Two games were circled on the fixture as crucial for reigning premiers Deer Park in its bid for a double chance in the Western Region Football League division 1 this season.
Matches against finals contenders Spotswood, which they won by 62 points at John McLeod Oval on Saturday, and last year’s runners-up Sunshine Kangaroos, who they meet at Kinder Smith Reserve this upcoming Saturday, are just about the only hurdles facing the Lions in the run home in their quest for a top three finish.
The Lions will only face one more finals contender in their last five games, so if they can nail a win over Sunshine, they will be well on their way to an all-important double chance.
Lions coach Marc Bullen labelled Saturday’s victory over Spotswood – albeit in a game which saw both sides severely undermanned – as pivotal in the big picture.
“It’s a massive eight quarters of footy against Spotswood and Sunshine in the context of the season,” he said.
While both sides had key players missing, Deer Park showed its strength in depth.
The Lions only led by 10 points at half-time despite having the “lion’s share of play”.
“We probably went too wide with our forward entries and just couldn’t capitalise,” Bullen said. “To Spotswood’s credit, they had some really good match-ups and some of their younger players were causing us havoc.”
The second half was all one way traffic though. Deer Park piled on 11 goals to three after half-time for a runaway win.
Kwame McHarg was back to his best with six goals, while Dyson Stevens and Will Krithararis were dominant at the coal face.
A handful of youngsters stepped up for the Lions, but none more so than Aaron Britten, who was a nigh on unstoppable half-back.
Deer Park is equal on nine wins with Werribee Districts, Altona and ladder leader Hoppers Crossing.
Meanwhile, Sunshine’s finals chances hit a snag with a 28-point loss to Altona, Caroline Springs had 57-point loss to Hoppers Crossing, Albion lost by 20 points at Wyndhamvale and St Albans was no match for Werribee Districts in a 78-point defeat.
In the Essendon District Football League, Keilor had a 45-point over Aberfeldie at Clifton Park. Full report at www.starweekly.com.au.
