By Luke Mathews
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 7.5 (47) def. by KEILOR 27.11 (173)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor have continued their dominant form, easily accounting for Avondale Heights to the tune of 126 points.
The win makes it three triple-digit wins in a row for the Blues who now sit a game and 175 per cent clear of Pascoe Vale on top of the ladder.
Avondale Heights did bring the heat early in the contest and showed plenty of promising signs, however Keilor put the foot down after halftime kicking 19 goals to four.
Coach Mick McGuane said his side lacked execution by hand and foot early due to the Heights pressure but corrected in the second half.
The reigning premiers once again had plenty of contributors across the ground, however it was Cody Brand who stood out with five goals along with Harvey Wilkes who kicked four.
Josh Honey backed up last week’s strong performance with another impressive display, while Chris Kosmas was also among his side’s best players.
Jackson Robb continues to lead from the front for the Heights while Tristian Wood and Scott Russell put in decent performances on a difficult day for the home side.
After the break, Keilor will host Essendon Doutta Stars while Avondale Heights will travel to Hansen Reserve to take on Airport West.
GREENVALE 8.8 (56) def. by PASCOE VALE 12.14 (86)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have grinded their way to their seventh win for the year, beating Greenvale by 30 points at Section Road.
The Panthers got the jump on Greenvale in the first quarter kicking the first five goals which proved to be the difference on the day.
Sunny Brazier, Carled El Khodr, Ahmed Saad, and Matthew Watson would’ve all pleased coach Leigh Tudor with two goals each, while Paul Ahern and Daman Aujla were superb for the Panthers in the five-goal win.
Josh Porter continued his strong form for the Jets kicking four goals, while Ben Speight added another three goals.
Greenvale will host Aberfeldie fresh off their King’s Birthday clash with Strathmore while Pascoe Vale will play East Keilor at home.
DEER PARK 10.11 (71) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 7.10 (52)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park have made it back-to-back wins for the first time in EDFL Premier Division defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 19 points at John McLeod Reserve.
Deer Park’s win now leaves them level on points with Douttas and two games clear of bottom of the ladder.
The Stars were disappointing for much of the day kicking only three goals in only the first, second, and final terms, however a four-goal third quarter gave Douttas a bit of hope heading into the final term.
Majak Daw backed up last week’s best-on-ground performance with another three goals while Kier Bol, Jake McKenzie, and Joshua Cooper all put in strong performances for the Lions.
Youngster Liam Ryan played one of his best games in Premier Division for the Stars while Lewis Downie and Dalton Comito did their best to keep the Stars in the contest.
Deer Park will return to Windy Hill for the first time since their 2023 Division One premiership when they take on Strathmore in two weeks time, while it doesn’t get any easier for Essendon Doutta Stars when they travel to Keilor to take on the reigning premiers.
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EAST KEILOR 6.9 (45) def. by AIRPORT WEST 21.11 (137)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have recorded one of their best wins in recent memory, defeating East Keilor by 92 points at Overland Reserve.
The Eagles had failed to fire a shot in 2024 despite plenty of pre-season hype, however Saturday’s emphatic win lifts the Eagles off the bottom of the ladder for the first time in 2024.
Despite giving up the first goal of the game, the Eagles quickly clicked into gear kicking 17 of the next 18 goals to give themselves an unassailable three quarter time lead for the first time this season.
The Cougars did restore some pride in the final term kicking four goals, however it proved to be too little too late.
Luca Muratore kicked five goals while Anthony Aloi kicked four goals as Airport West's most prolific forwards.
Corey Barbaro is proving to be a solid piece of recruiting by the Eagles with another three goals, while Matthew Hanson and Ben Nelson were also able to hit the scoreboard with two goals each.
Mark Nicholls was one of the Cougars' best kicking two goals, while Lachlan Smart, Lachlan Papley, and Michael Dalrymple all kicked one goal each.
The Eagles will be looking to record back-to-back wins when they take on Avondale Heights, while East Keilor will be looking to bounce back when they play Pascoe Vale.
By Joseph Ibic
KEILOR PARK 9.4 (58) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 13.10 (88)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley are back on the winner's list with a comfortable 30-point victory against Keilor Park.
The Valley led at every break and despite the margin being within nine points at three quarter time, they were able to dominate the last quarter to record a much-needed win moving them eight points clear of the bottom of the ladder.
It was another bitterly disappointing day for Keilor Park who are still winless after eight matches so far this season.
