By Tara Murray
Greenvale played some of its best football as it ended the winning streak of Essendon District Football League premier division ladder leader Keilor.
With a win sealing a finals spot, the Jets were keen to test themselves against the best team in the competition.
Greenvale did that in what was a close game all day.
They led at every break, but weren’t able to get away from Keilor, winning 12.11 (83)-10.12 (72).
Jets coach Paul Chapman said it was a crucial win.
“It will help set up our season,” he said. “It secured our finals berth.
“Keilor had won 10 in a row and we needed to be at our best against the side that’s the premiership favourites. It was tough with wind, rain and hail.”
Chapman was impressed with how the side was able to stick to the task all day – exactly what was needed to beat a side such as Keilor.
“I challenged the guys before the game that we had to stick to our structures all day,” he said.
“Keilor is such a good team and well coached and they are never out of the game.
“You have to play from the first bounce to the final siren. Our guys really believed and stuck with it.”
Laurence King was the only multiple goal kicker for the Jets, kicking four.
Chapman praised Aaron Mansfield and Brett Stillman for the jobs they did on Dean Galea and Kane Barbuto.
He said Courtenay Dempsey was strong around the contest, while the forward line put on a lot of pressure.
As well as getting the win, the Jets are getting closer to their best line-up.
Chapman said Natale Caruso and Addam Maric both returned from injury, having played in the reserves the previous week.
Nick Maric also returned after serving a two-week suspension.
The Jets stay in third heading into the final round, but are only percentage off top spot.
Chapman said they were hoping the form they displayed against Keilor continues for the rest of the year.
“We’re getting everyone back heading into finals,” he said.
“We need to win this week and hope other results go our way to finish in the top two.”
In division 2, Roxburgh Park had a day out against Burnside Heights, winning 25.20 (170)-5.4 (34).
John Colaidis kicked seven goals for the Magpies and was named best on ground.
