNOX COULD BE HANDED RELEGATION REPRIEVE

CROYDON ADVANCES TO DIVISION 1 DECIDER

It was always said anyone of five teams could win could claim the Division 2 premiership, but it would have been a bold statement to suggest Boronia would not make the grand final.

The Hawks won nine games on the spin before their final home-and-away game of the year but lost their last three matches, including a 67-point defeat against Ringwood in Round 18.

Clark said a lapse late in the semi-final against Ringwood and a slow start against Mitcham, when it conceded the first three goals, ultimately cost his side a grand final berth to be eliminated from the flag race in straight sets.

He said it was a missed opportunity for his side.

Matt Buzinskas in action for Boronia. Picture: Dave Nicholas

“That (premierships) is your ultimate goal as a club but we know how hard they are to win,” he said.

“The year after when it is on the line (promotion) we didn’t take it.”

Clark said Boronia’s youth would continue to hold the club in good stead.

“We put out 16 guys 21 and under (in the preliminary final), so we’ve got a lot of improvement but our time is now, too,” he said.

“We’ve got to use this opportunity to spur us on.”

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.