EFNL Premier Division: Vermont tips Balwyn off top spot with 27-point win

An inspired Vermont has claimed first on the Eastern Premier Division ladder, saluting a favourite son in Saturday’s 1 v. 2 clash with Balwyn ...

VERMONT is back on top.

An inspired Eagles outfit finished with a final-quarter rush on Saturday, dethroning Balwyn 13.9 (87) to 9.6 (60) to claim first on the ladder and salute Tim Johnson in his 200th senior match.

Led by a best-afield display from midfielder Lachie Johns, the visitors stormed home with a five-goal-to-one last quarter to sink the Tigers after the scores were locked at 53 apiece at the final change.

The Tigers “had it on their terms in the first half” according to Vermont coach Adam Parker, as his charges trailed by 11 points at the main break off the back of the hosts’ “outstanding” pressure.

But a final lift was needed – and Parker’s players delivered – as the coach drew inspiration from Johnson’s milestone at the three-quarter time address.

Former Vermont captain Johnson became just the club’s 11th player in its 103-year history to reach 200 senior games.

Tim Johnson’s milestone helped inspire a final-quarter Vermont blitz. Picture: Field of View Photography

“He captained our side, he’s a life member of our club and now becomes a legend … we tried to draw a bit on that at three-quarter time when the scores were level because if we could get a bit of an extra per cent out of each player because he’s given decades of his life to the club, then yesterday was the chance to show that,” Parker said.

“At half-time I just said to our boys that I didn’t reckon we were going at full tilt and they (Balwyn) were playing some really impressive footy – we had some improvement (left) and they were flying.

“I thought that if we stuck to our guns and kept our effort up, at some stage we thought we’d get the momentum … we think when we bring our best pressure and best effort, at some point we feel we’ll get an advantage.”

Young guns Jamieson Rossiter and Lachie Rathjen stood out as matchwinners with three goals each.

“He (Rossiter) hit the scoreboard which was obviously of benefit, but his tackle pressure for someone of his size was brilliant and really got us going and helped us win the game yesterday,” Parker said.

“Lachie Rathjen’s a product of Gippsland Power … he’s willing to sacrifice his game for the team and he got some reward which was really pleasing.”

Vermont coach Adam Parker. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Tigers lost No. 1 ruckman Chevy Andersen early in the final term to a suspected hamstring injury, and Parker remains wary of a Balwyn outfit he supposes could cross the Eagles’ path in September.

“It’s a pretty big rivalry and there’s the ultimate respect between the two clubs because both clubs have been successful ever since the injection of Balwyn into the EFL,” he said.

Vermont sits first on the ladder with 10 wins and three losses – some four per cent ahead of East Ringwood – while Balwyn (9-4) slipped from first to fourth. Rowville (9-4) is third after its one-point win over Doncaster East.

Balwyn 3.2, 6.3, 8.5, 9.6 (60)

Vermont 2.1, 4.4, 8.5, 13.9 (87)

Balwyn

Goals:

N. Oakes 2, J. Gobbels 2, D. Quinn, J. Lisle, F. Hicks, A. Urban, J. Gottliebsen

Best Players:

A. Britten, L. McDermott, J. Lisle, N. Oakes, J. Tillig, B. Smith

Vermont

Goals:

L. Rathjen 3, J. Rossiter 3, Z. Thiessen 2, T. Calder, A. Greenwood, M. Hawkins, L. Johns, A. Strachan

Best:

L. Johns, J. Rossiter, L. Rathjen, A. Greenwood, M. Hawkins, J. Ross