WRFL: Lucas Nikoloski, Deer Park too good for Werribee Districts

Despite the departure of two former AFL players, Deer Park stunned Werribee Districts on the back of a 19-year-old gun’s terrific forward display.

The past week at Deer Park will help shape the club’s 2022 season and long-term future according to coach Mark McGoldrick.

Former AFL players Aaron Edwards, who looks set to re-join St Kilda City in the Southern league, and Levi Greenwood departed the club.

The Lions then produced a thrilling 6.17 (53) to 7.10 (52) come from behind win against Werribee Districts in tough conditions.

It was a game which saw 19-year-old Lucas Nikoloski produce a best on ground display in just his fifth senior outing.

After playing just one game in 2021, the young gun has now played four straight matches after starting the season in the reserves.

Deer Park coach Mark McGoldrick said Nikoloski played inside forward 50 but had to “stay in the corridor”.

He would finish the afternoon with three goals.

“I thought he was terrific,” McGoldrick said.

“He has explosive pace and great awareness around the goals. I’ve told him to back his pace in to beat an opponent and if he makes a mistake I will wear it.

“But it was also great to see him lay some big tackles which stopped the opposition from rebounding the ball out of forward line.

Deer Park coach Mark McGoldrick. Picture: Local Legends Photography

“He’s another one of the young guys we targeted last year to help us rebuild the senior group. It’s unfortunate we had to move on some guys but it’s help free us up points wise.

“And it means there will be more senior opportunities for a few younger guys. We brought them in as 19, 20-year-olds because we still want them to be playing together a few years down the track.”

Off-season recruit Kier Bol was also impressive in a “good old fashioned centre halfback role” on Districts star Lachlan Rainbow who was held to just one goal.

Bailey Morrish, Scott Greenhough, Luke Goater and Aaron Britten were also impressive for the Lions.

“Rainbow is a really special player and I thought Kier did a fantastic job,” McGoldrick said.

“We were actually able to create some offensive opportunities from his spoils because the boys worked really hard to win the ball back at ground level.”

Scott Greenhough continued his impressive form for Deer Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

After coming out on top in a game McGoldrick described as an “arm wrestle” he said he said he was hopeful his side can “kick on from here”.

“We want to play finals footy and I know we can challenge for a position in the top five,” he said.

“But we’re going to keep rebuilding the club along the way.”

Deer Park will look to make it two straight wins on the road to Yarraville Seddon next weekend, meanwhile, Werribee Districts will face ladder leader Caroline Springs.