EFL Division 1: How nail-biting win signalled Lilydale improvement

Lilydale denied Montrose a win at the death on Saturday in the EFL’s Division 1 and the coach believes it signalled a big step forward.

LILYDALE senior coach Luke McCormick says Saturday’s “rollercoaster” win over Montrose proved another step forward for his group in Division 1.

Jordan Jaworski kicked the winner on the siren at the Lilydale Sports Oval, denying the visitors by two points at the death to relieve the pressure of four consecutive losses.

And while the nail-biting dying stages might’ve seemed eerily similar to a narrow defeat to Bayswater in Round 5, the coach knew it was only a matter of time before it would all “click” for his men.

“It (Saturday’s win) was exactly what we needed,” McCormick said.

“Had we have gone down, the pressure would be tenfold this week compared to last week, put it that way.

“Montrose were in form at 3-3 … it shows where our group’s at, we put ourselves in a winning position and then let them kick that late one with 30 seconds to go.

“It’s happened a couple of times this year, that match against Bayswater we let them go coast to coast right at the end as well.

“But the effort’s there so it was just a matter of time before we could grind one out – they’re genuinely up for the fight every week.”

Lilydale had dropped consecutive matches to Mitcham (11 points), Mooroolbark (33 points), Bayswater (three points) and East Ringwood (32 points) – but the losses weren’t without growth.

“Two of them were to Mooroolbark and East by five goals which were basically 80 and 90-point turnarounds from last year – we’ve improved, there’s no doubt about that,” McCormick said.

Lilydale and Bayswater played out a thriller in Round 5. Picture: Field of View Photography

Leading ruckman Beau Mitchener kicked four majors in Saturday’s victory while defender Doug Wootton finished best afield.

McCormick pointed to the likes of hybrid forward Josh White, defender Jack Nichols and Frankston-listed Marc Massarotti as young guns leading the way this season.

“They’re three that have been really important for us,” McCormick said.

“Obviously our leadership group with (Ryan) McNay, (Mitchell) De Franceschi have been huge all year and obviously Jayden Depace coming back has been great for us.

“Our defenders of Nick Del Biondo, Jake Clements and Doug Wootton were terrific (on Saturday) as well.”

Mitchell De Franceschi in action for Lilydale. Picture: Field of View Photography

But the average age of the Falcons’ list is 21 – in stark contrast to rival clubs.

“The difference is, most other clubs have still got that 29, 30, 31, 32-year-old who are still running around with that leadership, and we just don’t – our oldest player’s 27,” McCormick said.

“The young players just bring energy.”

The first-year Falcons coach hoped Saturday’s breakthrough would serve as a launching pad into his side’s clash with seventh-placed Wantirna South this weekend.

The Devils have a 3-4 record and sit above the eighth-placed Falcons, 2-5.

“The great thing about Division 1 EFL this year is it’s so close other than East Ringwood and Mooroolbark clearly out in front,” McCormick said.

“It does give a lot of sides in the bottom half at the moment drive and belief.”