THE final piece in the puzzle did not fit, but Deer Park coach Mark Laverde could still be mighty proud of his charges.
The Lions went from cellar-dweller to second in the space of 12
months in the Victorian Women’s Football League north west division 2.
They just didn’t have one more win in them, soundly beaten by
flawless Pascoe Vale by 45 points in the grand final at Coburg City Oval
on Saturday.
“Going from the bottom of the ladder to second is a pretty good effort,” Laverde told the Weekly.
“The girls were proud just because they made it. “I don’t think they even won a game last year.”
It was clear in the early exchanges that the Lions would be out of their depth against a young, fast and polished Vales team.
But Laverde was pleased to see his side fight it out to the bitter end and not suffer a blow-out loss.
“Most of our team haven’t played before this season,” he said.
“Some of them might have played one or two games here or there, but it was their first year together.
“We tried hard, but they were just too fast. We’re not as fit as them.
“But we kept fighting and didn’t give up.”
Samantha Radlof and Ash Stafford booted the Lions only two goals for the day.
It was fitting, too, as they were their side’s best on the day.
Radlof showed “guts and determination” all game, digging in and
under the packs to retrieve the ball and applying vice-like tackles.
Stafford showed her versatility, playing a variety of positions from defence to the midfield.
Speedster Teresa Cassar, the favourite for the best and fairest, capped a brilliant season with a quality game in the midfield.
“She’s quick and can read the play,” Laverde said.
“She sprints all the time, tackles hard and is usually a pretty good kick.”
The damage would have been worse for the Lions had it not been for a number of intercept marks across half back from Natalie Syros.
“She held up the backline,” Laverde said.
The Lions will work hard over the summer to keep their squad together.
Laverde is confident they can go one step better next season if retain their top players.
