The Essendon District Football League premier division grand final rematch failed to live up to expectations with Aberfeldie giving Keilor a massive reality check.
Last time the two teams met, the Blues were crowned the EDFL’s number one team. On Saturday, the Gorillas showed them they would have to fight hard to maintain that title.
In a result that no one predicted, the Gorillas plain and simply smashed the Blues. The difference at the first quarter was 14 points with Keilor wasteful in front of goal.
The Gorillas then blew the game open in the second quarter kicking 7.6 to Keilor’s three points.
At half-time Keilor was goalless but it responded in the third quarter, kicking five goals in 10 minutes. It was little consolation as the Gorillas kept their score ticking over.
They finished the job in the final quarter, kicking away to a 22.15 (147)-6.13 (49) win.
Luke Cartelli was the only Blues player to kick multiple goals, finishing with two. Dean Galea was held goalless.
Damien Cavka was best for the Blues on a disappointing day.
The Blues next face Strathmore in a Good Friday clash, the only premier division match this week.
In division 1, Hillside couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season. Facing Hadfield, the Sharks were dominant from the opening bounce and it reflected on the scoreboard.
The Sharks kicked 10 first-quarter goals to lead by 51 points at the first break. The goals continued in the next three quarters with the Sharks winning 31.24 (210)-7.5 (47). Victor Micallef kicked six goals, with Jackson Volpato and Brandon Coletta kicking four goals each.
The Sharks don’t have long to recover, with the team facing local rival Taylors Lakes on Good Friday.
The Lions started their season with a close loss to Airport West. The Lions jumped out of the box, scoring seven goals to one in the first quarter to lead by 34 points at the first break.
Airport West then worked its way into the game, trailing by 10 points at half-time. They hit the front in the third quarter and extended the margin to 12 points at the final siren.
The final score was 14.11 (95)-13.5 (83).
Jake Hobbs kicked four goals for the Lions and was best for his side in the loss.
In division 2, Burnside Heights and Keilor Park both remain without a win after the first two rounds.
Burnside Heights suffered a 22.15 (147)-10.6 (66) loss to Roxburgh Park, while Keilor Park lost 13.4 (52)-13.8 (86) to East Sunbury.
