Tara Murray
Deer Park sent a statement on Saturday in its massive qualifying final win against Rupertswood in the Essendon District Football League division 1.
Having lost to the Sharks twice during the season, including in the final round, the Lions knew they had their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Unlike the previous two affairs, which were tight ones, this one turned into a one-sided affair with the Lions dominating from the first contest.
After leading by 20 points at quarter time, the Lions built the lead in every quarter on the way to a 17.18 (120)-8.8 (56) win.
Lions coach Heath Scotland said while it was pleasing to get a result like that, the way they played was the most important thing.
“It was certainly pleasing,” he said. “We’ve been building something the second half of the year and putting it together once it really counts is really pleasing.
“It’s a statement of confidence in the way we go about things. We’ve dropped four games for the year and all by less than a kick and could have won.
“To put a four quarter performance together like that was really pleasing.”
Scotland said it was the first time all season that they had put it all together for four quarters. Scarily for the opposition sides still left in the competition, he said they still have areas to improve on.
“It was a real positive performance,” he said. “The boys were switched on which is what you expect come finals.
“It was positive the way we used the footy, the method was there. Real learning curve for the club this year.
“A new competition, new players and new coach and we’ve been feeling each other out and hopefully we play our best footy come finals.”
Luke Goater kicked seven goals in a best on ground performance. Nash Holmes, who also returned from Victorian Football League duties, was another standout.
Scotland said it was great to have Goater come back in the side and provide another forward option.
The return of VFL players added to the Lions player points jam, which they have been struggling with all season.
A number of players who would be walk up starts in other teams missed out on being selected.
“Levi Greenwood was out, Jackson Barling, Dylan Featon, Kevin Johnson, who we got from Altona, are players sitting there waiting for opportunities,” he said.
“Any given week there will be some unlucky players. We’ll work through points, form, and match ups and yesterday we picked the side we thought would win the game.”
The Lions now face West Coburg this weekend in the semi final with a grand final spot on the line.
West Coburg won both matches this season between the two clubs, including the last with a goal after the siren.
Scotland knows they have a big challenge ahead of them.
“They are a fantastic side coming off a couple of disappointing losses in previous years,” he said.
“It will be a huge task but our brand is good enough. There’s no mistake it’s a big challenge this week against a side that we are yet to beat.
“We have to improve on yesterday’s performance.”
