EDFL: Aberfeldie scores 44-point Premier Division win over Greenvale to keep finals hopes alive

ABERFELDIE’S bid for back-to-back flags remains alive after it rediscovered its deference to defence to sweep aside Greenvale.

ABERFELDIE’S bid for back-to-back flags remains alive after it rediscovered its deference to defence on Saturday to sweep aside Greenvale.

After conceding 20 goals against Keilor in an uncharacteristic Round 13 defeat, the best defensive team in Essendon District Football League Premier Division rebounded with aplomb to silence the doubters.

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Abers’ odds of making the top four would have blown out if they came up short against the Jets.

Instead, the fifth-placed side is just half a game astern of second-ranked Maribyrnong Park with four home-and-away fixtures remaining after a 44-point triumph, 14.9 (93) to 7.7 (49).

Aberfeldie’s Courtney Johns wins the tap out. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Our pressure was a lot better and our team defence was a lot better,” Aberfeldie co-coach Luke Blackwell said.

“Last week (against Keilor), mainly in the second half, it was poor. But that was off the back of some poor ball movement and turnovers.

“But it was really good to see the boys get back to their best defensively.”

Greenvale’s Courtenay Dempsey and Aberfeldie’s Harrison Fry lock horns. Picture: Hamish Blair

With the competition’s top flight having a split round, Abers had a week off to review the wreckage of a 45-point loss to flag rival Keilor.

Blackwell said the break helped his team “reset” as it improved its record to 9-1-4.

“We’re confident we can still make the finals and if we make it, we might be able to get a couple more players back and give it a good shake,” he said.

“We really just need to win every game from here to give ourselves the best chance.”

Greenvale’s Daniel Micevski gets a kick away while under pressure from Rhys Moylan (left) and Caleb Hislop. Picture: Hamish Blair

Aberfeldie led by 15 points at halftime away from home before a three-goal-to-one third quarter extended that advantage to 25 points at the final change.

A five-goal-to-two final quarter completed the job, with Josh Pound (four goals), Victor Carboni, Ryan Allan and Mark Austin among the best for the winners.

While the line-up was boosted by the additions of Nick Cattapan and Allan, star forward Kyle Reimers, who has played just two senior games this season as he battles a calf injury, was sidelined again.

A long injury list has ha

Aberfeldie’s Victor Carboni looks for an option. Picture: Hamish Blair

mpered Aberfeldie in 2018, but it has given the club an opportunity to blood its next generation.

“We’ve probably played over 40 blokes,” Blackwell said.

“I think we’ve had eight debutants this year, which is amazing, and I think seven of them are homegrowns.

“It’s not easy when you don’t have the continuity, but I think it’s been a really good developing year for those young blokes.”

Abers will next tackle Essendon Doutta Stars at Clifton Park.