Three goals from former Carlton AFL player Bret Thornton were enough to secure Deer Park a hard-fought victory over Sunshine in the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
Thornton was named best on ground in the 12.19 (91) to 5.6 (36) win.
But the Lions didn’t have things all their own way, with Sunshine taking it up to their more fancied opponents in the first half.
On the back of three goals in the first quarter, the Kangaroos held a four-point lead at the opening break and were still a point up at half time.
Then the Deer Park juggernaut kicked into gear, with Thornton joined by James Wong, Kane McKenzie and Shylo Smith among the Lions’ best players.
Deer Park coach Marc Bullen was happy to come away with the four points after a slow start.
“To get another big win was a great result,” he said. “I felt like we just got led to the ball and they outnumbered us around the stoppages in the first half. They really took it up to us.
“After a few stern words at half time and a few tactical changes, we were able to keep them to one goal in the second half.”
The win maintains Deer Park’s perfect season, with the Lions at 13-0 and on top of the division 1 ladder.
After making a preliminary final last year, Sunshine has struggled to recapture the form of 2013 and has slipped to seventh.
The Lions face one of their toughest challenges in maintaining their winning record this week when they travel to McLean Reserve to take on Spotswood in a replay of last year’s grand final.
When the two sides met earlier in the season the Lions won by 30 points.
“We’re really looking forward to the challenge of taking on Spotty,” Bullen said.
“It’s 1 versus 3 and we’re excited to be able to bring back a couple of players we think will add a bit of value.
“Jackson Barling will return, Kwame McHarg kicked four in the state game and he’ll come back to the midfield and James Condos will come in as well.
“Hopefully, we can pick a really good side and get another win.”
Elsewhere in the WRFL, St Albans beat Yarraville-Seddon 7.13 (55) to 5.12 (42), while Spotswood smashed Albion 15.14 (104) to 2.12 (22).
