EFNL 2023: Ex-AFL tall Josh Walker bags six goals for Balwyn in Good Friday victory

A former AFL Cat, Lion and ‘Roo proved the headline act with a bag of goals as Balwyn held off a second-half Blackburn charge in the EFNL Premier Division season-opener on Good Friday.

A big bag from an ex-AFL tall has gifted Balwyn a 26-point Good Friday victory to open the Eastern league Premier Division season.

Former Cat, Lion and ‘Roo Josh Walker starred on debut for the Tigers with six majors as his side held off a second-half Blackburn charge to win 12.9 (81) to 8.7 (55) at Balwyn Park.

A four-goal opening half from Walker set the Tigers for victory after the hosts led by 24 points at quarter-time and 43 at the main break, with the big man ably assisted by former state leaguer Jordan Lisle who finished with three majors.

The match also marked ex-AFL mentor Brenton Sanderson’s first in charge as Balwyn coach, who lauded the boom recruit’s day out.

Josh Walker (right) proved the headline act on Good Friday with six goals for Balwyn. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“He (Walker) provided a great target for us forward of the ball and was quite a presence with Jordan Lisle and Charlie Haley – those guys worked really well,” Sanderson said.

A taxing first-half forced the Tigers to just two rotations after the main break, with Bowen Smith (ankle) and Louis Cunningham (head knock) taking no further part in the match.

The Panthers took advantage in the third before cutting the deficit to 18 points midway through the final term, but Sanderson highlighted his side’s resolve in weathering the visitors’ storm.

“We were running on the spot a bit in the second-half because we lost a few guys with injury, but to the boys’ credit, particularly Josh (Walker), they were absolutely fantastic,” Sanderson said.

“I can’t be more proud of the effort and intensity and the ability to run the game out.

“I thought we started really well and our intensity around the footy was great, our midfielders were excellent.”

Blackburn cut the margin to just 18 points in the final term in a spirited fightback. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Sanderson highlighted the work of ruckman Chevy Andersen alongside the forward trio, veteran defender Kris Pendlebury stood out across half-back while Alex Urban, Shaun Cross and Fraser Hicks also impressed through the middle.

“I thought (Andersen) played a really good game – he was quite dominant not only with the hit-outs but around the ground he was excellent,” Sanderson said.

Blackburn’s Sam Harte starred with four majors – including a snap from the pocket in the last to cut the margin to three goals – while captain Pat Lawlor finished with two as the 2022 finalists’ second-half resurgence earned plenty of praise.

Sam Harte flies for Blackburn on Good Friday. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“Blackburn, to their credit, have got enormous grit and resilience (with) the way they just kept coming at us and gave us a bit of a scare to be honest,” Sanderson said.

“I think they’re going to have a really good season, they structured up really well and have got a balanced side.”

And the occasion certainly wasn’t lost on the former AFL mentor in his Eastern league coaching debut.

Brenton Sanderson calls the shots in his first match in charge. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“We’re always grateful to the Eastern footy league for providing us the opportunity to play on Good Friday – it allows us to get a big crowd and there were a lot of people there supporting both teams,” Sanderson said.

“I love the opportunity to come back to community footy and be involved with a strong club like Balwyn.

“There’s so many great volunteers at Balwyn and the players are just so determined – they set a really high standard around the club with their behaviours and values.”

Balwyn is away to Rowville on April 22 while Blackburn takes on South Croydon on Anzac Day.

Balwyn 5.2 9.4 11.5 12.9 (81)

Blackburn 1.2 2.3 6.7 8.7 (55)

Balwyn

Goal kickers:

J. Walker 6, J. Lisle 3, J. Sticca, W. Stephenson, C. Haley

Best players:

J. Walker, K. Pendlebury, C. Andersen, S. Cross, J. Pollocks, F. Hicks

Blackburn

Goal kickers:

S. Harte 4, P. Lawlor 2, C. Oglethorpe, M. Bartlett

Best players:

C. Hinkley, L. Harry, P. Lawlor, S. Harte, T. Faulkner, L. Bugeja