Keilor coach Mick McGuane believes his side needs to win at least three of its remaining five games to guarantee a place in the finals of the Essendon District Football League.
The Blues are third on the premier division table with a 9-4 record, a big improvement on eight wins for the whole of last season.
After a bye last week, it’s now all systems go in the charge to September, with Keilor’s
first test coming against Pascoe Vale this weekend.
“We fully understand we have to win three or four of our last five games to consolidate our prospects,” McGuane said.
“Airport West are clipping at our heels and Greenvale at their best are still worthy of enormous respect.
“We’re still in control of our own destiny and we have to beat Pascoe Vale. It won’t be easy as they can play very good footy on their day.”
Keilor will meet Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong Park, Greenvale and Avondale Heights in its final matches after losing to three of those four in the first half of the season.
McGuane is again looking forward to the chance to test his players against the best.
“We learnt from that last month [rounds six to nine], but we know where we sit,” he said.
“Based on what a lot of people were saying at the start of the year, we’re far more advanced than many thought we were going to be.”
With Keilor’s reserves side also in finals contention, a number of young players are knocking on the door for a spot in the seniors.
McGuane knows it can be a fine balancing act when introducing inexperienced players.
“The gap between senior footy and reserve footy when you’re playing against good teams is alarming,” he said.
“To be perfectly frank, for them it is at times a rude awakening.
“They’re still learning what the competition is like, picking up the speed of the game, and that takes time to adjust to.
“You can’t expect them to make that adjustment straight away.
“It is always a balancing act to make sure you get your selection right and make sure you get players who are able to contribute to the team effort.”
