Finals were not on the agenda during Keilor Park’s pre-season for Essendon District Football League division 2, but they certainly are now.
Having won their past two matches and with other results falling their way, the Devils find themselves in the top four.
For first-year coach Marcus Barclay, this was not something he pictured before the season as the club scrambled to recruit players and get its administrative affairs in order.
“We had to recruit 20 to 25 players and getting the off-field right was the first thing we needed to do,” he said.
“The top four was a long way away when you win two games the season before.
“Now they’re in sight and we’re striving for them.”
On Saturday, the Devils ensured their finals hopes remained alive by almost ending those of Jacana, a grand finalist from last year. The Devils had to come from behind at half-time to record the 15.7 (97)-12.13 (85) victory.
The result, though, could have been much different, according to the coach.
“We started slowly,” he said. “It was a tight game and they kept us in it in the second quarter when they missed a number of easy shots.
“That second quarter is where they lost it. They could have been four to five goals up.
“We came out in the third and played well. It was a really disciplined performance, the way we did it.”
Barclay said Kane Trotter in his first game of the year, Dean Gila and David Mole were leading contributors to the win, along with the entire backline.
“It was hard to pick a top six,” he said. “It could have been a top 15 this week.”
This week, the Devils take on East Sunbury in a match that could have a big say in the eventual top four.
If the Devils win and second-placed East Keilor defeats fifth-placed Coburg Districts, the Devils will sit a game clear of both East Sunbury and Coburg Districts.
Barclay isn’t taking anything for granted, knowing his side lost earlier in the season to East Sunbury and given the closeness of the season.
“We’ll start getting everyone back in the next few weeks,” he said of the side’s injury list.
“If we can get enough of them on the park, we could get some wins on the way home.”
Burnside Heights remains winless, while in premier division Keilor suffered a shock loss.
Hillside remains in finals contention after defeating Westmeadows in division 1.
Taylors Lakes snuck home against the Northern Saints.
