EDFL: Keilor remain second after big win over Maribyrnong Park
Keilor coach Mick McGuane has labelled 2022 as one of the “hardest” in his time as Blues coach opening up on the challenges facing the premiership contender.
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Mick McGuane is still trying to figure out how to get the best out of his Keilor players.
Sitting second on the ladder, the Blues are again in EDFL Premier Division premiership contention.
But the last three games — which have seen a draw, loss and win — have been anything but smooth.
“We haven’t played our best footy for large parts of the year,” he said.
“Hopefully that means there’s more upside to what we’ve seen. Is it because of the amount of players we’ve used? It’s something we’re trying to work out but a lot of other teams are still in the same boat.”
McGuane has been in charge at Joe Brown Oval since the start of the 2008 season and he believes this year has been one of the most difficult on record.
That’s despite the repeat interruptions of lockdowns in 2021.
“It’s definitely been one of the hardest,” the former Carlton and Collingwood player said when asked how this season compared to others.
“Speaking to other coaches across Melbourne, player retention has been one of the hardest things. Work has become a priority for some people because they might have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
“It’s difficult for everyone.
“Holidays, injuries and illness have all played a part in our season, You can’t blame people from wanting to step away sometimes after everything we’ve all been through.
“Premier Division footy isn’t the priority for some guys and you have to understand that.”
The Blues got their season back on track on Saturday with a 66-point win over Maribyrnong Park which was largely built on an “impressive” first half display according to McGuane.
Matt Clark kicked five goals to remain top of the competition’s goalkicking charts with 39 for the season while Nick O’Kearney dominated in the middle of the ground.
Christos Kosmas, Todd Stevenson, Joseph Ciranna and Campbell Gray also impressed.
“We were good early,” McGuane said.
“It’s not always easy playing against Marby Park because they’ve got some really talented players. It was just important to come away with the four points.”
Last weekend’s result left Keilor still half-a-game clear of Pascoe Vale and East Keilor who occupy third and fourth respectively.
Strathmore is a game further back after a three-match winning streak.
“Anyone of the top five can beat each other on their day,” McGuane said.
“You have to be wary of who you are playing every week. We’ve got a huge game against Aberfeldie on Saturday and they beat us convincingly earlier in the year.
“Strathmore is one of the form sides of the competition and are coming hard.
“It goes to show how tough it is.”
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