With just one loss and sitting outright second on the ladder, East Keilor has made it known it will be a genuine premiership contender in division 2 of the Essendon District Football League this season.
The Cougars’ only loss was against unbeaten Roxburgh Park.
Against all opposition and with the convincing wins piling up, East Keilor has shown why it’s in the box seat to secure a double chance come finals time.
PICTURE GALLERY: East Keilor v Coburg Districts
After losing in last year’s preliminary final by less than a goal, Cougars’ coach David Battistella puts his side’s hot start down to new-found depth.
“That was one point we really had to improve on from last year. We just had no depth,” he said.
“We said we had to improve in that respect this year, which we have. We were lucky enough to get half a dozen under-18s from last year.
“Instead of having only 25 players we’re really comfortable with, we probably have 35 now. Our reserves are on top of the ladder, having lost only the one game so it’s great to have that working for us.”
While the Cougars continue to charge towards September, the club’s long-term plans don’t end at ultimate glory in division 2.
With an exciting batch of under-18 players now graduating to the senior ranks, Battistella says he’s preparing his young side so it can play good football in any of the EDFL’s three divisions.
“From the moment I came along with this group I told the committee I would like to be here for five years-plus,” he said.
“When you take that view, you need to explain that, at the end of the day, there will be some hard times.
“You want to be competitive, but you also want to play these kids because if you can keep the core group together for a long period and sustain it then suddenly you are not only going to be playing good football in division 2 but you should be capable of getting up to division 1.”
East Keilor will look to continue its winning form when the Cougars take on fourth-placed Jacana at Jacana Reserve on Saturday.
For all the photos of East Keilor’s 9.16 (70) to 6.9 (45) win against Coburg Districts at the weekend, go to www.brimbank.starweekly.com.au.
