EDFL: Oak Park defeat Hadfield behind Hirsi Twomey’s dominant display

A “much needed” recruit is already proving pivotal in Oak Park’s premiership push as a returning junior looms as one of the best forwards in Division 2 of the EDFL.

A “much needed” recruit and a former junior putting injury woes him are just two reasons Oak Park is the EDFL Division 2 premiership favourite.

Hirsi Twomey dominated in the ruck and Mitch Leathers booted four goals as the Roos ran out 15.15 (105) to 7.8 (50) winners over Hadfield on Saturday to remain the only undefeated side in the competition.

Twomey made the move from Lalor in the Northern league during the off-season and is already looming as a pivotal piece in coach Todd Clark’s plans.

“(He’s given us) much needed inches in the ruck,” Clark said.

“In the first couple of games, he’s still been adjusting to his new teammates and how we’re aiming to play as a team but I thought it all came together for him yesterday.

“He got his hands to the footy a lot yesterday and the midfield was able to make the most of what he Hirsi gave them.”

Daniel Rajab finished with a goal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Leathers is already looming as one of the feel good stories in local footy this year as he aims to put three years of chronic hamstring issues behind in.

In his first two games, he has booted 13 majors.

“He’s a local boy who has taken the time to get his body right,” Clark said.

“He played a game last year and that’s all we saw of him unfortunately. But we’ve already seen in the past two games what he is going to be able to offer us inside 50.”

Jedd Taylor was also among the goalkickers after finishing with four majors of his own.

“Jedd’s a good size and I’ve been very happy with his start to the year,” Clark said.

Oak Park coach Todd Clark. Picture: Hamish Blair

After leading by 22 points at halftime, Clark said more efficient ball use from late in the third term helped his side to break the game open.

“Once we got the game on our terms I thought we did a terrific job to keep the momentum going,” he said.

With his side being labelled as the premiership favourite before the season had started, Clark said it was a mentality he wanted his players to embrace.

“We expected it to come after we were towards the top of the ladder with Moonee Valley last year,” he said.

“But the competition is very even this year and anyone can beat another side on their day. We’ve got a really good month of footy coming up which will tell us where we’re at.”

The Roos will host Taylors Lakes next week while Hadfield will look to bounce back against Coburg Districts.

In other Division 2 games, Burnside Heights (105) shocked Coburg Districts (92), Keilor Park (137) beat Northern Saints (50) and Taylors Lakes (228) were too good for Jacana (14).