EDFL: Maribyrnong Park win a Premier Division thriller against East Keilor
Maribyrnong Park has dealt East Keilor’s finals hopes a massive blow after coming out on top in a thriller with the Lions talking up their future hopes as the brother of a Carlton gun debuted.
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Maribyrnong Park believes the next few weeks will play a big role in the club’s future.
Sitting 7-7 after 14 games, finals remain a mathematical possibility but a lot would need to go right for the Lions in the last four games.
They sit three games behind fourth place Pascoe Vale following the EDFL Premier Division’s split round.
But they ensured they could play a big role in causing trouble for the five teams above them after shocking East Keilor 9.14 (68) to 9.10 (64) on Saturday at Monk Oval.
It was a result which left the Cougars a game and 23 per cent outside the top four.
Maribyrnong Park coach Brad Swain labelled his side’s last two games as “emphatic” following a run of three straight losses.
“We’ve got really good momentum at the club despite what the ladder says,” he said.
“We’re just stoked to have a full season of footy again. The boys have the right attitude to what’s ahead of them, they’ve got a great attitude to each other.
“Despite being almost no chance of playing finals we’re really happy with the momentum we’ve got. Our group is very talented and they know it’s going to take hard work to where they want to go.”
Swain pointed to the growth of a number of players this season as one of the reasons Lions supporters have plenty of reason to be excited heading into 2023.
One of those he spoke about was midfielder Kyle Baker who produced a best on ground display.
Tom Wyatt, Lachlan Melican and debutant Jordan Croft were also impressive.
“He’s (Baker) had enormous growth, he’s only 20,” Swain said.
“We’ve predominantly played him in the midfield this year and he’s been really good. It was one of those days where you needed to roll your sleeves up and he did that really well.
“I thought Darcy Griffin and Tom Baravi was just as crucial in the midfield. That group really stood up when they were asked. It was a tough contest all day.
“The footy spent a lot of time in the contest which is a real strength of East Keilor’s and we were able to manage that.
“Both of our games this year have been decided by under a goal so I think there’s a nice little rivalry building there.”
The Lions also unveiled Josh Cripps, the brother of Carlton star Patrick, who finished with a goal.
East Keilor coach Tim Bongetti booted three goals for the Cougars with Maribyrnong Park’s Scott Clarke doing a “terrific job” on him in the second half in particular.
Meanwhile, ruckman Chris Stewart was named the best player on the ground for the visitors.
*In the other two remaining games of the weekend, Keilor outclassed Avondale Heights 15.5 (95) to 11.10 (76) as Matt Clark finished with four goals.
Todd Stevenson and Campbell Gray were brilliant for Mick McGuane’s side who moved half-a-game clear in second place and remain in the box seat for the double chance.
Aberfeldie flexed its muscle against last placed Glenroy with a 96-point victory as former AFL forward Kyle Reimers booted eight goals for the ladder leader.
Reigning league best and fairest Nick Mees and Josh Foster were also among Abers’ best.
Hayden Clarke was named best for Glenroy.
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