EDFL: Essendon Doutta Stars get second win of the season over Glenroy

With key players and the coach missing, Essendon Doutta Stars scored a possible season defining win over Glenroy with two “premium” players of the EDFL stealing the show.

Essendon Doutta Stars knows it finds itself in a challenging position — but it’s embracing the tough road ahead.

Now there’s every reason to believe Saturday’s 11.10 (76) to 9.12 (66) win over Glenroy could be the spark the Stars needed to really kick start their season.

It was a win which came with several challenges including the absence of coach Paul Barnard through illness and key players missing through injury.

But after emerging from Sewell Reserve with its second win of 2022, Essendon Doutta Stars find themselves two games clear of last placed Avondale Heights on the EDFL Premier Division ladder.

Glenroy remains a game clear in the race to avoid relegation.

Despite not being in attendance, Barnard was able to watch the clash and highlighted the importance of the four points.

“The assistant coaches and players rallied together to come away with a huge win,” he said.

“Kudos has to go to the group for how they played, it shows why we have so much trust in our system.

“It doesn’t matter who is there, we know what we need to do and the boys were able to deliver that.

“I’m looking forward to getting around them later in the week.”

Karl Brown celebrates one of his four goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Karl Brown continued his outstanding with four goals to take him to 22 for the season — one behind competition leader Matthew Clark from Keilor.

Declan Tully and Jarrod Stokes were the only other multiple goal scorers with two apiece.

Adam Del Busso, Tom Bracher and Judd Brewster kicked two each for Glenroy.

“Karl is a premium player in this competition and is having a terrific season,” Barnard said.

“I thought he had a quiet first half yesterday but really came into the game when we needed him. He’s often playing with two or three against him when defenders come across.

“He’s outstanding.”

Essendon Doutta Stars’ Andre Srour. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Key defender Dalton Comito also enjoyed a strong return to form with a best on ground display.

Noah Smallacombe, Campbell Wearne, Aydin Kesici and John Roumeliotis were also among Doutta Stars best.

“Dalton had his colours lowered a little in the previous two games against Keilor and Strathmore and he would have been disappointed with that because he’s hard on himself,” Barnard said.

“But it was good to see him bounce back and play an important role for us.

“He’s another one of our guys who is a premium player.”

Glenroy’s Judd Brewster after the final siren. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Doutta Stars now face a big clash with Maribyrnong Park at home next weekend.

“Hopefully we can get a few back,” Barnard said.

“They’re a classy outfit so we’re going to have our work cut out for us.”

Brewster, Jake Young, Eamonn McCuskey, James Bennie, Jacob Grigg and Joel Grace all battled hard for Glenroy.

They’ll next face East Keilor away from home.