EDFL: Keilor receive boosts from Jonathan Marsh, Stefan Radovanovic
Keilor’s hopes of back-to-back premierships have received a significant boost with a recently delisted AFL player returning to his junior club.
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Another ex-AFL player is back in Keilor colours.
The Blues have confirmed the return of Josh Honey to the club for the 2024 season after he was delisted by Carlton at the end of the most recent AFL season.
In a major boost for Mick McGuane’s side, Honey won’t have any VFL commitments either in a major boost to Keilor’s hopes of securing back-to-back premierships next season.
“Josh returns to his junior club after being drafted to Carlton in 2020 AFL Rookie Draft,” Keilor said in a social media post.
“He played 18 games and kicked six goals in his time in the AFL system, and we can’t wait to have this dynamic mid/forward back in our colours.
“Join us in welcoming Josh back to Keilor.”
Carlton called time on Honey’s AFL career alongside Lochie O’Brien and Sam Philp in late September.
“Josh and Sam’s capacity to keep fronting up in the midst of adversity throughout their four seasons at the club is a great testament to their resilience, which was certainly appreciated by their teammates, coaches and entire football department,” Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said at the time.
EARLIER
Don’t expect too much change from Keilor in season 2024.
The reigning EDFL premier has managed to retain most of its playing list for next season with key forward Matt Clark (Tyabb) the only departure.
They’ll also welcome Stefan Radovanovic back into the fold after he named the Blues as his home club as he trains with VFL club Werribee throughout pre-season.
Ruckman Jonathan Marsh has also made the decision to remain at Keilor full-time, putting aside any VFL commitments.
“The retention of premiership players was one of the key goals for us in the off-season,” Blues coach Mick McGuane said.
“When you have success, clubs throw white knight offers to your players. And it goes to show we’ve got great people our at club when they want to play here still.
“Sometimes you can bake the cake and add some icing to it but as a club we’re going to continue promoting from within.”
Radovanovic is a 2019 premiership player with the Blues and was once touted as a possible AFL Draft prospect.
After sitting out the 2023 season, McGuane believes he could be set for a big season.
“He’s got that hunger back and is determined to have an impact at whatever level he plays,” he said.
“When he is available for us, he’s going to be a big inclusion, we all know how much of a talented player he is.”
McGuane said the Blues had already enjoyed a strong return to pre-season with almost 100 players on the track.
“We’ve got strong numbers through the senior and reserve grades,” he said.
“We’ve pushed a few guys into the VFL system if they want to test themselves. Then we’ve got 19 of our under-18s training across the Calder Cannons and Western Jets programs.
“It speaks a lot about the structure we’ve managed to build at the club and about developing our people.”
Keilor will kick off its season with a grand final rematch against Strathmore on Good Friday, March 29.
They’ll then take on newly promoted Deer Park in round 1.
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