EDFL: Oak Park prepares for first finals series since 2016

Todd Clark’s first three years in his second stint as Oak Park coach have been nothing short of a rollercoaster but he has the Kangaroos primed for a flag tilt.

When Todd Clark returned to Oak Park he was determined to help his club return to its glory days.

Look back to when he was appointed for a second stint with the Kangaroos in late-2019 and a lot has happened since.

But not so much in a footy sense.

What was supposed to be Clark’s first season in charge, 2020, was a complete write off.

It didn’t get much better in 2021 when the season was called off as Covid again gripped Melbourne.

But on Saturday, Oak Park will return to Essendon District league finals action for the first time since 2016.

They’ll face Keilor Park for a place in the grand final with the loser set for a preliminary final.

The Kangaroos are chasing their first premiership since the 2009 success.

“We’re really happy to be a contender after being in the same place last year before the season was cancelled,” Clark said.

“To have our men’s sides (seniors and reserves) and under 18s playing finals is a terrific result for the club. Our women’s teams have also had outstanding seasons.

Dale Powell carries the ball forward against the Northern Saints. Photo: Hamish Blair

“When I took over we were looking at a three-year period and it’s realistically only been 18 months. It’s been frustrating for everyone.

“There hasn’t been too many challenges trying to motivate this list — they’re predominantly between 21 and 24. They’re Oak Park juniors and mates who want to taste success together.

“If you’re in Division 2 for a few years it can be hard to motivate but we want to find our way out of this position.”

Oak Park has had plenty of youthful exuberance in its senior side this season with seven under 18s making their debuts throughout the season.

They have included Dylan Smith, Jake Bushell, James Cox, Jordan Lauri, Taj McCartney and Zac Graham.

Meanwhile Anthony De Lorenzi, who debuted in 2021, has established himself as one of the young guns of the competitions.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to try and reward our young guys and give them a taste of senior footy,” Clark said.

“Now two or three of those guys are in our best 22. It’s been outstanding to see their development and see them come in and make a difference to our side.”

There were plenty of reasons to celebrate for Oak Park. Photo: Hamish Blair

The Kangaroos’ home-and-away season came to a stuttering end at the weekend with the final round game against Northern Saints called off early due to poor weather.

They led 13.10 (88) to 3.1 (19) when the decision was made.

Mitch Robinson had kicked four goals to that stage of the contest while Mitch Leathers had three of his own.

Liam Molloy, Ryan Smith, Dale Powell and Tom Gleeson were also impressive.

“There were no objections from either side to call it off,” Clark said.

“They weren’t going to get anything out of it and we didn’t want to risk injuries ahead of this week.”

Ryan Smith was named in Oak Park’s best. Photo: Hamish Blair

Oak Park will enter Saturday’s second semi-final as underdogs with Keilor Park comfortably accounting for the Kangaroos in their two previous meetings this year.

But Clark knows finals footy is a different ball game.

“We put in a better performance in our second game against them but Keilor Park are a very good side,” he said.

“They’re the hunted for a reason. There’s some real top end quality with guys like (Damien) Cavka, (Robbie) Castello and (Daylan) Kempster.

“Then Vincent Schiavello probably doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves down back.

“We want to put up a fight and play good footy. We believe our best is good enough.”