Tara Murray
Keilor, Hillside and Keilor Park all sent early season messages in the Essendon District Football League on Good Friday.
All playing on one of the biggest days in the EDFL calendar, each came away with comprehensive wins.
In the premier division, the Blues made an early season statement against Strathmore.
The top two teams from last season, it was the Blues who came out on top.
The Blues started the better of the teams and were able to build the lead through the first three quarters.
The Mores won the last quarter, but it wasn’t enough with the Blues winning 13.14 (92)-9.11 (65).
Kyle O’Connor kicked three goals in a best on ground performance. Dean Galea also chipped in with three goals.
In division 1, Hillside was impressive against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Sharks, who have traditionally played Taylors Lakes on Good Friday, jumped out of the blocks on Friday.
They led by 27 points at quarter time before increasing that margin to 61 at the main break.
While the Kangaroos won the second half, it was too little, too late, with the Sharks winning 17.20 (122)-9.13 (67).
In division 2, Keilor Park made it successive Good Friday wins against Coburg Districts.
The Devils came out firing with a six goal to one first quarter. The match was all but over at half time with the Devils leading by 59 points.
While the Lions won the second half, it mattered little with the Devils winning, 19.16 (130)-11.15 (81).
Robbie Castello kicked five goals in a best on ground performance.
In the women’s premier division, Keilor returned to the winners list against Hillside.
After losing to Westmeadows the previous round, the Blues were keen to atone this week.
Both teams had chances in the first quarter, but it was the Blues who made the most of them. With the lead, the Blues continued to build throughout the match, winning 9.6 (60)-1.11 (17).
Madeline Barton and Olivia Manfre kicked three goals each for the Blues.
Laura Wright was named best on ground.
Emily Paterno in her first game for the season was named the Sharks best.
Meanwhile, St Albans opened its account with a win against Hoppers Crossing on Good Friday in the Western Region Football League division 1.
The Saints took the lead in the first quarter after kicking three goals to one to start the day.
They were able to maintain it throughout, winning 9.11 (65)7.11 (53).
Cooper Pepi was named best on for the Saints, while Braden Ferrari was named the Warriors best.
The rest of round three across all three grades will continue this weekend.
