EDFL: East Keilor’s Bruno Laguda signs VFL contract with Essendon

An East Keilor star has bounced back from a “bloody tough” road including two serious knee injuries to earn another VFL opportunity with Essendon.

One serious knee injury, let alone two is sometimes the catalyst for a footballer to give the game away.

Bruno Lugada is not one of those people.

When he collapsed to the turf after suffering a second torn ACL — both to his left knee —, the 25-year-old thought his time as a footballer may have been up.

But he received a massive surprise on Monday night when he was awarded a new VFL contract with Essendon for the remainder of the 2022 season.

He put pen to paper after playing in a practice match against Sydney at the weekend.

“(I) just want to say congrats to Bruno for playing his first game back,” a club official said in a video posted to social media.

“Unfortunately, you can't continue to be selected because you don’t have a VFL contract which is why you need to see “Richy” and get that signed tonight.”

Bruno Laguda in action for Essendon VFL in 2019.

Laguda was simply stunned.

He now has a chance to improve on the 15 games he has played for the club he has supported his entire life.

“I didn’t think I would get another chance — it’s been bloody tough,” he said.

“I played the practice match on Saturday and thought I was still a long way off. The club have been everything — especially the physios who have helped guide me through my rehab.

“Essendon could have easily given me the arse and pushed me out of the club but they continued to support me.

“It’s awesome to be given any opportunity.”

Laguda could line-up for the winless Bombers this weekend in their clash against Richmond on Saturday afternoon in what would complete a remarkable opportunity.

Or there is the prospect of further strengthening East Keilor’s line-up in the Essendon District league.

He played two games for the Cougars last year after making 11 appearances for now Premier Division rivals Essendon Doutta Stars in 2019.

The former Calder Cannons best and fairest said he would know whether he would don the sash again on Wednesday night.

“Anything will be f****** good,” he laughed.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there and play a game for points.”

Bruno Laguda has played 15 games for Essendon VFL in the past. Picture: Ian Currie

Despite getting through unscathed in Essendon’s trip to NSW last week, Laguda admitted there still would be some nerves ahead of this weekend.

“I think most of the nerves were killed off by playing on the weekend,” he said.

“But it’s obviously different going into a full blown game. It was good to travel with Essendon’s VFL side as well because it gave me a terrific insight into how they prepare.

“If I’m with East Keilor this weekend it will be good to run out with the boys who have keeped getting around me when I’ve been at training and supporting me.

“I’m just happy to be playing footy again.”

Throughout his journey to get back on the field, Laguda said he had been strongly supported by Essendon VFL captain Joe Atley.

“He’s been coming off his own injury issues and he’s helped me to keep a positive mindset,” he said.

“Joe’s an outstanding leader for a young group. I’m actually one of the older guys.”

Laguda isn’t the only East Keilor representative on Essendon’s VFL list with Lockie Rayner having played two games so far.

East Keilor will host Avondale Heights this weekend.