Deer Park kickstarted its title defence with a gritty nine-point win over Altona in a blockbuster Western Region Football League division 1 season opener at John McLeod Oval on Saturday.
The Lions unfurled a top-flight premiership flag for a fourth consecutive season to the applause of their adoring fans and gave them even more to smile about with an on-field performance that sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.
Lions coach Marc Bullen said it was a huge day for the footy club.
“It was great to be able to unfurl the flag in front of our loyal supporters that have put a lot of time and effort into our club,” he said.
Make no bones about it – Deer Park has a fifth consecutive premiership in its sights.
There are perceptions outside of the Lions’ den that they could be vulnerable.
Bullen was surprised his side went into the Altona clash as underdog and even more so when he saw tipsters predictions that had the Lions potentially slipping in the pecking order.
“Everyone, for some unknown reason, was writing us off,” Bullen said.
“That’s the outside perception and we can only control what goes on within the four walls that we’ve got.
“We think that our elite players are of the highest quality you can see in any suburban side.
“To be able to bring four or five young kids in today, which we did, combined with two or three recruits, really gives us that opportunity to put a good platform moving forward into the season.”
It was a game full of momentum swings.
No more than eight points separated the sides at every change, but Altona always went into its huddle with its nose in front – by one point at quarter-time, five points at the half and eight points at three-quarter time.
As it has so often done in recent seasons, Deer Park found a way to lift in the final quarter, booting four goals to one to claim the win.
It was a result Bullen feels will give his side momentum in coming weeks.
“This group will take a lot of momentum into the next month after today’s win,” Bullen said.
“I’m certain that Altona will be right up amongst it this year.
“So to be down in the third quarter and grind out a win really puts us into a good frame of mind going into Spotswood next week.”
Max Bruin was superb for Deer Park in a new role.
“He doesn’t get a lot of accolades, but he was outstanding,” Bullen said.
“The last two or three years he’s played in our back pocket and half-back flank, but I’ve thrown him forward today and he had a hand in about a dozen score involvements and kicked the sealer in the last quarter.”
Shannon Byrnes was Deer Park’s most potent offensive weapon, with four goals, but he also did well pinch-hitting in the midfield.
James Condos made a grand return with three goals, while Kwame McHarg, Jake McKenzie and Scott Greenhough were influential.
The recruitment of David Gallagher turned heads in the off season after some high-profile exits and he made an immediate impression on the Lions faithful.
“Gags has played AFL and VFL, but he’s been playing a lot of suburban and country football,” Bullen said. “His experience around the contest came to the fore today.”
