EDFL: Brett Pitts credits Hadfield’s growth in Division 2 win over Keilor Park

Hadfield coach Brett Pitts said his side has “grown” since last year in one key area as it turned party crasher against Keilor Park.

Hadfield is more than happy to be known as the Keilor Park party crashers.

On a day where the Devils celebrated the return of star Robbie Castello to the club, no one told the Hawks they were meant to play second fiddle in the opening round of the EDFL Division 2 season.

Instead, Hadfield’s own recruits led by big man Rhys Gleisner held on in a thrilling finish to escape with an 8.7 (55) to 6.17 (53) win.

Keilor Park kicked 2.9 in the final quarter.

But to Hadfield coach Brett Pitts, the last 30 minutes represented a major growth in his side’s development.

“If that game was last year I think we would love lost,” he said.

“We played in some close games against teams including Coburg Districts last year where we probably lost our way in those situations but on Saturday the boys kept really calm.

Hadfield coach Brett Pittswas pleased with his side’s attitude on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It was certainly stressful but the result showed just how much our boys have grown throughout pre-season as a group.

“Yes, Keilor Park had a lot of shots on goal but a lot of those were rushed from packages or wide set shots.

“We will get a lot of confidence from that result and now it’s about building our momentum from here.”

After returning to the club from Northern league club Macleod in the off-season, Gleisner gave Hawks fans a glimpse of what they can expect throughout the off-season in a dominant display.

The impact of Robbie Castello was limited by Hadfield. Picture: Hamish Blair

His importance to Pitts’ line-up is even more crucial with fellow big man Keegan Shrimpton still on the sidelines through injury.

“Rhys has been fantastic on and off the field,” Pitts said.

“He’s brought high standards back to the club and those have translated through the rest of our playing group.

“He was effectively another midfielder for us with the impact he was able to have for us around the ground. It was a terrific start to his season.”

Shane Lindsay has impressed since arriving at Hadfield. Picture: Hamish Blair

Fellow recruits Shane Lindsay and Josh Marino were also impressive as the pair won praise from Pitts for their performances.

Ben Pretty, Tom McIntosh, Andrew Trende and Jacob McKerchar were also named among the better players.

Meanwhile, Heath McKerchar finished the afternoon with three goals.

“Lindsay and Josh have fitted in like a glove,” Pitts said.

“They both showed really good form in the practice matches and were able to bring that into the opening round which was really pleasing.

“To have two guys like that walk through your door in their early 20s means we’ve only got some players for the next few years.”

For the Devils, Cameron Harris, Hayden McLardy, James Mifsud and Joshua Bistisi-Nguyen were named among the better players.

They’ll look to bounce back against Coburg Districts on Good Friday.

Hadfield will play their first home game of the season against Burnside Heights on Saturday.

In another Division 2 matches, Oak Park (62) held on to beat Burnside Heights (52), Coburg Districts (75) won their first round 1 game in several years over Taylors Lakes (64) and Northern Saints (226) were far too good for Jacana (34).

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