KEILOR has bounced back from its disappointing loss last week to beat Strathmore by 55 points in front of a bumper crowd at Lebanon Reserve, in a cracking showing of Good Friday footy.
Strathmore competed for the whole first half, looking the better side in the second quarter, but a dominant third term helped Keilor run away 16.11-107 to 7.10-52 winners.
Spearhead Dean Galea was back to his very best for the reigning premiers, kicking seven goals in an elite display.
Ex-West Coast Eagle Damien Cavka played majority of the game in the midfield after spending most of his first two games across half-back, and was instrumental for the visitors.
Luke Cartelli was a force throughout the game, collecting a heap of the footy and kicking two goals, -including a set shot from 50 meters out in front of the travelling Keilor fans watching on.
Kane Barbuto was arguably the best player on the ground to half time, dominating the play going forward and running hard to create options all over the ground.
For the home side, Jaryd Cachia was valuable, showing off his near-perfect skills by foot and helping steady the ship on numerous occasions, in a game where clean inside-50s were few and far between.
Luke Jarrad was everywhere for Strathmore, leading by example alongside captain Andrew Horne and Nick Lower who was fantastic in his first game for the Mores, who are missing a notable chunk of players to early season injuries.
Andrew Browne and Kieran Bell left the ground in the second half for Keilor with apparent leg injuries, but both returned following treatment on the bench to run out the game.
Galea spoke after the game of the disappointment that came from last week, but admitted it was good to get back on the winners list.
“We were pretty embarrassed last week putting in a performance like that for our great club. This was a good win, it’s very pleasing,” Galea said.
“The first few weeks I struggled, so it was good to kick a few a goals, but the main thing is we got the four points.”
Keilor and Strathmore both have a week off before the Blues face a struggling West Coburg back at Joe Brown Oval, while Strathmore will travel to take on Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve in a must-win for both sides.
STRATHMORE 7.9-51
Goal Kickers: M. Firrito, T. Gleeson, N. Lower, B. Butler, M. Purcell, M. Knight, H. McIntosh
Best Players: N. Lower, S. O''Loughlin, J. Helliwell, J. Cachia, A. Iacobucci, A. Horne
KEILOR 16.11-107
Goal Kickers: D. Galea 7, D. Gourdis 2, L. Cartelli 2, D. Cavka, K. Barbuto, A. Browne, R. Hards, B. Iles
Best Players: D. Galea, D. Cavka, L. Cartelli, K. Barbuto, A. Browne, M. Belbasis
