Keilor aiming to upset Aberfeldie in do-or-die semi-final clash in EDFL Premier Division

ONE was expected to play ­finals this season, the other wasn’t, but only one will survive the first week at the pointy end of the Essendon District Football League Premier Division season this weekend.

ONE was expected to play ­finals this season, the other wasn’t, but only one will survive the first week at the pointy end of the Essendon District Football League Premier Division season this weekend.

Aberfeldie and Keilor will lock horns at Windy Hill on Sunday in a cutthroat clash as they search for a spot in a preliminary final.

Aberfeldie – who finished third on the ladder – heads into the match as favourite.

But Keilor – which has ­already proved the doubters wrong just to make finals – proved last weekend they can match it with the competition’s best, knocking off second-placed Avondale Heights by 13 points in the final round.

“We’re fairly confident. We’re in good form,” ­Aberfeldie coach Mal ­Michael said.

“But we will be coming up against a Mick McGuane-coached team so they’re going to be prepared and ready for us.

“We’ll need to make sure that we reciprocate that.”

The Abers themselves had a win to see out the ­regular season on Saturday, taking care of minor premier Strathmore by 16 points after scores had been level at three-quarter time.

A well-oiled forward line was key to Aberfeldie’s win the last time it met Keilor in Round 15, the Clifton Park locals posting a 58-point win on that occasion.

Michael is hoping his forwards can again have a good day out in this weekend’s final to give the side every chance to win.

“Our forwards were able to dominate because they had an understrength team on that particular day,” he said.

“I don’t think that will be the case this time.

“But I think the results this weekend have showed if the forwards can convert on the scoreboard and make the most of their opportunities it gives your team every opportunity to win.”

Keilor coach Mick McGuane admitted it would be a huge challenge for his side to take down an Aberfeldie outfit full of talent.

But the experienced coach said the Blues’ coaching group would do its best to come up with a winning formula this week.

“They’re a very good footy team as we know,” McGuane said. “It’s not going to be easy, we know that.”