EDFL: Strathmore move into Premier Division top four
Strathmore’s “best footy” of the year has helped it move into the top four for the first time since early in the season with coach Matt Horne heaping praise on the opposition ruckman.
Essendon
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If there is one team EDFL Premier Division clubs want to avoid on the run home it’s Strathmore.
The powerhouse has won seven of its last eight matches to surge back into the top four and a top-two finish still isn’t out of the question.
Strathmore leapfrogged East Keilor, due to a superior percentage, on the back of a 17.16 (118) to 10.8 (68) win at Overland Reserve.
It followed a huge win against rivals Keilor two weeks earlier with a 133-point thumping of Glenroy in between.
Saturday’s win marked Strathmore’s seventh in their last eight games with only defeat coming in a thriller against Aberfeldie.
During this run, Strathmore coach Matt Horne had seen glimpses of his side’s best but it was there for all to see in the second and third terms against the Cougars.
In that period the visitors kicked 13 goals to four to blow the margin out to 70 points at the final change.
“Our second quarter was the best footy we’ve played this year,” Horne said.
“I thought we started the game well but just didn’t take our chances (Strathmore kicked 3.7 in the opening quarter). Our ball movement was really pleasing and it allowed guys like Kyle Weightman, who kicked four, to hit the scoreboard.
“To East Keilor’s credit they were able to control the game in the last quarter despite having a few injuries. That was probably the only disappointing thing on our part from the game.”
Horne credited his midfield including Will Jury and Adam Iacobucci for his side coming away with the four points.
Jury was named the best player on the ground for the Mores while Chris Stewart took those honours for East Keilor beating Andrew Vavra.
“I think Vavra was probably beaten for the first time this year,” Horne said.
“That’s not to say he didn’t keep battling away. I was proud of how boys adjusted to what they were presented with.
“Stewart is still arguably the most complete ruckman in the competition. Vavra and (Nick) Meese are dominant in the air but he carries that extra threat in front or behind the footy.
“After he started really well I thought Vavra worked well with (Tom) Denning and (Floyd) Bollinghaus to try and curb his influence.”
Andrew Gallucci, Cooper West, Daniel Mighell and Brendan Butler also impressed for Strathmore.
Horne also labelled Lachie Johnson’s two-goal performance as his “best game for the club”.
“All of our midfielders did a good job and were complimented by guys across the ground,” he said.
Strathmore next faces Pascoe Vale, who sits one game ahead in second place, as it looks to keep its hopes of a double chance alive.
“At least it’s all back on our terms now but we need to keep winning,” Horne said.
“That hasn’t changed over the last six or seven weeks. Pascoe Vale will be a massive challenge.
“They’re the best defensive team in terms of points against so we will have our work cut out for us.”
East Keilor will next travel to take on Maribyrnong Park in the second week of the split round.
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