Tara Murray
Keilor is more than happy with its 6-1 record after a less than ideal first part to the Essendon District Football League premier division season.
The Blues, who sit second and only percentage behind Strathmore, have had their fair share of injuries and availability issues so far.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said they had already used more players in seven rounds than they had for all of the 2019 season.
“It’s been pretty good so far considering what we’ve had to go through,” he said.
“A lot of key personnel haven’t been available. We seem to get one back and then lose two during a game.
“Our forward line is yet to play together.
“We’ve played Strathmore, Greenvale, Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong Park and Pascoe Vale, which are teams that we think are going to be around the mark.
“In the loss we had, as good as Avondale Heights was, there was a reason for the hiccup.”
Just eight players have played every game for the Blues \.
Dean Galea, Todd Stevenson, Nick O’Kearney, Andrew Browne, Patrick Veszpremi and Jesse Wallin are among those who have missed games.
The last three of those would have missed Saturday’s game against Glenroy, which didn’t go ahead due to a statewide lockdown.
McGuane said the week off would give the players another week to recover.
“It bodes well for when we get everyone back,” he said.
“The challenge when we do get them back, is how many do we bring back in one game?
“It’s hard to bring in five or six, or it could be as many as nine or 10 ready to come back at the same time.”
The run of injuries and unavailabilities means not for the first time has McGuane had to go into his bag of tricks.
A number of players have been thrown around in different positions, while some younger players get their opportunities.
“Brad Xavier has been quite important after a slow start and Riley Ham is the same,” McGuane said.
“Issy [David Isbister] had an injury that held him back, but the last six quarters of footy he has found some form.
“I’ve thrown some players around. Luke Cartelli and Kyle O’Connor. O’Connor will be a really good recruit once settle down.
“Mitch Ellis is a good example of someone taking his opportunity. He missed out the first few weeks and hasn’t missed a beat since. He’ll be hard to force out when everyone returns.”
The Blues are due to play Essendon Doutta Stars this weekend.
