EDFL Premier Division: Glenroy gets its first win over Avondale Heights

Glenroy has landed one of the first blows in a bid to avoid relegation from the EDFL’s Premier Division in a big win as an Essendon VFL young gun showed his worth.

Just six games might have been played of the Essendon District league season, but Glenroy’s first win of the season was “critical” according to coach Ross Terranova.

The Roys gave themselves the edge in the race to avoid relegation with a 11.16 (82) to 7.11 (53) win over Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve.

The result leaves Heights as the only winless team after six rounds.

Meanwhile, Glenroy and Essendon Doutta Stars have one win apiece.

“It was a critical game for both sides,” Terranova said on Sunday.

“We’ve been in games but then we’ve been undone by undisciplined acts or lapses in concentration. You can’t afford to have lapses in Premier Division because sides will punish you.

“I questioned the boys character at three-quarter-time because we weren’t happy with how we let Heights back into the game but thankfully we got a positive response.

“They got back to within seven points but we stayed composed and were able to kick a steadier.”

Daniel Ferraro was among his side’s better players. Picture: Hamish Blair

Across the ground, the Roys have several new faces in their side this season including Maclayn Hallows, who is on Essendon’s VFL list.

He produced his strongest performance of the season on Saturday in a best on ground display since arriving from the Ovens and Murray league.

“He was really influential across halfback,” Terranova said.

“We were able to get some real drive out of the back half through Macca’s ball use.”

Josh Ksiazek, Hayden Clarke, Blake Taylor and Daniel Ferraro were also impressive in their side’s win.

Meanwhile, Judd Brewster and Aaron Kite finished with three goals apiece.

Logan Berryman, another recruit from one of country footy’s strongest competitions, was Glenroy’s only other multiple goalkicker with two.

“I thought Brewster and Kite provided us with good targets,” Terranova said.

“It’s a bit hard at the moment because we’re still missing some quality players. They’ll give us another boost when they come back into the side.”

Glenroy’s Eamonn McCuskey. Picture: Hamish Blair

With his side’s first win now on the board, Terranova said he hoped belief can continuing growing among the playing group.

“We want to be executing our game plan and play consistent footy across four quarters,” he said.

“We know we can get a result because our best is good enough.

“But you can’t afford to take any sides lightly.”

Glenroy faces a huge test against Keilor on Saturday while Avondale Heights travels to East Keilor.