Tara Murray
Keilor continued on its winning ways on Saturday with this one a little more special for coach Mick McGuane.
With a couple of injuries and some key players called up for Victorian Football League duty, the Blues took the opportunity to give some young guys an opportunity in Essendon District Football League premier division.
Among them was a 16-year-old debutant, Thomas McGuane.
Mick said it was pretty special to see his son make his senior debut. He would kick three goals and was named amongst the best.
A photo was shared on social media of the 2008 premiership, with a one-year-old Thomas sitting in the front as a mascot.
“It’s quite touching,” McGuane said. “You have to wear two hats, the father hat and the coaches hat.
“Sometimes as a dad you have to stay composed as you watch every bump. Then as a coach there’s 21 other players and you speak to him as you would a Kane Barbuto or any other youngster.
“We sat down and he understood that. He’s wanted to play senior football and win a premiership since 2012 when the under-16s won a premiership.
“He saw Curtis Taylor play [seniors] as a 16-year-old and he wanted to do that. His dream has become a reality so far.”
It was another dominant performance by the Blues against Essendon Doutta Stars.
The Blues had control of the game in the first half, before kicking 19 goals to one after half time to come away with a, 27.12 (174)-4.3 (27) win.
McGuane said they were able to run away with the game once it opened up.
“The boys played well,” he said. “It was a dour struggle early, Douttas were up for the fight and had numbers around the stoppage.
“It opened up in the third quarter. We run out games pretty well and we try to manage the group the best we can to finish out games.
“To kick 19 goals in the second half for the second game in a row is pretty pleasing.”
McGuane said with the margin blowing out they looked to play some younger players in the middle of the ground to give them some experience alongside former AFL players Josh Honey and Corey Ellis.
Keighton Matofai-Forbes was another Western Jet to come into the side, with the Jets having a bye and get another opportunity at senior football.
Oskar Smartt played his first game for the club and kicked five goals, while Cody Brand kicked four.
Ellis was named his side’s best along with Smartt and Brand.
The Blues remain one game clear on top of the ladder.
This week they face Deer Park which lost to Strathmore, 13.16 (94)-10.8 (68) on Saturday.
In division 1, Hillside and St Albans both had wins, while in division 2, Taylors Lakes remains undefeated.
