Oak Park proved it’s an EDFL Division 2 contender against Moonee Valley

Oak Park put a stop to Moonee Valley’s undefeated start to the season and breathed new life into the EDFL Division 2 premiership race.

Daniel Rajab in action for Oak Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Oak Park brought Moonee Valley’s undefeated start to the season to an end on Saturday, breathing life back into the EDFL Division 2 premiership race.

The Kangaroos’ 27-point win at Fawkner Park halted the Fog’s 10-game streak with only percentage now separating the two at the top of the ladder.

In what is likely to be a grand final preview, Oak Park broke the game open in the third quarter with a five-goal burst.

Moonee Valley was its own worst enemy with horrific kicking for goal, the Kangaroos’ efficiency delivering a 13.4 (82) to 6.19 (55) victory.

Oak Park coach Todd Clark said his team had learned plenty from its Round 4 seven-point loss to the Fog and gained plenty of belief.

Brad Cox in action for Oak Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

“They’ve been taking everything before them all year and been pretty ruthless with some of their scores,” he said.

“We just wanted to go out there and see where we’re at, can we match it with them or is there anything else we need to do.

“In the first game we were six goals down at half-time so we didn’t want to emulate that.

“In the second half when we came back, it was just about attacking the contest, being first to the footy and we just ran out of time.

“After that we said to ourselves maybe we’re not too far away … hopefully we play them again because the boys have got a fair bit of belief.”

Taylor Hotchkin was instrumental in Oak Park’s win, keeping star Moonee Valley forward Braden Padmore goalless for the first time this season.

Clark praised Hotchkin’s dedication to his task against a tricky opponent.

“Padmore had been in good form – I think he kicked 13 against Northern Saints in his last game – so we thought they were similar sizes and just wanted to make him accountable,” Clark said.

“Taylor, to his credit, didn’t give him the time and space that he probably had for the last month.

“He was resolute and a standout for our club in winning the game.”

Liam Molloy on the stretch for Oak Park. Picture: Hamish Blair

Meanwhile, skipper Daniel Rajab, Cameron Milich and Aiden Mezzatesta also impressed while Blair Cronin was the star up forward with five majors.

“Doc played one of those captain’s games, he relishes the contest,” Clark said.

“He, like a lot of our players, thrive on the contest and it was pretty brutal, there were a lot of big hits and a lot of tackling.

“He’s quality, Blair, he’s really strong and a good kick for goal.

“They share it around, this week it was his turn and next week it might be someone different, but he’s so accurate and it puts on scoreboard pressure when we do get those goals.”

The big tests keep coming for Oak Park with a trip to third-placed Coburg Districts this Saturday.

It looms as a likely elimination final preview following the EDFL’s decision to reduce the Division 2 finals series to a cutthroat two-week series.

“They’ve probably been, outside of Moonee Valley, been the form side of the last four or five weeks,” Clark said.

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“They’re kicking some good scores and obviously their coach, (Tom) Gleeson, up forward is a quality player.

“They nearly got us the first time and might think we’ll be a bit down after such a big game, so we’ll have to back up.

“We’d like (finals) the other way but at least it was communicated early, credit to the EDFL for doing that.

“As we look at it, you’ve got to beat the best to win the flag anyway so if we can’t we don’t deserve to be there.”