EDFL: Damien Cavka joins Corey Ellis and Stefan Radovanovic at Keilor

Another ex-AFL player has returned to Keilor as the Blues prepare for a “passing of the baton” in 2023. Here’s why.

Oak ParkÕs Cameron Milich and Keilor ParkÕs Damien Cavka during the EDFL Division 2 Grand Final between Keilor Park and Oak Park in Essendon, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Keilor’s recruiting haul is all down to luck and timing according to coach Mick McGuane.

The Blues have continued their impressive start to the Essendon District Football League off-season after confirming former AFL player Damien Cavka would return to the club for next season.

Cavka’s signature is just the latest in a series of big moves for McGuane’s side who will be boosted by the returns of Corey Ellis and Stefan Radovanovic from VFL footy on a full-time basis.

Former West Coast Eagle Cavka makes the move just up the road to Joe Brown Oval after helping lift Keilor Park to a drought breaking Division 2 premiership this season.

McGuane labelled the decision to welcome the trio back into the fold as a “no-brainer”.

“Sometimes you’re lucky when it comes to timing and this is what has happened with these three players,” he said.

“Damien will add some important depth into our midfield. He wanted to go and play with the best man in his wedding at Keilor Park and they were fortunate enough to win a premiership.

Damien Cavka is returning to Keilor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“He’s got family reasons for being back with us, now he’ll get to play with his brother in law.

“Three former juniors coming back is a great sign for the club. Ten years ago, I remember watching an under 16 grand final and that side had Corey Ellis, Paul Ahern, Jay White, Jayden Laverde and Nick O’Kearney to name a few.

“We said then if we can retain most of that group, our senior side will be in a good place for years to come. Some guys have gone away, others are still in the AFL system. But it’s amazing when you look back on it.”

McGuane believes Cavka’s arrival is part of a “passing of the baton” with Keilor’s line up set to have a very different look next season.

Opportunities will be up for grabs for younger players stepping up from the under 18s with a number of key departures.

Kane Barbuto. Picture: Jamie Morey

David Gourdis, Dean Galea, Jesse Wallin and Todd Stevenson have all moved on while Luke Cartelli has retired.

“This team belongs to our younger generation now, they’ve got an opportunity to shape the future,” McGuane said.

“We think there is a lot of special talent in the 20 to 23 age bracket. Matt Clark and Kyle Connor finished equal second in our best-and-fairest this year. Brad Xavier is evolving into one of the top defenders in the competition.

“Then we’ll add Brett Stillman and Kane Barbuto back into the mix after injuries and work meant we didn’t have them as much last season. They’ll basically be two new recruits for us and they’re among the best inside midfielders in the competition.

“Riley Ham is coming back after a year off as well so there is going to be a baton change.”

Keilor’s 2022 season came to an end at the hands of Pascoe Vale in the elimination final.