EDFL 2019: Maribyrnong Park scores victory over Airport West
Pundits tipped Maribyrnong Park to slide after an off-season player exodus, with a league best and fairest winner the latest to exit the club, but the Lions have produced a strong start to 2019.
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Maribyrnong Park has overcome several key departures to make a strong start to the EDFL Premier Division season.
Pundits tipped the Lions to slide significantly after the off-season player exodus, with 2017 Reynolds Medal winner Zac Keogh the latest to exit the club.
But Maribyrnong Park sits fourth on the ladder after sweeping aside last year’s Division 1 premier Airport West by 43 points on Saturday.
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REIMERS STARS IN ABERFELDIE’S ANZAC DAY WIN
A nine-goal-to-one opening-quarter blitz laid the foundations for the 17.9 (111) to 10.8 (68) victory.
James Breust continued his red-hot form with four goals, while Brodie Romensky also managed four majors.
John McKenzie, Josh Cole, Ethan Baker and Jake Byrush were other standouts.
The Lions have beaten Avondale Heights and the Eagles this season and were competitive in a 24-point loss to flag contender Greenvale in Round 2, showing Dean Laidley’s side should not be underestimated.
Maribyrnong Park lost 2018 Reynolds Medal winner Will Martinello, former coach Robert Castello, Daylan Kempster, Chris Prowse, Nick Prowse, Lee Johnston, Nick Linton and Josh Pickess over summer.
Star midfielder Keogh was cleared to Goulburn Valley league club Seymour last Wednesday after the club vowed to ensure he honoured his contract in the weeks leading up to Round 1.
The former Coburg and Port Melbourne VFL player had attempted to join Greenvale, but the clearance request was denied.
Keogh made 54 senior appearances for the Lions in the past three seasons and was named in their best players 26 times, underlining his consistency.
Elsewhere in Premier Division, Essendon Doutta Stars went down to Greenvale by 29 points, 14.6 (90) to 8.13 (61).
Charles Lill and Jordan Schroder impressed for the losing side, while Alex Boyse bagged three goals.
In Division 2, Rocky Ferraro’s heroics were not enough to get Moonee Valley over the line against Northern Saints.
Ferraro kicked 11 goals against his former side in the Fog’s seven-point defeat, 19.7 (121) to 17.12 (114).
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