EDFL 2021: Keilor overcomes three injuries to defeat Pascoe Vale

The Blues held a seemingly unassailable lead at half-time before Pascoe Vale launched an extraordinary fightback in EDFL Premier Division.

Dylan Joyce was among Keilor’s best on Saturday. Picture: Jamie Morey

Keilor coach Mick McGuane couldn’t help but draw comparisons with the corresponding fixture 24 months earlier.

On April 27, 2019, the Blues hosted Pascoe Vale and overcame three key injuries to prevail by four points.

The Essendon District Football League Premier Division clubs met at Joe Brown Oval on Saturday, with the all-conquering Keilor extending its winning run in the top flight to 23 games with a nail-biting five-point victory, 14.13 (97) to 14.8 (92).

The 2019 premier also lost three players in the Round 3 encounter, including two in the first half.

The home team appeared to have the contest won at the main break after establishing a 41-point advantage.

But the Panthers piled on seven goals to one in the third term to reduce the deficit to nine points at three-quarter-time, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.

Pascoe Vale was on the cusp of a memorable triumph when it led by seven points at the 25-minute mark of the last stanza.

But the injury-hit Blues, as they have done countless times before, lifted when it mattered as Andrew Browne and Luke Cartelli nailed decisive majors to keep the club’s undefeated 2021 record intact.

Keilor’s Luke Cartelli. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We have a lead, we surrender it, we find a way to win, so credit to the boys,” McGuane said.

“We lost three defenders, which made it hard in that back end of the ground, so you’re putting pressure on your midfield group.

“Something’s got to give at some stage against quality teams, and that’s what happened.

“We missed some easy shots in the third quarter. Instead of kicking 1.5, we could have kicked 3.3. Even in the last quarter, we peppered away and missed four shots from set shots.

“But we found a way, which is pleasing.

“We’ve just got to lick our wounds with some injuries and try and get back a couple of players next week and go through the process of picking a team that can win a game of footy.”

Keilor was also without stars Dean Galea, David Isbister and Brad Xavier, underlining its depth.

Reynolds medallist Browne produced an outstanding display for the winners, feeding his onballers with aplomb in the ruck and contributing around the ground.

“He was a guy who typified the spirit of the Anzacs in terms of mateship, courage, self-sacrifice and trust,” McGuane said.

Former St Kilda rookie Nick O’Kearney continued his red-hot start to the season, while Brett Stillman also impressed in the middle of the ground.

Jesse Wallin limited Damandeep Aujla to one goal, while Dylan Joyce’s experience proved crucial across half-back.

Pascoe Vale forwards Matt Watson and Brad Inglis tested an undermanned backline, combining for seven goals.

“Then you take a Todd Stevenson from a key post forward position or midfield role to play full back, which he’s never done before,” McGuane said.

“It throws the team out of whack a little bit, but that’s what happens in the game. You’ve got to have those things in place for the ‘what if’ scenario.

“We were fortunate enough to get through the game winners on the back of some adversity.”

The Blues are sitting pretty on top of the ladder despite starting the campaign with clashes against three finals contenders.

While they have not been defeated since Aberfeldie knocked them off in the 2018 decider, there is no room for complacency after a long lay-off.

“There were 10 new players in that team (on Saturday) who weren’t part of the premiership in 2019,” McGuane said.

“There’s been a couple of young players who have been exposed (to senior football).”

Keilor will face Avondale Heights away from home in Round 4.