By Stuart Teather
KEILOR sent out a warning to the finals contenders in the Essendon District Football League’s (EDFL) A grade competition, smashing top-four contender Maribyrnong Park by 73 points on Saturday.
The Blues kicked out to a three-goal lead at quarter-time setting the tone for what would be a high-scoring day.
The lead was doubled at halftime then increased to nine goals by the final break.
The Blues extended it again in the final term, eventually winning 20.13.133 to 8.12.60.
Damian Houlihan continued his charge towards the league’s leading goalkicker, booting eight goals for the Blues and pushing his tally to 51 goals for the season.
Tim Clinnick, Travis Moloney and Rick Marcy all booted two, while for the Lions Chris Stewart, Gareth Daley and Grant Ziros kicked two each. The win puts Keilor back into second position, two points clear of Maribyrnong Park in third.
Keilor coach Mick McGuane said he was pleased that everyone in his side had an impact on the game.
“I just thought that it was a fairly even contribution across the board,” he said. He did, however, say having Houlihan kicking eight goals was quite useful. “It does make the hard work from the midfield all the more satisfying when you have a key forward like that.”
McGuane said his side was “in control of its destiny” and had a number of players to come back in the next few weeks to bolster its ranks.
The Blues face Doutta Stars this weekend in a game it would be confident of winning.
Craigieburn had a convincing win against Avondale Heights, with the Eagles in the box seat all day, winning 18.9.117 to 10.14.74.
A five-goal to two opening term saw the Eagles fire early and the side never looked back.
By three-quarter time, the lead was out to eight goals, with the Eagles forward line providing too many targets for Avondale Heights to shut down.
The Heights had the best of the final term but were unable to convert their chances on the scoreboard, kicking 3.7 to the Eagles’ 3.3. The final 43-point margin was reflective of the play on the day.
Barry Brooks continued his outstanding season for the Eagles booting three goals, along with his rucking duties.
Heath Woodhouse and Daniel Nolan both kicked three, while Steven Kenna and Adam Turner booted two each.
In other games, Oak Park upset the Doutta Stars and impressively ran out the final quarter in emphatic style. The bottom side showed it should not be taken lightly, belting the Stars in the final term after a close game, winning 17.23.125 to 10.7.67.
The A Grade ladder leaders Greenvale handed Aberfeldie a spanking, winning 26.15.171 to 7.9.51.
In typical Greenvale style, the midfield added a healthy contribution to the scoreboard with 12 players scoring majors for the side.
Next week Greenvale takes on the in-form West Coburg, while Maribyrnong Park faces Strathmore in two games that could shape the top four come finals time.
