EDFL: East Keilor overcomes Essendon Doutta Stars in Tim Bongetti’s debut

East Keilor coach Tim Bongetti made “three big moves” to lead his side to a round one win as he explained the “unbelievable” partnership between a ruckman and midfielder.

When Tim Bongetti took on the player-coach role at East Keilor he thought he would be watching the big moves unfold around him.

But on Saturday, he was making the moves from the coaches box as the Cougars got their EDFL Premier Division season off to the perfect start with a 10.13 (73) to 9.4 (58) win over Essendon Doutta Stars.

A lower leg injury forced Bongetti in the first quarter forced onto the sidelines as he lived through the “rollercoaster moments” of his side’s come from behind win.

A six-goal to two final term was enough to see East Keilor across the line by 15 points.

But Bongetti pinpointed three key moves by he and assistant coach Euan Jackson which helped to turn the side in his side’s favour.

Brandon Coletta was swung forward after taking “about 10 marks” in defence in the first half as Doutta Stars put the Cougars back six under immense pressure.

Meanwhile, Andrew Tashevski-Beckwith was shifted into the middle of the ground as Lachie Rayner was sent into defence to limit the influence of Karl Brown, who finished the day with four goals.

“The intensity of being in the box was something I hadn’t planned for,” Bongetti joked on Sunday morning.

“There were times where Euan and I just looked at each other and said we needed to relax and trust the moves we had made. Fortunately for us, that trio of guys did a terrific job especially in the last quarter. They were the three big moves which helped us win the game

EDFL footy Tullamarine v East Keilor

“The boys showed unbelievable resilience to get the job done. We hadn’t kicked straight all day but then it all snowballed it the last.

“The club put on a great day off the field and it was our job to provide the entertainment on it which we were able to do in the last quarter.”

Victor Micallef was named as the best player on the ground after a dominant display in the midfield.

Bongetti said his partnership with dominant ruckman Chris Stewart set them apart on the day.

“The understanding they have of one another is unbelievable,” he said.

“Even when you’re on their team it can be difficult to understand just how they’re able to do it. Victor and Andrew’s inside grunt really helped us win the ball on the outside.

“Then we were fortunate enough to have the poise to finish on the outside once we had broken away from the contest.”

Victor Micallef (centre) was named the best player on the ground for East Keilor. Picture: Hamish Blair

Bongetti said he came off the ground early in the contest given it was “only Round 1”.

“I didn’t want to do any significant damage then miss a lot more footy,” he said.

The Cougars will now look to make it two wins from two when they take on Pascoe Vale.

“Our challenge is backing up every week now,” he said.

“There’s no easy games in Premier Division footy and it just won’t happen for us.

“We need to be close to our best every week.”

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