NFL 2018: Eltham of five Melbourne-based clubs still undefeated in 2018 as it closes in on unbeaten Division 2 season

ELTHAM is five wins away from completing the first unbeaten Northern Football League home-and-away campaign in nine years, one of 15 Victorian clubs still yet to taste defeat this season.

ELTHAM is five wins away from completing the first unbeaten Northern Football League home-and-away season in nine years.

The all-conquering Heidelberg stormed through the 2009 Division 1 campaign with 18 consecutive wins before claiming finals victories over Montmorency and Bundoora to secure the premiership.

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Proving the enormity of the achievement, only five metropolitan-based clubs are left in the hunt for a perfect season in 2018.

Eltham star Bradyn Taglieri finds a teammate with a snap around the body.

Eltham sits top of the NFL Division 2 ladder at 13-0 as it prepares for a bye this weekend, while Old Paradians (VAFA Division 2), Ringwood (Eastern FL Division 3) and Western Region clubs Yarraville-Seddon (Division 2) and Wyndham Suns (Division 3) have not been beaten in the current campaign.

Macleod coach Garry Ramsay understands better than most the difficulty of producing an unbeaten season.

The Roos are on track to finish on top of the NFL Division 1 ladder in consecutive years, but lost three games last season and dropped their opening match of 2018 despite dominating for large periods of both campaigns.

Eltham’s Rohan King celebrates a goal during his team’s winning streak.

The premiership mentor said competition for spots and a successful culture were crucial to any winning streak.

“What we try and do is try and pass on to anyone that steps in, even young kids, that we do expect to win,” Ramsay said.

“We don’t think it’s a great effort just to play senior football.

“The people that play their first game get congratulated after playing their role in a win, rather than before a game.”

Several country clubs are also yet to taste defeat this year, with Goulburn Valley powerhouse Kyabram, Colac District frontrunner Birregurra and Ovens and Murray outfit Albury among 15 Victorian clubs which boast unblemished records.

Eltham is destined for a double chance, regardless of its results during the remainder of the year.

Kyabram has dominated the Goulburn Valley league in recent years. Picture: Bruce Povey

Sitting four games clear at the top of the table, Panthers coach Paul King has the luxury to rest players during the last month of the campaign in preparation for finals.

But he is also mindful of generating momentum in the lead-up to finals as Eltham looks to reclaim its place in Division 1 after being relegated last year.

“Getting towards the last two weeks of the year, try and start getting everyone back so we get a few games together before we hit the finals,” King said.

The Panthers’ success has come after they recruited former Northern Blues and Williamstown tall Tim Currie and ex-Collingwood player Brent Macaffer, who have bolstered a side which won five games last year despite finishing at the bottom of Division 1.

Eltham has twice beaten its closest rival Lower Plenty and has matches against Thomastown, Fitzroy Stars, Banyule, Diamond Creek and Epping to round out the home-and-away season.

Albury is on track for another tilt at the Ovens and Murray premiership Picture: Cartwright Productions.

UNBEATEN IN 2018

Old Paradians VAFA Div 2 (13-0)

Eltham Northern FL Division 2 (13-0)

Yarraville Seddon Western Region FL Division 2 (11-0-1)

Wyndham Suns Western Region FL Division 3 (12-0)

Ringwood Eastern FL Division 3 (13-0)

Kyabram Goulburn Valley FL (13-0)

Tallygaroopna Kyabram District FL (13-0)

Birregurra Colac District FL (12-0-1)

Birchip Watchem North Central FL (11-0)

Albury Ovens & Murray FL (13-0)

Natte Bealiba Maryborough Castlemaine District FL (11-0)

Wickliffe Lake Bolac Mininera District FL (12-0)

Yarram North Gippsland FL (14-0)

Waaia Picola District FL (14-0)

Bullioh Upper Murray FL (11-0)