Ajdin Elkasovic boots five in St Albans victory over Glenroy
In his first senior game in two seasons, a St Albans star ensured his side got off to the perfect start in the Essendon District league.
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St Albans is going to learn a lot in 2023.
Embarking on its first season in the Essendon District league, after crossing from the Western Region competition, the Saints are still trying to figure out where they fit in their new competition
It all got off to the perfect start on Saturday with a 20.16 (136) to 6.8 (44) thumping of Glenroy despite trailing by 16 points at the first break.
And it was a man who missed all of last season, Ajdin Elkasovic, who did most of the damage forward of the footy.
Elkasovic finished with five goals, while Mason Dipetta added four, as the Saints stamped their authority on Division 1 and emerge as an early season finals contender.
St Albans coach Zammy Muhtari said it had been an interesting start to the season.
“The whole situation for us is an unknown,” he said.
“We can try and do as much homework as possible on opposition teams and it’s the same for them, but it can be difficult without actually playing those teams.
“Last year we used over 50 guys in our senior side, and there was only about five or six new faces in Saturday’s team. A lot of guys who played didn’t get many opportunities due to injury last year.
“Elka is one of those, he’s got a full pre-season under his belt after a pretty bad injury at the end of the 2021. We know what he can bring when he’s fully fit.”
St Albans were able to break the game open after halftime booting 12 goals to two with Andre Srour, Bailee Revell, Patrick Taban and Victor Micallef all impressing.
Muhtari credited his side’s midfield work for helping to swing the match in their favour.
“It’s simple but first use gave us momentum,” he said.
“And importantly we were able to finish off our work. The boys found their mojo about halfway through the second quarter and were able to kick on from there.”
Next the Saints will face familiar foe Deer Park.
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