Shane Crawford wonders down to training in another boost for undefeated EDFL side East Keilor

A Brownlow medallist made an unexpected appearance at East Keilor training last week in another boost for the undefeated Essendon District Football League side.

Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford (centre) had a training run with Essendon District Football League side East Keilor last week.

IT was almost a silly ­question.

East Keilor coach David Battistella picked up the phone last Tuesday afternoon and was asked if he could give the green light for Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford to have a run with the Cougars at training that night.

It did not take long for the surprised coach to give his tick of approval.

“I was like, ‘Nah, that’s fine’,” Battistella said.

Crawford did attend, the training session coming as he prepares to return to the field for a one-off match for struggling South Australian club Aldinga Sharks this month.

“We had a pretty tough session and he was good,” Battistella said.

“He’s still pushing himself, which is amazing to see. He could probably stroll around but even your basic drill, he just pushes through. It was great. The boys loved it.”

The appearance was yet another boost for the Cougars, who have made a flying start to their 2014 campaign in the Essendon District Football League Division 2 competition.

East Keilor sits unbeaten in second spot on the ladder after Round 5 after knocking off Keilor Park by 54 points in its most recent outing on Saturday, 14.10 (94) to 5.10 (40).

“We’re playing some ­pretty good football,” Battistella said.

“We’re unfortunately still making numerous changes each week either on the basis of unavailability or ­injury, so that’s a bit ­disappointing.

“But the one difference from last year is numbers aren’t a concern.

“We’ve got players missing out when everyone’s up and running and our ressies haven’t lost a game as well.

“That was the No.1 thing in the off-season, to make sure our depth was much better and we definitely ­recruited some more senior, experienced people to compliment our young list and that all seems to have worked.”

In other Division 2 results on Saturday, Moonee Valley rebounded from a loss to Roxburgh Park by belting East Sunbury by 82 points, Roxburgh Park held on to top spot with a 33-point triumph over Coburg Districts and Jacana took down Burnside Heights by 73 points.