WRFL 2018: Deer Park hammers Wyndhamvale by 181 points in Division 1

Deer Park, one of suburban football’s powerhouse clubs, piled on 35 goals against a hapless Wyndhamvale on Saturday in preparation for the opening week of WRFL finals.

THIS wasn’t exactly the pre-finals litmus test coaches crave as they prepare for the most important period of the season.

But Western Region Football League powerhouse Deer Park has no shortage of experience in big games.

WRFL 2018: PARKSIDE SECURES DIVISION 2 FINALS BERTH

The Lions were relentless on Saturday as they tuned up for a tilt at a remarkable sixth consecutive Division 1 flag with a 181-point mauling of Wyndhamvale in the last round of the home-and-away campaign.

Deer Park posted its highest score of the year in the 35.15 (225) to 6.8 (44) victory, but it wasn’t enough to secure the minor premiership, which was claimed by Altona.

The club’s much-vaunted forward line was as hungry as ever, with six players helping themselves to three goals or more.

Jase Perkins bagged 10 to take his season tally to 62, James Condos kicked six in only his second senior game of 2018 after a foot issue and Chris Stewart contributed five.

Jase Perkins helped himself to 10 goals for Deer Park on Saturday. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Deer Park was keen to atone for its loss to flag rival Werribee Districts in Round 17, with Wyndhamvale the unlucky side on the receiving end.

“Our ambition has always been to win the minor premiership and get that first week off in the finals,” coach Marc Bullen said.

“We failed last week, but I suppose (Saturday) was a good chance to get out on a good deck and play some really good offensive football.

“It gives you a bit of confidence heading into a finals series and guys feeling good about themselves, but obviously we’ve got to make sure we’re prepared well.”

The Lions will tackle Hoppers Crossing in a qualifying final at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.

Bullen’s side went down by 10 points when the pair met in Round 11, but it is set to welcome back several class players for the fixture.

Skipper Jack Purton-Smith, Shannon Byrnes, Jason Williams, Kevin Klix, Spiros Amarantidis, Jason Kennedy and Kane McKenzie could all be available, which would create some pleasant selection headaches.

“My best side probably varies a bit depending on the opponent,” Bullen said.

Perkins has kicked more than 50 goals in three consecutive seasons and is in red-hot form at the right time.

“Jase plays on a fair bit of emotion and when he’s kicking goals he’s up and about and he’s pumping his chest, which is great, and it’s great that he’s doing that heading into a finals series,” Bullen said.

The former Essendon AFL player said an enthralling finals series loomed after an even home-and-away season.

Spotswood and Werribee Districts will lock horns in the elimination final, while Altona has the week off.

“I think we’re going to have a much more potent forward line heading into this qualifying final,” Bullen said.

“We’re very confident the way we can score. Hopefully we can play the right game style and game plan and defence wins finals, so we’ll certainly be helping our mates out down the back end.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’re up for the challenge.

“We can’t look any further than this weekend, but you’ve got to be excited with the finals series this year.

“You don’t want to go into a finals series underprepared. We’ve done the work and hopefully we can get ourselves a shot at another grand final.”