EFL 2019: South Croydon to meet Rowville in first week of Premier Division finals

South Croydon marked Daniel King’s 250th senior game by stamping its EFL Premier Division finals ticket, but the Bulldogs will need to overcome the odds if they are to make a third consecutive grand final.

‘Dano’ King is chaired from Cheong Park after his 250th senior game. Picture: Eastern Sporting Images

South Croydon has defied the odds by making EFL Premier Division finals.

But the Bulldogs will have to work some September magic if they are to make a third consecutive grand final.

South Croydon started the season 0-3 but finished the home-and-away rounds in fifth after surviving a scare against Montrose on Saturday.

South Croydon's @danokings played his 250th game for the Doggies this weekend.

I reckon he's the @footyefl player of the decade.

— Conor Ryan (@conorVryan) August 25, 2019

It’s only the third side to make a top-tier finals series after dropping the first three games.

And it will need to be just the second team from outside the top three if it is to make the September 21 decider.

Balwyn made the 2014 grand final from fifth.

The Bulldogs will meet Rowville in an elimination final on Sunday at Glen Waverley’s Central Reserve.

Daniel King celebrates a goal. Picture: Eastern Sporting Images

Max Warren could be an inclusion as he recovers from a knee injury, and defender Jason Want will return.

“We beat Rowville last time we played them and we know we can get them,” South Croydon coach Luke McCormick said.

“We’re a pretty balanced side now. We’re pretty strong on each line but we’ve just got to make sure everyone plays their role and if we do that and not play any selfish footy, we’ll be sweet.

“With the spirit we’ve got in the group, it’s obviously backs to the wall stuff but we’re hungry enough.

“It will be tough but three more games of footy hopefully.”

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South Croydon marked premiership captain Daniel ‘Dano’ King’s 250th senior game and James Crowle’s 150th senior appearance with a 10.20 (80) to 7.8 (50) win over Montrose at Cheong Park.

The 30-point triumph denied Norwood a top-five berth by 6.99 per cent.

As he has been countless times over his decorated career, King was listed as the Bulldogs’ best player.

South Croydon coach Luke McCormick. Picture: Eastern Sporting Images

King’s resume reads: two-time flag-winner, premiership captain, Cliff Tomkins Blue Ribbon medallist, Chandler medallist, four-time Division 1 team of the year member and five-time club best and fairest winner.

McCormick said relegation-bound Montrose had provided a scare for his side.

“We certainly thought we’d be up for all that (milestones),” he said.

“It was disappointing to not play the way we had been, but at the same time, we had to get there.

“We’ve played some good footy over the last month and thankfully we’re there.”

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