EDFL 2019: East Keilor coach Pat Christofi says flag race is wide open

Boasting a 9-2 record, East Keilor is looking forward to testing itself against its flag rivals in the EDFL Division 1 run home, with coach Pat Christofi declaring the flag race wide open.

Dion Hill helped himself to six goals for East Keilor on Saturday. Picture: Rob Leeson

East Keilor is eyeing some significant scalps in the run home as it stakes its claim for the double chance in EDFL Division 1.

The second-placed Cougars have a 1-2 record against their top-four rivals and will meet Westmeadows (home), Tullamarine (home) and Craigieburn (away) in the final five rounds of the home-and-away campaign.

While they toppled the Eagles by 31 points in the first half of the campaign, Pat Christofi’s team has suffered seven-goal defeats to the Tigers and ladder-leading Demons.

East Keilor coach Pat Christofi calls the shots. Picture:Rob Leeson

“We’re looking forward to that challenge and looking forward to Westmeadows and Tullamarine most of all,” Christofi said.

“We didn’t show up for Westmeadows and were in for a big show against Tullamarine, so we are looking forward to playing them at home and showing what we’ve really got.”

Last year’s runner-up Tullamarine boasts a 10-1 record and is four points clear of the 9-2 Cougars. Craigieburn (7-3) and Westmeadows (7-4) make up the top four, while Hillside is fifth at 6-5.

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Christofi said the race for the flag and promotion to Premier Division was wide open.

“There’s probably four or five sides who, on their day, can win,” he said.

“Is there a clear favourite? I don’t think so. I think we’re pretty much even and it depends on the day.

“Obviously Tullamarine is sitting in the box seat, so you could say they’re favourite, but it’s touch and go really.”

East Keilor enjoyed a convincing 40-point victory over Hillside at Overland Reserve on Saturday.

Ben Caluzzi, Lachie Langwell, Charles Van Der Byl, Joseph Palazzolo, Dean Roberts and James Carey were among the best for the winning side.

Dion Hill bagged six goals to take his season tally to 52, while Jackson Barrett contributed three in the 16.13 (109) to 9.15 (69) triumph.

Christofi said his team performed strongly against a “physical” Sharks outfit as the Cougars extended their winning run to five games.

“We’re plodding along quite well,” he said.

“We’re just trying to find our best side. We’re tracking how we should be at this point of the year.”

East Keilor has a bye this weekend before turning its attention to the remainder of the regular season.

Elsewhere, Maribyrnong Park toppled Avondale Heights by 38 points in Premier Division, while Essendon Doutta Stars overcame a fast-finishing Airport West by 12 points.

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