EFNL 2021: South Croydon moves into second on Premier Divison ladder

Several Bulldogs are relishing new roles this season – including one staking a serious claim as the comp’s tackle king.

Marcus Buzaglo says Liam Cox has led the way for contested work in his new role. Picture: Andy Brownbill

South Croydon senior coach Marcus Buzaglo says key names shifting into new roles has boosted his side in the opening weeks of the season – with a star topping the division for tackles.

The Bulldogs pulled away from Rowville in the third quarter on Saturday after the scores were locked at the half, prevailing 17.6 (108) to 9.11 (65) to notch their third victory.

The result moves South Croydon into second spot on the Premier ladder, 23.91 per cent behind Vermont.

The Bulldogs were led by commanding displays from Nick Evans on the wing (32 disposals) and returning star Dan King (26 disposals) through the midfield as the pair finished among the best.

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

The win comes following a narrow loss to Noble Park in Round 3, where Buzaglo said the midfield provided a significant lift on the weekend as his side piled on 10 second-half goals to three – including six in the third.

Marcus Buzaglo has enjoyed a 3-1 start to his Bulldogs coaching tenure. Picture: Steve Bibby/Eastern Sporting Images

“We were a little bit disappointed with the week before, but obviously it’s never easy at Noble Park, we didn’t play our best footy on that day, but the weekend was pleasing,” Buzaglo said.

“Rowville liked the speed of the game and we probably gave them that at times (in the first half), we prefer it on our terms, composed, and we certainly did that in the third quarter and finished the game off strongly.”

Buzaglo said first-year captain Liam Cox was relishing a new role as an inside player, garnering a match-equal nine tackles in the weekend’s win to top the competition count with 42 so far.

“It’s a different role for ‘Coxy’ this year, because of the depth of the midfield, he was predominantly outside on the wing and half-back,” Buzaglo said.

“I guess developing his game even further was to get inside and stay inside, and he was really keen to do that.

“I speak a lot about attack and contested work and he’s led the way – he’s been fantastic as captain over the last month and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Boom recruit James Wilsen proved a focal point in attack on Saturday with three goals, taking his season tally to nine after a bag of five on Anzac Day.

Predominantly a defender, Buzaglo said Wilsen’s shift up forward had helped cover the absence of Jake Tucker through a knee issue, who the coach added was “too important to risk at this stage of the season”.

“You’re always fairly open-minded with key position players and we’ve thrown Alex Birch down back and he’s been fantastic down there,” Buzaglo said.

“Tom Schinck covers a bit there (in defence) and with Jake Tucker out, we needed to find another avenue to goal and James has certainly stepped up and been fantastic.”

South Croydon takes on Balwyn away in Round 5.