EFNL Division 2 2024: Lilydale snaps long losing streak in upset of Heathmont

The Falcons are on the winners’ list again, breaking through for their first win in more than a season on Saturday with an almighty upset of a 2023 grand finalist.

EFNL 2024: Lilydale sings the song on Saturday. Picture: Lilydale FC

It had been just shy of two years since the song had been sung.

Lilydale broke through for its first victory since Round 17, 2022 on Saturday as it upset 2023 grand finalist Heathmont, 9.9 (63) to 8.5 (53) at HE Parker Reserve.

Trailing by seven points at the half, the Falcons surged 11 ahead at three-quarter time before weathering a final-term push from the Jets.

EFNL 2024: Lilydale celebrates its drought-breaking win. Picture: Lilydale FC

Winless in Division 1 last season before relegation to Division 2, Lilydale senior coach Luke McCormick said a sense of pride and relief swelled the rooms after the siren on Saturday.

The result put a dash through a losing streak stretching 22 matches after the Falcons lost their first three this year.

“I was really, really proud of them,” McCormick said, who took over as coach in July 2021.

“It is a journey and the boys really worked hard – they wanted to get up and about for it.

“It was relief – they (Heathmont) headed us in the last quarter and really came at us hard which is to their credit … we were able to hold on and stick it out.

“Each quarter was really close.”

Half-forward Josh White finished best afield and was “outstanding” according to the coach, Nick Del Biondo fired with three goals while Rowan Tucker cracked in at the contest, kicking two majors.

Tori Klass-Henry, Jesse Ebert, Riley Clausen and Adam Camp were also among the best.

McCormick said the pre-season readied his group for its move down a division.

EFNL 2024: Lilydale coach Luke McCormick on Saturday. Picture: Lilydale FC

“Defensive transition was a big one and we had to go to work on that,” he said.

“Selfless footy and it’s as simple as that – it doesn’t matter what level you’re playing at, selfless footy is the one.

“I’m finding that Division 2 is actually not that far off Division 1 – and I thought it would be the other way around.

“Division 2 is actually quite strong, especially having Boronia and Croydon in Round 1 and 2 – they’re really strong teams.”

McCormick was confident his group’s belief could grow from here.

“We play a brand of footy that can win, it’s just a matter of actually being able to put four quarters together.”

Heathmont 4.1, 5.1, 6.3, 8.5 (53)

Lilydale 3.1, 3.6, 7.8, 9.9 (63)

Best players

Heathmont: Lake Tink, Josh Buceto, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Dylan Feltham, Braden Bird, Jordan Haynes

Lilydale: Josh White, Tori Klass-Henry, Jesse Ebert, Nicholas Del Biondo, Riley Clausen, Adam Camp

Goals

Heathmont: Trey Braione 3, Dylan Feltham 2, Liam Douglas, Jordan Haynes, Lachie Jackson

Lilydale: Nick Del Biondo 3, Rowan Tucker 2, Riley Clausen, Tori Klass-Henry, Marc Massarotti, Jarrod Thompson