Tara Murray
Keilor Park coach Paul Guicas is pretty happy with how things are sitting for his team in Essendon District Football League division 2.
The Devils, who had the bye on the weekend, sit 1-2 after the first four rounds and have shown good signs in their two losses.
With a new team and with second-year coach Guicas finally getting to see the hard work from the last 18 months out on the field, there have been some real positives.
“Things are going well,” he said.
“I would rather be 2-1, but we’re still pretty happy. Take out practice games, we’ve only played three games together.
“We are a young team and it’s about getting that consistency.
“I think we have ticked the box about being competitive. Everyone knows that being competitive is one thing but you have to turn that into wins. I’m feeling really comfortable.”
The Devils started the season with a strong win, before falling just short against East Sunbury.
Guicas said with an extra 15 inside 50s they had their chances to win that game.
Their other loss was against Oak Park, which is one of the early season standouts.
“We were in the game until halftime against Oak Park,” Guicas said.
“It was 10 to 15 minutes in the third quarter that got us. Oak Park and Moonee Valley are the top sides, we know we are right up there with everyone.”
Guicas said the results across the division so far had shown that it was going to be pretty predictable.
He said every team had to be switched on, to ensure they get the win each week.
“You have to win home games and pinch a few games away,” he said.
“Nine wins is likely to get you into finals, third and fourth will be interesting.”
With the team still gelling together, Guicas said they had been really focused on some good team performances.
He said changes to the side each week had been due to injuries not form.
He said defenders Jake Gatto and Adam Harris had been really good, despite not always getting the accolades.
Skipper Daylan Kempster, Daniel and James Misfud had been the standouts so far.
The side could be boosted with some more depth, with Guicas hinting there could be some clearances lodged in the coming days.
Guicas said the bye came at the perfect time for the side.
“A few guys may not have got up, so it gives them an extra week off for a massive game against Hadfield.
“We have our 20 and 30-year premiership reunions which will be a big day at home. We want to make it a fortress down there.”
