Keilor and Airport West will play off for a spot in the grand final when they meet at Coburg City Oval on Sunday.
It’s been a remarkable five weeks for Brent Taylor’s side who have won their last five matches with the highlight being their victory after the siren against Aberfeldie.
Sunday’s clash will be the Eagles' first Premier Division preliminary final since 2013 with Brendan Godden and Clayton Rogers the only Eagles still on the list in 2025.
The Blues were left disappointed last Saturday when they were well beaten by a strong Strathmore outfit despite being on top of the ladder for the whole year.
Keilor found themselves in the same position 12 months ago when they lost the semi final to Pascoe Vale, but were able to turn things around and still win the premiership.
In their two meetings in 2025, Keilor won the Round 2 clash by 207 points and followed in up in Round 11 with a 49-point victory.
The Blues dominated every facet of the game in Round 2 and were clinical in front of the stick kicking 38.15 from 76 inside 50s.
Nick O’Kearney had no trouble finding the footy with 41 touches, while Chris Kosmas picked up 25 touches and kicked seven goals.
Despite being thrashed, Matthew Hanson had the most ranking points of the ground with 190 thanks to his 40 disposals and 25 contested possessions.
It was a much tighter affair in Round 11, however the Blues were still too good around contest and clearance.
Keilor were +25 in contested possession and +10 in clearances which led to 13.6 from stoppages, which made up over 70 per cent of their score.
Blair Wyllie and Kane Barbuto were both dominant kicking three goals each, while Corey Ellis finished with 27 touches and two goals.
Ned Gentile once again led from the front with 30 touches and two majors, while Thai Macumber and Joel Brown were also very good.
The deciding factor on Sunday will once again be the midfield battle.
Coach Mick McGuane said his men were clearly outplayed at contest last week and were not willing to compromise on what was expected from his side in that area this week.
The reigning premiers were found wanting in the third term giving up +13 in contested possessions and +7 in clearances which led to the Mores kicking nine goals in the third term.
The Blues will be hoping for a response from their stars who were down on their very high standards last Saturday.
For Airport West to win they’ll need to replicate what Strathmore did forward of the ball.
Keilor have the most dominant backline across the competition, however Strathmore challenged them like no other side has.
The Mores kicked 18.12 from their 60 inside 50s and were able to transition the ball with ease for most of the game.
The Eagles rely on their star-studded midfield for goals, however will need to move the ball with speed and hope their forward line can step up and make the most of their opportunities.
Max Rider has had a superb season to date with 58 goals from 18 matches, while Cooper Janevski has bobbed up to kick six goals in the two finals.
Both men will need to continue their hot form if the Eagles are any chance of causing another massive upset.
Selection will be an interesting watch with the Eagles' match winner Luca Muratore likely to be called back in to Footscray's side, but some big names for the Blues likely to be out as well.
