EDFL: Keilor fights back to grab a place in the finals

A standout game from Michael James and a four-goal haul by Andrew Browne booked Keilor’s place in the Essendon District Football League finals series.

The Blues got there the hard way, beating second-on-the-table Avondale Heights by 13 points on Saturday.

PICTURE GALLERY | Avondale Heights v Keilor

The equation was simple for Keilor going into the home match at Keilor Reserve . . . the Blues had to win if they wanted to play any part in the finals.

And after trailing by eight points at half-time, they stormed home with eight goals in the second half.

They also took control at the other end, keeping Avondale Heights to just four second-half goals.

The 15.12 (102) to 12.17 (89) win is Keilor’s 12th of the season and earns the club fourth spot on the premier division ladder.

A loss would have seen the Blues finish fifth after Greenvale beat Maribyrnong Park by nine points.

Keilor now turns its attention to an elimination final against Aberfeldie this week.

The pair met twice in the home-and-away season. The Blues lost both times, by 49 points in round six and 58 points in round 15.

The winner of that match will take on the loser of the qualifying final between Avondale Heights and Strathmore.