EDFL: Why Taylors Lakes are thrilled at halfway mark

Taylors Lakes coach Steve Burns has delivered an honest verdict on his side’s first half of the season and why he would have “taken it every day of the week”. Plus all the talking points from the weekend’s action.

Christopher Vulic of Taylors Lakes. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

Taylors Lakes coach Steve Burns couldn’t be happier with his side’s progress.

At the halfway mark of the season, the Lions have leapt into the EDFL Division 1 top-four after their most impressive win of the season, prevailing against premiership contender Hillside by seven points on Saturday.

It’s an indication Burns’ side are right in the mix for finals footy after being promoted on the back of last year’s Division 2 premiership.

“If you told me at the start of the year we would be 5-4, I would have taken it every day of the week,” he said.

“The boys should be really proud of the footy they’ve been able to play this year. We always felt we would be a better side in the second half of the season with all the new faces we’ve brought in.

“The win was the first time we’ve beaten anyone above us and it’s really helped to spark the rivalry between Hillside and Taylors Lakes again, it’s good for the local community when both sides are strong.

“Now we’re going to give it a crack at playing finals.”

Taylors Lakes victory over the Sharks wasn’t the only shock result in the competition as Roxburgh Park claimed its first win of the season over St Albans.

Moonee Valley showed its class with a nine-point win over contender Oak Park.

“It was a massive day of upsets,” Burns said.

“The competition has been even all year. Roxy have been stiff, they’d almost be the best last placed team in any division with the footy they’re playing.

“It’s a division where you need to be on your game every week.”

ROXY ON THE BOARD

Roxburgh Park picked up its first win of the season after overcoming St Albans by 38 points as Terrone Potter produced his best output of the season with six goals. Cooper McPharlane was equally as dangerous inside forward 50 with five majors as dominant big man Jack Elliott produced another fine performance.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT MOONEE VALLEY

Moonee Valley proved why it has an exciting future ahead of it after securing its biggest win of the season, a nine-point victory over premiership contender Oak Park. The Fog’s senior side was stacked with several young players including those who have come through the junior pathways. Luke Denny was named best afield on the weekend while Callum Clinnick, Zayas Leonedas, Bevan Newell, James Kefalas and Ryan Wait were others to impress.

IS THE TOP-FIVE IN PREMIER SET?

At the halfway mark of the season, the Premier Division top-five position might be set. Maribyrnong Park currently sits in fifth place, two games ahead of Pascoe Vale who recently had a coaching change, and the Lions look set to complete an impressive rise. Brodie Holland’s side claimed a 30-point win over Greenvale on the weekend to strengthen their hold on the position. They won the Division 1 flag this season and have been impressive despite a list overhaul. Jaye Bowden was best afield on the weekend with five goals.

KEILOR JUST THAT GOOD

Keilor were challenged by Essendon Doutta Stars at different times and still managed to come away with a 74-point win. “We weren’t complete in anyone’s imagination. So many lessons out of today’s game. Bank the four points and move on,” coach Mick McGuane said in his weekly social media slot. It was just another highlight of how good this side is going to be when it’s at the peak of its powers.

A NEW DIVISION 2 GOALKICKING LEADER

Coburg Districts gun Jack McNamara has shot to the top of the Division 2 goalkicking charts with a 10-goal haul in his side’s win over East Sunbury. He has booted double figures in back-to-back games and is already closing in on his season tally of 40 from last year.