IN what was a season-defining game for both sides, Maribyrnong Park and Keilor came to play an extremely high standard of footy at Monk Oval on Saturday.
The Blues came out of the blocks firing with two quick unanswered goals to start the contest.
It seemed Keilor were in control but Marby fought back with the use of switching the play from defence and holding structure.
Getting repeat forward entries and clawing back on the lead of Keilor’s made for an exciting first quarter.
Keilor started to put the foot on the pedal through the second and third quarters with 16 scoring shots to the Lions’ nine.
This started through the Blues’ extreme pace transitioning from defence to offence and was usually catapulted by midfielder Kane Barbuto.
Barbuto worked hard all around the ground and was a catalyst for many scores for the Blues with forward entries and goal assists.
Although Keilor started to pull away on the scoreboard, real grit and determination built in some of the home side’s leaders, including Zac Keogh.
Working hard from offence and defence all game, Keogh found plenty of the ball and his ability to burst out of packs and use silky foot skills kept this game reasonably close at times for Marby.
Starting the second half, although down, Marby seemed to have a changed attitude, gaining repeat forward entries to help build some real belief in the crowd.
This was achieved through great work ethic and contested marking from the home sides’ big man, Chris Prowse.
But Keilor’s defence held too strong.
The insertion of David Gourdis down back was too much to handle for the Lions.
With spoils and intercept marks galore, Gourdis could not be beaten as he helped Keilor gain two quick goals in the third after minimal forward entries, silencing the vocal home fans.
Keilor was in control from there.
Marby was solid in the air but Keilor ability to cause turnovers combined with tackling pressure was too ferocious for the Lions to handle.
The competition’s leading goalkicker, Dean Galea feasted on Keilor’s control and simply could not be beaten om the lead one-on-one.
He finished with five majors and the most in-form team kept its top spot on the ladder with a commanding 36-point win.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 9.8-62
Goal Kickers: J. Breust 2, S. O’Brien, J. McKenzie, R. Castello, R. Ball, C. Prowse, B. Romensky, D. Kempster
Best Players: Z. Keogh, C. Bance, J. Pickess, C. Prowse, R. Ball, N. McLellan
KEILOR 14.14-98
Goal Kickers: D. Galea 5, M. Clark 3, J. Martin 2, J. Mc Mahon, K. Barbuto, C. Barton, R. Hards
Best Players: D. Gourdis, D. Galea, A. Browne, R. Hards, K. Barbuto, Z. Wunhym
