EDFL: Strathmore overcomes Premier Division rival Keilor
A “better connection” between teammates is proving pivotal Strathmore in its push for finals footy after overcoming Keilor by 50 point as star ruckman Andrew Vavra put up massive numbers.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Strathmore knows its best is good enough.
It just needed it all to click and show on the scoreboard.
On Saturday, it did.
The Mores produced their best game of the season to score a stunning 16.14 (110) to 9.6 (60) win over fellow powerhouse Keilor at Joe Brown Oval.
The win saw Strathmore moved within a game of the top four after East Keilor went down to Pascoe Vale.
Mores coach Matt Horne said he felt his side had dominated games earlier in the season but ultimately weren’t able to put it on the scoreboard.
He said a better connection between his forwards and teammates could turn out to be what sparks his side’s push for a place in finals action.
“In reality, even throughout the week before we had the win, I thought if you actually looked at the games and how we’ve played we’ve actually dominated the game,” Horne said.
“We went to Aberfeldie by a point when I think we should have won the game. Then against Pascoe Vale we had more inside 50s but we just needed better connection inside 50.
“I don’t think our results have completely reflected the footy we’ve been playing. I think on the weekend we were able to use the ball well.
“Our pressure was as good as it has been all year and we are strong around the contests, which allowed us to get territory and from there we controlled the game.”
Strathmore’s midfield came out on top in a star studded battle with ruckman Andrew Vavra again proving to be a pivotal part of his side’s finals push.
Nick O’Brien made the most of his opportunities at Vavra’s feet in a best on ground display while Will Jury continued his fantastic form.
“I thought our midfield was dominant led by Vavra in the ruck,” Horne said.
“I haven’t had a look at the stats yet but I reckon he would have had more than 70 hit outs. We dominated clearance and those boys were able to give our forwards plenty of opportunities.”
Adam Iacobucci, Luke Jarrard and Daniel Mighell were also among Strathmore’s better players as it got redemption following a loss to Keilor on Good Friday.
Floyd Bollinghaus was also impressive up forward with four goals as Ben Holian kicked three of his own.
Strathmore’s next three weeks shape as season defining with games against Glenroy, East Keilor and Pascoe Vale to come.
And Horne is well aware his side can control their own destiny in 2022.
“We don‘t have to rely on other results which is a really good position to be in after we were 2-3,” he said.
“I think we’re building some good form. We’ve got really good availability at the moment in both are seniors and reserves.
“So we’re confident each week that we can put forward a pretty good showing.”
Matt Clark (five goals), Nick O’Kearney and Brad Xavier were named among Keilor’s best.
The Blues will look to bounce back against Maribyrnong Park next week.
Ranked: The ex-AFL players who lit up local footy this year
From the bush to the ‘burbs, former AFL players thrilled local football crowds across all corners of the state this year. We’ve named the best – and ranked the top 15. See who heads the list.
Every signing of the EDFL off-season
The EDFL off-season has only just started but some clubs have already well and truly started making moves for 2025. Keep up to date with every signing in our signing tracker.