EDFL 2019: Westmeadows scores two-point win over Craigieburn

Westmeadows were tipped as a big improver over the off-season and have justified the hype with an impressive opening month of the campaign.

Westmeadows’ Tom Muscat was sidelined for Saturday’s win. Picture: Josie Hayden

Westmeadows were tipped as a big improver over the off-season and have justified the hype with an impressive opening month of the campaign.

The Tigers moved to 3-1 after a nail-biting two-point win over EDFL Division 1 flag contender Craigieburn on Saturday, 13.11 (89) to 13.9 (87).

They have toppled the Eagles and relegated Premier Division club West Coburg in 2019 and held a 29-point lead over last year’s runner-up Tullamarine at halftime in the opening round before being overrun.

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Given the tough draw, Westmeadows has reason to be pleased with what they have delivered in the first four rounds.

Director of coaching Mo Kaakour, who steered the Tigers to victory over Craigieburn in the absence of senior mentor Grant Smith, gave the side a pass mark.

“You always want to be 4-0, but we were looking at 3-1 and 2-2 worst-case scenario,” Kaakour said.

“To get one win against one of the two big sides in Tullamarine and Craigieburn was big for us.

“It’s put us in a pretty satisfying position.”

Westmeadows were predicted to climb the ladder after finishing second-last in 2018 with three victories.

But the recruiting over summer has proved fruitful, putting the club in the premiership discussion at this early stage.

Robbie Castello, Marwan Abdul-Wahed, Omar Saad, Ahmed Abdul-Wahed, Mitch Church and Anthony Franchina have added valuable experience.

Kaakour said the close wins over Craigieburn and West Coburg (three points) could benefit the Tigers later in the year.

“Especially for a young group like this coming through and for a side that’s only won three games last year, it’s all about belief,” he said.

“I think these guys are gathering confidence week-by-week.”

Jordan Hollow, Jarrod Petersen and Daniel Callegari performed important defensive jobs in the victory over the Eagles, negating the impact of the likes of Sam Laffan, John Bellino and Billy Morrison.

Dean Limbach, who kicked 84 majors last season, was kept goalless for the first time in Craigieburn colours.

Ryan Mullen booted four goals for the winners, while Castello and Saad both contributed three.

“We put a plan in place and the boys executed it and stuck to the structures,” Kaakour said.

“We specifically named a few of their players and went about doing the job, which restricted their ball supply and their goalkickers.

“We won our fair share of contested footy and it was about being accountable when they had the footy.”

Key-position players Tom Muscat and Mitch Church were also sidelined.

Westmeadows will tackle Taylors Lakes away from home on Saturday.

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