KEILOR will respectfully open its Essendon District Football League Agrade campaign in a Good Friday blockbuster with premier Strathmore.
The Blues will allow their players and supporters to observe the meaning of day by leaving the morning free of football duties.
They will add to the spirit of the occasion by charging a gold coin and donating every dollar to the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal.
The original rundown of events had the under-18s playing at 9.30am, but Blues coach Mick McGuane says plans are under way to reschedule the fixture to free up the morning hours.
“We’ll give it the respect it deserves,” he said. “Anzac Day has no games before midday and it will be the same on Good Friday.”
The Blues are tipping a bumper crowd for the stand-alone game.
McGuane says his players are “rapt” to be given a chance take centre stage on an AFL-free day.
The Blues are eager to make an impression after a dismal 2011 season. They will sport a new look with nine key players departing to the Victorian Football League in the off season.
McGuane did not go out with cheque-book in hand looking for a bunch of money-hungry players. The 2008 premiership-winning coach stuck to a needs basis, bringing in former Hoppers Crossing duo Ben Fletcher, a midfielder, and Jason Butty, a versatile key position player, along with some interstate recruits.
McGuane also intends to tap into the rich resources available from the club’s 19 junior teams.
