EDFL 2019: Quality recruits help East Keilor justify hype

East Keilor was the talk of the EDFL over the off-season after landing a long list of big-name recruits. The Cougars are sitting pretty on top of the ladder as they eye the ultimate prize.

Josh Grabowski has been one of East Keilor’s star performers this season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Twelve months ago East Keilor was out of the finals race with a season which promised so much turning into a nightmare.

Plenty has changed since, with Pat Christofi replacing star defender Ash Arrowsmith as coach and several star recruits linking up with the ambitious EDFL Division 1 club.

Bundoora premiership trio Josh Grabowski, Nick Grabowski and Joseph Palazzolo crossed to Overland Reserve over the off-season, along with ex-Aberfeldie duo Lachie Langwell and Jackson Barrett. The experienced Nathan Lyons arrived from Sunshine, while Ben Caluzzi (Essendon Doutta Stars), Luke McCormack (North Footscray) and Charles Van Der Byl (Maribyrnong Park) were other signings of note.

Pat Christofi is in his first season as East Keilor coach. Picture: Andy Brownbill

An air of expectation surrounded the Cougars, and Christofi declared a flag was the club’s aim in 2019.

But could they justify the hype?

Apart from back-to-back losses against flag rivals Westmeadows and Tullamarine in rounds 6 and 7, ladder-leader East Keilor has been hard to fault and is in contention for the vital double chance.

ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE EDFL

EDFL CLUB FIELDS 21 PLAYERS IN DEFEAT

RELENTLESS GREENVALE SCORES PERCENTAGE BOOST

PASCOE VALE REBOUNDS FROM MASSIVE DEFEAT

SUNBURY KANGAROOS STRETCH WINNING RUN TO 13

FARRELLY EXPLAINS DECISION TO RE-SIGN AT ROXY

While Christofi has not deviated from his pre-season objective, he said “the lid is on” as it chases promotion to Premier Division.

“We’re focused. We said at the start of the year we’re here to win the premiership, as all teams try to do,” Christofi said.

“I put that out there early days. We’ve got a goal, a dream and we’re just trying to achieve it.

“The lid’s definitely on. It doesn’t come off. The only time it will come off is if we do win (the premiership).”

Nick Grabowski has made a big impact at East Keilor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Grabowski brothers have been in red-hot form in the midfield and forward half, contributing 50 goals between them, while Palazzolo and Lyons have also been busy through the middle of the ground.

Utility Caluzzi has been one of his side’s most consistent performers, Dion Hill has bagged 52 majors from 11 games, while Arrowsmith continues to marshal the defensive half.

Talent is not in short supply.

While Tullamarine and Craigieburn entered the season as flag favourites, East Keilor will take some beating.

“When you’ve got 12 of 22 blokes new to the club in the senior side, it takes a lot of work and a lot of understanding of one another,” Christofi said.

“The guys who have come in have been very good — the Grabowski brothers, Palazzolo, Nathan Lyons, Lachie Langwell.

“The players with premiership experience are playing a pivotal role in what we’re trying to achieve and they’re selling the same message I’m selling.

“They’re helping me to sell the dream, and the dream is to win the premiership.

“We understand there’s obstacles and hurdles, and we’ll deal with them as they come, but right at the minute we’re positive and heading in the right direction.”

The Cougars will host Tullamarine on Saturday.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.