Keilor got a much-needed win on Saturday, giving its Essendon District Football League premier division campaign a shot in the arm.
After an up and down start to the season, the reigning premiers entered Saturday’s match against Pascoe Vale sitting at 3-3.
It was all the Panthers early, but by half-time the Blues had hit the front by two points.
Nothing separated the teams in the third quarter with the Panthers holding the narrowest of leads at the last break.
The Blues found an extra gear, kicking seven goals to three in the final quarter to win 14.18 (102)-11.13 (79).
Dean Galea kicked six goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Blues. Kane Barbuto also had a good game.
The sixth-placed Blues, just percentage outside the top four, face Avondale Heights this week.
In division 1, Taylors Lakes continued to keep the pressure on the top four with another win against a strong side.
The Lions took on Westmeadows in the battle of the cats, winning 16.14 (110)-12.7 (79).
The Lions shared the goals around with five players kicking two goals each.
Matthew Morelli, Jackson Wright and Daniel Walachowski were the stand-outs for the Lions, who are fifth on the ladder, a game behind fourth-placed Hillside.
The Sharks had a bye at the weekend.
In division 2, Keilor Park and Burnside Heights found themselves in familiar, tough territory.
Keilor Park, which is yet to win a match this season, started well and led Coburg Districts at quarter-time, but a goalless second quarter proved the Devils’ downfall. After half-time, Coburg Districts outscored Keilor Park 11 goals to nine to eventually win 23.14 (152)-14.8 (92). Donato Monello kicked six goals for Keilor Park.
Burnside Heights faced a tough Moonee Valley outfit and was on the back foot early as the Magpies amassed 15 scoring shots in the first quarter.
But it was just the start for the Magpies, who kicked at least five goals in every quarter in their 24.11 (155)-8.12 (60) win.
Josh Covelli kicked four goals for the Bears against his old side. Vincent Angelone was named their best player.
The Bears are in seventh spot with one win.
