EDFL: Inside Deer Park’s 206-point turnaround against Greenvale

Deer Park produced a 206-point turnaround to secure a “scalp” against Greenvale. Coach Jamie Madigan talks about the impact of an ex-AFL duo and what lay ahead.

Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan got exactly what he was after.

A response and a statement win.

After being smacked by 138 points in the opening round against Keilor, the Lions bounced back with a 68-point win against 2024 finalist Greenvale on Saturday.

“It’s a really good win for us,” Madigan said.

“We hadn’t taken a scalp since being in Premier Division and what I mean is beating a side above us. We didn’t beat a team who played finals last year.

“What was particularly pleasing was how we played. We didn’t play well against Keilor, we spoke about backing our strengths. We put it on the boys before the game.

“The club is celebrating its 100th year and we wanted to win our first game of the year at home.”

There were plenty of positives for the Lions to take away with ex-AFL recruits Lin Jong and Trent McKenzie (five goals) among their side’s better players.

“Jong would have finished with 20 odd contested possessions. He was huge as he was in the first game,” Madigan said.

“We feel we’ve got a really good starting group in our midfield with Luke Scicchitano, Jake McKenzie and Zen Christofi. They bounced back really well.”

Deer Park before Round 1. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Madigan said McKenzie had been determined to put in a strong performance.

Held to one goal in his debut, the former AFL defender set about making a difference.

“It’s worth remembering, Trent hasn’t had a pre-season,” Madigan said.

“He was disappointed with his first game but we wanted him to just go out there and relax. He kicked five in the first half and then Lachie Smart got his opportunities with five of his own.

“Hayden Gill, who is Werribee VFL listed, kicked four goals in his first game for the club. It was wonderful to see such a balance of goalkickers.”

Madigan said he was also pleased with the back six led by Kier Bol and Tim Quick.

“Tim has been great since coming back to the club,” he said.

“We’re trying to keep a consistent group of six or seven down there so they can have some time to gel.”

ABERS RECRUIT THRIVING

After holding off Essendon Doutta Stars’ comeback, Aberfeldie will be celebrating the former of Hamish Gilmore. The recruit from Albury has been named in the best in both games to start the season. A versatile tall who was on Werribee’s VFL list last season. New signing Liam Spear was also impressive.

Hamish Gilmore has made an impressive start to life with Abers.

MORES WIN CRUNCH CLASH

Strathmore showed why it’s set to be at the pointy end of the ladder once again with a 21-point win over Pascoe Vale. It could be an important result in the race for the top-five later this season. Athan Tsialtas was brilliant in front of goal, finishing with five majors in a best on ground performance as Lucas Cavallaro and James Sala also impressed.

Jaye Bowden filled his boots for the Lions.

MARBY RECRUIT SHOWS HIS CLASS

As Maribyrnong Park secured a 188-point thumping of East Keilor, Tasmanian recruit Jaye Bowden showed off his class in front of goal. Bowden finished with 12 goals as his side put 33.15 (213) on the scoreboard. Tom barnett was named the best player on the ground in the big win.

KEILOR DO IT AGAIN

Mick McGuane’s side once again proved why they are the team to beat with a 207-point thumping of Airport West. The Blues kicked at least seven goals in every quarter, including 13 in the last, as the home side booted 38.15 (243). Christos Kosmas led the way with seven goals while Cody Brand filled his boots with six. New recruit Liam Hude showed his class with five.