Oak Park closes in on EDFL Division 1 finals place
Oak Park walked into the great unknown of a new division in season 2024 and now the Roos are enjoying a year which even the most optimistic fan could have predicted. Here’s how it’s happened.
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Not even the most optimistic of Oak Park would have expected their side to be in this position.
With three rounds to play, Todd Clark’s side sit two games clear in fifth place on the EDFL Division 1 ladder.
They can lock away their finals place if they beat sixth placed Tullamarine this weekend.
The two-game gap opened up between the two sides after Oak Park thumped Keilor Park and Tulla went down to Hillside on the weekend.
It’s easy to say they’ve performed well and truly above expectations.
“The first thing we focused on was not getting relegated,” Clark said.
“Then when we ticked that off, fifth spot opened up and a few other things went our way. We’ve tried to stay as consistent as possible with our team and it’s helped.
“Having our key forwards including Lachie Ronaldson available has been a positive for us.
“The guys know how important this weekend’s game is, our leaders are driving the agenda. Tulla are a quality side, they’ve been towards the pointy end of the ladder for a while now.”
Oak Park has won its last four games to build its case for finals footy and Clark believes the season has panned out as he expected.
“I thought it would take about half-a-season for us to settle into a new division,” he said.
“We’ve had a good month.”
The Roos’ form hasn’t been without its challenges either.
They’ve often been made to train away from JP Fawkner Reserve due to the grounds condition, meaning sessions have taken places on basketball and tennis courts.
It’s limited Clark’s side to just skills training but they’ve embraced the challenge in front of them.
Saturday’s game against Keilor Park was moved to Leo Dineen Reserve, the home of Tullamarine, which turned out to be almost ironic according to the coach.
“We’ll play wherever, it doesn’t worry us,” Clark said.
“We’re taking whatever is thrown at us in terms of training. We’re fortunate to get on St Francis sometimes and that allows us to do some structure drills to focus on the upcoming opponent.”
One player’s form who has matched the rise of Oak Park in recent weeks has been Paul Pascu.
He was named best afield on the weekend in one of his best performances of the season.
“He missed a couple of games with concussion and a bye in there helped him get through the 21 days,” Clark said.
“It was a real roll up your sleeves kind of game. His form has been getting better the more he has played.”
Kane O’Halloran, Rory MacGregor, Bradley Cox, Joshua Ksiazek and Zachary Graham were also named among the best.
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