EDFL: Craigieburn finds its feet with new look side

Craigieburn has won two close games on the trot and coach Shane Jacobs has declared there’s more to come from his side. Here’s why there’s so much excitement.

Sam Laffan celebrated his 250th game.

Craigieburn holds a 2-1 record after its first three games and coach Shane Jacobs is comfortable with the position his side sits in.

After dropping the season opener to fellow finals contender St Albans, the Eagles have gone onto pick up tight wins against Roxburgh Park and Moonee Valley by 10 and eight points respectively.

Many have tipped Jacobs’ side to be one of the big improvers in the Essendon District league second tier this season after an impressive recruiting spree during the off-season.

New faces have included former Bundoora skipper Luke Collins while several former players returned to the club included Dom Micallef.

“The club is a good place to be at the moment,” Jacob said.

“We’re still trying to find the right mix with the senior side which we know is going to take some time. There’s 10 new players in the senior side, it’s taken us a little bit longer than people might have though.

“We know there is a lot of upside to what we’re doing. The reserves and under-18s are both 3-0 to start the year which is really exciting.

“The 2s have struggled in the past couple of years and we had really wanted to go about creating depth and the club has invested a lot of time into developing the younger guys.

“There’s pressure on spots now which is really exciting for us moving forward.”

Dom Micallef celebrated his 150th game.

Craigieburn built the win against Moonee Valley on the back of a defensive game plan, winning 6.10 (46) to 5.8 (38).

Dayne Middleton was named best on ground while Jai Robinson, Luke Collins, Benjamin Fynch, Hayden Polley and Joshua Collins also impressed.

“We wanted to defend the ground well,” Jacob said.

“We felt against Roxy they were able to get through us too easily, so we made it a real point of emphasis at training during the week.

“There had been plenty of chances in front of goals, we just weren’t taking some of our opportunities.”

There was plenty of cause for celebration on the back of the win as Sammy Laffan played game 250 while Dom Micallef celebrated game 150.

“They’re good Craigieburn people,” Jacobs said.

“We wanted to get the win for them.”

The Eagles will now face another huge test against Oak Park who Jacobs described as one of the premiership favourites.

MAJOR CONCERNS FOR HILLSIDE

They were expected to be in the premiership conversation but Hillside has slipped to a 0-3 start after losses to fellow contenders Oak Park, West Coburg and St Albans to start the season. The last came on Anzac Day against the Saints after being outclassed by 46 points. Mason Dipetta lit up the clash as new Sharks coach Mo Kaakour looks for answers. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend against an Avondale Heights side who have made a brilliant start to the season.

HEIGHTS CONTINUE TO FIRE

Speaking of Heights, they bounced back from their round2 loss against Oak Park with a convincing 59-point win over Taylors Lakes. Danko Bzenic starred with five goals as recruit Nathan Foster continued his impressive start to the season with four. Makuei Andrew also continues to impress in new colours.

NEW BURGER IMPRESSES

Mitchell Williams is proving to be a shrewd acquisition for West Coburg so far this season. He’s been named in the best the last two games including a stunning display in the big win over Roxburgh Park. Williams joined the club from Eastern league club Blackburn in the off-season. Jesse Martini booted five in the win.

ROOS BOUNCE

Oak Park picked up another win, accounting for Tullamarine by 36 points on Saturday. Rory MacGregor continued his nice form to be named best while Anthony Delorenzi booted five.