EFNL 2021: Balwyn stuns Blackburn to arrest form-slump

Lessons learned from consecutive losses sparked Balwyn to a big win over a comp powerhouse, as coach Rodney Eade explains.

The Tigers needed a lift in key areas around the ground and they got it. Picture: Balwyn FC

Balwyn senior coach Rodney Eade says the weekend’s win was the result of lessons learned from a “below average” past fortnight.

The Tigers stunned 2019 runner-up Blackburn at Morton Park on Saturday, running out 37-point victors to arrest a two-game losing streak following defeats to Norwood and Berwick.

The victory sent Balwyn from eighth to sixth on the ladder, sitting just outside the top five by .06 per cent.

“We needed to win, we needed to stay in touch, and the competition is obviously very even this year and any win you can get is like gold,” Eade said.

Eade said his side lifted in all areas following the past fortnight, helped by improved intensity in the midfield, pressure up forward and a more experienced defence.

Shaun Cross and Paul Pattison led the way for the Tigers through the midfield with 23 and 22 disposals respectively.

Casey-listed Tom Freeman (13 rebound-50s) boosted the back six in the absence of Kris Pendlebury (hip flexor), who Eade said “might” be back this week.

EFNL STATS: See every player’s stats from the weekend.

Meanwhile, Charlie Haley booted four goals in a smaller forward line, with James Freeman suffering a hamstring injury early – which Eade expects to regain following the bye in a fortnight.

Haley slotted four in the weekend’s win. Picture: Balwyn FC

“There were a lot of good players, probably our intensity and work around the ball hadn’t been up to standard the last two games, and it certainly was a focus on the weekend – everyone rose to the challenge,” Eade said.

“We’ve had a young defence in the past and Tom (Freeman) came in from Casey so he was able to give us a bit of a springboard and experience as well, and obviously to cover for Kris Pendlebury.

“We didn’t think had we enough pressure in our forward 50, and Jim Freeman went down early for us, so we shuffled it around and had a smaller forward line … young Josh Sticca came in and did a really good job for us.

“Once they were all added up, it made a big difference for us.”

Eade also credited Kyle Elliott’s game fulfilling most of the ruck duties in the absence of Chevy Andersen, who is expected to be out of action indefinitely.

The new Tiger ruckman finished with 33 hit-outs on Saturday.

“(Kyle) responded well on the weekend, but he got a corky so he didn’t get as much time (in the ruck) as we hoped, he probably had about 65 per cent, but we want to give him 75-80 per cent to be able to shoulder the load,” Eade said.

“We got some support there for him from other players who jump in but it was probably his best game that he’s played for us.”

The Tigers celebrate the weekend’s win. Picture: Balwyn FC

The Tigers led by 35 points at half time and 36 at the final change but the ‘Burners swung momentum in the fourth, however couldn’t capitalise on opportunities, registering 2.5.

“It wasn’t as easy as the scores indicated – we had a good first half, we played well and the third quarter was very even, but they had momentum the last quarter, they missed a few easy shots and they got within 20 points,” Eade said.

“Fortunately, we were able to steady in the last five or six minutes to kick three in that time … it was pleasing, especially after our last two performances and the injuries.”

Balwyn hosts second-placed South Croydon this weekend before a bye.

“It’s another test this week against another very good outfit who’ve been at the top for quite a few years,” Eade said.