EFL Division 1: Croydon surges past Bayswater to move into third spot

A final-quarter surge has lifted Croydon into the top three of the Eastern league’s Division 1, setting up a monster clash this week.

CROYDON has surged into third on the Eastern league Division 1 ladder following a final-quarter blitz on Saturday.

The Blues held off Bayswater’s challenge, pulling away from the visitors to run out 11.10 (76) to 6.5 (41) winners after leading by 13 points at three-quarter time.

The result elevates Croydon to a game clear in third with Mitcham sliding to fourth after falling to East Ringwood by nine points.

Blues coach Morris D’Alessandro praised the performances of defender Billy Dickson and midfielder Bailey Hotker, owing the last-quarter landslide to improved ball-movement against an unrelenting Bayswater outfit.

Billy Dickson bursts away from Baysie’s Hayden Schroeder on Saturday. Picture: Hotker’s Footy Photos.

“We changed the way we were playing a little bit – they were very good at pushing numbers behind the football and we just had to navigate our way through,” he said.

“We just had to take a few more risks, and get it inside 50 a lot quicker than we were earlier.”

Troy Broussard stood out in attack with four goals as he helped his side bank a second consecutive win, following a previous run of three straight losses.

Broussard is one of a host of names to have stepped into the senior ranks this season.

Croydon coach Morris D’Alessandro watches on. Picture: Hotker’s Footy Photos.

“Our footy club’s in a good spot to be honest,” D’Alessandro said.

“We’re still pretty young even though people wouldn’t think so – this year at times we’ve had six or seven boys that have only played a handful of senior games.

“It’s exciting moving forward and they’ve done the job for us when our more known players have been out.”

The coach also highlighted the likes of Adrian Ficorilli, Andrew Carter, Billy Dickson, Jordan Lynch and Fraser Smith as those spearheading his side’s charge in 2022.

Adrian Ficorilli hunts the ball on Saturday. Picture: Hotker’s Footy Photos

Croydon takes on second-placed East Ringwood this weekend, with the ‘Roos winning the pair’s last meeting by 13 points in Round 3.

D’Alessandro is under no illusions East Ringwood and the unbeaten Mooroolbark have been the Division 1 pacesetters this season, but is confident his charges are up for the fight.

The win lifted Croydon to a game clear in third spot. Picture: Hotker’s Footy Photos.

“They’re probably the benchmark at the moment and have got pretty strong lists and experience,” he said.

“We’re plodding along and seeing where it takes us and hopefully we can win enough games to feature at the pointy end, and you never know what can happen from there.”

Bayswater’s Daniel Kitto and Ash Vanderlaak finished best afield for the visitors, while Alex Young kicked two majors.

The ‘Waters hold a 4-7 record for ninth spot and host Beaconsfield in Round 12.