Key forward line changes shape Taylors Lakes’ season

Taylors Lakes coach Steve Burns has given an insight to the key changes he made to his side during the off-season as a veteran continues to impress.

Taylor Lakes identified it needed to strengthen its forward line in the off-season.

Now senior coach Steve Burns has seen what the Lions can produce at their best.

A powerful final quarter performance powered Taylors Lakes to a 16.8 (104) to 7.10 (52) win against Hadfield in the Essendon District league’s Division 2 competition on Saturday.

After tinkering with the front half of the ground throughout pre-season, it appears the Lions now have their mix right.

And that’s without accounting ruckman Andrew Gallina’s ability to push forward after he booted four goals against the Hawks.

“When I took over in the back half of last season, we had real trouble with our forward line,” Burns said.

“When it came to recruiting, we tried to create a balanced forward line and in Round 1 we probably didn’t pick it the way we should have.

Chris Vulic was in Taylors Lakes’ best. Photo: Hamish Blair

“I thought we were on top for most of the game and to the Hadfield coaching staff’s credit they really nullified what we were trying to do but the shackles just released in the last quarter.

“Mitch Jones had an excellent second half with three goals, there were multiple avenues which is really important.”

Gallina was named best afield in a dominant display as he built on a steady fortnight to start the season.

The big man flies down from Brisbane each week to play for his beloved Lions, with his work taking him north.

“He’s been at the club for years and it means a lot that he comes back every week,” Burns said.

“He fits in really well with the younger guys and provides an experienced head out on the ground when we need it.”

Taylors Lakes coach Steve BurnsPictures: Angie Basdekis

Burns confirmed the Lions were yet to unveil some of their off-season recruits as they neared full fitness.

Impressively, several new faces are already making an impact including Raafat Rachrache who chipped in with a couple of goals.

Aaron Vendramini and Rhys Bradley were also named among the Lions’ best.

“All of the new guys are fitting in nicely,” Burns said.

“Raaf is doing what he always does and kicking a couple of goals every week. He’ll have a big day for us soon.

“Sam Kosmak is a young guy who has come to the club and he has been super impressive. Trent Forbes is a returning player and I thought he was superb at centre halfback on the weekend.”

With two straight wins to its name, Taylors Lakes looks well placed to push for a place in the top-four this season but Burns admits it’s hard to judge where his side sits.

“We’ve had a good response since Round 1,” he said.

“I think we will be a much better side in the second half of the year when we’ve gelled as a team. If we can be around the four close to Round 9 or 10 we could have a really big finish to the year.”

With a split round coming up, Taylors Lakes will return to action against Burnside Heights on May 13.