It’s a case of deja vu for Keilor as it will have to make the Essendon District Football League premier division grand final the hard way.
Last year, the Blues entered finals with just one loss for the year and put out a disappointing performance to lose to Pascoe Vale in the semi finals.
Again with just one loss for the season entering finals, the Blues had the blues in the semi finals again.
This time Strathmore turned it on in the third quarter to put the Blues to the sword.
The Blues led by four points at half time before the Mores kicked nine goals to one in the third quarter to lead by 47 points heading into the final quarter.
While the Blues won the final quarter the damage had already been done with the Mores winning, 18.12 (120)-12.8 (80).
Speaking on Keilor’s social media pages, Blues coach Mick McGuane said it was a disappointing performance.
“It was not dissimilar to 12 months ago when we put ourselves in a precarious position and we’re in a precarious position again on the back of a disappointing loss in the second semi final,” he said.
“It was an arm wrestle in the first half, we had the ascendancy by four points but we weren’t playing well up to that point.
“We gifted Strathmore a couple of easy goals in that first half period but from that point, it was one way traffic and it wasn’t our way.
“Strathmore’s third quarter was clearly comprehensive. They were too good for us in so many facets in the game.”
McGuane said they would take some lessons out of the loss and the way that the Mores were able to open them up.
He said there was an expectation around the contest that they wouldn’t compromise, which he felt they were outplayed in.
“Our defensive transition was as bad as we’ve seen. We’re a team that very rarely gives up 10 goals a game and we gave up nine goals five in 30 minutes of footy.
“There’s the game and the point of difference.”
Chris Kosmas kicked four goals for the Blues, while Kane Barbuto and Liam Hude kicked two goals each.
Kane Barbuto and Corey Ellis were named the Blues best.
The Blues will face Airport West in the preliminary final after the Eagles beat Aberfeldie after the siren in the other semi final on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Blues reserves will also play in a preliminary final after beating Airport West on Sunday, while their under-18.5 reserves are through to a grand final this Saturday.
