EDFL: Cam Wild stars in East Keilor debut against Essendon Doutta Stars

A mid-season East Keilor recruit who arrived at the Cougars through a relationship with an assistant coach has made a stunning start to life at the club. Here’s why.

When a quality player calls and says he wants to play for your club, you’re not going to say no.

It’s the case for East Keilor’s latest recruit Cam Wild.

The former SANFL and VFL player arrived at the Cougars last week after crossing from Whittlesea in the Northern league.

He had an immediate big impact on Saturday being named best afield in East Keilor’s 18.14 (122) to 13.6 (84) win over Essendon Doutta Stars.

Cougars coach Tim Bongetti said he was thrilled to add another “quality” footballer to the mix as his side maintained their position in the EDFL Premier Division top three.

“Cam made contact with us through my assistant coach Euan Jackson,” Bongetti said.

“They knew each other through their time in the VFL system and Cam said he wanted to come across so we got it sorted as quickly as possible.

Cam Wild was named best on ground in his first game for East Keilor. Photo: Facebook.

“We sat down and spoke and he was happy with the direction that our club was heading in and he wanted to be involved. It speaks a lot of how much we’ve improved when people want to be part of our journey.

“Another reason Cam wanted to come across was he wanted to play with someone he looked up to as a kid, Heath Shaw.”

Wild’s addition to the side was just the latest boost for the Cougars with Bruno Laguda impressing in his second game back in club colours.

Laguda recently made an emotional return to VFL level with Essendon after a second straight serious knee injury.

He was named in East Keilor’s better players alongside Nick Grabowski (who kicked six goals), Ben Caluzzi, Heath Shaw and Chris Stewart.

“Bruno’s third quarter definitely swung the game in our favour,” Bongetti said.

“Hands down he was the best player on the ground for those 30 minutes. It’s always fantastic when you see someone perform against their former club.

“Walking into Doutta Stars’ clubrooms and seeing his name on the honour boards showed the quality of player we’ve been fortunate enough to add to our list in the last couple of years.”

East Keilor’s Francesco Campisi.Picture: Stuart Milligan

Despite coming away with the four points, Bongetti admitted he wasn’t happy with the way his side finished the game.

Doutta Stars kicked 6.4 to 2.3 in the last quarter to close the margin to 38 points after East Keilor led by 63 points at the final change.

“I was hoping we would be able to kick away a little bit more,” he said.

“Percentage is just as important as wins at the moment and it could be crucial at the end of the season. We’ve got Pascoe Vale next and that’s shaping as a massive game.

Heath Shaw.Picture: Stuart Milligan

“They’re only a game behind us and our percentage is only about three per cent higher. A win would put us in a really good position to play finals and push for the top three.

“But a loss means we would have to dig deep and keep winning games.”

Michael Graham impressed for Doutta Stars with four goals while Sean McLaren and Dalton Comito battled hard.

They’ll now face ladder leader Aberfeldie.