Deer Park is one win away from back to back Western Region Football League premierships.
The Lions booked their place in the grand final with a 77-point smashing of Spotswood at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.
PICTURE GALLERY: Deer Park v Spotswood
In what was the third meeting between the two teams this season, Deer Park produced easily their most dominant performance against the Woodsmen.
In the first half, the Lions had 19 scoring shots to Spotswood’s three and took a 51-point lead into the main break.
There was no letting up in quarters three and four as the Lions ran riot with another nine goals to secure the 18.22 (130) to 8.5 (53) win.
Deer Park coach Marc Bullen was impressed with his side’s four-quarter effort.
“I think we have been building to that performance since the Altona game three or four weeks ago,” Bullen said.
“We have been playing some super footy. We knew six weeks out we would finish on top and that it would be highly likely we would play Spotty or Werribee so we put a pretty hard training phase in for the last six weeks and it has paid dividends.
“Our physical presence around the footy and our ability to run four quarters out was great.”
Kwame McHarg again showed his liking for the big stage, booting five goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Also up forward, Rhett King cashed in with four goals, while around the ground, Brent Guerra was another standout for the Lions.
For Spotswood, Rikki Newton worked hard and finished as his side’s only multiple goal scorer with three majors.
Bullen was full of praise for McHarg.
“He is obviously the best player in this league but I think you would be hard pressed to find a better suburban footballer in Melbourne than him,” he said.
“He can play through the middle, he is outstanding overhead and when the ball hits the ground and he just loves kicking goals.”
Deer Park will now enjoy a week off before the grand final.
The Lions will players the winner of next week’s preliminary final which will feature Spotswood and the winner of today’s clash between Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing.
Deer Park is now a perfect 19-0 for the season.
“We will freshen up this week and have a really solid run on the track next Saturday,” Bullen said.
“Selection is going to be tough but that is just the way it goes.”
