Keilor continues to show strong early season form, this time accounting for Aberfeldie in the top of the table Essendon District Football League premier division season.
Both sides entered the match undefeated and it was last season’s premiers that remained that way.
The Blues led at every break on the way to a 12.13 (85)-8.14 (62) win.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said it was a great game of football between two good sides.
“It was a good result,” he said. “You sort of want to play against the top teams before the competition bends down on who looks like it will be separating from the others.
“We knew Aberfeldie was going really well and recruited heavily; they’ve got some talent around the ball and a forward line that is clearly a threat.
“To keep them to the scoreline we did, we defended the ground well and with good intent. I thought that was a point of difference early in the game.”
McGuane said he thought they played well in the first quarter before both teams were feeling each other out in the second quarter.
On the scoreboard, the third quarter would break them apart as the lead went from 12 points to 29 points.
“It was pretty good footy actually,” McGuane said.
Matthew Bartlett and Cody Brand kicked three goals each.
McGuane said they had a lot of good contributors, with their back six rock solid all day.
He singled out the role of Blair Wyllie in the rcuk.
“He had a standout game,” he said. “There was no genuine ruck out there for both teams. Wyllie fits that category.
“He did a fantastic job, two years ago he was playing in the thirds.”
The Blues line up was anywhere from being at full strength, showing the depth the side has.
Corey Ellis and Josh Honey were among the outs from the side on the weekend.
“You don’t know how the pennies will drop with VFL aligned boys,” he said. “We have 11 in the system, one available yesterday [Saturday].
“Some premiership players from last year’s team are still unavailable, Corey Mitch and Nathan [Ellis], Mason Thomas. Riley Ham hasn’t played a game yet and is not far away.
“And Thomas [McGuane] when he’s available, there’s north a dozen players that are more than capable senior listed players.”
The win has the Blues sitting 4-0.
McGuane said they were pretty happy with how the season had started.
“You just don’t know after a premiership if the hunger or the competitive drive is still there,” he said.
“We’ve hit the ground running, really happy with them.”
It will be top against bottom this week, with the Blues to face a struggling East Keilor.
McGuane said he would coach the group stronger in this match to make sure they respect the Cougars and play the type of football they want to be playing.”
In other results, Deer Park got its second win of the season as it beat Essendon Doutta Stars, 19.10 (124)-14.13 (97).
