DEER Park is just one win away from a grand final appearance after a hard-fought 18-point win over West Footscray in the qualifying final on Sunday.
After finishing second on the Western Region Football League (WRFL) Division Two ladder, the Lions did not need to call on its double chance after a strong second-half performance at Chirnside Park.
West Footscray is still alive despite the loss and will play North Footscray in a sudden death semi-final this week.
Deer Park easily had the better of the only meeting between the two sides this year, but met stronger resistance on the weekend.
The Roosters started slowly and trailed by two goals at quarter-time, but recovered in the second term to tie the scores at the main break. The Lions had the better of the shots at goal, but inaccuracy kept West Footscray in the game until the floodgates opened in the third.
Deer Park kicked four of the five goals for the quarter to lead by 19 points at three-quarter time, a lead it held until the final siren sounded.
Ruckman Jason Parker kicked four goals as the dominant forward for the Lions – his second haul of four for the season – while Frank Alducci and Graeme Catterall kicked two each.
Century goalkicker Steven Lane added four to his season tally, which now sits at 104.
While Deer Park uses this week to rest and do its homework on the remaining finalists, the Roosters will head to Yarraville Oval to call on their second chance.
West Footscray won its only match against the Red Devils this season by a handsome margin and will go in favoured to repeat the dose this weekend.
