EDFL scores: Keilor’s Patrick Veszpremi concussed in fiery EDFL clash

Strathmore and Keilor produced a top-quality EDFL encounter on Saturday, but the result was overshadowed by a third-quarter scuffle. SEE THE VIDEO.

Strathmore prevailed in a high-quality contest to regain top position on the ladder.

Keilor lost its second game of the campaign and sits second on percentage.

But the result of Saturday’s blockbuster Essendon District Football League Premier Division clash at Windy Hill was overshadowed by a fiery third-quarter melee.

Footage circulating online shows star Blues recruit Patrick Veszpremi charge to the Mores’ bench after being sent off under the blood rule.

The former AFL player delivered a forceful high blow to Matt Knight over the boundary line before Ben Holian remonstrated by striking Veszpremi twice to the head.

Players from both sides then arrived to join the push and shove, with Veszpremi and Holian quickly removed from the scuffle.

Strathmore is preparing for Holian, who is understood to have suffered a cut eye during the match, to be suspended.

Keilor committeeman Craig Hill said Veszpremi was taken to hospital with concussion in the third quarter and released on Sunday, though it is not known if he was concussed before he made his way to the opposition’s interchange.

Veszpremi received a red card and was reported after the incident.

An EDFL spokesman said it would not comment “until all incidents are properly investigated during the week”.

Leader Local Footy has confirmed Police are also investigating.

“Obviously it’s disappointing,” Strathmore president John Elliott said.

“You don’t like to see any incidents like that, but at this stage I’ll let the tribunal handle it.

“Ninety-five per cent of the game was played in really good spirits, as Keilor-Strathmore games are.”

Strathmore coach Matt Horne addresses his players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Strathmore claimed a 16-point victory, 17.10 (112) to 15.6 (96), securing a slice of revenge after its 38-point defeat to the 2019 premier on Good Friday.

Will Jury, Andrew Vavra and Brendan Butler (two goals) spearheaded the triumph, while Tom Denning and Athan Tsialtas contributed three goals apiece.

Luke Cartelli starred for Keilor with five majors, while Dean Galea kicked three.

Keilor star Luke Cartelli. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Mores went down to Aberfeldie by three points the previous week, which ended a seven-game winning run.

But they are well positioned after 10 rounds after back-to-back preliminary final losses in 2018 and 2019.

“It was one of the best games of football I’ve seen,” Elliott said.

“Abers beat us fair and square the week before and I think we beat Keilor fair and square.

“I honestly believe there’s nothing between the top-three sides.”

Elliott said the EDFL should stage more home-and-away fixtures at Windy Hill, which hosts the league’s showpiece matches in September.

“We should have more marquee games there,” he said.

“I was keen to give up my home ground and the income. Everyone needs to do that for the greater benefit of the game and for the game to grow.”