Tara Murray
Keilor is one step closer to the perfect Essendon District Football League premier division season, through to the grand final.
After a week off after the season, the Blues were out in full force on Sunday against Pascoe Vale in a semi final.
The Panthers came early, but they proved no match for the Blues, who went on to win, 20.14 (134)-6.10 (46) earning the first grand final spot.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said it was a pretty solid display of footy from his side.
“After a break which was a bit different to the usual format the boys were wary of the opposition, but are a steely minded group,” he said.
“They played a strong brand of footy for two hours.”
McGuane said that the Panthers had a crack early which they expected. He said his group was able to get control of the game pretty early and that followed throughout the match.
“We were quite efficient going inside 50 and we controlled the contested footy and the clearances.
“Our defence held up and they scored just six goals from 45 or 46 inside 50s, which was really pleasing.”
McGuane said to see the group make sure they kept their foot down in the second half, was really pleasing.
He said with spots still on the line for the grand final, players know what they are playing for.
“The players are aware that it’s horses for courses with selection,” he said.
Damien Cavka and Matthew Clark kicked four goals each for the Blues, while Christos Kosmas chipped in with three goals.
McGuane said he didn’t want to single out three or four players who had starred in the game, saying across the board it was a high quality performance.
Online, Corey Ellis and Nick O’Kearney were named their best.
The Blues now have the week off before the grand final, with Pascoe Vale to play Strathmore in the preliminary final this weekend. Strathmore beat East Keilor in the other semi final.
McGuane said as far as he was aware, they had got through the game unscathed with no injuries from the game.
As for the week off McGuane, said it had been a long year and it comes with the territory of being undefeated and everyone chasing you.
“You have to keep finding ways to stay at that level to win a premiership,” he said. “The players have been great and I’ve had the best seat in the house.
“Winning 19 in a row at premier division is hard.”
It was a big weekend for the Blues, with their reserves winning through to the grand final, while their under-18s won through to a preliminary final.
Their thirds side has already won a premiership as has their under-16 division 1 side, where McGuane said a strong senior program starts with.
“It bodes well for a strong club.”
In division 1, West Coburg won through to face Deer Park in the grand final this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Oak Park claimed the division 2 premiership, beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.
