KEILOR Reserve was home to a ferocious match-up between two of the most in-form sides of the competition.
Pascoe Vale came out of the blocks firing, building forward entries and using a defensive wall well to lock it in their forward half.
Quick transitions out of defence through switches of play were an exciting part of the Panthers’ play.
However, despite leading the inside-50 count plus-six, they did not capitalise with only two goals.
Keilor’s pressure and overall pace increased after the first quarter and it started in midfield.
The combination of big Ivan Maric and Kane Barbuto was a thing of beauty and gained Keilor many quick clearances, maintaining the lead for the home side after quarter time.
This created a complete switch from the first quarter, where Keilor led the inside 50 count 15 to eight in the second.
The Blues also seemed to be more efficient up forward.
On almost every occasion, Keilor got a score when heading towards goal.
But the game was close throughout and pace was a real highlight with both sides playing on at all costs.
This was highlighted through Patrick Veszpremi for Pascoe Vale, whose agility off half back set up many shots on goal for the away side.
Star Panther Luke Foster was also brilliant, with many contested intercept marks and great decision-making creating great counter-attack play for his side.
But the match-ups down back for Keilor were an absolute game-changer.
Mick McGuane gained a tactical edge by sending forward Dave Gourdis to defence to play on Matthew Watson and Sam Hooper had the job on Lachie Hansen.
The result was one major between two of the competition’s leading goal scorers.
A swirling wind made set shots difficult and neither side could really take hold of the game and gain a strong lead until the last term.
Insert Dean Galea.
In the last quarter, he helped Keilor to a six-goal-to-one term and with some clutch set shots, he was able to finish with five majors for the day - adding to his already big season total of 46.
Keilor's fitness took over and due to some 50-metre penalties and free kicks, Keilor was able to stay in control of the game.
The Blues asserted a real presence and showed that they are the real deal in this extremely competitive Premier Division finals race.
KEILOR - 13.12-90
Goal Kickers: D. Galea 5, M. Clark 2, Z. Wunhym 2, J. Mc Mahon, K. Bell, M. James, R. Hards
Best Players: N. O’Kearney, D. Joyce, D. Gourdis, D. Galea, Z. Wunhym, K. Barbuto
PASCOE VALE - 7.7-49
Goal Kickers: D. Harris 2, G. Guest, M. Watson, J. Polizzi, G. Urquhart, J. Boyd
Best Players: L. Foster, K. Economou, G. Guest, J. Polizzi, S. Caruso
