EFL 2018: Lilydale moves to a 10-1 record in the Eastern Football League season after a 10-point win over Bayswater
LILYDALE is closing in on a feat it hasn’t achieved in seven years in the Eastern Football League.
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LILYDALE continued its surge towards its first top-two position since its 2011 premiership after a gritty 10-point win over Bayswater on Saturday.
The Waters pinched the lead in the final term but the Falcons steadied to secure a 10.9 (69) to 8.11 (59) result, improving their record to 10-1.
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Lilydale coach Ben Neagle said a settled line up had helped his side emerge as a flag fancy.
The Falcons are only missing Daniel Baldwin (calf), Del Biondo (ankle) and Zak Kennedy from their first-choice line up to be well positioned for a chance at their first finals win in seven years.
“We certainly have the belief, there is no doubt about that, we think we can win from any situation and we’ve got this attitude that we’re never really out of the contest, which is a great headspace to be in,” Neagle said.
“The guys have really come on in terms of their development, it’s well documented our more experienced guys left last year and I think it’s a turning of the page in terms of new leaders, guys have been able to come on and embrace everything we have thrown at them.”
Lachlan Koger has provided a valuable focal point for Lilydale, leading the Division 2 goalkicking table with 33 goals.
After a previous best haul of 25 goals in a season in 2016, Neagle said the key position player had developed into a valuable commodity.
“I think it was about two pre-seasons ago he dropped about 8kg, got himself super fit, he was able to go up into the ruck, so he has played multiple roles … he can play at centre half-forward, he can play out of the box and he has just improved his craft as a forward,” he said.
“He has been a focal point but we try not to be a one-trick pony, we like to spread the load a little bit and I think that has shown.
“I know he has kicked 33 goals but I think even when he kicked seven the other week, we still had eight or nine goalkickers.”
Elsewhere in Division 2, Mooroolbark scored a surprise 66-point win over Wantirna South to move one game clear of the relegation zone.
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