EDFL: Keilor Park overcomes Hadfield as Rhys Deacon kicks five
Keilor Park’s forward line is now even stronger as an off-season recruit made a stunning start to life at the club with five goals on debut.
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Keilor Park had been waiting a long time for Rhys Deacon’s debut — and it was well worth it.
Deacon and Devils captain Daylan Kempster finished with five goals apiece as Keilor Park romped to a big 17.17 (119) to 9.6 (60) win over Hadfield.
Remarkably, there was only a goal the difference at the final change before the visitors slammed on 11 goals to two in the final term with a strong breeze behind them.
It made up for a horror showing in front of goal in the first half where the Devils had led 2.12 to 2.3 at the main break.
Keilor Park coach Paul Guicas said his new forward had trained with the club throughout 2021 and work commitments in Western Australia combined with border restrictions had delayed his first game for the club.
Deacon did play five games for Mount Pleasant in the Heath District league last season kicking 25 goals.
He is also formerly of Taylors Lakes where he kicked 58 goals in 28 games.
“It’s great to have him out there playing footy,” Guicas said.
“Rhys has mates at the club and that’s how we managed to get him down. We’ve got him available for a block of games in the next few weeks then we will get him back again later in the season.
“We’re really pleased to have him in our side.”
On the back of his five goal performance, Kempster was named the best player on the ground for the Devils.
Bryce Whelan, Kris Thomas, Jake Napoli, Oscar Sasalu and Sam Pontin also performed strongly.
Guicas’ side came away with the four points despite missing key players including Damien Cavka and Dimitrios Guicas.
“We’re a pretty fit unit and that helped with the way we were able to finish the game,” Guicas said.
“It’s important we keep working hard because it’s a really even competition. We’ve got a tough game against Coburg Districts after the bye — they’re starting to find a bit of form.
“We can’t afford to look too far ahead.”
Hadfield will look to bounce back against Burnside Heights on June 18.
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