Deer Park set out to consolidate its spot in Essendon District Football League premier division and has done exactly that.
Coming up from division 1 after winning the premiership, the Lions were a completely different team this year.
Having lost a number of key guys, coach Jamie Madigan was focused on making sure they set a platform for the future.
“We had to consolidate after losing 10 premiership players,” he said. “Probably eight of them were one-pointers.
“You can’t recruit one-pointers. If we win on the weekend [after deadline] that will be seven wins in premier division.
“It’s two wins under where we thought we should be.”
Madigan said the biggest thing for the side this season was they were competitive in the majority of the games.
He highlighted games against Keilor and Aberfeldie where they struggled, but every other game they had chances.
“Against Pascoe Vale both times were in front with 15 minutes to go,” he said. “Strathmore, we were in those games too.
“We know that we can mix it with them. It’s polish and class that got them over the line. Our bottom five or six players are not at the same level as there’s.”
Madigan said this season was a good opportunity to look at some of the powerhouses of the competition.
He said having coached Aberfeldie in the past he had a fair idea of the competition.
“There’s a jump from division 1 to premier division is huge,” he said. “The good part is for the most per we’ve in games matching them.
“I couldn’t fault the endeavour and the intent… We will look to add next year.
“We’re trying to bring some one pointers back which is important. Some are multiple premiership players.
“We’ve actively trying to get them back.”
Madigan said they’d seen a number of players take steps forward with their careers this season.
He said captain Spiros Amarantidis with his leadership had really matured and led the way.
“You find out a lot about guys when you are challenged and it was a challenging year and when we needed him most,” he said.
“Steve Georgiou from Kyneton has been a mainstay in our back line.
“A number of our VFL [Victorian Football League] listed guys have played a lot of football with us. Josh Cooper is 19 and had made leaps and bounds.
“Diesel Moloney played with us, kicked four goals for Footscray. Jack Noonan came from Williamstown and has been really good.
“Luke Scicchitano, who trains at Williamstown, has been good as well.”
Deer Park ended its season on Saturday against bottom side Avondale Heights with a big win.
Madigan said before the match that they wouldn’t take it lightly.
“They are a tough side to beat on their home deck,” he said. “We will have to play at our best and hopefully we can get the win and finish off with two wins in a row to take some momentum into next season.”
