Aberfeldie moved to 4-1 despite injury list growing

Aberfeldie is missing several of its top-10 players but its continue to find ways to win. Go inside how the club is approaching the injury crisis which is impacting the EDFL side.

Sam Paea finished with two goals. Photo: Andrew Batsch

Aberfeldie is facing a growing injury list but through the EDFL powerhouse continues to find ways to win.

Clay Illman’s side sit third on the ladder after five rounds with a 4-1 record after overcoming Pascoe Vale in a five-point thriller on the weekend.

It’s a major positive for Abers at a time where the injury list is growing.

Ben Ronke broke his leg in the opening stages of the loss to Keilor last week while Hamish Gilmore and Michael Ktona are sidelined with PCL injuries.

Recruits Nic Watson (broken wrist) and Brydan Hodgson (finger) suffered injuries in practices matches.

Meanwhile, James Peters and Matt Weber are working through returns from ACL injuries suffered last year.

Illman declared “injuries can be looked at either way”. And he’s adopting as positive mindset with opportunities earned by several impressive young players.

Cooper Anderson, Jai Bahnert, Konrad Karner and Tom Pound are among those to have player.

“The good thing is we’re getting senior footy into these young guys which is only going to hold us in good stead for the short and long-term,” Illman said.

“There’s been a pretty big turnaround in terms of our list with the number of guys coming in and those who have moved on. Since I’ve come to the club, there’s been an emphasis on getting games into the young guys.

“Key guys are missing at the moment but we’re hopeful we’ll be able to get them back in the second half of the season.”

Ben Ronke is among the names on the injury list. Photo: Andrew Batsch

Illman highlighted the performances of co-captains Daniel Thompson and Brodie Newman in the victory over Pascoe Vale, who have now slipped to 1-4 after playing off in the grand final last year.

Newman returned from a concussion in round three and has been in the best the last fortnight.

“Thommo has been awesome all year,” Illman said.

“Brodie continued his form from against Keilor. We’ve still got a sprinkling of six experienced guys who have been available for most of the year.”

Karl Brown booted three goals in a best on ground performance on the weekend as he and ex-AFL forward Callum Moore, an off-season recruit, lead the way inside forward 50 with 11 majors apiece.

A trip to Greenvale nexts awaits Aberfeldie.

EAGLE SKIPPER’S STAR PERFORMANCE

Airport West captain Ned Gentile was best on ground as his side won an Essendon District top tier thriller against Maribyrnong Park. The excitement machine booted five, alongside recruit Max Rider’s four, to get their side across the line. The Eagles have now climbed into the top-five with a 3-2 record.

A VFL RECALL ON THE WAY?

Michael Kiraly, listed at Collingwood VFL, has once again shown the difference he can make to Essendon Doutta Stars’ line-up when he’s available after an impressive display in the 48-point win over Greenvale. Kiraly played for the Pies a week earlier but returned to local level at the weekend. He was among the best as Daniel Romero was named best afield. Oscar Sasalu was another state league player to impress.

DUMONT THRIVES IN STRATHMORE’S BIG WIN

Former AFL utility Trent Dumont was best afield in Strathmore’s 86-point win over Deer Park. It marks a strong run of form for Dumont who was equally as impressive as the week before. Mitch Purcell was impressive with three goals as recruits Corey Grindlay and Sam Hayes hit the scoreboard with two.

MICK’S PRAISE FOR EAST

Mick McGuane had plenty of praise for East Keilor after his Keilor side recorded a 233-point thumping of the Cougars. “I thought really committed themselves for the duration of the game,” he said. Cody Brand booted 10 in the win.