Keilor faced its biggest test of the Essendon District Football League premier division season so far, having to come from behind against Maribyrnong Park.
The Blues had anything but their own way on Saturday against the Lions, who are proving one of the surprise packets of the season so far.
The Blues led at quarter time by 16 points before the margin was reduced to just one point at the main break.
Keilor kicked the first goal of the third quarter before the Lions kicked the next two to take the lead.
The two sides then went goal for goal before Keilor kicked four goals after the 20 minute mark of the third quarter to lead by 16 points heading into the final quarter.
When the Blues kicked the first four goals of the fourth quarter it was game over.
The Blues eventually won 17.11 (113)-9.17 (71).
Blues coach Mick McGuane told the club’s social media that it was a pretty challenging game of football.
“I thought Mariby Park, the energy they played with was a fantastic effort by then,”he said.
“They really pressured us into error at particular stages, particularly in the first two and half quarters
“For our boys to absorb that heat and then find a way to win and kick away and win by seven goals was just a testament to our character to absorb that heat and find a way, something this group is really good at.”
McGuane said to kick 12 second half goals showed the scoring power they’ve got when they are challenged.
Kane Barbuto, Cody Brand and Liam Hude kicked three goals each for the Blues.
McGuane was full of praise for Barbuto.
“I thought our captain Kane Barbuto was brilliant, not only through the middle of the ground but pushed forward and kicked goals and finished with 10 individual goal kickers, great team effort.”
Corey Ellis and Kyle O’Connor were also named in the best for the Blues.
The Blues sit a game clear on top heading into the King’s Birthday weekend bye.
Meanwhile Deer Park claimed its best win of the season, knocking off Aberfeldie.
The Lions trailed at quarter time before holding narrow leads at the next two breaks.
In the final quarter they kicked four goals to three to cement a 15.15 (105)-12.14 (86) win.
The Lions had a spread of goalkickers with six players kicking two goals each.
Timothy Quick, Luke Scicchitano and Spiros Amarantidis were named the Lions best.
The Lions are now up to fourth on the ladder.
In women’s premier division, Hillside and Keilor both suffered losses.
Hillside suffered its first loss of the season.
Facing Aberfeldie in a top of the table clash, the Sharks lost 9.4 (58)-5.4 (34). The third quarter was the match winning one for Abers, who kicked five goals to none to turn a one point deficit into a 30 point lead. Annalise Wilkie was named the Sharks best. The Sharks remain on top of the ladder, a game clear of Abers.
Keilor lost to Essendon Doutta Stars, 5.17 (47)-3.5 (23).
