EDFL: Greenvale unearths teenage gun in win over East Keilor

A Greenvale small forward showed off his potential while a Jets gun rediscovered his best as he aims to put an injury hit 2023 behind him as their side recorded a thrilling win over East Keilor.

Greenvale players celebrate a goal against East Keilor. Photo: Greenvale FC/Facebook.

There’s plenty of reason to be excited about Greenvale.

After a “disappointing” round one loss to Avondale Heights, the Jets have now won back-to-back EDFL Premier Division games and are starting to look more like the side who finished fifth last season.

The latest was a thrilling 16.14 (110) to 17.7 (109) win over East Keilor with the Jets kicking the last three scores of the game to snatch the four points at Overland Reserve.

Greenvale coach Darren Bewick was pleased with the attitude his players showed in the final quarter.

“We didn’t panic, stuck to the process, even when they hit the front,” he said.

“We had led for most of the day and then they got on a roll about halfway through the last quarter with a few goals and we had to wrestle momentum back.

“Really happy with how we responded.”

Jets young gun Callum Di Pietro caught the eye in just his sixth game of senior footy with three goals — a team high alongside Ben Speight.

The small forward has locked down a place in the Jets attack to start the season after making his debut in 2023.

“He’s a hard working small, he’s worked hard for his opportunity,” Bewick said.

“He’s getting a great education from guys like Ben, who has been at AFL level, Ben Bath and Josh Porter. Cal is a very coachable player and he’s learning quickly.

“Some of those things you get away with at under-18 level, he’s not getting to do at senior level. He’s only 18 and was rewarded with goals after some great efforts on the weekend.”

Greenvale players celebrate on the siren. Photo: Greenvale FC/Facebook.

In a further boost for Bewick, Ryan Townsend appears to be quickly discovering his best after an injury interrupted 2023 season.

The midfielder was limited to just four senior games last season after battling back injuries and on Saturday was named the best player on the ground for his side.

“He’s a really important player for us,” he said.

“It’s a real credit to Ryan for the way he managed himself throughout pre-season to give him an opportunity to play his best footy.

“The more games and continuity he games, the better he will be in the long run.”

Bewick also credited his several recruits for making an early season impact on the club’s younger players.

“Ray Murphy has come in from Deniliquin and been important. Will Madden has come across from Essendon VFL and has really added to our midfield group,” he said.

“Baker Smith is at Port Melbourne in the VFL and has played the last couple of games with us.

“These guys have come in and embraced what we’re trying to do as a club. We’ve built some nice momentum in the last couple of weeks.”

Greenvale will next host premiership favourites Keilor.

Meanwhile, East Keilor will chase its first win against Avondale Heights.