EFNL Division 2 2023: Waverley Blues edge East Burwood as host of names look set to return
The Waverley Blues are unbeaten after three rounds in a new division – but a line of premiership names could return this week.
Eastern
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They took down one of the heavy-hitters of the Eastern league’s Division 2 on Saturday – but a swag of key names are expected to return this week.
The Waverley Blues are perched atop the ladder with an unbeaten start from three matches after edging 2022 preliminary finalist East Burwood by 11 points, 14.7 (91) to 11.14 (80).
The Blues surged to a four-goal lead at the main break before the Rams snatched a one-point advantage at the final change – but the visitors rallied with a four-goal-to-two last term.
Waverley Blues senior playing-coach Tom Langford likened the tight tussle to last season’s Division 3 grand final, with his charges answering the challenge in the telling moments.
“They (East Burwood) had their tails up after winning the third quarter convincingly … but the physical side of the contest definitely stepped up and you could see our guys had a steely resolve and responded to the challenge,” Langford said.
“We were thrilled with the way they attacked the last quarter and thought we controlled the game for a fair bit of that quarter, but East Burwood definitely had their chances.”
Omar Mohammad continued to impress the coach, kicking three majors alongside Matt Perry while Langford said the younger crew “led the way” through best afield Josh Walker (three goals), Angus Cramer, James Mittell and Mitch Frescher.
The result takes the Blues to 20 consecutive victories, following their club record-breaking win on Good Friday.
It sets the scene for a first-versus-second clash with Boronia this weekend, after the 2022 finalist pipped Heathmont by five points at HE Parker Reserve on Saturday.
The Blues are set to welcome back a wealth of premiership names in Langford, Sam Mier and Ryan McNamara, while Ben Turner and Brent O’Leary are also a chance to return.
“We feel we’ve got a really deep squad and definitely guys that haven’t played yet are still capable of playing senior footy,” Langford said.
“We hadn’t planned on playing 27 blokes by Round 3, especially when we’re 3-0, but it is what it is and we look forward to getting as many on the park at once.
“We play our system and personnel is a secondary thing … but we’ll be smart enough as coaches to pick like-for-like replacements where possible that allows our system to still be played the same way.”
East Burwood 0.6 3.9 9.12 11.14 (80)
Waverley Blues 3.2 8.3 10.5 14.7 (91)
East Burwood
Goal kickers:
B. Barlow 3, J. Bellis, C. Spiteri, M. Mariani 2, A. Foss, M. Young
Best players:
M. Mariani, C. Spiteri, M. Young, L. Neate, B. Griffiths, D. Maurice
Waverley Blues
Goal kickers:
J. Walker, O. Mohammad, M. Perry 3, T. Hale 2, N. Frescher, T. Steele, J. Facey
Best players:
J. Walker, R. Serpanchy, T. Hale, M. Perry, M. Frescher, S. Hale
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