IT was a fiery start to Season 2017 with a first quarter scuffle showing players and fans alike that the Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division season was well and truly underway.
With both sides expected to feature in September this season, it was a much-anticipated clash, and a game which didn’t disappoint.
It was a back and forth contest that kept everybody on their toes for much of the match, with Keilor eventually running away 21-point winners.
The wind swirled around Nipper Jordan Oval and caused havoc for both sides, but it seemed to be the visitors who coped better and were able to capitalize on good ball-use around the ground.
Ruckman Andrew Browne was instrumental, dominating the hit-outs and giving Keilor a stern advantage in a very evenly matched midfield battle.
David Gourdis provided a handy target up forward for the visitors, kicking four majors, while Dean Galea was his usual crafty self, with three goals including a crowd-lifter from the boundary line in the first quarter.
Ryan Hards played a huge midfield role for the Blues, dominating centre clearances and pushing forward for two goals of his own, including a crucial momentum shifter on the three-quarter time siren.
There certainly wasn’t a lack of impressive performances from the home side.
Young-gun Mitch Jensen opened the goal-scoring account for Essendon Doutta Stars, and collected a heap of the ball on the wing and across half-forward.
St Bernards recruit Jordan Schroder and former Sunbury Lion Jack Landt showed their worth in a big way.
Schroder was arguably the best-on-ground to half time, and Landt stole the show in the second half, booting two goals, including a 50-meter set shot in front of the home fans.
Keilor coach Mick McGuane admitted it wasn’t a perfect pre-season, but admired the fight that his team showed late in the game.
“I thought we played the game out very strongly in the second half,” he said.
“Our preparation has been a little bit chequered, with the amount of guys that have had pretty serious work commitments and VFL alignments.
“To our boys credit, they’re a tough group, I’m very proud of the way they went about it today.”
Keilor play their first home game of the year next week in the grand final replay against Aberfeldie, while Essendon Doutta Stars will travel to face the in-form Avondale Heights.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS - 10.10-70
Goal Kickers: S. Smith 3, C. Hughes 2, J. Landt 2, A. Di Matteo, M. Jensen, G. Nabbout
Best Players: T. Hartwig, J. Landt, G. Nabbout, J. Schroder, A. Di Matteo, M. Jensen
KEILOR - 14.7-91
Goal Kickers: D. Gourdis 4, D. Galea 3, A. Browne 2, R. Hards 2, K. Barbuto 2, J. Williams
Best Players: D. Gourdis, M. James, R. Hards, E. Ogden, K. Barbuto, M. Ellis
