EFL Media’s Matt Fotia takes us through five talking points of the first week of EFL action.
Local footy is finally back and even if it was only for two sets of supporters throughout the Eastern Football League it was pretty evident everyone was happy to have it back in our lives.
Friday’s clash between 2017 finalists Blackburn and Doncaster was the third time in a row the Sharks had played the Panthers and it delivered an enthralling opener to the season. So here are five things we learnt from Doncaster’s 10-point victory over Blackburn.
1- Good Friday footy is here to stay and there could be more like it to come.
Blackburn has long been the fore-runner when it comes to one-off games on public holidays. Frequent participants in Anzac Day clashes, this was Blackburn’s second season hosting a Good Friday clash and it welcomed a strong crowd from all across the League. A good earner through the gate, the bar and the canteen the Burners will no doubt be looking to continue the tradition next year.
With more and more night games being played across the competition nowadays (South Belgrave host Ferntree Gully this Saturday starting at 6.10pm) and of course the annual Sunday showdown between North Ringwood and East Ringwood, we could see more clubs looking to make their own showpiece games. Could Monday, Wednesday or Thursday night footy be on the horizon?
2- Chris Annakis is a bona fide star.
The 2017 Chandler Medal winner was given plenty of attention from the Blackburn on ball brigade. The Sharks talisman found a way to rise above it all and proved his class. He was among the leading disposal winners on the ground, always managing to find space and time amongst the chaos. He not only stood out because of his glaringly bright orange boots, but also for his skills and awareness under immense pressure. The only thing missing from his game was a goal but we’re sure he’ll find time for a couple of them at some point this season.
3- The Sharks will need a ruck release.
Doncaster ruckman Ewan McKenzie was influential throughout the game on Friday winning countless hitouts, taking a number of marks, laying crucial tackles, influencing contest after contest and even snaring a goal for his hard work. All of this led to McKenzie looking all but cooked by the latter stages of the fourth quarter and although they were victorious, the Sharks may need to look at finding some relief for the big man sometime in the near future.
4- Tranquilli runs a tight ship.
Doncaster will be as well-drilled as ever under Andrew Tranquilli in season 2018. The calm communicator was impressive on EFL Game-Day in his pre-match interview but wasn’t ready to let anything slide come the first bounce. Just five minutes into the Good Friday clash, David Molloy was caught slightly off-guard by a Blackburn counter-attack which led to a Burners goal. Tranquilli had the runner out there before you could blink, ready to berate Molloy for stepping out of the line. Whatever was said worked as Blackburn failed to open the Sharks up all day. Attention to detail is high at Schramms Reserve.
5- Blackburn may need some time.
New Blackburn coach Brendan Allen is clearly looking at youth development this year. Blackburn had a number of young debutants on Friday with a couple coming from its 2017 under-19 side, whom contested the grand final. Couple this with the numerous (albeit talented) recruits that Blackburn have added to their list and it could take some time for the Panthers to gel together, so don’t be alarmed if they have a slow start to the season. Once they get their collective bodies together they’ll be a force to reckoned with in season 2018.
Views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Eastern Football League or its clubs.
