Will Young, Lachie Plowman fire in Maribyrnong Park’s EDFL opener

Maribyrnong Park got off to the perfect start in an emotional EDFL season opener with two ex-AFL players firing while coach Brodie Holland was left impressed by the opposition.

Maribyrnong Park claimed the inaugural Blake Albones Memorial Cup.

Maribyrnong Park is off to the perfect start in its bid to return to the EDFL’s Premier Division.

But the four points were the least important factor in an emotional division one win over Oak Park as the clubs came together to remember Blake “Boner” Albones who had a connection to both clubs.

The Lions, who dropped down from the top tier at the end of last season, overcame the 2022 division two premiers 14.18 (102) to 3.5 (23) to claim the inaugural Blake Albones Memorial Cup.

“He was one of those guys you’d never forget after meeting him for the first time,” Holland said.

“He was a terrific guy on and off the field. He coached my daughter for two years at Maribyrnong Park and I considered him to be a fantastic person.

“It was fantastic both clubs were able to come together and honour him to start the season.”

In Holland’s first game since returning to the club for a second coaching stint, Maribyrnong Park’s recruits made impressive starts to life.

Ex-AFL duo Will Young and Lachie Plowman were named among the better players as was Brodie Romensky who made his own return to Marby in the off-season.

Daniel Oliver, Max Griffin and Jack Kaygisiz were also named among the better players.

“It was a really hard fought win,” Holland said.

“Will was impressive in defence with his intercept game, Lachie had a good game throughout the day. It was one of those games where everyone just played their role.

“Some of the new guys might not have had the impact they would have liked but that’s going to come. They’ll get their opportunity to have a bigger say in games.”

Daniel Oliver in action. Picture: Hamish Blair

Despite the eventual 79-point margin between the two sides, Holland walked away impressed by what Oak Park had brought to the contest.

“They cracked in like a genuine local footy side,” he said.

“I thought they were super fit, we just managed to be super efficient going forward. Especially in the first half, I was really impressed with how they restricted our ball movement.

“In the second half we managed to get on top in the stoppages which allowed us to create some more opportunities going forward.”

Holland’s side will get a much better indication of where it sits in the premiership race when it takes on West Coburg at Shore Reserve this weekend.

The Burgers are expected to be right in flag contention again this year after last year’s unbeaten home-and-away season.

“We’re not used to the smaller ground so it will be a good physical and mental test for our guys,” he said.

Taylor Hotchkin, Jedd Taylor, Joshua Ksiazek, Max Gleeson, Liam Molloy and Daniel Rajab were named in the better players for Oak Park.

The Roos will now look for a first win against Moonee Valley.