By Briana Kendirian
Lilydale have got their first win of the 2022 Division One season, after the Falcons brushed aside Upper Ferntree Gully on their home patch.
Jayden Depace continued his hot start to the season after a year off in 2021, whilst Macauley Beckwith and Jordan Jaworski shared 10 goals between them to jump up to first and second on the divisional goal-kicking leaderboard.
The 68-point win from Lilydale pushed Upper Ferntree Gully further into hot water, with the Kings suffering two big losses in the first fortnight of the Division One season to the two sides that finished 8th and 9th in 2021.
After a disappointing five-point loss to Croydon last week, Lilydale were able to steady themselves and grab their first win for the season in style.
Lilydale’s senior coach, Luke McCormick, says that the Falcons should’ve won their game in the first round after all the hard work they’ve put in during pre-season.
“That was meant to be our win, we should’ve gotten over the line,” said the former South Croydon coach.
“Ultimately what they’ve learnt in pre-season is to put a style in place, it’s just about being consistent in training.
“Literally everyone is playing their role to have a balanced team”
Returning star Jayden Depace impressed McCormick with best on ground performance as well as Jordan Jaworski who booted five goals.
“Jayden was very good in all three practice games.
“This is his fifth game in two years and he’s just going to keep getting better and better as the year goes on,
“Jordan has been working in Frankston and has had a big pre-season and is very committed to the team,
“I have a lot of belief and confidence in the boys, and I know this sound very cliché, but it was an even contribution from all the boys.”
Lilydale have added a lot of depth to their list ahead of the 2022 season, which McCormick welcomes wholeheartedly and believes has played a significant role in their improved start to the year.
“I know Upper Ferntree Gully finished at the bottom last season so I’m being realistic and not getting ahead of myself after this win,
“But a good thing we have this year is some good players in the reserves, so you don’t just turn up to play, you turn up to perform if you want to stay in the team, because there are plenty of guys that may take your spot,
“But the most important thing is that we have very young group of boys that are motivated to play and a footy club everyone wants to come to.”
