Local footy: Adam Marcon praises Aberfeldie’s youth in EDFL flag tilt

Aberfeldie’s young guns are providing the spark the club needed to overcome it’s “apprehensive” thinking as it looks primed for a flag tilt in the second half of the season.

Life is going well in his first season as Aberfeldie coach for Adam Marcon.

At the halfway point on the season, Abers sits second on the EDFL Premier Division ladder only behind Keilor on percentage.

They also sit two games clear of fourth-placed Pascoe Vale in the top three after a 8.8 (56) to 8.7 (55) win over Strathmore at Windy Hill.

Aberfeldie has used 35 players in its senior side so far this season with VFL commitments, injuries and illness among the challenges Marcon has faced.

But it’s all part of the job according to the former Williamstown star.

“We were a little apprehensive about how we would go considering we have a few older guys move on after the past couple of years and the impact of Covid,” he said.

The departures in the off-season were headlined by the moves of Ryan Allan and Josh Cubillo to WRFL outfit Caroline Springs while Josh Toy joined PEGS in the VAFA.

“It’s been a credit to the younger guys who have come in and played some really important roles for us this year (and helped put us in this position),” Marcon said.

“It speaks volumes of the quality of the club’s junior program in how these guys have been able to transition into senior footy.

“It’s been really pleasing to give so many guys an opportunity to come in and test themselves at the level. Those who have come in have given us some really tough choices at the selection table as well.”

Daniel Thompson again impressed for Aberfeldie. Picture: Hamish Blair

On Sunday, star defender Daniel Thompson again found himself named the best player on the ground.

Meanwhile, Lucas Rocci starred in defence despite having kicked five goals in his past two Aberfeldie outings.

“He’s played either as a small forward or defender when he hasn’t been playing VFL for Werribee this season,” Marcon said.

“I thought he gave us great drive out of the back line on a day where he probably relied too heavily on our defence. I was proud of how they were able to stand up under immense pressure because we did only kick a behind in the last quarter.”

Anthony Horomidis finished with three goals. Picture: Hamish Blair

At the other end of the ground, Anthony Horomidis finished with three goals — the most of any player on the ground.

Marcon, Nick Meese and Tim Currie were also named among the better players for Aberfeldie.

For Strathmore, Lachlan Currie, Andrew Vavra, Will Jury and Brendan Butler were all impressive.

“It was a finals like game between our Windy Hill,” Marcon said.

“I thought it was a very contested game where both defences were able to get on top.”

Aberfeldie now faces a huge clash against finals aspirant Maribyrnong Park while Strathmore hosts Avondale Heights.