By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
CREATING history is what drives the Deer Park Football Club.
Last year, the Lions won an unprecedented fourth straight premiership and in the process re-wrote the WRFL history books. Deer Park is the only WRFL club to have won four consecutive flags.
On Saturday they have a chance to add to their growing history when they take on Sunshine for a fifth premiership.
The man at the helm of the club’s success is coach Marc Bullen.
Bullen has again led his team brilliantly in season 2017, with the Lions dropping just two games for the season.
They booked their spot in this year’s decider two weeks ago after defeating the Kangaroos by 77-points.
“We are very excited to play in another Grand Final,” Bullen said.
“There is an enormous amount of pressure every week on our team and we look forward to creating more history for our great club.”
Bullen said Deer Park provided players with an excellent platform to play suburban football.
“We have played a lot of footy together and the feeling amongst the playing group is excellent,” he said.
“Our team first philosophy is our underlining key to our success.”
Bullen said it would be an amazing effort for the club to get another chance to hold the prestigious Division 1 trophy at the end of the game.
“It would be an amazing effort for our club, we set high standards and have raised the bar,” he said.
Deer Park ended the season in first place on the ladder, scoring 16 wins and boasting a percentage of more than 180 – the best in the competition.
Former captain Chris Stewart has been a standout. He was rewarded for his stellar season by winning the SEN MVP award. An award which is voted on by all Division 1 coaches.
James Condos returned to senior side this year. The talented goal kicker won the Leading Goal Kicker title after booting 65 goals during the regular season.
“We have been very happy with the season, finishing on top has always been our goal,” Bullen said. “We have mirrored our previous finals campaign and are ready to peak in the Grand Final.
“We have an excellent balance of experienced senior players, players that are in the peak of their careers and young players who are exciting and want to experience a senior premiership.
“Our young stars Mark Galea, Kane Testa, Tim Knight and Sohrab Ismail have all developed into very good senior players.
“Unfortunately, Tim Sullivan suffered a season ending wrist injury just as he was hitting excellent form.”
Finally, Bullen wanted to thank the many volunteers who support Deer Park every week.
“We have an outstanding back room of support staff,” he said.
“Our supporters are our life line when things get tough, we look forward to the blue and gold being right by our side at 2.20pm on Saturday.”
Last Modified on 13/09/2017 15:01