By Tara Murray
It was another tough day on the scoreboard for Keilor Park, but the side is well aware of the reality of what’s ahead in Essendon District Football League division 2.
Having not fielded a side last season, getting a team back up and going this year is the biggest win.
While they’ve done that, being competitive for four quarters and maybe pinching a win seems a long way off.
Devils coach John Mangos said the main aim for the club was to keep up the positive attitude.
“The scores are what we thought they might be,” he said. “We had a chat to the boys and we all know we will do it a bit tough this year.
“It’s about getting people down to the club and preparing for next season.”
Mangos said the group was still learning the game plan and it was taking some time.
He said it was hard not having a reserves side, meaning they were limited with what they could do at training with running full field drills.
On Saturday, the Devils faced Jacana, which was also searching for its first win of the season.
With a couple of players away and a couple of injuries, the Devils’ task was even harder.
While the Devils tried hard they were nowhere near it, losing 28.1 (179)-3.5 (23).
Mangos said there was some positive signs in the match.
“The tackle count improved dramatically, so we got that side of things right.
“The guys came to play.
“Cameron Cloke [who kicked 10 goals for the Jaguars] said they thought late in the game that our boys might have given up, but they didn’t so that is a positive.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Keilor Park vs Jacana
Michael Usai was a standout for the Devils in his first game for the season, while captain Luke Furci was brilliant across the whole ground. Furci was awarded the Anzac Medal from Jacana.
Edward Buijs was the other standout for the Devils.
Mangos said the aim was to continue to improve each week. He said any footballers who might not be getting a senior game at another club, were welcome to come down.
“We want to be more competitive in every game. We liked to go from three goals a game to five goals a game and keep improving.
“Hopefully we can win a quarter or two.”
In other games, Burnside Heights remains undefeated, having beaten Coburg Districts 11.11 (77)-6.9 (45).
In premier division, Keilor had a hard-fought win against Pascoe Vale, winning 11.14 (80)-11.10 (76).
The win was marred by serious knee injuries to Nick O’Kearney and Brock McGregor.
In division 1, Hillside beat Roxburgh Park, while Taylors Lakes lost to Craigieburn.
