EDFL: Damien Cavka shines for Keilor Park against Taylors Lakes

A former AFL player moved forward for Keilor Park on Saturday to devastating effect while the Devils coach has labelled one player as having “hands of steel”.

Damien Cavka is giving Keilor Park more than it bargained for when he arrived at the club.

The former West Coast Eagle continued his good form with two goals in a 7.16 (58) to 8.9 (57) EDFL Division 2 win over Taylors Lakes on Saturday.

Despite missing round 2 through suspension, Devils coach Paul Guicas said he couldn’t be happier with one of his star recruits.

“I think he’s been pretty consistent to start the season,” he said.

“The beauty of Cav is that we’re able to move him around the ground and you know he can have an impact.

“We threw him forward this week to mix things up a little bit and then we moved him into the middle of the ground when we had to make moves to win the game.”

Keilor Park held on in a thriller. Photo: Facebook.

The “tough and hard” contest produced a grandstand finish with the two sides trading goals in the last five minutes.

The Devils push for the four points became much more difficult when defenders Brett Thomas and Matt Zammit were both concussed in a marking contest.

Both players were released from hospital on Saturday night.

“Taylors Lakes kicked a goal to put them in front but thankfully we didn’t drop our heads and fought back,” Guicas said.

“Both of those boys have been given the all clear now but we’ll make sure they’re right for our next game. We’re not scared to give them a little bit of extra time if they need it.

“I thought we could have put the game to bed a lot earlier, we missed a few shots we should have kicked. Once a couple of the boys missed it became contagious.

“It’s important to win these games against sides who are vying for a finals position as well.

“Taylors Lakes came out to play tough, hard footy because they were disappointed with how they played against Oak Park.”

Daylan Kempster starred for Keilor Park. Photo: Facebook.

Devils captain Daylan Kempster starred in his return and was named best on ground for his efforts.

He had not played since the Good Friday win over Coburg Districts.

“Daylan leads by example with the way he plays,” Guicas said.

“He’s got hands of steel, it’s very difficult for an opponent to try and mark over the top of him.”

Vincent Schiavello, Oscar Sasalu, Cameron Harris and Riley Bentley were also impressive for the Devils.

For Taylors Lakes, Tomi Ibarra, Josh Vassolo, Ben Norris, Brenden Lucas, Nicholas McIntosh and Jamie Bursic were all strong performers.

Both sides will now enjoy a week off due to the spilt round.