Mick McGuane aims to lead Keilor to a fourth EDFL premiership

The Collingwood 1990 premiership star has been the Essendon District Football League powerhouse’s senior coach since 2008, making him one of local footy’s longest serving coaches.

On Saturday, he’ll lead the Blues into battle in the EDFL Premier Division grand final against Strathmore chasing a fourth senior premiership.

But his commitment to the club stretches much further than the 22 men who will run on to Windy Hill.

McGuane’s fingerprints are right across the club’s senior and junior programs.

Keilor president Ray Sheridan said McGuane’s impact couldn’t be undersold.

“This partnership has been together a long time and it has been a successful one,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who articulates football better than Mick McGuane. He conveys his message to people that are at all different levels. He can speak to those who have played AFL football and the young kids who are starting out.

“He was part of a plan to help create a pathway from our juniors right through to our seniors. He’s coached under-14s and led the under-16s to a premiership this year which his son, Tom, played in.

“He’s very well liked, a strong-willed person, who always stands by his words. Keilor is very fortunate to have someone of his reputation.”

McGuane himself doesn’t put all the time and effort in for personal recognition.

His approach is about helping people to get the best out of their football.

“We see it as a holistic approach,” McGuane said.

“From our juniors to our seniors, we want to create a pathway for people to play at the highest level they can. Whether that’s Coates League when they’re under-18s and going on to be drafted.

“Then we want this to be a place Keilor people want to come back to when they’ve finished with their time at the highest level.”

McGuane’s approach is all about giving back even in the biggest moments.

Just hours before the EDFL grand final, he will attend a breakfast fundraiser to help support popular clubman Andrew “Rambo” Lambropolous who is in a fight for his life.

Lambropolous, his wife and young kids need to return home from the UK as Lambropolous requires complex surgery.

“We as a club support our own,” McGuane said. “We want to support his plight and if we can provide a little bit of financial assistance it will make a difference.”

In his 15 years coaching the Blues, McGuane hasn’t been afraid to help opposition clubs either.

He will always take a call from coaches or other clubs seeking advice, according to Sheridan.

“That’s the type of person he is,” Sheridan said.

“He’ll speak about his philosophy. If people reach out from other clubs, Mick will give them his time.

“He’s helped to run sessions at other clubs.”

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But come 2.15pm at Windy Hill, McGuane’s full focus will be bringing silverware back to Joe Brown Oval.

The club’s thirds already have a premiership and he’s determined to have the seniors and reserves follow suit.

“We have a terrific opportunity to finish the day with 66 men having medals around their neck,” McGuane said.

Originally published as Mick McGuane aims to lead Keilor to a fourth EDFL premiership