Deer Park coach Marc Bullen warned his players at the start of the season they would have to fight harder than ever if they wanted to win a third successive premiership.
The prediction has proved exactly right, with Western Region Football League challengers lining up to have a shot at the two-time reigning premiers.
But Bullen’s message well and truly got through to his players, with the Lions issuing a warning that they will be ready for whatever comes their way this season.
After dominating the competition from start to finish in 2014, Deer Park had to come from behind twice last month to keep its perfect record intact.
The Lions edged out Werribee Districts by four points and also got the better of St Albans by seven points.
“You expect the players who have been in these situations before to dig deep, fight and show some leadership to try to get the team across the line,” Bullen said.
“It’s pretty easy every second or third week when the team is up by 10, 12 or 14 goals but when the game is on the line and you’re trying to maintain that top spot on the ladder, it gets tough.
“It’s a key focus and for the guys to prevail in those games puts us in good stead for later in the year.”
Bullen was full of praise for his club’s young brigade who, he said, had played an important role in helping to maintain the unbeaten record.
Teenager Jayke Ewer has played all six senior games for the Lions this season and has more than found his feet at the top level.
In fact, he was named best on ground against St Albans.
Spiros Amarantidis has also cemented his spot in the club’s senior side, booting 13 goals to start the season, including a bag of five against last year’s runner-up Spotswood, while Scott Greenhough has been ultra impressive to start the year.
“We have always had the plan to bring some kids through the side,” Bullen said.
“There are a fair few young guys who have been contributing in our top five or six players. That’s what you’re looking for, not for them to just make up the numbers.”
Deer Park restored order last week, cruising to a 200-point win against Port Melbourne Colts, 39.19 (253) – 8.5 (53).
The Lions will take on third-placed Hoppers Crossing and second-placed Spotswood in the next two rounds.
“We’re really looking forward to getting into the latter half of the season,” Bullen said. “That will give us an opportunity to get three in a row which in modern day football is very hard to do.
“We have no expectation to go through the season undefeated. We just want to develop and put a game plan in place so we can try for that three-peat.”
