EFNL Premier Division: Balwyn stages comeback to edge Rowville as Charlie Haley, Josh Walker star

An ex-AFL name and a mercurial forward fired Balwyn to a remarkable comeback victory over Rowville on Saturday ...

A final-quarter masterclass from ex-AFL tall Josh Walker and mercurial forward Charlie Haley has helped Balwyn topple Rowville in a nail-biter on Saturday.

The Tigers trailed the Hawks at all changes – including by 33 points at three quarter-time – before piling on 7.3 to 1.1 in the final term to pinch the match, 12.9 (81) to 11.10 (76).

Walker kicked all four of his majors for the game in the fourth quarter to consign Rowville to a 0-2 start – with the Hawks overrun at the finish for a second consecutive week.

Former Port Melbourne forward Jordan Lisle delivered the final dagger – soccering through the matchwinner with seconds remaining.

Charlie Haley was one of Balwyn’s matchwinners, best afield with four goals. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Balwyn senior coach Brenton Sanderson credited Rowville’s pressure in his side’s plight, kicking just 5.6 to the Hawks’ 10.9 to the final change.

But instructing “all-out offence” in the last term proved a winning move.

“We weren’t able to absorb Rowville’s pressure for the first three quarters – they’re a young, powerful running side that are really good around the contest,” Sanderson said.

“They’ve got some really strong midfielders that put the heat on and we just weren’t able to match it – they forced us into mistakes and we became incredibly reluctant to take any risks in our offence … it shows how we only had 36 points at three quarter-time.

“We just threw all caution to the wind (in the last quarter) … I said to our boys ‘I’d rather us try to win the game than make the scoreboard look respectable’ and we pretty much went all-out offence.”

Balwyn coach Brenton Sanderson. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Sanderson heaped praise on Haley, best afield with four goals.

“Charlie Haley was unbelievable in the fourth quarter – it was good that our experienced leaders all stood up when it really mattered,” Sanderson said.

“He sliced his head open early in the last quarter and played with this huge gash in his head – he was wrapped up like a mummy, blood pouring everywhere, but then he was kicking goals from the boundary and putting forward pressure on.

“When the game was there to be won, he really stood up – him and Josh Walker were the two that took the game on the most.”

Meanwhile, Box Hill VFL talent Lachlan Wynd booted five majors for the Hawks to feature among their best.

The result lifts Balwyn to a 2-0 start for third spot ahead of hosting Norwood in Round 3, while Rowville sits ninth as a trip to Park Orchards awaits.

Rowville 4.2 5.6 10.9 11.10 (76)

Balwyn 1.0 3.3 5.6 12.9 (81)

Rowville

Goal kickers:

L. Wynd 5, J. Arundell 3, J. Coleclough 2, Z. Greeves

Best players:

J. Diedrich, C. Stainthorpe, L. Wynd, N. Schoenmakers, J. Eickhoff

Balwyn

Goal kickers:

C. Haley, J. Walker 4, J. Lisle, J. Gobbels, L. Greenwood, J. Wise

Best players:

C. Haley, C. Andersen, A. Urban, T. Wilson, J. Gobbels, J. Wise