Keilor Park president Michael Evans on his side’s first win of 2024
The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster ride for those involved with Keilor Park and Saturday’s win meant more than four points. They faced 33 players unavailable and a forfeit to get there.
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Their backs might be against the wall but club spirit is running deep at Keilor Park.
The Devils broke through for their first EDFL Division 1 win of the season on the weekend after what president Michael Evans describes as a “tough road”.
In the last 12 months, the club secured their spot in the second tier with an encouraging 2023 season before they were forced into a shock coaching change in December.
With 2022 premiership coach Paul Guicas unable to continue his role, Leigh Coles stepped into the job and has led in a season which has had more challenges than rewards.
Heading into Saturday’s game against Roxburgh Park, there were 33 players unavailable, meaning the Devils had to forfeit the reserves for the second time this season.
On Friday afternoon, Evans posted a video to the club’s social media pages urging supporters to rally behind the senior side.
The Devils went onto win 10.6 (66) to 6.9 (45).
“It was a terrific day, the boys really rose to the occasion,” Evans said.
“They just stuck to the process. A lot of the guys out are long-term injuries, we just haven’t had any luck. The other week one of our boys got diagnosed with a twisted bowel.
“We came out of the weekend’s game not too bad. Everyone here has stuck fat during a tough time.
“We had the good times of a premiership a couple of years ago, now we’re going through a tough time, but we’re sticking it out. We’ll keep working through this.”
Evans couldn’t have spoken more highly of the way the players handled themselves especially when Roxy challenged later.
Skipper Daylan Kempster’s experience shone through when his inexperienced teammates needed him most.
“When it looked like the game was getting away, we managed to regroup,” Evans said.
“It was a stressful game. We weren’t too far away in some games earlier in the year, it’s nice to get the reward we’ve been after.
“Now the belief is there, hopefully another one isn’t too far away.”
This weekend, the Devils will travel to take on Rupertswood.
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