EDFL: Bowey Larizza transforms into Taylors Lakes regular

Taylors Lakes coach Steve Burns admits he is facing some selection headaches ahead of the finals series with one man responding to the pressure in a match winning display.

Bowey Larizza is the perfect example of a player taking their opportunities at Taylors Lakes.

With the seniors and reserves both flying in EDFL Division 2 action, pressure is heating up for places on the eve of the finals.

On Saturday, Larizza delivered a dazzling performance with five goals to help propel the Lions to a come from behind 17.10 (112) to 13.9 (87) victory over Coburg Districts.

It was a victory that moved Taylors Lakes a step closer to securing a double chance.

Lions coach Steve Burns sung the praise of Larizza who started the season in the reserves but has now played nine games in a row.

He won the club’s reserves best-and-fairest last season and was a hero during the finals series with a match winner after the siren.

“He was probably under a little bit of pressure like others because the reserves are flying and guys are smashing the door down,” he said.

“Bowey put his hand up and excelled under the challenge. He’s got a great head on his shoulders, he’s always helping out with our thirds on a Friday night.

“He’s reaping the benefits of a first full pre-season like a lot of the other guys. Right throughout the group, we’ve got guys playing some of the best footy they ever have.

“That’s including the older guys who endured the tough times of the past couple of years.

“We’ve got some real headaches at the moment at selection but it’s a good place for the club to be in.”

Bowey Larizza of Taylors Lakes. Photo: Hamish Blair

Districts threatened to blow Taylors Lakes away early after racing out to a 29-point lead at the main break but the visitors were able to work their way back into the contest.

Eventually Burns’ side overpowered their hosts in the last quarter with seven goals to two.

Jack Burns was named best afield while Andrew Gallina, Chris Vulic, Tomi Ibarra, Ben Norris and Stephen Tieppo also impressed.

The Taylors Lakes coach credited the growth in his side for the comeback.

“We’ve only lost to Northern Saints and Oak Park this year and we wanted to keep that record in tact,” he said.

“We’re starting to assemble a really strong side again, like every other side in the EDFL we’ve had our issues with injuries and players going overseas.

“Coburg Districts’ best footy is as good as anyone. Compared to where we were last year when I came back on board, it’s night and day.

“We’re probably ahead of where we thought we would be but we’re not going to knock it back.”

Burns’ side will take on Northern Saints this weekend where a win would guarantee the double chance.

They’ll then face Hadfield and East Sunbury in the final fortnight of the season.

“We want the double chance because it gives you the best chance,” Burns said.

“It will be another good test this weekend, they got the better of us last time so we’ll want to be put in an improved showing.”