Tara Murray
For the second time this season, Deer Park went down in a thriller to West Coburg in Essendon District Football League division 1, this time through a goal after the siren.
Having been the top two teams all season, the match was a highly associated one at John McLeod Oval and didn’t disappoint.
The Burgers did a lot of the early attacking in the first quarter, but weren’t able to convert, missing their first six shots.
The Lions had just four inside 50s for the first quarter, but were able to kick two goals to have scores level at quarter time.
The Lions intensity around the ball lifted in the second quarter and with it were able to get some more use inside 50.
While it wasn’t pretty, the Lions took a 10 point lead into half time.
The Burgers had the scoring end in the third quarter and were able to make the most of it, with Ibrahim Taha finally starting to convert.
The Burgers took a 14 points lead into the final quarter.
The final quarter had plenty of twists and turns with both sides having their chances as the game opened up a bit.
As the clock ticked past 30 minutes, scores were level with a draw seeming likely.
A Levi Greenwood point put the Lions in front. The Burgers had one last tilt, with Jesse Martini marking in the 50 metres arc.
The siren went, before Martini went back confidently and kicked the goal to give his team the 11.15 (81)-11.10 (76) win.
Nicolas Aleksovski and Luke Goater kicked three goals each for the Lions .
Key defenders Bailey Morrish and Kier Bol were named the Lions best, while Greenwood made a massive contribution in his first game back at the club.
The Lions remain in second spot, now 12 points behind West Coburg, which remains undefeated.
St Albans and Rupertswood sit just four points behind the Lions.
Meanwhile, St Albans made it six in a row with a win against Westmeadows.
The Saints controlled the game from start to finish to claim the 19.9 (123)-5.10 (40) win.
Bol Kolang kicked four goals for the Saints and was named in the best alongside Matthew Grundy and Victor Micallef.
Keilor Park’s finals hopes suffered a setback with a loss to Moonee Valley.
The Devils were made to pay for a slow start, kicking just one goal in the first half.
While they won the second half, it wasn’t enough with Moonee Valley winning, 13.4 (82)-9.11 (65).
Robbie Castello kicked three goals for the Devils.
The Devils, who are in eighth, sit two games outside the five after Hillside beat Craigieburn.
Responding after two straight losses, the Sharks won 15.11 (10!)-4.8 (32).
In premier division, Keilor had to fight hard to beat Aberfeldie, while in division 2, Taylors Lakes held on against Burnside Heights.
