EDFL scores: Mick McGuane gives update on Keilor’s injury woes

The 2019 EDFL premier is sitting second on the ladder despite some big names missing games.

Spearhead Dean Galea is one of Keilor’s stars on the sidelines. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Defending premier Keilor prevailed in another tense Essendon District Football League contest on Saturday with a lengthy injury list testing its depth.

The Blues overcame a fast-finishing Aberfeldie in a re-match of the 2019 decider, winning by eight points, 14.15 (99) to 14.7 (91), to improve their Premier Division record to 4-1.

Keilor coach Mick McGuane. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Since its 38-point win over Strathmore on Good Friday, Keilor has defeated Greenvale, Pascoe Vale and Abers by a combined margin of 21 points and lost to Avondale Heights by four points.

Mick McGuane’s team dominated the first half at Joe Brown Oval on Saturday, logging 18 scores to eight, but only held a 25-point advantage at the main break.

The Blues led by 20 points at the final change before Aberfeldie threatened to steal a memorable victory with a four-goal-to-two last quarter.

“We just didn’t convert our opportunities as well as we would have liked, missed some easy shots on the run or set shots,” McGuane said.

“You’ve got to take those moments against good teams, but we were fortunate enough to hang on.

“We just can’t get through games at the moment with the full complement of 22.

“We’re having injuries within games, which is challenging for the players but also unsettling for the team balance.”

Ex-AFL player Patrick Veszpremi produced another eye-catching performance for the winners, earning a mention in the best for the third consecutive week.

He has proven a key addition after Keilor lost premiership trio Billy Iles (Central District, SANFL), Mason Thomas and Mitchell Rogerson (both work commitments), who were all important small defenders.

Veszpremi, who previously had stints with Pascoe Vale and Essendon Doutta Stars, has showcased his kicking ability in multiple roles for his new club.

“He’s playing well. He’s fitted in really well at the club,” McGuane said.

“He’s bringing some good ball use to the team and we’re playing him in a variety of roles, depending on who we play and what advantage we think we can get.”

But there is a question mark over Veszpremi’s availability for this weekend after he copped a “lower leg injury”, adding to the Blues’ injury woes.

“I’m not exactly sure of the extent of it,” McGuane said.

“We’ve got training tonight (Tuesday) and we’ll find out more when guys have attended their physio responsibilities.”

Keilor has been fielding a makeshift forward line with spearhead Dean Galea absent because of a quad injury after booting nine goals in the opening two rounds.

Matt Clark, recruit Owen King and Joel Sadler (suspended) have also been on the sidelines, forcing the emerging Harrison Bult and star utility Todd Stevenson to play more significant roles in attack.

Clark is a chance to face Maribyrnong Park on Saturday, while Galea could play against struggling Craigieburn the following week. McGuane said King was still about a month away.

“We think we’ve got great upside in (the forward line),” McGuane said.

“(Injuries) have given other young fellas an opportunity … and the reality is we’ve played I think you could say four really strong teams in the competition.

“To get across the line in those has been positive, but there’s clear upside to come with the personnel to come back into the team.”

Adam Dunkley, Brad Xavier, David Isbister, Jay White, Jesse Wallin, Riley Ham and Stevenson have also missed matches this season.

Seven Premier Division clubs are separated by one game after five rounds.