EFNL Division 1 2024: South Belgrave defeats Mitcham in grand final rematch

South Belgrave turned the tables on Mitcham to the tune of 57 points in Saturday night’s Division 1 grand final rematch, with a recruit putting on a best-afield display.

South Belgrave recruit Blake Simondson was best-afield in Saturday night’s season-opener. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

Statements simply don’t come much bigger.

South Belgrave launched its Eastern Division 1 season with a 57-point victory over reigning premier Mitcham at Walker Park on Saturday night, in the pair’s first meeting since the Tigers’ upset grand final win.

The Saints prevailed 16.11 (107) to 6.14 (50) after just 14 points separated the teams at the half.

South Belgrave senior coach Heath Black, who toasted a win in his debut at the helm of the club, said the midfield brigade stood up in the third term, increasing the margin to 28 points at the final change.

The Saints pulled away from the Tigers after half-time. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

“I knew we’d put the work in at training and off the field as coaches, but I was really nervous,” Black said.

“In the third quarter it just seemed like we probably reverted back to what we knew, and put the onus on our forwards to kick a winning score.

“Essentially our midfielders kicked some midfield goals, and some good ones.

“It wasn’t that we did anything outstanding, it was a bit of reward for hard work and perseverance and backing in the system.

“They’re going to revert to the old way because it’s worked for so long.”

South Belgrave’s Tim Smith booted four goals. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

Key recruit Blake Simondson impressed on debut with a best-afield showing.

Black said Simondson, who undertook a pre-season with North Melbourne’s VFL program recently, had added much-needed leg-speed to the line-up after arriving from Berwick Springs.

“He’s come in and had a massive impact straight away,” Black said.

“The goal he kicked in front of the coaches’ box on the run from 45-50 metres was incredible at local level.

“I would think Blake in his mind still wants to be drafted … I said after the game, he’s like a semi-professional footballer – he just does everything to get himself up and about.

“He’s also got a bit of grunt – we’re rapt.”

South Belgrave ruckman Mitch Garner (right). Picture: Leesa Clarkson

But the win may have come at a cost, with Team of the Year premiership ruckman Mitch Garner suffering a lower leg injury.

“We’re just going to get some scans and see where that’s at,” Black said.

Tim Smith led the charge for the Saints in attack with four goals and former Carlton VFL tall Tyreece Leiu impressed at centre half-back.

Meanwhile, Jake Parente booted two majors for the Tigers as key big man Tom Lovell finished as the hosts’ best.

The incoming Saints coach wasn’t short of praise for the opposition, either.

“On-field and off-field as well, they’re just very professional – they had to cater for a huge crowd, volunteers everywhere, welcoming and humble,” Black said.