Clinincal, Effortless, Dominant… Just some of the words that can be used to describe Balwyn’s Premiership winner performance in Saturdays Division 1 EFL Grand Final.
The Tigers were never headed in one of the more one-sided Division 1 Grand Finals in recent years as they went on to record a 111 point win over a Norwood side who had no answers.
Within 15 minutes of the first bounce Balwyn had slotted through the first four goals of the game and had Norwood on the back foot. In fact, as Jeff Gobbels kicked the Tigers second with just four minutes gone, news got worse as Norwood lost skipper John Holmes to a new injury.
The Tigers didn’t look back and took a 22 point lead into the first change. Knowing there was a slight breeze to the Mountain Highway end, Balwyn Coach Dan Donati ensured his side kept up its defensive pressure whilst being able to control the ball when in possession.
They did just that and extended the lead into the main change, keeping Norwood scoreless in the first half. Balwyn were able to control the ball so much so that that went into half time with a +50 differential in uncontested possessions including a chain of 20 passes where they held possession for minutes at a time.
Six goals to none in the first half was only the entrée, The Tigers served up 15 of the finest in the second half as they overran the Norsemen early in the second half and they proceeded to run away with the game late. No one player up forward stood out with 13 individual goal kickers even Shaun Cross and Jackson Weatherald chipped in with singles as they were allowed free space going forward. Skipper Rennie Gilchrist was scintillating, not wasting a disposal and ensuring his side kept their minds on the job till the final siren.
The precession of second half goals started with eight goals in the third term, majors coming in all shapes and sizes as Norwood made Balwyn look like the Harlem Globtrotters.
Matthew Bate was able to nail Norwood’s first from long range, although Norwood had no answers as the Tigers struck back with the quick reply.
It was as complete a performance from the Tigers who managed 22 players contributing on one day and in the words of their coach those at the ground witnessed “The Best Local football team in Victoria” – on their Grand Final performance Donati isn’t too far wrong.
Cliff Tomkins/ Blue Ribbon Medallist Rennie Gilchrist was sensational from start to finish and made his impact felt on the game more and more as it went on.
4.1-25
6.4-40
14.7-91
21.12-138
0.1-1
0.2-2
2.2-14
4.3-27
Balwyn
Goal Kickers: J. Gobbels 4, T. Roach 4, L. Barker 2, L. Frazer 2, B. Broadhurst 2, J. Meesen, J. Kennedy, R. Gilchrist, B. Goss, A. Murray, S. Tregear, J. Weatherald
Best Players: R. Gilchrist, T. Roach, K. Pendlebury, S. Tregear, M. O”Regan, J. Gobbels
Norwood
Goal Kickers: Z. McCubbin, J. Kroussoratis, L. Harrington, M. Bate
Best Players: M. Bate, S. Hill, A. Gibson, J. Newman