Not one of the teams that were occupying a top-four spot in the Western Region Football League division 1 at the start of the weekend was in the same ladder position by the end of round nine.
On a weekend of musical chairs among the leading teams, Deer Park was the main beneficiary, rising from third to first as it remains the hottest team in the competition.
Spotswood moved up two spots, from fourth to second, while Altona and Werribee Districts each slipped down two positions, to third and fourth respectively.
The story of the weekend was Deer Park’s move into pole position.
The Lions have got their act together after a slow start to register six consecutive wins.
The Marc Bullen-coached team was merciless in dismantling bottom side Wyndhamvale, winning by a mammoth 191 points.
The size of the victory allowed Bullen to have one eye on the game at hand and one eye on the results from elsewhere – and he was delighted when his side claimed top spot for the first time this season.
Bullen is not one to downplay the importance of being in first place. He believes it will be a big advantage down the stretch if the Lions can create a buffer from the rest of the competition.
“It’s our ambition to finish on top so we can control our destiny later in the year,” he said.
Deer Park will get a chance to create separation from a rival for a finals double chance when it travels to Altona this Saturday.
Deer Park lost to Altona back in round one, but Bullen says his team is up for the challenge.
“It’s very hard to win there, but I’m confident with the way the boys have been playing at the moment,” he said. “We’ll go there full steam with a lot of confidence.”
Deer Park’s win over Wyndhamvale was one to savour as it saluted in Kwame McHarg’s 100th club game.
McHarg, arguably the most influential Lions player in their five consecutive premierships since 2013 and arguably the best player in the competition over that span, was chaired off by his teammates after the game.
McHarg’s loyalty to the Lions has made him a fan favourite. The exciting onballer/half-forward flanker could have been tempted by offers to leave, but wanted to stay with the Lions, keep their dynasty alive and play alongside some of his great mates.
“It’s a great credit to him to achieve 100 games with the club,” Bullen said.
“They’ve tried to poach him, but he’s kept playing well for us … he’s justified the mantle of being the best player in the competition for a long period of time now.
“He never wanted to leave – he wanted to play and be successful with his friends.
“He’s a terrific person, he’s grown within our football club over the past five years and we’re just lucky to have him in the blue and gold.”
Paul Bower was best-on-ground for Deer Park in the win over Wyndhamvale.
Jase Perkins and Chris Stewart booted six goals apiece for the Lions, while Tim Quick and Mark Galea added four each.
