KEILOR’S been hampered by injury of late but the Blues still boast a large number of highly talented players that will be crucial in Sunday’s Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division Grand Final.
EDFL Match of the Day radio analyst Kaine Hocking gives us his five most important Blues for the decider against Aberfeldie.
#5 - DEAN GALEA
This ex-VFL star who’s become the premier forward of the EDFL is going to prove more than just a headache for Adam Potter and his back six.
Dean Galea has kicked 83 goals for the year and kicked five or more in a single game on eight occasions from his 20 appearances in 2018.
His one-on-one dual with Aberfeldie’s Ryan Allan will be one for the ages.
Potter and his full back got the better of Galea two weeks ago at a soaked Windy Hill.
So a key here is the help Galea will get from his fellow forwards and in particular, how Mick McGuane decides to deal with Josh Toy.
Keilor will need to keep Toy accountable and not allow him to roll off as the third man on Galea.
When he’s in command of his forward 50, Galea’s nearly unstoppable.
#22 - DAMIEN CAVKA
This former West Coast Eagle is now back at his junior club and is a premier running machine.
When the other mids can’t go any more, Cavka finds another level and puts the after burners on.
He provides great shape on the wing and works well in McGuane’s overall game plan.
McGuane will be looking to his young midfielder for some grunt in the middle, with his size and power exploding through stoppages being a major weapon at Keilor’s disposal.
#8 - ANDREW BROWNE
After missing a large chunk of the season, Andrew Browne was back to his best in last week’s preliminary final, which I’m sure was much to his coach’s delight.
Rotated heavily two weeks ago, Browne spent longer periods of last week’s game in the ruck and plugged holes backwards of centre when needed.
Potter will be expecting Browne to be his usual self again in this one, so Aberfeldie’s ball movement will need to be at its best to avoid turning it over to Browne.
Browne will need to make sure he is giving his onballers first use at stoppage in order to provide Keilor’s forwards enough balls inside forward 50.
#4 - KANE BARBUTO
Keilor’s homegrown captain is a contested ball beast and will play a massive role in Sunday’s midfield battle.
Coming off with a shoulder complaint on Sunday, nothing will stop this skipper leading his side out for the big dance.
Barbuto’s remarkable ability to rescue his side in all areas of the ground shows why Mick has him as his number one man.
He will provide a vital cog in feeding Cavka and the like on the outside in order to get the ball into Galea with quick, precise ball movement.
#32 - DAVID GOURDIS
Returning from suspension last week, this big man down back will look to hold things up in an injury-hit back line.
Gourdis provides Keilor with experience in the big situations and will be a steady figure around the likes of young teammate, Brad Xavier.
His match-up is likely to be Jayden Foster, which could prove Gourdis to be a match winner for Keilor if he can keep Foster quiet.
The Blues will also look to get the ball in his hands exiting defensive 50 as well, with his long kicking being able to get over the Abers press and into space for Keilor’s runners.
Kaine Hocking will be part of the live coverage of Aberfeldie v Keilor from 2pm – 5:30pm on 98.9 North West FM & Mixlr.com/edflfooty.
Click here to read Kaine Hocking's Aberfeldie edition of his Grand Final Five.
