2019 RECAP
Despite losing high-quality, ex-AFL midfielders Nick O'Kearney and Damien Cavka to long-term injuries in April, Keilor defied the odds and produced a stunning 'perfect season' to claim its third premiership in 12 seasons under revered senior coach, Mick McGuane.
Captain Kane Barbuto produced one of the best individual EDFL seasons ever seen in midfield while the Blues' new dynamic duo up forward, Dean Galea and Matthew Clark, combined for 107 goals in 2019.
Despite their dominance in the win column, the Blues were tested at various stages throughout the year and in their two finals games against Aberfeldie, they were pushed all the way in two close, hard-fought games at Windy Hill.
BEST & FAIREST TOP FIVE
1st - Kane Barbuto
2nd - Todd Stevenson
3rd - David Isbister & Billy Iles
4th - Dean Galea
GOAL KICKING TOP FIVE
63 - Dean Galea
44 - Matthew Clark
26 - Jackson McMahon
19 - Kane Barbuto
16 - Dylan Joyce
REYNOLDS MEDAL
Premier Division Best & Fairest
Kane Barbuto (winner)
David Isbister (runner-up)
REG ROSE MEDAL
Premier Division Grand Final Best-On-Ground
Kane Barbuto
PREMIER DIVISION LEADING GOAL KICKER AWARD
Dean Galea
STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE YEAR
Mick McGuane (coach)
Billy Iles (back pocket)
Todd Stevenson (wing)
Matthew Clark (half forward flank)
Dean Galea (full forward)
Kane Barbuto (ruck rover & captain)
2020 PREVIEW
Coach: Mick McGuane (13th season)
LIST CHANGES / LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Luke Cartelli (Ocean Grove), Paul Sahlberg (Riddell), Damon Kliman (St Albans), Ben Richardson (Therry Penola) & Adam Dunkley (UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs)
Out: Ben McManus (St Albans), Barton Thompson (St Albans), Ben Christodoulou (Mildura), Chris Jansen (Rochester), Sam Hooper (University Blacks), Tylar Vujanic (PEGS), Angus Taylor (Rupertswood) & Harrison Bult (Rupertswood)
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Keilor has to be the obvious choice for premiership favourite coming into 2020 given its dominance last year and the fact its playing stocks have improved over the summer.
The Blues are set to welcome back Damien Cavka and Jesse Wallin in Round 1, while 2018 Team of the Year wingman Nick O'Kearney is also on the comeback trail and may get back on the park later in the year as well.
With all of the 2019 premiership team retained and some handy experience in the returning Luke Cartelli and RDFL star Paul Sahlberg added over the summer, Keilor should have its sights set on another date at Windy Hill come Grand Final Day.
