EDFL: Maribyrnong Park overcomes Glenroy after an absolute rollercoaster

Eight forced changes and a coaching switch led to the debuts of two “brave” Maribyrnong Park young guns who have been touted as “200-game players”.

To suggest Maribyrnong Park’s win over Glenroy was a rollercoaster would be underselling it.

Just about everything which could go against the Lions heading into Saturday’s EDFL Premier Division contest did.

They were forced to make eight changes at the selection table, while coach Brad Swain was also unavailable.

Then, despite a fast start Marby found themselves four goals down at the final change with Glenroy looking on track for its first win of the season.

But the story of the game had another twist as the Lions booted 4.5 to 0.4 in the final term to run out 11.14 (80) to 11.13 (79) winners in an absolute contest.

Stand-in coach Jarrad Carey said he couldn’t have been prouder of the way the players rallied to produce what could be a season defining win.

“I’m going to retire (from coaching) with the full support of the board,” he joked.

“It really was a strange day and nothing like I’ve seen before and the boys were absolutely outstanding.

“Before the game we spoke about two key messages. The first was focusing on what we could control — winning our battles out on the ground and playing for each other.

“Then it was important for our boys to embrace the challenge and opportunity which they did.

“It was a massive day for our footy club.”

Sam Calleri was brave in his first game. Photo: Facebook.

Lachie Melican impressed in defence during his debut. Photo: Facebook.

The raft of changes saw two young guns — Lachie Melican and Sam Calleri — handed their senior debuts with both players winning significant praise from Carey.

Melican was deployed down back while Calleri put his body on the line throughout the afternoon.

“We think Lachie is going to be a 200-game player for our senior side,” he said.

“He has been around the club for a long time and after the game he acknowledged the step up in pace caught him out early but I thought he was terrific.

“Unfortunately Sam hurt himself in the first few minutes but he put his hand up and played as a small forward. It allowed us to give our midfielders and other forwards a bit more of a rest.

“It was extremely brave from a young kid and I’ve got no doubt his attitude helped us fight back in the last quarter.”

Darcy Griffin starred against Glenroy. Picture: Hamish Blair

While the youngsters won praise from Carey, it was the experienced heads including Darcy Griffin — who was named best afield — who pulled the Lions back into the contest.

Griffin has now been named in the best in each of Maribyrnong Park’s first four matches.

Max Griffin, Brandon Ryan (three goals), Nick Prowse, Tom Baravi and Jonah Horo were also among the Lions’ best.

Meanwhile, ff-season recruit Sean Hetherington again had a big impact with two goals.

“He was our number one target and he has shown why that was the case,” Carey said.

“The feedback we got from his previous clubs was that he was a loved member of the playing group and that has already proven to be the case here.”

For Glenroy, Matt Shannon continued his stunning form for his new club with a best on ground display.

Daniel Ferraro, Adam Del Busso (four goals), Austin Hogan, James Bennie and Jacob Grigg also showed plenty.

The Lions will now face a big test against East Keilor while Glenroy will look to bounce back against the in-form Aberfeldie.