Deer Park is growing in confidence at the right time of the year in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
The Lions are sitting in fourth spot on the ladder as they head into the final part of the home and away season.
They had the weekend off, as part of the split round.
Lions coach Jamie Madigan was pleased with where the side was sitting, especially considering a slow start to the year.
“We’ve improved significantly from round one where we had a 138-point loss [to Keilor],” he said.
“I believe the competition is very even, anyone can beat anyone on the day, and we’ve now shown we can match it with the best.”
The Lions wins include beating Aberfeldie in round seven, while they were within five points of Keilor in the last quarter the second time they faced them before the Blues kicked away.
Madigan believes the improvement since the start of the season is due to the team getting to know the game style and brand of football they want to play.
The Lions were among the big movers in the off season, bringing a number of new players while several players returned to the club.
“The consistency of our back six has now really been settled,” he said with the likes of Billy Cannolo and Aaron Britten being really strong.
Madigan heralded the performance of Hayden Gill in the ruck as well as Luke Scicchitano and Zen Christofi in the midfield, who he described as being really good.
Mark Galea was also given a special mention by Madigan saying he’s been fantastic as both a forward and a midfielder.
The Lions entered the bye on the back of an important win against Maribyrnong Park, to put them a game ahead of Maribyrnong Park in fourth spot.
Deer Park’s line up will only get stronger in the run home.
Captain Spiros Amarantidis is expected to return to the side soon giving Deer Park a welcome boost for the final part of the season.
Bailey Morrish, who returned to the club late in the transfer window, is battling a knee complaint, but they are hoping will be back on the field soon.
Josh Chatfield, who missed the Maribyrnong Park game with suspension, will also be back after the break.
“The aim is to make finals, and then on any given day we can match it with the best,” Madigan said.
“I think we’re growing in confidence at the right time of the year and hopefully we can continue to build on what we’ve got.”
Deer Park will face Essendon Doutta Stars in its next match at Nipper Jordan Oval.
