Strathmore and Keilor will lock horns for a second consecutive year in the Community Bank Strathmore Premier Division grand final on Saturday.
It promises to be another epic contest between the arch rivals, who continue to set the standard in the EDFL's top grade.
The first bounce of the decider at Windy Hill is scheduled for 2.15pm, with the Mores again entering the season finale fresh from a week's rest as they chase back-to-back flags.
Just as it did 12 months earlier, Strathmore stamped its ticket to the decider with victory over the Blues in the major semi final.
Keilor scored a convincing win over Pascoe Vale in the preliminary final and is vying for a second premiership in three years.
With both sides chock-full of elite talent, young guns and two premiership coaches going head to head, expect another blockbuster encounter.
RECENT MEETINGS
Strathmore holds a 2-1 advantage in clashes this year, overcoming an inaccurate Keilor by 37 points in their traditional Good Friday clash in Round 1, before the Blues returned serve with a thumping 74-point win in Round 12. Mick McGuane's men piled on 26 goals to 14 in a high-scoring encounter.
However, the Mores erased any doubts over their premiership credentials in the major semi final. After an even first half, they piled on seven goals to two in a blistering third quarter to sink Keilor. The Blues won the last quarter but lost the match by 16 points.
Both sides have reason to be full of confidence. Strathmore has only lost once since that July defeat to the minor premier, while Keilor enjoyed a 14-game winning run in the regular season after a 1-3 start to the campaign.
KEY PLAYERS
Strathmore champion Liam Cavanagh has been the top-ranked player in Premier Division this season, according to Premier Data, averaging 145.6 ranking points from his 16 appearances. He is averaging 31 possessions and eight marks, and should be among the favourites for the Reynolds Medal. Lachlan Plant, Brock Egglestone, and Sam Hayes have also been outstanding for the Mores, while Corey Grindlay (53 goals), Alex Tonelli (47), Athan Tsialtas (35), Matthew Allison (35 from eight games), and Kade Mueller (34) are all dangerous in the attacking half.
Nick O'Kearney has produced another eye-catching season for Keilor, averaging 126.9 ranking points, almost 33 disposals, six marks, and four inside 50s. Jack Brown has also been superb in the midfield and has 20 goals to his name, while Stefan Radovanovic and Corey Ellis are others who have impressed. Chris Kosmas has booted a competition-leading 70 goals, while Cody Brand (43), Liam Hude (36), Christian Olivieri (34), and Josh Honey (29) also hit the scoreboard.
SELECTION
In: Alex Tonelli, Nicholas O’Brien, Jesse Corigliano.
Out: nil.
In: Kyle O’Connor, Darcy Weeks, Riley Ham.
Out: nil.
THE COACHES
Strathmore's Matt Horne returned this year, securing the rare opportunity of taking over the top job at a defending premier. He previously steered the club for four years from 2019-2022, a stint which culminated in a premiership triumph.
Keilor's Mick McGuane has been calling the shots since 2008 and is among the most successful and respected coaches in the local ranks. He is a four-time premiership coach in the EDFL's top flight (2008, 2016, 2019, and 2024).
RIVAL COACHES' VERDICT
Daniel Harris (Pascoe Vale coach)
Strathmore, 12 points
"While I believe it will be a physical game filled with amazing talent, I feel Strathmore are a well balanced team. The week off at the right time to manage the group might be the difference."
Barry Prendergast (Essendon Doutta Stars coach)
Keilor, 8 points
"Think they’re in better shape than last year and looking for redemption. Extra game for them also helps, but it’s a 50/50 game really."
Leigh Tudor (Aberfeldie coach)
Strathmore, 18 points
"Returning VFL players could be the difference. Extremely strong squad to pick from and there will be some very unlucky players to miss out."
Jamie Madigan (former Deer Park coach)
Keilor, 30 points
"Elite midfield in Brown, O’Kearney, McGuane, Barbuto, Ellis, and Kennedy should give Keilor clearance and stoppage advantage and provide dangerous multi-pronged forwards in Kosmas, Honey, Hude, Brand, and Burke opportunities to hit the scoreboard."
Mo Kaakour (Hillside coach)
Strathmore, 15 points
"Strathmore will win on the back of having too much firepower in the front half."
