EDFL: Tom Stapleton wins praise from Maribyrnong Park coach

A VFL listed big man produced his best performance of the season as Maribyrnong Park broke its duck in 2023.

It was only a matter of time before Maribyrnong Park ruckman Tom Stapleton produced a big performance according to coach Brad Swain.

The VFL listed big man was among the key contributors of the Lions first Essendon District league Premier Division win of the season.

Stapleton was named among the best along with Zach Morris as his brother Joe led the way with three goals in the 15.15 (105) to 8.6 (54) victory over Essendon Doutta Stars.

“Every contest starts with the two blokes in the centre circle and Tom has been building over the last few weeks and his performance on Saturday was terrific,” Swain said.

“I was really pleased and proud of him. He was one of 22 that made a contribution to the contest.

“We now expect those standards to the norm now.”

Tom Stapleton produced his best game in Maribyrnong Park colours.

In an impressive display of its attacking prowess, the Lions finished with six multiple goalkickers.

Their score was also the club’s best attacking output of the 2023 season.

“We expect to score in excess of 90 points every week and this is the first time we’ve been able to do it,” Swain said.

“It’s no coincidence we’ve been able to do it and win this one. We need a spread of goalkickers and we were able to do it at the weekend.

“It certainly makes a massive difference.”

Despite sitting 1-6 after the opening seven rounds, Swain said he had seen plenty of promise from his side.

“It’s been a tough start to the season but wonderful to get a win on the board,” he said.

“We’ve been in four out of the six games that we lost. Pleasingly at the weekend, we were able to be better in the contest and kick some goals early. Scoreboard pressure from there made it difficult for Doutta Stars to get back into it.”

Swain’s side will now turn their attention to a trip to Airport West with the Eagles fresh off an upset victory over Aberfeldie.

“They’re in good form,” he said.

“With Tyson Young, Rueben William and others in their midfield, it allows them to have some talent forward of the ball.

“We’re really aware of that already and are preparing that for a big contest on Saturday.

“We want to still make some progress around the contest and we think particularly on Airport West’s relatively small ground, if we can play the game more in our half it will go a long way to having an influence on the result.”