Local footy 2021: EDFL club Keilor signs Patrick Veszpremi

A second ex-AFL player has put pen to paper with 2019 premier Keilor in a significant boost for Mick McGuane’s side.

Patrick Veszpremi has joined Keilor. Picture: Josie Hayden

Keilor’s premiership defence has been boosted by the acquisition of former AFL player Patrick Veszpremi.

The 31-year-old was set to take the field for Hoppers Crossing in 2020 before he secured a clearance to Caroline Springs last month.

But Veszpremi ultimately received the green light to join the talent-laden Blues, who completed an undefeated season in Essendon District Football League Premier Division in 2020.

Veszpremi has previously had stints with Pascoe Vale and Essendon Doutta Stars in the top flight and was a member of Port Melbourne’s VFL squad in 2019.

He spent six years at the elite level, making 23 appearances for Sydney and the Western Bulldogs, and is set to be rolled out in his new club’s blockbuster season opener against Strathmore on Good Friday (April 2).

Keilor coach Mick McGuane said Veszpremi’s versatility proved appealing, adding the gun recruit would not be “pigeon-holed to one area”.

Keilor coach Mick McGuane. Picture: Jamie Morey

“He’s got some talent and can play in all areas, so you’ve got to plan pretty well for him,” McGuane said.

“He can influence in the front half, be strong around stoppages with his explosive breakaway speed providing he’s healthy and fit … he is a quality midfielder with his penetration and the way he kicks the footy.

“And down back he just knows how to get connected to the game out of the defensive 50 chain. If you give him the ball, he becomes a 70 or 80m player coming out of that area.”

McGuane said Veszpremi had impressed on the training track in recent weeks.

“He’s come back in reasonable nick and we think he’s got probably three or four really strong years left in his body,” he said.

“He’s been a bit of a footy journeyman I suppose … but I think it’s time for him to bed down a footy club that you can call home post his footy life, considering his AFL days are over.

Veszpremi is the second ex-AFL player to land at the Blues since the 2020 campaign was canned, with Reynolds medallist and former Richmond big man Andrew Browne returning to Joe Brown Oval.

Luke Cartelli, Paul Sahlberg, Adam Dunkley, Kyle O’Connor, Owen King and Darcy Cassar have also linked with the club since the end of 2019, giving McGuane plenty to ponder at the selection table.

Keilor has lost Damien Cavka (Deer Park) and Brock McGregor (Caroline Springs) to Western Region league clubs, while Zak Wunhym has crossed to Hillside.

McGuane said his senior squad was in good shape ahead of the new season.

“The playing group have been absolutely outstanding in their attitude to train and stay in a very healthy state when it comes to footy fitness,” he said.

“They’re a driven group, and I’m so proud to say that because it’s hard to get motivated not knowing whether or not we’re going to get a season underway (amid the coronavirus pandemic), the salary cap’s been cut in half.

“From our perspective, it hasn’t been a money-chasing exercise.

“To a man, they’ve committed to our club and want to be part of the journey again.

“It’s fantastic to see those who have committed want to stay the journey.”