IT was a big day for the Keilor Footy Club, its staff and its supporters, who got to witness the unfurling of the 2016 premiership flag.
Unfortunately the day ended with the biggest senior loss the club has suffered in the past five years, at the hand of the team they reigned supreme over seven months ago, Aberfeldie.
Poor kicking let the home side down from the first bounce, spraying six behinds without a goal in the first quarter.
The scenes didn’t improve for the Blues who trailed by 65 points at half time, and were still yet to register a major.
Despite a five-goal third quarter for Keilor once the rain kicked in, it was Aberfeldie who ran away comfortable 98-point winners, 22.15.147-6.13.49.
Sam Cattapan was dominant all day for Aberfeldie, capitalising on a 100-meter penalty given away by a frustrated ex-Richmond Tiger Luke McGuane.
Big man Ben Mabon was inspiring for the visitors, despite having a daunting challenge against the ever-dominant Andrew Browne.
Aberfeldie coach Adam Potter praised his ruckman after the game.
“He was important, and I was pleased for him,” Potter said.
“He’s a great young man.”
Nineteen first quarter tackles set the scene for the reigning minor-premiers, who showed prolific ball-use and dominated the contested footy all game.
Ball-magnet Nic Cattapan was instrumental in the first half, dominating across the flanks and helping to set up the huge half time margin.
Luke Cartelli was one of the more valuable for Keilor, as were Dylan Joyce and Ryan Hards, who both put together a solid four quarters.
Former West Coast Eagle Damien Cavka showed great signs in his second game for the Blues, providing elite skills in the wet and sweeping across half back to control play going forward.
Dangerous Keilor forwards Dean Galea and David Gourdis were kept quiet all day by rotating defenders Ryan Allan, who was relentless from the start, and captain Luke Davis, who lead from the front.
Spearhead Kyle Reimers was as dangerous as ever, providing a regular leading target for Aberfeldie, finishing with four majors, equal most alongside Alistair Kefford.
Keilor will look to bounce back on Good Friday against Strathmore on the road, while Aberfeldie will enjoy a break before their ANZAC Day home game against Avondale Heights.
KEILOR 6.13-49
Goal Kickers: L. Cartelli 2, J. Kennedy, A. Browne, R. Hards, K. Barbuto
Best Players: D. Cavka, J. White, L. Cartelli, M. James, G. Barbuto
ABERFELDIE 22.15-147
Goal Kickers: K. Reimers 4, A. Kefford 4, J. Madden 3, S. Cattapan 3, J. Rush 2, W. Berry 2, Z. Hislop, C. Hislop, D. Blackwell, J. Barrett
Best Players: S. Cattapan, C. Hislop, B. Mabon, R. Allan, L. Davis, N. Cattapan
