EFNL 2023: Blackburn holds off Vermont to jump into top four

An Oakleigh Chargers-listed forward fired as Blackburn put Vermont to the sword in the Eastern league’s Premier Division on Saturday ...

BLACKBURN has reaffirmed its status as an Eastern league Premier Division contender.

The Burners jumped into fourth spot after claiming the scalp of third-placed Vermont on Saturday – 10.14 (74) to 8.9 (57).

The Eagles held the ascendancy early with a seven-point quarter-time lead before the Burners took control to forge ahead at the main and final breaks.

Entering the match in fifth spot, the result lifts Blackburn to a 6-3 record after starting the season 0-2.

Blackburn’s Billy Hicks kicked three goals. The 18-year-old is also listed with Oakleigh Chargers. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Blackburn senior coach Brendan Allen owed much of his side’s turnaround to defence.

“It was just a real arm-wrestle of a day … it was just a hard slog, they had the breeze in the first quarter then we took advantage of it in the second … it felt like we had control,” he said.

“Our start to the season wasn’t ideal, but it probably wasn’t a bad thing as it showed our (deficiencies) straight away and we’ve worked on them.

“After the first two rounds you look at that and it’s not a bad result … I think our defence has really stood up as well, averaging 60, 70 points against.”

The Burners took control after quarter-time. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Former VFL talent Kade Answerth stood out through the midfield in a best-afield display – his third this season from eight matches – finishing among the best on seven occasions.

Oakleigh Chargers forward Billy Hicks bagged three majors, with the 18-year-old impressing in both the Coates Talent League and Eastern top-flight this season.

He’s played three matches for the Burners, kicking 10 goals.

“He missed out on Vic Metro (selection) … but it probably makes him a bit more draftable if he’s playing good footy against men, and he has,” Allen said.

“He’s obviously got talent, he’s got some stuff he’s got to work on, but he’s a great kid and he’s fitted into the senior program with no worries at all.”

Tom Maher also earned the praise of the coach for his job on Vermont’s Adrian Kalcovski, holding the livewire to just one major, while Joel Holewa stepped into the ruck and impressed.

Holewa missed out on selection in the club’s reserves grand final last season – but has rebounded to feature in four senior matches this year.

“He got himself really fit and he’s just the most coachable bloke … you tell him to do something and he gets it done, and he just battled away all day,” Allen said.

“I reckon he took eight or 10 marks … he’s been a bonus for us this year, especially with Lachie Harry being away.”

The win lifts Blackburn to a 6-3 record. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Blackburn faces Rowville, Balwyn, Noble Park and Norwood across the next month in a test of its flag credentials.

“We’ve got a massive month,” Allen said.

“We’ll know where we’re at, at the end of that one.”

But Saturday’s match meant more than just four points, as the community rallied in support of ex-Vermont and Boronia player Luke Johnson, who was dealt the news of stage 4A bowel cancer in late April.

The 32-year-old, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, held the floor at the after-match function in a bid to raise awareness for the insidious disease.

He spoke about the importance of undergoing a bowel cancer screening, and Allen said Johnson’s address had hit home for many at his club.

A crowd-funding page set up last month has raised more than $50,000 to help offset a long list of expenses Johnson faced due to the illness.

“Everyone at Blackburn wishes him all the best in his fight,” Allen said.

“There’ll be plenty of guys from our club that’ll go and get tested this week.”

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Vermont 3.4, 3.6, 6.8, 8.9 (57)

Blackburn 2.3, 6.3, 8.6, 10.14 (74)

Vermont

Goals:

L. Jenkins 3, A. Greenwood, T. Calder, Z. Thiessen, J. Fisher, A. Kalcovski

Best Players:

J. Ross, Z. Thiessen, H. Banfield, L. Jenkins, L. Vassis

Blackburn

Goals:

B. Hicks 3, S. Harte 2, P. Lawlor 2, K. Answerth, M. Doreian, J. Read

Best Players:

K. Answerth, T. Maher, M. Bartlett, J. Read, K. Hubber, J. Holewa