Majak Daw kicks 11 goals for Deer Park

Majak Daw proved why he is such a valuable asset to Deer Park as he and an experienced teammate combined for 17 goals. Meanwhile, a key defender put his hand up for a VFL shot.

Deer Park celebrate. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Majak Daw is providing Deer Park exactly what they wanted.

The ex-AFL big man produced one of the best individual displays of the EDFL season on Saturday with 11 goals.

It was a pivotal performance which led the Lions to a 48-point win over Avondale Heights.

“He marked everything,” Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan said.

“We tried to isolate him one-on-one because if the form he was in. It’s only his third game for the year, he didn’t have a full pre-season, so he’s still building.

“This was the fittest he has been and I’m sure he’s only going to get better.

“Since we’ve got him into the side he has really helped to straighten us up.”

Lions skipper Spiros Amarantidis was just as influential.

He finished with six goals to continue his brilliant start to a maiden Premier Division campaign.

“He’s been super,” Madigan said.

“Before the start of the season we said we didn’t want him playing in the middle and to play as a permanent forward. He’s really responded well and is now our leading goalkicker.”

Majak Daw lines up one of his 11. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Josh Cooper, who is VFL listed by the Northern Bullants, produced his best performance of the season in defence according to his senior coach.

After making the move from Queensland over summer, Cooper’s presence was felt with his ability to intercept.

“A really strong game,” Madigan said.

“He had some form issues earlier in the year but now you can really see his confidence growing.

“Kier Bol played a really good game down there for us well, he’s been an anchor all season.”

Midfielders Jack Dorgan, Diesel Moloney and Luke Scicchitano were also be among the better players for the Lions.

Madigan’s side will now prepare for a clash with Essendon Doutta Stars with the aim of being 3-4 at the long weekend bye.

“We feel like we’ve been really building the last couple of games,” he said.

“We’ve been in every game, with the exception of Aberfeldie, and have had lapses. We’re looking on cutting those out.

“Our theme on the weekend was 22 and 4, which is what we had – 22 contributors and a four quarter performance.”

Madigan also confirmed ex-AFL player Shannon Byrnes had committed to the club for the remainder of the year.

He will play when his role with Geelong’s AFL team allows.