Taylors Lakes go to the top of the EDFL division two ladder

Missing “seven or eight” of their best players, Taylors Lakes produced a thrilling come from behind win in a top of the ladder clash as a young ruckman took his opportunity.

Nick McIntosh of Taylors Lakes. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Taylors Lakes injury list is growing.

But you wouldn’t think the Lions are battling based on their on-field performances.

While their unbeaten run came to an end against Coburg Districts last week, Steve Burns’ side immediately bounced back with a four-point win in the table of the ladder clash with Burnside Heights on Saturday.

The Bears made a fast start to the EDFL Division 2 contest, kicking the game’s first five goals inside 15 minutes.

“It looked like they were going to do a job on us,” Burns said.

But the visitors rallied to secure a win which moved them a game clear on top of the ladder and now into a position where they are red hot favourites to win the minor premiership.

Missing key players including Chris Vulic, Brandon Raad, Lachie Rayner and captain Tom Kosmak, Burns is loving what he’s seeing from other players who have been given opportunities.

“We’re very fortunate to have great depth, it’s a credit to everyone,” Burns said.

“We had seven or eight from our best side out.

“Our senior side, reserves and thirds are all on top of the ladder. It’s not just the seniors who are losing players to injuries, our reserves are missing guys as well.

“Considering what we’re going through injury wise, I couldn’t be happier with the position we’re in.

“We’ve got East Sunbury this week, then a bye and after that I’m hoping we get five or six back.”

Taylors Lakes coach Steve Burns. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

On the back of Saturday’s win, Burns couldn’t speak higher of ruckman Daniel Klonowski who played his second game of the year with Rayner and Raad both missing.

“He’s just a 21-year-old kid, he’s played some senior footy over the last couple of years,” he said.

“Our third ruck usually and he played a really strong game against Lachie Evans who is a very good ruckman. Evans might have won a lot of hit outs but Dan was able to limit the influence of those.

“He’s just a guy who always gives us a 110 per cent.”

Burns said others including Nathan Kennedy and Daniel DeVito also deserved praise for their performances.

Taylors Lakes and Burnside Heights will meet again in the final game of the home-and-away season.