By Tara Murray
A third win is another sign Taylors Lakes is heading in the right direction in Essendon District Football League division 1.
For the Lions, this season has been about resetting and focusing on bringing through the youth at the club, after just missing out on finals the last two years.
While they remain in the relegation battle, Lions coach Charles Cuzzupi said it wasn’t something they were focusing on.
“As much as you hear about it, we’re trying not to focus on it,” he said.
“We were confident that we would get another win sooner than later.
“The last six to eight weeks have been better… We had nine under-21s play on Saturday and up until last weekend we had two under-16s playing.
“We’re confident in what we’re doing.”
Cuzzupi said they had already re-signed 12 players for next season, which was unheard at the club of this time of the year.
They were also speaking to at least eight players to come across, with a focus on adding some height to the side.
He said both were a sign they were heading in the right direction.
On Saturday, Taylors Lakes had to hold off a fast finishing Roxburgh Park.
With both sides in the relegation battle, a win was vital.
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Cuzzupi said they had thought they had done enough at three quarter time , when they were leading by 43 points.
“There was an eight goal breeze and we knew that,” he said.
“We thought we had done enough. Roxburgh Park though are a good side.
“We thought we could kick one or two goals into the breeze. We were able to make the most of our opportunities in the last quarter.
“It was good for our guys to respond and get the win. There was plenty of smiles on faces.
The Lions came away with the points, winning 11.17 (83)-11.11 (77).
Rhys Deacon, Benjamin Norris, Stephen Tieppo and James McGrath kicked two goals each for the Lions.
Cuzzupi said it was a real team performance with everyone playing their role.
He said Jake Hobbs, Trent Forbes, David Reinmuth and Brett Thorson all played really good games.
The win lifts the Lions to seventh on the ladder.
They sit four points clear of bottom side Oak Park, but the Lions ave played two more matches.
Taylors Lakes has a bye this week.
Cuzzupi said they hoped the win would give the playing group some confidence to finish the season on a high.
“We have the bye then Westmeadows, West Coburg and Oak Park,’ he said.
“The aim is to win two of those tree games.
“A win on the weekend puts us in a better mindset to get those two wins.”
