EDFL 2019: East Keilor defeats Westmeadows by 40 points

Pat Christofi couldn’t wait to have another crack at East Keilor’s flag rivals in the second half of the home-and-away season. The Cougars passed their latest test with flying colours.

Nick Grabowski celebrates one of his four goals on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

East Keilor coach Pat Christofi is targeting redemption in the second half of the EDFL Division 1 season.

After heavy defeats to Westmeadows and Tullamarine earlier this year, the first-year Cougars boss couldn’t wait for another crack at two of his side’s flag rivals.

East Keilor ticked off the first test in emphatic fashion on Saturday, sweeping aside the Tigers by 40 points at Overland Reserve, 12.10 (82) to 6.6 (42).

The home side set up the success with an eight-goal-to-two opening half.

Dean Clare contributed two majors for Westmeadows, while Mitch Church and Omar Saad were held goalless.

That trio contributed 10 goals between them when the pair met in Round 6.

East Keilor’s Vincent Schiavello celebrates a goal on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“We haven’t got the same backline as last time we played them, so we’ve shuffled that around. We’ve found our best mix,” Cougars coach Pat Christofi said.

“That played a big role. When we played them the first time, we didn’t know yet who plays where and what their best positions are.

“I think we’re slowly finding our best mix now. We matched them in the air and beat them on the ground.”

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East Keilor spearhead Dion Hill, who has 52 goals to his name this season, was absent, while midfielder Nathan Lyons suffered a dislocated shoulder in the opening seconds of the match.

Brothers Nick Grabowski (for goals) and Josh Grabowski (two) combined for six majors to fill the void.

Jye King, Ash Arrowsmith, Joseph Palazzolo, Ben Caluzzi and Lachie Langwell also produced noteworthy performances.

Lindon Bektash was pumped up on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“We won probably 95 per cent of the contests around the ground,” Christofi said.

“We were small and fast and they were tall, and I think our speed beat them to the contest. We were cracking in pretty hard, so it was good to see.”

East Keilor is sitting pretty on top of the ladder with a 10-2 record at the midway point of Round 14 and boasts the best percentage in the competition.

“It’s slowly coming together,” Christofi said.

“But as we all know, that can change in a week.

“We’ve just got to keep working and hope for the best. But I’m very confident we’re heading in the right direction and our mould is genuinely good.”

In Premier Division, Aberfeldie knocked off Avondale Heights by 42 points, while Maribyrnong Park overcame a slow start to beat Airport West by 16 points.

Strathmore suffered a shock one-point loss to Glenroy in a result which could hurt its finals hopes, while Essendon Doutta Stars went down to Greenvale by 72 points.

Ladder-leader Keilor won a close contest against Pascoe Vale by nine points.

In Division 2, Moonee Valley lost a low-scoring contest against Coburg Districts by 20 points.

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