Belief building at Lilydale after an unbeaten start to the Eastern Football League season

BELIEF is growing at Lilydale Sports Oval, with the Falcons charting an unbeaten start to the Eastern Football League Division 2 season.

Lilydale’s Bryce Batty in action. Picture: David Crosling

BELIEF is growing at Lilydale Sports Oval, with the Falcons charting an unbeaten start to the Eastern Football League Division 2 season.

Lilydale is the only team yet to taste defeat in 2018 after, perhaps unexpectedly, starting the season 5-0 to sit a game clear atop the ladder.

But Lilydale coach Ben Neagle said he had not been surprised his young side’s start to the season.

“I think we’ve got two recruits in our side this year and I knew we had really grown from within and our development has been terrific over the past 12 months,” Neagle said.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, I’m just really happy with the guys because they have put in the hard work.

“Obviously knowing there is a long way to go but just really happy with their effort and happy with the improvement in each and every one of them.”

Neagle praised the improvements in co-captain Brad Lowe, who has moved into a midfield role this year, while Ryan McNay and Lachlan Koger have also furthered their games.

Lilydale reached the Round 5 split weekend on the back of two narrow victories over fellow finals contenders Park Orchards and Wantirna South, helping lay the foundations for the season and get a break on the chasing mid-table clubs.

“I think certainly all the guys believe now, I think if you’ve got that belief and you’ve got that confidence, it is a massive thing for them to have,” Neagle said.

“I think we had some really good games last year that I thought built us up to where we are now.

“Playing in the final last year that we lost was really significant because they understand the workrate required and the intensity required to play the game now.”

Koger and co-captain Lachlan Wilson will be in the mix to return from injury for this weekend’s clash against Mooroolbark.