After a horror 2015 season, Keilor Park is back.
The Essendon District Football League ‘Devils’ outfit launched an audacious plan of attack during the off-season, with the goal of returning the club to its former winning ways.
That wasn’t going to be achieved by throwing money at big names. Rather, new coach Marcus Barclay wanted to win back players who loved playing for the jumper.
His appointment set the standard, with Barclay returning to Keilor Park from St Albans, having played 350 games as a Devil. He’s also a member of Keilor Park’s team of the century.
The strategy has worked a treat with the Devils welcoming strong numbers right throughout pre-season.
“It’s been good so far,” Barclay says. “It all sort of stemmed from the hall of fame night the club had. There was a bit of talk about why don’t we all go back. We didn’t anticipate ‘player A’ bringing three mates when he came back, and ‘player B’ bringing another mate with him.
“It’s snowballed from there and we’ve effectively got 25 to 30 new players.”
Among those returning to Keilor Park are brothers Jake and Kris Thomas and their cousin Brett Thomas.
Another set of brothers, Luke and Josh Wilson, return after playing at Yarraville and Melton Centrals.
In another win for the club, Keilor Park has managed to hold on to a number of last year’s playing group.
While they are coming off a season in which they won just two games, Barclay says he’s impressed with the group’s desire to improve.
“What has impressed us the most is the guys from last year,” he said. “They’ve really embraced those who have come back to the club and are asking them a lot of questions.
“The guys who were in the top 10 to 15 players last year have really surprised me. Their fitness is excellent – a couple of them want to train more and have extra nights.”
Keilor Park begins its 2016 campaign with a home match against Moonee Valley. The Devils will also play three home practice matches in the lead-up to round one.
While the on-field results are expected to be better this year, Barclay says bringing back the supporters is another major goal for him and the club’s committee.
“We feel like we’ve got some really good momentum,” he adds.
