NFL 2018: Banyule inflicts first defeat on Eltham this year after a 28-point win

BANYULE continues to perform above expectations after inflicting the first defeat on Eltham this year, locking away its place in Division 2 finals.

MUCH has been said of North Heidelberg’s stunning climb into the Northern Football League’s top flight this year.

But don’t forget Banyule’s impressive rise.

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The Bears will all but be the first Division 3 premier to make finals the year after promotion since the league introduced a three-tier system in 2009.

Banyule inflicted Eltham’s first defeat of the season on Saturday, coming away with a 14.7 (91) to 9.9 (63) win.

In fact, Banyule and North Heidelberg look set to be the first Division 2 or 3 premiers to have played finals the year after promotion.

Jacob Smith juggles a mark for Banyule. Picture: Hamish Blair

Banyule coach Pete Davey said the Bears spoke of creating a slice of NFL history on their pre-season camp.

“We probably have exceeded our expectations a little bit, we would have loved to have snuck into fourth spot but sitting third with two rounds to go, we’re very happy with where we are at the moment,” Davey said.

“We didn’t expect North Heidelberg to go up and do what they’re doing at the moment, which is a huge credit to them, but we wanted to be the first side in any division to go up and make finals the following year.”

Natural development has helped Banyule’s transition. Riley Loton, still eligible for the under-19s, has become an integral part of the midfield, while defender Daniel Camilleri has enjoyed a breakout season at the age of 27.

Jake Truefeldt flies for a mark. Picture: Hamish Blair

Spearhead James Kroussoratis has enjoyed another productive season in front of goals with 55 majors to be the competition’s leading goalkicker, Daniel Kelly has regularly been in the best players, while retired Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton has played eight games and will be available for the elimination final.

While Eltham and Lower Plenty have been the yardsticks in 2018 Banyule could be capable of causing a September boilover if it faces Eltham in finals, suffering two close losses during the season against the Panthers before Saturday’s win.

“For some reason we’ve matched up well against Eltham both times … (but) Lower Plenty have touched us up twice, they certainly have a forward line that we struggle, from a height point of view, to hold down,” Davey said.