EDFL Division 2: Keilor Park outclass Oak Park by 86 points
Keilor Park’s rapid improvement into premiership contenders is close to complete after a stunning 86-point win over Oak Park as coach Paul Guicas pinpointed the change in his side.
Essendon
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Keilor Park’s rapid improvement has claimed its biggest scalp.
The Devils didn’t just beat the previously undefeated Oak Park in a highly anticipated EDFL Division 2 clash — they brushed them aside.
On a day where “everything went (Keilor Park’s) way” according to coach Paul Guicas, the home side ran out 19.13 (127) to 6.5 (41) winners.
Guicas said the victory marked a moment where everything had finally come together for his side.
“A lot of the guys are still relatively new to each other, we introduced 11 new players from last year,” he said.
“It takes time for a group to gel but now we’re seeing the team are coming together because they’re more predictable to each other.
“Last year we won four games and we’ve already bettered that this season.
“The key for us on Saturday was playing a consistent four quarters, we had been playing for one, two, maybe three quarters.
“Our pressure was fantastic all day and it was fantastic to see the boys get the rewards.”
The result saw the Devils move to the top of the ladder on percentage with Hayden McLardy named the best player on the ground.
Jordan Filakis was dangerous inside forward 50 with four goals while Oscar Sasalu booted three.
“Hayden is the type of person we’re very lucky to have at our footy club,” Guicas said.
“He will do anything for his teammates to win the game and that’s the exact attitude which helped set the tone for the day.”
The Devils were able to hold Oak Park’s leading goalkicker Mitch Leathers goalless while Jedd Taylor and Travis Anderson who have also proven to be a handful in front of goal finished with one apiece.
Guicas gave credit to his half-forwards and midfield for the pressure they provided which helped lend a hand to the back six.
“We had a plan in place for Taylor because he’s dangerous when he drifts forward out of the middle,” Guicas said.
“Our fullback Jake Gatto went to him and I thought he did a good job.
“Cam Harris, who is one of the experienced guys we brought in from a Premier Division club, was also one of our better players when he spent time on (Blair) Cronin and Leathers.”
Ruckman Sam Pontin was also impressive for the Devils in his “workman like” display.
“He’s a player who works really hard at his craft,” Guicas said.
For the Roos, Taj McCartney was named best afield in just his second game of the year.
Anthony De Lorenzi, Brad Cox, Ryan Smith, Taylor Hotchkin and Daniel Brzezicki also battled hard.
“We’re expecting another good test against Oak Park later in the year,” Guicas said.
“They’re a very good side and they just had an off day.”
In other games, Coburg Districts (145) got back to winning ways against the Northern Saints (75) as Hadfield (163) beat Jacana (19).
Meanwhile, Burnside Heights came from 25 points down at three-quarter-time to draw with Taylors Lakes 56-apiece.
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