Strathmore moves into the top four after beating East Keilor

Reigning EDFL premier Strathmore flexed its muscle against East Keilor on Saturday but there’s still plenty of room for growth according to coach Marty Allison.

Strathmore needed to respond and it did in the best possible way.

After being brushed aside by Keilor in its last game a fortnight ago, the reigning premier responded in style with a 15.19 (109) to 13.8 (86) victory over East Keilor on Saturday.

It was the first time the Mores have beaten a team above them on the ladder.

And it couldn’t have come at the perfect time with the win moving the EDFL powerhouse back into the Premier Division top-four, clear of Greenvale on percentage.

Coach Marty Allison said he was pleased to have also closed the gap on the Cougars to one game.

Strathmore coach Marty Allison addresses his players. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“As the scoreboard suggests, we had a bit of ball in our forward half but just weren’t able to convert,” Allison said.

“The pleasing thing was we were able to bounce back after a really difficult game against Keilor. We took the lessons from that game and were able to implement it against East Keilor, it’s what we aim to do every week.

“We moved the ball pretty well and there were moments where we constructed good opportunities inside forward 50 by leaving it open.

“In defence, I thought we were pretty solid as well. When you get a response you’re always happy as a coach.”

Lachie Johnson returned from injury. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Tom Condon, who returned to the club at the start of the season, maintained his lead at the top of the goalkicking charts with an equal game-high four goals as Chris Stewart also booted four for East Keilor.

The evergreen Adam Iacobucci was best afield while Daniel Mammoliti, Mitch Purcell, Xavier Allison and Andrew Vavra also impressed.

“Tom has been great since coming back to the club, getting juniors back is always important,” Allison said.

“I thought Liam Cavanagh had a strong game down back as well, controlling the tempo down there for us.”

In a case of almost perfect timing, the Mores welcomed back three key players — Andrew Gallucci, Athan Tsialtas and Lachie Johnson — back from injury.

The trio hadn’t played since the King’s Birthday long weekend game against Aberfeldie.

Strathmore moved back into the top-four. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“They were all welcome inclusions,” Allison said.

“We’ve had season ending injuries to Floyd Bollinghaus, Tom Denning and Sean Callender, so it’s been difficult on that front. But the beauty of it is we’ve been able to give opportunities to younger guys.

“We’ve used 43 players this season with eight debutants from the club’s junior program. It’s something we take immense pride in.

“I’ve really enjoyed coaching this group, I’ve got great support around me.”

Strathmore will start its final month of the home-and-away season with a game against Avondale Heights away from home this weekend.

They’ll then face Pascoe Vale, Aberfeldie and Maribyrnong Park.

“It’s challenging but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Allison said.

“There’s no better way of testing yourself if you’re going to play finals.”