Deer Park confirmed its status as the Western Region Football League outright premiership favourite with a 30-point win against Spotswood on Saturday.
In a re-match of last year’s senior grand final, the Lions won 12.8 (80) to 8.2 (50).
The victory was set up during an exceptional first quarter from Deer Park, the home side getting on top of Spotswood and the tough playing conditions to secure a 26-point lead.
PICTURE GALLERY: DEER PARK V SPOTSWOOD
Despite the Woodsmen’s best efforts, there was no coming back. Deer Park maintained a healthy gap of between three and six goals for the rest of the afternoon.
Deer Park coach Marc Bullen said his side had been building towards such a win for some time.
“Today’s key focus was about playing a role for the side and I think everyone did that,” he said.
“We had some key match ups that we wanted to nullify in that Spotswood side.
“Obviously their coach, Tom Langlands, is a terrific player, so we gave the opportunity to a young guy in Bronson Booth and I think he did a terrific job.
“Murray Boyd has been a terrific player in the league for a long time, so we went with Scott Greenhough on him and I thought he did pretty well.”
While the centre of John McLeod Oval resembled a mud bath, it did nothing to stop the scoring of Deer Park. On a day when low scores were a constant throughout the league, the Lions top-scored with 12 goals.
James Wong was the standout up forward, taking a number of impressive contested marks on his way to four goals.
He was well supported by James Condos, who kicked three goals.
“We have got numerous combinations that can go through the forward line,” Bullen said. “It was pleasing to have that even spread of goal-kickers.”
Deer Park has strengthened its hold on top spot on the division 1 ladder – it is two games clear in first.
This week, the Lions will take on sixth-placed Port Melbourne.
