EDFL Division 2 grand final preview: Keilor Park v Oak Park
Keilor Park and Oak Park will meet in the EDFL Division 2 grand final on Saturday. Here’s the lowdown from the key players to the potential huge inclusion for one side.
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Two teams dreaming of fairytale finishes.
Keilor Park and Oak Park meet in the EDFL Division 2 grand final on Saturday both hoping to once again reach the top of the mountain.
The Devils and Kangaroos have both endured struggles in previous years and they have been well documented.
The Devils went into recess and fought to rebuild from the ground up.
After being relegated from Division 1, the Kangaroos put a plan in place to return the club to their glory days.
Paul Guicas’ Keilor Park are heavy favourites having accounted for Todd Clark’s side in the previous three meetings this season, including as recently as two weeks ago in the second semi-final.
Keilor Park hasn’t won a flag since 2001, Oak Park since 2009.
May the best team win.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Keilor Park, Paul Guicas: “I’ve got to take my hat off to everyone involved at the club who has helped get us into this position compared to where we were in 2019. Our reserves are in the grand final too which means it will be a special day. We’re in a great position, we’ve built a culture — and I know I talk about it a lot — where people want to come to training and be involved.
“The first 10 to 15 minutes will be hot, the team that usually settle first can get a leg up. Our key indicators, the spoils, tackles, smothers and defensive intent will tell us where we’re at. If they’re up we’ll give ourselves a good shot. We’ve got a lot of experience in our side and that’s going to be critical. Coming back at three-quarter-time in the second semi has given us a lot of confidence. We’re prepared for anything.”
Oak Park, Todd Clark: “There’s lots of excitement around the club with all three sides in grand finals. We’ve seen better results against Keilor Park the last few times we’ve played them so we believe in what we’ve been doing. They’ve obviously got some quality players and we will need to negate them.
“They play a really tight zone and press up really well which is why team’s have struggled to score against them. If we’re able to work our way throughout that it’s only going to give us more of a chance. I want the boys to go out there and enjoy the moment. We all play footy because we enjoy it and success would be fantastic.”
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Robbie Castello, Keilor Park
What a special day it could be for the former VFL star. Returned to his junior club at the star of the season and shapes as important in the Devils’ pursuit of a fairytale finish. Has the class to dominant the contest in the middle of the ground but also drift forward and snag a goal. Has 36 goals for the season, but only three have come against the Kangaroos.
Damien Cavka, Keilor Park
Not to be overshadowed by Castello, the former West Coast Eagle lit up the second semi-final with four goals and has the potential to do it again. Far too good for this level and you’d expect him to standout in the decider.
Bradley Cox, Oak Park
One of the most consistent players in the Oak Park line-up. Has enjoyed playing against the Devils this season with two mentions in the best.
Daylan Kempster, Keilor Park
The Devils' co-captain has been brilliant this season and despite playing just 12 out of 17 games so far you’d expect him to poll well in the best and fairest.
Ryan Smith, Oak Park
Can he finish a brilliant back half of the season with the ultimate prize? Since the halfway mark of the Division 2 season, Smith has been as good as anyone for the Kangaroos and could take home the best on ground medal if his side prevails.
Jedd Taylor, Oak Park
The hero of the preliminary final. Taylor has proven he is a performer on the big stage already this season. His midfield class will have the Devils on high alert.
THE X-FACTORS
Vincent Schiavello, Keilor Park
While his teammates in the above list might get more of the plaudits, Schiavello’s impact on this side can’t be undersold. He’s the general in defence and will ensure all 18 players on the field are doing their job.
Anthony De Lorenzi, Oak Park
One of the bright young stars of the EDFL competition. There’s something about a young gun making a name for themselves on the big stage we like, De Lorenzi could be that man in 2022.
TEAM NEWS
Keilor Park
Adam Harris, Ben Chisholm and Tyler Killick were all named in a 25-man squad after not playing in the second semi-final. After a thrilling win in the second semi-final it’s hard to see where changes are made. We might not know until the reserves grand final gets underway where Keilor Park will also play.
Oak Park
When the team news dropped on Friday morning, Blair Cronin, Dale Powell and Jesse Hotchkin were added to a 25-man squad for the Roos. It would be a major shock if Cronin, the club’s leading goalkicker, is not selected despite not having played since the home-and-away season but it will depend on his fitness. Hotchkin and Powell both missed the preliminary final but could be set to return. Heartbreak could be on the way for some players but there is the consolation of a place in the reserves grand final.
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