EDFL: Keilor Park claim Division 2 premiership

Keilor Park has completed a fairytale season with an EDFL premiership, its first in more than 20 years.

What a difference four years makes.

In 2018, Keilor Park went into recess unaware of what the future would hold.

On Saturday, the Devils claimed the EDFL Division 2 premiership and earn promotion to the competition’s second tier.

Despite a valiant effort from Oak Park, the Devils ran out 14.11 (95) to 10.4 (64) winners at Windy Hill.

Paul Guicas’ side didn’t drop a game after suffering a shock loss to Hadfield in the opening round.

Keilor Park players after the siren. Picture: Andy Brownbill

A eight-goal to one third quarter which saw the Devils kick away and storm home to the club’s first premiership since 2001.

Co-captain Daylan Kempster was named best on ground after a strong display up forward.

“I’ve never felt anything like the feeling on the siren,” Guicas said.

“We played some really good footy, especially in the third. You speak about perfect footy and that was it.

“To their credit, Oak Park kept fighting until the end. They’re a great club and well coached by Todd Clark.

“The last four years have been a massive challenge. There’s a lot of people who have worked hard to get us here.

Keilor Park’s Robert Castello after winning the EDFL Division 2 Grand Final. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“The rooms were amazing on Saturday night, so many people even past Keilor Park players.

“It all comes back to the culture we’ve built at this club.”

Kempster followed in the footsteps of his father who played in the Devils’ last premiership.

While he didn’t hit the scoreboard as he has done in other games this season his influence was pivotal.

Guicas described him as a “workhorse”.

“He set up our small forwards with his game,” he said.

“He competed all day and we couldn’t have asked for much more. Rhys Deacon got the rewards in terms of goals yesterday with six.

“He straightened us up. We moved the forward line around a little bit and it worked for us.”

Keilor ParkÕs Damien Cavka and Matthew Brown. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Damien Cavka produced a matchwinning third quarter with three straight goals after being moved to the half-forward flank.

Meanwhile Oscar Sasalu helped his side assert dominance in the ruck.

Now the challenge of Division 1 awaits for Guicas and his men.

“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” he said.

“A lot of our young guys still have plenty of development in them. Our core side will help us in good stead as well, I think we’ll be competitive.

“We’ll hopefully add four or five which will add some more depth.

“The main goal will be to survive.”

It was the perfect day for the Devils with the reserves also claiming the premiership over Oak Park.