EFNL 2024: Kilsyth wins thriller, Justin Van Unen dealt injury concern

Kilsyth faces a nervous wait following its one-point win over a flag rival, with a star recruit dealt an injury concern early in the match. Latest here.

Kilsyth unveiled a string of new names on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

KILSYTH has pipped a potential flag rival to open its account for 2024 – but the win may have come at a cost with an injury concern to the club’s highest profile recruit.

The Cougars nosed out Chirnside Park 8.10 (58) to 8.9 (57) at Pinks Reserve in the Eastern league’s Division 4 on Saturday, following their 2023 grand final loss.

But they had to do it without gun forward recruit Justin Van Unen, who left the field early in the second quarter with a knee concern.

Kilsyth senior coach Simon Caldwell remained hopeful the former ‘The Recruit’ star’s injury would be short-term, but the club faced a nervous wait.

“He’s going to go and see someone and get a referral, but we feel it’s more an impact injury,” Caldwell said.

“It bruised up and went big really early – he was in a lot of pain.

“We’re hopeful it could be something minor and not long-term.”

The Cougars and Panthers traded goals in a frantic final term after the hosts led by nine points at three-quarter time.

A late behind to Daniel Ivanovic edged Kilsyth ahead with the scores locked into time-on.

“They (Chirnside Park) probably had momentum in the last 10 minutes of the game,” Caldwell said.

“Daniel Ivanovic took a really good mark late in the game, kicked a point (to put us in front) and we put one behind the footy for the last bit.

“It was pretty physical and defensively-minded.

“I spoke to the boys at the end … we didn’t kick too straight early on and we missed some ones that should’ve been gettable, then they (Chirnside Park) missed a few late that could’ve got them the win.

“I was really proud of our group – I think we had 12 or 13 blokes 22 and under … it’s one thing they’ll always do – they don’t quit.”

The Cougars unveiled a handful of debutants, including Luke Ivanovic who finished among the best with a goal.

“He played a really good game … it (his goal) was pretty exciting, on his opposite, snap from the boundary,” Caldwell said.

Ferntree Gully recruit Harry McAleese was prominent on the wing, while Jacob Moschetti was best-afield for his work in defence and through the middle.

Meanwhile, Ryan Goodinson fired off three goals.

“I just thought he was consistent,” Caldwell said of Moschetti.

“He’s a super talent and a really good kid – puts in and wants to learn.

“He played down back throughout the game for five or 10 minutes each quarter, but wherever he goes, he’s all class – his agility and movement in and out of stoppages is fantastic.”