Kicking goals on the field has translated to an off-field win for Keilor Football Club.
The Blues were named sports club of the year at Brimbank council’s sports awards earlier this month. Keilor president Brad Bult said it was great recognition for the club.
“We have a fantastic culture and that is what it is all about,” he said. “We are happy to develop the juniors and, if you develop the juniors, then the rest follows.
“We put a lot of emphasis on getting the right junior coaches involved at the club. Mick McGuane, who is our senior coach, is coaching the under-8s this season, so it really starts back at grassroots.”
Keilor has had an amazing past year, both at senior and junior levels.
After being touted as a potential struggler in the Essendon District Football League’s premier division, the Blues proved the doubters wrong by finishing fourth on the ladder and qualifying for finals.
At a junior level, the club had four players taken in last year’s AFL national draft, including three in the top 20 picks.
“The draft is definitely a highlight of last year,” Bult said. “That is unbelievable. Also, we had one drafted the year before and we potentially have two or three this year, so it is very exciting for the club.”
This season Keilor has 18 teams across the seniors and juniors, as well as a further 174 youngsters registered in Auskick.
The club plans to introduce a senior women’s side and continue to build on its strong culture.
“When you see of a Thursday night that the rooms are full, you see the Auskickers, that is very satisfying for me,” Bult said.
“Obviously, when you get kids drafted then that is just a bonus.”
