EFL 2019: Waverley Blues to measure themselves against South Belgrave

South Belgrave has been near untouchable in EFL Division 3, but Waverley Blues believe they could disrupt the Saints’ designs on an undefeated season.

Waverley Blues coach Bryce McGain. Picture Davis Harrigan

Waverley Blues will attempt to inflict defeat on South Belgrave for the first time this EFL Division 3 season when the two sides lock horns on Saturday in what could be a grand final preview.

Waverley and Ferntree Gully are the only teams that appear to be standing between the Saints and this year’s premiership.

South Belgrave’s ladder position would suggest it is near untouchable.

The Saints have occupied top spot on the ladder since Round 2 and have largely been unchallenged in reaching a 16-0 record with a percentage of 411.73.

Waverley challenged South Belgrave in Round 2 when it trailed by less than a kick at three-quarter time before the Saints recorded a 26-point win.

The Blues started the season 2-5 but have recovered to be 9-7 after a 73-point win over Glen Waverley Hawks on Saturday.

One rival coach has said other clubs would be playing for second, such was the Saints’ dominance.

Waverley coach Bryce McGain said there didn’t appear to be a chink in South Belgrave’s armour, but believed his side could match it with the red-hot flag favourites.

“We’re confident our best football is competitive against anyone in the competition, and that includes South Belgrave,” McGain said.

“Our challenge has been to be able to do that consistently and also have players out there consistently.

“We just seem to be keep having a little setback here and there, which takes away from our best side, and then being a young side, consistency in individual performances across a full game has been somewhat of a challenge.

“We know when we’re playing our best football, we’re pretty confident it can match up against all teams.”

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Waverley needs to win one of its final two remaining games to guarantee it finishes in the top four.

It would face one of Warrandyte, Whitehorse Pioneers or Donvale in an elimination final if it qualifies.

McGain said the Blues’ onball division could match it against South Belgrave.

“We match up really well in the midfield,”

“Most coaches after the game have been pretty complimentary about our midfield, which does have some talent and experience, but that will much up only evenly with South Belgrave. They’re just as good through the midfield.”

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