EDFL: Robbie Castello kicks five in Keilor Park’s win over Coburg Districts

Robbie Castello has well and truly arrived back at Keilor Park after an impressive Good Friday display as the Devils sent a message to their EDFL Division 2 rivals.

He’s home.

Robbie Castello’s homecoming is in full effect after he produced a stunning display to lead Keilor Park to a 19.16 (130) to 11.15 (81) win over Coburg Districts on Good Friday.

The former Werribee VFL star finished with five goals in a best on ground display as the Devils bounced back from a shock defeat in the opening round.

Keilor Park coach Paul Guicas said he was happy to see Castello “sing the club song after all these years”.

“He’s an incredibly talented footballer who has had a stunning career,” he said.

“Robbie has come in and helped to set a terrific example for the younger guys in our group. We had nine different players in today’s team compared to the side who was beaten by Coburg Districts away from home by 102 points last season.

“The experienced heads we’ve brought in have made a massive difference.

“Robbie’s ability on the field is incredible, he’s extremely difficult to beat one-on-one and he definitely showed that today.”

After having his impact limited in round 1, Robbie Castello was back to his best. Picture: Hamish Blair

Dimitrios Guicas was equally as dangerous inside forward 50 as he finished with four majors as Nicholas Spano finished with three of his own.

Guicas hailed an “even team performance” with Riley Bentley, Daylan Kempster, Bryce Whelan and Mack Creevey the other standouts.

“Daylan was terrific across centre-half-back all day,” the senior coach said.

“Tristan Borg is another guy who has been really impressive in the first two games. He’s just 19 but he cracks in at every contest and attacks the ball really well.

“We’re still trying to build a culture in this playing group and you can see it coming together at the moment.

“Defensive intent was our focus for the day and I thought our tackle pressure was fantastic. It set the standard for where we want to be every week.”

Keilor Park coach Paul Guicas. Picture: Hamish Blair

After having two weeks to review what many considered to be a shock round one loss against Hadfield, Guicas said he was pleased to see his team get the reward after a “hard pre-season”.

“You have to be on your game every week,” he said.

“I think the first round loss might be good for us in the long run because it was an important lesson. We can’t be waiting until last quarters to try and win a game.

“The top four is going to be hotly contested in Division 2 and we want to be there.

“I think we got respect last year and now it’s about improving and playing finals footy.

“We’ve got the players to do it but now it’s about performing every week.”