EFL 2019: Lilydale scores come-from-behind Round 1 win over Doncaster East

Lilydale capitalised on an opening left by an inaccurate Doncaster East to overrun the Division 1 flag favourites in the grand final rematch

Joel Koger pulls in a strong mark for Lilydale in his debut game. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Lilydale capitalised on an opening left by an inaccurate Doncaster East to overrun the Division 1 flag favourites in Saturday’s grand final rematch.

The Lions kicked 2.11 in a wasteful third quarter to lead by 18 points at the final change before Lilydale kicked five goals to one in the final term to record a seven-point victory.

Doncaster East had eight more scoring shots but slipped to a 11.13 (79) to 8.24 (72) defeat at the Lilydale Sports Oval.

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Lilydale coach Ben Neagle said he highlighted at the final break that his side remained in the contest due to the Lions’ inaccuracy.

Simon White flies across the pack for Doncaster East. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“If they kicked straight in the third quarter the game was over so they kept us in the game,” Neagle said.

“They absolutely smashed us in that third quarter and they missed some pretty simple shots on goal.

“I just said to the guys at three-quarter time that they left us in the game and it was up to us to see if we could take it on and play free footy and we did that.

“I knew we’d had a really big pre-season and the boys are fit and I just knew we could run the game out. I knew we were going to come, it was just a matter if we could get across the line and things fell our way.”

After the departure of best-and-fairest winner Ryan Harvey to Bellarine club Barwon Heads, recruit Liam Jeffs rose to control the contest in the midfield.

The talented young onballer crossed from East Ringwood to the Falcons in the off-season and was quick to make an impression on his new teammates.

Nick Batsanis takes possession of the ball Picture: Stuart Milligan

“Getting Liam Jeffs across from East Ringwood has certainly helped fill that (midfield) void,” Neagle said.

“We’ve got a couple of guys that are coming through as well — it’s not so much if you lose a key player, but you’ve got to be able to add some depth around that.

“Harvs is obviously a very good player, best and fairest winner but it’s not all about one bloke is it? All clubs are built on plenty of guys.”

Debutant Joel Koger also starred in his maiden senior appearance after winning last year’s under-19s league best and fairest in Division 2.

“His ability to get hands on the ball, even against a quality ruckman in (Jarrad) Smith, was terrific,” Neagle said.

“He’s worked really hard over the pre-season, put on probably six to 8kg over that break as well so he has got every opportunity to go really well for us this year.”