Nine goals from debutant Jase Perkins lifted Deer Park to an impressive win over Sunshine in the first round of the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
The Lions, chasing a fourth successive division 1 premiership, were forced to fight hard in a tight first half as Sunshine hung in to trail by just five points at the main break
PICTURE GALLERY: SUNSHINE V DEER PARK
But Deer Park then flicked the switch to win 17.7 (109) – 8.12 (60), with Perkins the focal point up forward in his first competitive match for the Lions since switching from St Albans.
With Benjamin Foley, Ryan Houlihan and club captain Chris Stewart each kicking two, it was the ideal start for Deer Park.
For Sunshine, Belal Abou-Eid and Matthew Caserta fought hard and were among the Kangaroos’ best.
Albion too good for Wyndhamvale
It was also a perfect day for Albion, which beat division 1 new boys Wyndhamvale by 59 points.
The Cats controlled the match from the outset, taking a two-goal lead into quarter-time and then building on that strongly throughout the afternoon.
Josh Bench was a clear standout for Albion, booting four goals in the 16.11 (107) – 7.6 (48) victory.
Also impressive for the Cats were Troy Kelm, Jeremy Mills, James Taylor and Ross Whelan.
Albion will look to continue its strong start to the season this week when the Cats take on Sunshine.
Other results
In other round one results, Hoppers Crossing proved too good for St Albans, winning by 35 points and Werribee Districts defeated Altona by 17 points.
