EDFL 2019: East Keilor defeats Tullamarine in preliminary final

Missing eight of its leading players and tipped to go out in straight sets, a brave East Keilor defied the doubters to set up an EDFL Division 1 grand final clash against Craigieburn.

Dion Hill kicked three goals for East Keilor. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The doubters circled after East Keilor’s major semi-final loss to Craigieburn.

The minor premier had gone from flag favourite to staring at a straight-sets finals exit in the space of a week.

But the Cougars, who entered finals riding a 10-match winning streak, defied a potentially crippling injury toll and a quality opponent to earn a shot at their first EDFL senior premiership since 2016.

Lachie Langwell shows off his aerial ability in Saturday’s preliminary final. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Pat Christofi’s side toppled perennial contender Tullamarine by 10 points in Saturday’s Division 1 preliminary final at Coburg City Oval, 10.14 (74) to 9.10 (64).

Christofi has trumpeted his club’s premiership aspirations since taking on the top job last September and been left delighted by the progress, with all three senior sides advancing to the decider.

“When I came to the footy club, I thought they were a long way off,” Christofi said.

“To have all three sides in, that’s probably the proudest moment of my football career as a coach.

“I’m really proud of the boys … it’s all about how they’ve embraced the new coach, the new players.

“There’s still a long way to go, we’re a work in progress, but as far as I’m concerned we’ve ticked every box possible for 2019, and we’re looking at a bright future going forward.

“Irrespective of what may happen next week, we’ve won.”

Ben Caluzzi celebrates a goal for East Keilor. Picture: Mark Dadswell

The Cougars appeared unfancied entering the sudden-death fixture against Tullamarine, with the absence of star pair Josh and Nick Grabowski, who have kicked 68 goals between them this season, fuelling the dire forecast.

Nathan Lyons, Ethan Langwell, Vincent Schiavello, Will Kett, Charles Van Der Byl and Tom Madden were also on the sidelines.

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But Christofi was not concerned, adamant he had the personnel required to set up a re-match against Craigieburn.

“We went out there with clear instructions on what to do and the boys followed through to a tee,” he said.

“It was really tight on the scoreboard, but we were quicker, faster and first to react.

“I think we were cracking in a lot harder than they were. They looked to be taller, slower and older and we tried to use that to our advantage.”

East Keilor gun Ash Arrowsmith fires off a handball. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Christofi lauded the efforts of Lachie Langwell, Ben Caluzzi, Ash Arrowsmith, Jesse Portelli and Jye King, while Dion Hill bagged three majors.

He said the result was a “belief builder” ahead of Saturday’s grand final at Windy Hill.

East Keilor knocked off the Eagles twice during the home-and-away rounds by a combined margin of 91 points, but Craigieburn’s speed proved decisive in the first week of finals as it prevailed by 26 points.

Christofi “two or three” of his injured players would not be available for the final game of the year.

“We’ve learnt a lot … and I believe they only got away in one quarter,” he said of the major semi.

“Basically we’ve just got to play tight on them and when it’s our turn to go, we go, and not allow them to get off on the outside.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s good for our footy club.”

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