Strathmore and Keilor will lock horns in what promises to be a mouth-watering Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division grand final.

The two clubs will clash from 2.15pm at Windy Hill, with the Mores fresh from a week’s rest after earning a direct passage through to the decider after their convincing win over the Blues in the major semi final.

Keilor booked its ticket after overcoming a stern challenge from Airport West in Sunday’s preliminary final.

The Blues are chasing back-to-back premierships, while Strathmore last saluted in 2022.

Both teams are not short on big-game experience and feature some of the competition’s elite players, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion to the 2025 season.

THE FORM

Strathmore has enjoyed a September to remember, but can it triumph under the ultimate pressure against a top-quality opponent? The Mores, who finished the home-and-away rounds in third spot, started their finals campaign with a 55-point win over Aberfeldie in the qualifying final to send a warning to their flag rivals. But what came next was one of the most impressive performances by any club in years as they swept aside Keilor by 40 points in a performance which included a devastating nine-goal third term to kill the contest. To put that effort in context, No team had piled on that many goals in a quarter against Keilor since 2017. Strathmore was a little patchy before finals, finishing the regular season with two losses and a draw and an 11-1-6 record. But it appears to have timed its run perfectly.

Keilor delivered another superb home-and-away campaign, finishing two games clear with an imposing 17-1 record. The Blues defeated Airport West by 29 points on Sunday, laying the foundations for victory with a nine-goal opening quarter. They have had their injury issues, but they faced a similar task last year when they went down to Pascoe Vale in the major semi-final before securing another premiership against the same opponent a fortnight later. Keilor’s only loss before finals came against the Panthers in August. 

RECENT MEETINGS

The Blues hold the edge this year, winning two of the three meetings between the clubs. They cruised to a 55-point victory on Good Friday before registering a 29-point victory in Round 12. The Mores conceded seven goals in the first term of the second match-up before outscoring the then-unbeaten Keilor in the final three quarters. Strathmore delivered a second-half smackdown after the Blues led by four points at half-time in the major semi-final as it handed them their biggest defeat since July, 2022. 

KEY PLAYERS

Both sides are flush with players worth the price of admission. Star centre half back Liam Cavanagh has been among Strathmore’s leading performers this year, named in the best 11 times from 20 games. Young gun Cooper West has played football that belies his years, while Jesse Horton, Lucas Cavallaro, and Brock Egglestone (out with injury) have also been models of consistency. Athan Tsialtas has 43 goals to his name, including six from two finals, while ex-AFL pair Trent Dumont and Sam Hayes could have a big say on the result. Veterans Adam Iacobucci and Luke Jarrad are champions of the EDFL.

Keilor has assembled one of the most enviable line-ups in local football, with the likes of skipper Kane Barbuto, Corey Ellis, and Kyle O’Connor rarely out of the best players. Ball magnet Nick O’Kearney has been limited to 10 games and returned for the semi-final before being sidelined on Sunday. If passed fit, he usually dominates when it matters. The Blues are not short on firepower either, with Chris Kosmas bagging 55 goals this year, while Jermarl Daly has contributed 30 majors, including a haul of six in a best-afield effort in the preliminary final. However, the defending premier will likely be missing some big names.

SELECTION

In: Andrew Gallucci, Daniel Mighell, Daniel Mammoliti, Lachlan Plant.

Out: Brock Egglestone.

In: Cody Brand, Nicholas O’Kearney, Billy Johnson, Riley Ham.

Out: Bradley Xavier.

THE COACHES

Strathmore’s Nick Ash is chasing a premiership at a second club, which would be a noteworthy achievement, after steering current EDFL club Rupertswood to the ultimate prize in 2019, when it was in the Riddell District League. He is in his second year at the helm.

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). A fifth flag would only further cement his status as an elite mentor.

RIVAL COACHES’ VERDICT

Brent Taylor (Airport West)

Strathmore, 24 points

“Keilor are a wonderful unit who are systems based. Finals are about a war of attrition, and I believe Strathmore have the healthier list going into this clash. Strathmore in a close one.”

Jamie Madigan (Deer Park)

Strathmore, 22 points.

“I think with the week off they will be a bit fresher, and with Keilor losing a few key players through injuries and suspension, I think Strathmore will be a bit (too) strong.”

Barry Prendergast (Essendon Doutta Stars)

Keilor, 10 points

“I think they’re a bit wounded, but the extra game will help them. It will be a tight one but think they can find a way.”

Daniel Harris (Pascoe Vale)

Strathmore, four points 

“The two best teams are in it and it will probably come down to the last kick of the day. If Strathmore can get their running game going, bring relentless pressure and minimise scores from turnovers, then I believe they will get the job done.”