Local footy: Greenvale and Keilor play out EDFL Premier Division draw
Greenvale coach Darren Bewick praised the development of his side following a draw with Keilor but his counterpart Mick McGuane was left frustrated. Here’s why.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Mixed emotions is the best way to describe Darren Bewick’s feelings about Greenvale’s draw with Keilor.
But the Jets coach says the positives outweigh the negatives following Saturday’s game which finished at 63 apiece.
Greenvale missed opportunities after kicking 9.9 but it would be Keilor who are more disappointed with its efforts in front of goal after finishing the afternoon 8.15.
But speaking on Sunday, Bewick said the performance showcased the development of his playing group.
“I’m really proud but you always think about the what ifs,” he said.
“I thought we competed really well for four quarters and got stuck in when the game was on the line. We stuck to what we’ve been working on and it helped us to stay in the game even when Keilor did have some ascendancy.”
Greenvale midfielder Chris Farchione was named the best player on the ground and for his efforts received the Leukaemia Foundation medal.
The game was played in honour of Vince and Jack DiGiantomasso.
Farchione spent time on Keilor gun Kyle O’Connor but was able to impact the game going forward for the Jets.
“He’s a great player to have on our side and is always willing to put the team first,” Bewick said.
“He negated O’Connor’s impact but importantly was able to hurt him the other way. Whenever he’s asked to play a role for us, you know he’s going to get it done.”
The return of footy after a week off for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend also worked in Keilor’s favour with star forward Dean Galea playing his first game since Good Friday.
He finished with one goal as Christos Kosmas led the way with three goals for the Blues.
Brett Stillman, Darcy Cassar, Jay White, Daniel Sargent and O’Connor were all among Keilor’s better players.
But in the end, Keilor coach Mick McGuane said he was disappointed in his side’s efforts in front of goal.
“I suppose when you look back at the game there were moments where we had great momentum in it. In the second and third quarters I thought we were starting to control the game,” he said in a video posted on the club’s social media pages.
“In terms of our efficiency in the forward line it wasn’t great but also our conversion was poor.
“Full credit when we did get that ascendancy in that period of the game I thought Greenvale showed great spirit and fight to get back and level the score.
“Disappointing but we will move onto next week.”
Greenvale mentor Bewick sung the praises of his defence who were still missing “two or three important defenders” after they limited Keilor to eight goals.
“I thought the Condo boys (Justin and Matt) were outstanding,” he said.
“(Aaron) Mansfield and (Nathan) Babic also played a role for us. Saturday will give us a lot of confidence.
“In the past few games. we’ve started to play how we want to for longer and hopefully that can continue.”
Keilor will host Strathmore in a huge clash next weekend while Greenvale travel to take on Glenroy.
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.