Westmeadows proving why it can close the gap on the EDFL’s best

After producing a 100-point turnaround on the weekend, Westmeadows has every reason to believe in its premiership ambitions. Coach Ash Flavel gives his thoughts and the keys to success.

Westmeadows now have growing belief.

Westmeadows coach Ash Flavel can see the belief growing in his player’s eyes.

A draw against Taylors Lakes on Saturday proved just how far the Tigers have come in a short space of time.

In the last EDFL Division meeting between the two sides, Taylors Lakes put Flavel’s side to the sword by 100 points.

But Flavel was never too worried by the scoreboard that day with an illness running through the senior and reserve playing groups.

Instead he forecast ahead to the second match up which was a thriller.

“The first game was very hard to judge given what we were going through,” he said.

“We’ve got a bit of belief now we can match it with these sides. We’ve beaten every team now except Taylors Lakes but we couldn’t have got any closer.

“There was a real finals like atmosphere all day. When they got out to about a three-goal lead, I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out but we responded like I know we can.

“We’ve got nothing to lose in the next couple of weeks, we’ve locked in our finals spot, it’s about going out and playing the best footy we can.”

Young star Luke Smith was named best afield on the weekend to continue an impressive season.

Flavel said he “changed the game” in the third quarter just when the Lions looked to be getting on top.

Michael Mayne, Jordan Kosteas, Rex Hickman, Ryan Capron and Aaron Evans were also named among the best.

“Our young kids have been stepping up all year,” Flavel said.

“But the experienced heads we have are being great teachers out on the ground for their teammates.”

Westmeadows recently confirmed Flavel had re-signed for the 2025 season and said it was an easy decision.

“I wasn’t going to say no, I know the window is there whether it’s this year or next,” he said.

“Most of the blokes have re-signed already, they can see the direction we’re heading in.

“It looks like we might get a few old Westy heads back.”

Westmeadows face Coburg Districts and Hadfield in its last two games before finals.

Taylors Lakes will now face Glenroy and Burnside Heights.