EFNL 2021: The host of Balwyn names set for big comeback seasons

A host of Balwyn names are set to take the Eastern league’s top-flight by storm this year according to senior coach Rodney Eade.

Charlie Haley is one coach Rodney Eade expects to have a strong year. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Balwyn is set to reignite one of the Eastern league’s top rivalries next weekend when begins its Premier Division campaign – and a host of names are set for big seasons according to coach Rodney Eade.

The Tigers take on Vermont next Saturday in one of the league’s hottest rivalries across the past decade or so, with the pair sharing in six of the past 10 top-flight premierships.

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade said his list had remained healthy in the build-up to football’s return to the top division.

“We’ve got a couple of little niggles as most clubs would have during the practice matches but they’re all fine and right to go,” he said.

“Vermont are always the pacesetter, especially the last few years.

“Even though they’ve lost a few, they’ve gained a few back and they’ve got a strong junior program so you’d think they’d be pretty strong again.

“Playing at their home ground is always a difficult one and obviously there’s a bit of rivalry there, so we’re looking forward to it.”

Livewire forward Charlie Haley heads the list of names among those touted for a big year, following on from a 60-goal return from 21 matches in 2019.

“He’s a really good trainer, he trains really well at a high level consistently,” Eade said.

“He’s been in good nick in the practice matches and playing well, and I think he’s in for another good season.”

Meanwhile, prize recruit and ex-Port Melbourne skipper Jordan Lisle is said to be moving well following a minor setback early in the pre-season.

Jordan Lisle of the Boroughs reacts after kicking a goal. Pic: AAP Image/Julian Smith

He’s joined on the list by current Borough pair in former AFL Demon and Kangaroo Corey Wagner and former St Kilda mid Eli Templeton who are the Tigers’ latest signings, but the duo is expected to play most, if not all of their footy in the revamped state league.

“(Lisle) had a bit of a sore back early on, he’s done all of the training and just been graduating his game time,” Eade said.

“He’s fitted in really well with the guys, and as a forward he’s not going to be measured by the number of goals he kicks.

“He’s so unselfish and creates opportunities … he’s not a typical full forward.”

Eade believes veteran Jeff Gobbels is set to benefit from Lisle’s presence up forward, with the four-time premiership star to serve as skipper again this season.

Jeff Gobbels on the go for Balwyn. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Jeff looks in pretty good nick – he’s running well and I think the addition of Jordan Lisle will take the heat off him a bit as well, and I think he’s looking forward to that,” Eade said.

Gobbels makes up the remaining trio from the club’s premiership dynasty alongside key back Kris Pendlebury and Shaun Cross, who are also said to have had “really good pre-seasons”.

Eade has overseen the transition from an ageing squad to a more youthful look following several departures and retirements of the club’s band of premiership heroes.

But a further injection of youth is expected this season in addition to the club’s recruiting, with a number of players from the under-19s set to make their mark at senior level.

“I think that (list transition) had to happen,” Eade said.

“In ‘19 I think it was a bit of a transition and we were a really slow slide and I think we did really well to get where we got to.

“I’d imagine we’ll play half a dozen of them (under-19s) this year because we’ve got some good talent in there, and we’ve got a fairly young squad now which is a positive.”