WRFL 2019: Spotswood defeats Deer Park by 17 points in Division 1

Spotswood recovered from a quarter-time deficit to defeat six-time WRFL Division 1 reigning premier Deer Park away from home.

Spotswood has a 5-2 record this season. Picture: Mark Avellino Photography

A disciplined defensive display laid the platform for Spotswood’s gutsy 17-point triumph over six-time reigning premier Deer Park on Saturday.

The Woodsmen restricted the powerhouse club to its lowest score of 2019 in the 10.12 (72) to 8.7 (55) victory.

The visitors trailed by 21 points at the first break before holding Deer Park to four goals in the last three quarters to improve their record to 5-2.

Harley Walshe kept former Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath goalless, while Sam Davis limited Jase Parkins to one major.

Grant Williams and debutant John Dawson also performed important jobs on Mark Galea and Scott Greenhough, respectively.

“I thought our backline was terrific, even though it was a little bit inexperienced,” Spotswood coach Anthony Eames said.

“But, gee, they stacked up pretty well.”

The Woodsmen conceded four goals to one in the opening term before working their way back into the contest.

They trailed by five points at the main break and led by 12 points at three-quarter-time.

Eames said his team “played the game on Deer Park’s terms” in the first half-hour.

“We adjusted a few things at quarter-time and the boys were just committed to the cause,” he said.

“They ran their hearts out and we put pressure on them through the midfield and forced them to overuse it. They didn’t get that clean ball inside their 50 that they’re used to, and I think that certainly helped our cause.

“I just thought the Deer Park experience tried to enforce itself on the game at different points and our boys really handled that well and showed a lot of maturity through that period, particularly in the second quarter.

“Our guys will grow a lot as a result of that performance.”

Steven O’Bryan and Zach Del Grosso were also influential for the winners, while Baxter Norton kicked three goals.

The Woodsmen have dropped games against rival contenders Altona and Werribee Districts this season, but Eames denied his team needed a scalp.

“I’m not overly concerned about scalps to be honest,” he said.

“It’s more about how we play and whether it’s making an impact for four quarters. If we can do that, then we can compete with anybody.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to win, but we’re going to be right in it.

“For us, it’s just about getting that consistency. If we can do that in the middle and the second half of the year, then who knows come finals time.”

WRFL clubs will have a bye for Queen’s Birthday next weekend, with Spotswood to tackle Caroline Springs on June 15.

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