Keilor records statement win over Pascoe Vale

Keilor demonstrated why it is the clear Essendon District league premiership favourite with a big win over Pascoe Vale with one area standing out to coach Mick McGuane.

Keilor’s win victory over Pascoe Vale was as impressive as they come.

A 59-point margin that moved the Blues two games clear at the top of the ladder.

But according to their coach Mick McGuane, one area stood out above all else — the team defence.

The EDFL Premier Division ladder leader, who now sit two games clear, held the Panthers to just 41 points.

Before the weekend, Pascoe Vale had been averaging over 100 points a game.

Meanwhile, Keilor’s defence has now conceded under 50 points a week.

“Holding them to 41 points was a real highlight,” McGuane said.

“We want to be an attractive team to watch play footy, which we are, but it’s also about getting the balance between attack and defence right which I thought we were able to do.

“After a titanic struggle in the first 15 minutes of the game, where the opposition’s pressure was terrific, we were able to get a circuit breaker from a nice goal from Corey Ellis.

“Then the next eight to 10 minutes were pivotal for the rest of the game because we were able to slam on six goals.”

Kyle O’Connor was named best afield for the Blues as Harrison Kennedy, Nathan Colenso and Ellis led the way on the scoreboard with two goals apiece.

Joel Sadler, Billy Johnson and Riley Ham were also impressive.

But McGuane sung the praises of Kane Barbuto who has returned to the Blues’ line-up on a regular basis this season.

“He’s such a fantastic role model, a real leader of men,” he said.

“He’s played a different role this year and we’ve been morphing him into more midfield time ahead of the back half of the year. We’ll see him more around the contest in the coming weeks.

“Brett Stillman and Damien Cavka didn’t play so we’ve still got some guys to come back.”

After falling in the first week of finals last season, McGuane’s playing list underwent somewhat of a restructure in the off-season.

He said his side’s unbeaten run was “bearing the fruits” of a tough pre-season.

“Our coaching staff was able to convey the message of how we wanted to play across to the group and they’re now executing,” he said.

“The club is in really good shape at the moment, the reserves are playing good footy and the under-18s are always learning.

“Some of the young guys who have been given senior opportunities, Ben Mazziol, Billy Johnson, just to name a few are showing us what they can do. The more games they play, the better they’ll be.

“We want our players to be instinctive. Sometimes I think coaches can go away from their players strengths and focus on what they can’t do.

“We want to focus on what they’re good at.”

Keilor will next welcome Airport West to Joe Brown Oval on Saturday afternoon.