EFL 2022: Balwyn’s Paul Pattison injures knee in comeback match

Balwyn is set to be without one of its stars for the rest of the season after a cruel injury blow on Saturday, coach Rodney Eade says.

BALWYN has been dealt a cruel injury blow in its close win over Vermont on Saturday.

The Tigers jumped into second spot on the Eastern league Premier Division ladder following the 9.15 (69) to 9.5 (59) triumph over Vermont.

But the victory has been soured with star midfielder Paul Pattison suffering a season-ending knee injury in his return match.

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade confirmed Pattison had injured the same knee which had sidelined him all season.

The ex-Casey man left the field just after half-time.

“He’ll miss the season which is unfortunate – he worked really hard to get back and was actually going OK,” Eade said

“He had half a dozen possessions which were quality and we were mindful of his game time. He showed his class, set up a couple of goals … it is what it is.”

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade. Picture: AAP/James Ross

No more than five points separated the Tigers and Eagles at all breaks as the pair traded goals in a seesawing final term.

“The guys fought it out really well … both teams defended really well, tackled really hard and it was tough to get easy possessions,” Eade said.

“Those sorts of games are always pleasing to win.”

Eade rued a number of missed opportunities in front of goal but credited Vermont’s fight.

“There were probably four or five that we should’ve converted,” he said.

“But I think the pleasing thing was we were able to create enough chances to be able to score, unfortunately we didn’t take it.

“Even in the last, they (Vermont) hit the front a couple of times, we were in front most of the day … they hit the front and we answered that.

“In the last six or seven minutes we had a chance to put the game beyond doubt but they (Vermont) hung in well.”

Balwyn’s Tom McCaffrey kicked three goals alongside Josh Pollocks (two), while midfielder Alex Urban finished best afield. Vermont’s Emiliano Aleixo, Andrew Ainger, Matt Arnot and Jamieson Rossiter finished with two majors apiece.

Vermont slid from second to sixth place on the ladder following the loss – but holds a 5-2 record – equal with South Croydon (fifth), Doncaster East (fourth), Noble Park (third) and Balwyn.

Balwyn has the bye this weekend before its Queen’s Birthday weekend clash with Noble Park on June 11.