EDFL: Oak Park wins through to Division 2 grand final

Oak Park will have its shot at redemption after earning a place in the EDFL Division 2 grand final and a key part of it has been timing. Here’s why.

Perfect timing is the best way to describe Oak Park’s last fortnight.

The Roos are through to the EDFL Division 2 grand final and the return of key personnel has played a key part.

Mitchell Leathers, Cameron Milich, Taylor Hotchkin, Scott Gilliland, Blair Cronin and Clayton McCartney all returned for Saturday’s second semi-final victory over Taylors Lakes with the Roos winning 15.18 (108) to 9.13 (67).

Now they’ve earned a shot at redemption after going down in last year’s decider to Keilor Park.

In the final home-and-away game, Lachlan Ronaldson came back into the side and found another gear in his second game since returning.

Oak Park Todd Clark couldn’t have been happier to have him back after the forward booted three goals.

“This was only the first or second game we’ve had all of our first choice forwards available,” he said.

“Lachie was instrumental with how we started the game, he was marking everything in that first quarter.

“Finals are a different game so it was really important we were able to jump out of the blocks with six goals to none.”

A number of the returning players were able to find their way into the best for the Kangaroos who booked their place in the September 10 decider at Coburg City Oval.

Jedd Taylor continued his brilliant season with another best on ground display.

Rising star Anthony Der Lorenzi showed why he is a player for the big stay with an impressive display that included two goals.

Meanwhile, Blair Cronin led the way up forward with four majors.

“Jedd is a quality footballer, he has been sensational this year,” Clark said.

“He’s quite hard to match up on which makes him a very dangerous option for ourselves.

“Anthony seems to relish playing in these bigger games, even last year he seemed to go up a gear on the big stage which is an exciting prospect.”

Jedd Taylor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Clark said there was a clear element of his side’s performance which stood out to him upon reviewing the game.

“We really put the onus on having high pressure at the ball carrier,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Taylors Lakes will get another chance to earn a place in the grand final when it takes on Sunbury Kangaroos in the preliminary final.

Christian Petersen was named best for his side in defeat.

In the first semi-final, Sunbury Kangaroos produced an impressive second half turnaround to keep its season alive against the Northern Saints on Sunday.

Matthew Leonard booted six goals while Mitch Streiff was named the best player on the ground.