EFNL Division 2: VFL-listed ‘Roo Hayden Smith stars in The Basin’s upset of East Burwood

The Bears are beaming after stunning 2022 preliminary finalist East Burwood by 20 points in the Eastern league’s Division 2 – spearheaded by North Melbourne VFL-listed young gun Hayden Smith, who finished best afield with three majors.

While the former Eastern Ranges talent is yet to don the ‘Roos guernsey, Wade said Smith had enjoyed a strong start to the Bears’ campaign, featuring in all three matches.

“Unfortunately for him he hasn’t got a (VFL) game yet, but he’s been with us and played on the wing in the first game, but now we need to find a few goal kickers and he’s obviously very classy, so I rolled him forward, on-ball, and he got on the end of a few and kicked three goals,” Wade said.

Just six points separated the teams at the main break before The Basin wrestled back momentum in the third term, owing to its unrelenting pressure.

The occasion also marked the senior debuts of midfielder Cody Forrest and forward Lachie Saunders-Emerson – captain of the under-19s – with the pair impressing the coach.

“We’re a very young side – there were six boys that played in the under-19 premiership team last year that played, and two of them debuted,” Wade said.

“We had a real focus on being accountable and having high pressure, and the boys followed through … they were able to get it on the outside and hold on for a nice win.”

Ethan Power “dominated in the ruck” according to Wade, while North Adelaide SANFL premiership player Brock Castree also fired with two goals, with the gun recruit rolling through the midfield and forward line.

“He gave us first use and his follow-up work was excellent,” Wade said of Power.

The Basin is set to welcome Collingwood great Dane Swan in a one-off appearance this weekend for its clash with Templestowe.

The Brownlow medallist’s last stop was with Gol Gol in the Millewa league in Victoria’s north-west, with the 39-year-old helping the Hawks to a rousing upset of reigning premier Bambill.

Wade is hoping for more of the same from the premiership Pie this Saturday.

“Just having Dane Swan out there with the young kids, hopefully he can teach them a few things out on the ground,” he said.

“The boys have been looking forward to it since it got announced, so with the win last week and the excitement around the place it’s been a really good build up.”

The Basin vs. Templestowe – Saturday, April 29, Batterham Reserve, 2.20pm

Originally published as EFNL Division 2: VFL-listed ‘Roo Hayden Smith stars in The Basin’s upset of East Burwood