Majak Daw makes impressive start to life with Deer Park

Majak Daw has already shown why he will make a key difference to Deer Park as two of the Lions’ best young guns continue to take their game to another level.

Deer Park’s Luke Scicchitano. Picture: Andy Brownbill

He’s played just one game in Deer Park colours but Majak Daw has already proven why he’ll make a difference.

Signed from North Heidelberg on the eve of the season, the Lions were patient about incorporating the ex-AFL utility into their line-up.

He booted four goals in a thrilling win over Airport West on Saturday.

“He definitely gave us a target, something we had lacked,” Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan said.

“We had been relying on our smalls, those long high balls were just intercepted by opposition defenders in the past few weeks.

“Even if he wasn’t marking it, he was bringing it to ground. Obviously there’s still going to be time for Maj to build a connection with the other forwards but we saw what he’s going to bring to the side.”

Madigan was quick to sing the praises of the flexibility of his side’s forward line with Nicolas Aleksovski and Spiros Amarantidis also kicking three goals.

Majak Daw made an immediate impression for Deer Park. Photo: Michael Klein

“Spiros is having a great start to his season,” he said.

“He missed the first two games through suspension and has made a difference since coming back in, he’s kicked seven goals as well.

“Nico is a young fella who is making the most of his opportunities. He doesn’t need much of a chance to hit the scoreboard.

“We’re ranked number one in centre clearances but we’ve probably been lacking the connection with the forward line, it’s still a work in progress.

“I think it should be a lot smoother with a bigger target down there now.”

Luke Scicchitano is another of the Lions’ younger brigade to catch the eye in the club’s first month in the EDFL’s top tier.

He was best afield on the weekend, the third time he has been named in his side’s better players this season.

“His only 20 and is growing into a really strong midfielder,” Madigan said.

“He is one of the leaders in score involvements for our side. The young fellas have developed really well since coming to the club.”

With their first win on the board, Madigan is hoping to see further improvement from his side.

“It’s a good confidence builder,” he said.

“We’ve been in a lot of games but have faded away in parts. It’s about putting in four-quarter performances.

“Turnovers have been costing us as well, it’s an area of the game we’ve been working on cleaning up.”

Deer Park will next take on East Keilor.