EDFL 2019: Fast-finishing East Keilor overcomes Tullamarine
East Keilor piled on seven last-quarter goals to claim a memorable come-from-behind win over flag rival Tullamarine on Saturday, but the game was not without controversy.
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East Keilor retrieved a sizeable three-quarter-time deficit to conquer premiership rival Tullamarine in a pulsating EDFL Division 1 clash on Saturday.
The Cougars conceded 21 scores to seven in the first three terms and trailed by 29 points, before a seven-goal-to-one blitz in the last half-hour gave them a memorable eight-point victory, 12.4 (76) to 9.14 (68).
The win left East Keilor a game clear in top spot with two rounds remaining, while the Demons slipped to third.
Ben Caluzzi delivered an awe-inspiring performance in the midfield for the home side, James Carey starred in the ruck and Jye King (four goals) made a telling contribution in the forward half in Dion Hill’s absence.
Vince Madaffari, Paris Grampsas and Jordan Madden also played key roles in the success.
Cougars coach Pat Christofi said he “flipped the whole side around” at the final break in a bid to halt Tullamarine’s dominance.
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“Entering the last quarter, I thought, ‘We’re either going to lose by 10 (goals) or win this game.’ I turned the board on its head and it worked to our advantage,” Christofi said.
“We were good in the last quarter. I was very happy with our performance and the way we showed belief and the ability to be able to claw back, let alone win, so I was rapt.”
Controversy marred the fixture, with Tullamarine believing it was robbed of two goals — both to veteran Justin Marcy — during the third term.
“I’ll review the game, but I can’t comment on that because personally I didn’t see it, and that’s not my job,” Christofi said.
“I don’t focus on that — I just focus on what I can control.”
Christofi heaped praise on ever-consistent midfielder/half-back Caluzzi.
“He’s been a standout all year. He’s been consistent,” he said.
“I know what he’s going to bring every week. He’s a tough footballer and he’s genuinely a hard worker. He’s an honest footballer.”
The Cougars have beaten every team in the competition in 2019 and boast a 12-2 record.
But star forward Hill, who has 52 goals from 11 games, may not be seen again this season.
“We don’t really know exactly what Dion’s problem is, but he won’t come back before finals, if he does come back,” Christofi said.
“We’re expecting Nathan Lyons and Ash Arrowsmith back hopefully before finals time. The same goes for Ethan Langwell.
“Hopefully it rolls our way. It’s out of our control again — we can’t do anything about it. We can only worry about the 22 on the park.”
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