By Tara Murray
Keilor came out on top in the battle of the undefeated teams, beating Aberfeldie in Essendon District Football League premier division.
The Blues had some revenge over the Gorillas in a rematch of last season’s decider with a 17.12 (114)-11.12 (78) win.
After the first quarter, it looked like it would be anything but a Keilor win as the Gorillas dominated, but once the Blues cleaned up their game, things started to turn their way.
After quarter-time they kicked 15 goals to six.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said they adjusted in a few areas in both the second and third quarters.
He said they did a good job to restrict the Gorillas inside 50s after quarter-time, which had a big influence.
“It was a solid game of footy,” he said.
“They got the jump on us early and capitalised on some terrible defensive 50 exits from us.
“We got it going our way in the second quarter. In the third quarter, we stayed controlling the ball better and got our game going on the outside.”
While happy with the win, McGuane said they needed to work on some areas of their game.
He singled out their conversion in front of goal in the third quarter, when they kicked 4.7.
Dean Galea kicked 6.3 for the Blues.
McGuane said there weren’t any standouts.
“We didn’t have any four-quarter performers. Some impacted at various stages for 10 to 15-minute blocks then someone else would step up,” he said.
“It was a solid team contribution.”
He said Kane Barbuto had plenty of the ball in the middle.
The back six also had a strong performance.
McGuane said while the game would give them a clearer idea of where they sit, both teams were below full strength.
The challenges continue next week for the Blues who face third-placed Greenvale.
“We’ll reload and train well this week and work on the things we didn’t do well this week,” McGuane said.
In division 1, Hillside held off a fast-finishing Westmeadows to record its best win of the season in a thriller.
The Tigers came back strongly in the final quarter with 10 scoring shots but were left to rue poor kicking, as the Sharks held on to win 13.8 (86)-12.12 (84).
An appearance from West Coast Eagles premiership player Daniel Kerr wasn’t enough for Taylors Lakes to defeat West Coburg.
