The development of younger players has been this season’s compensation for Taylors Lakes in Essendon District Football League division 1.
While finals hopes are officially over after a loss to Westmeadows on Saturday, the aim this season was never about finishing in the top four.
Lions’ coach Sam Tankard said they’ve shown that they have been a more than competitive side.
“I don’t think we were ever talking finals as we have 10 kids playing who are under 21,” he said. “We know that we’ve been competitive, without spending a lot of money.
“I’ve been really happy with our kids,
“James Vistarini has had an unbelievable year, and he’ll be winning our best and fairest. Bryce Healy has been good, Benny Norris, Nick Miokovic and Nathan Kennedy have all really improved.
“We’ve taken our older players out of the centre and put them [the younger players] in there. Most weeks we’ve been winning the clearances; it’s just the ball use is letting us down.”
It was a similar case against Westmeadows when the Lions were more than competitive all game.
The Tigers’ better ball use and conversion in front of goal proved to be the difference, setting up their 17.5 (107)-9.10 (64) win.
“We didn’t use the football well at all when we went forward, calling for the handball instead of putting a block on to give them a bit more time,” Tankard said.
“We were down to one on the bench at half time. Leaving blokes out there and having no rotations, the guys were pretty tired.”
Tankard said he was pleased with the way the team finished the game off despite the shortfall of players. Norris was named best for the Lions in the loss.
The Lions finish the season with matches against Craigieburn and Oak Park.
“We’ve certainly improved, and lost a couple of games we shouldn’t have.
“The Tulla game we won clearances by 20, had a send-off, and gave away five 50-metre penalty goals.
“Oak Park will be potentially playing for fourth, and it’ll be a mini final. We’ll look to win that and knock off a higher team and get to seven wins. Six or seven wins was a realistic goal this season.”
Hillside moved back into the top four with a massive win against Northern Saints, 26.12 (168)-6.3 (39). The win, along with Oak Park just sneaking over the line against Glenroy, puts the Sharks ahead of Oak Park on percentage.