As they now sit two games clear on the bottom of the ladder, their chances of returning to Division Two are looking ominous.
Keilor Park have a chance to reset with a couple of weeks off while Moonee Valley will host St Albans.
ST ALBANS 24.14 (158) def. RUPERTSWOOD 8.6 (54)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans' impressive run of form continued as they demolished Rupertswood by 104 points to keep their position in the top three safe.
The match was over almost as soon as it began as the Saints scored eight goals to one in the first term which practically put the contest to bed.
Jake Galea was mightily impressive booting seven goals as Adem Asani also joined in on the goalkicking party slotting five in game 400.
It was another tough day at the office for Rupertswood who now sit second last on the ladder, eight points from bottom.
There were some promising signs late for Rupertswood as they outscored St Albans in the final quarter, six goals to three.
St Albans next face off against Moonee Valley, while Rupertswood face the rampant Maribyrnong Park.
TULLAMARINE 11.8 (74) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 13.6 (84)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park overcame Tullamarine in a thrilling last-quarter comeback to win by 10 points.
The Magpies were trailing by 12 points to Tulla at the final change but stormed home kicking six goals to two to run away with the game.
Roxy are now seventh on the ladder and while unlikely, they are still very much in the hunt for a finals berth.
It was a disastrous end to what was a solid performance from Tullamarine up to the final change.
Tullamarine will next face Craigieburn while Roxburgh Park will play Hillside.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 17.13 (115) def. HILLSIDE 12.7 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has become the first team to topple the previously undefeated Hillside as they overcame the Sharks by 36 points.
The win makes it three on the trot for Marby who sit two games clear in the top five.
Thomas Wyatt was impressive for Marby scoring eight goals up forward which were crucial in dealing Hillside their first loss of the season.
The Sharks were blown out of the water in the last quarter conceding seven goals while only kicking four of their own.
Chris Daley's men will no doubt be seeing this loss as one full of lessons they'd rather learn now than later in the year.
Hillside next play Roxburgh Park while Marby Park will face off against Rupertswood.
WEST COBURG 19.18 (132) def. CRAIGIEBURN 10.13 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg recorded another victory on the weekend defeating Craigieburn by 59 points.
It was an eight-goal second quarter that opened the game up for the Burgers who led by 49 points at the main break.
They'd keep the Eagles grounded from there to extend the margin to the final siren.
Jesse Martini kicked four goals in the first half to blow the game open, while five teammates kicked multiples.
The loss makes it back-to-back defeats for Craigieburn and although they remain a game clear in the top five, improvements will need to be made after the bye.
Craigieburn next face Tullamarine while West Coburg play Oak Park.
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By Joseph Ibic
NORTHERN SAINTS 12.14 (86) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 11.12 (78)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints and Coburg Districts played in another tense contests against each other but this time it was the Saints taking home the four points.
The eight-point triumph is Northern Saints' first against Coburg Districts since May 2019 and one they desperately needed to cling onto hopes of playing finals footy.
Northern Saints came back from being 16 points down at three quarter time scoring four goals to one in the final term to take the crucial victory.
Nick Bruno was immense for the Saints kicking seven goals and was arguably the difference between the two sides.
All seven games for Districts have been decided by 13 points or less with this one their fifth loss for the season.
Coburg Districts will next face East Sunbury, while Northern Saints play Glenroy.
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SUNBURY KANGAROOS 11.10 (76) def. GLENROY 10.12 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos defeated Glenroy by four points in a match that went down to the wire.
The Kangaroos win keeps them within touch of the teams above them as they look to cement a finals position.
Sunbury Kangaroos just managed to get over the line overcoming a five-point deficit at the final change to secure the nail-biting victory.
It was more heartbreak for Glenroy who once again fell short in a winnable match.
They currently sit second last on the ladder with just the one win but easily could have had three or four had results gone their way.
In the end it was some bad kicking early on that cost them as they had more scoring shots than their opposition but weren’t able to make the most of them.
Glenroy next face Northern Saints while Sunbury Kangaroos play Taylors Lakes.
HADFIELD 6.7 (43) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 19.18 (132)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another easy victory for the Bears who defeated Hadfield by 89 points to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.
Burnside Heights dominated the match from start to finish and especially put the foot on the throat in the second half where they kicked 11 goals to just three.
Nick Gregson was impressive up forward booting five goals taking his season tally to 24 goals as the entire Burnside Heights forward line proved too good for the Hadfield defenders.
The Hawks suffered another brutal loss, something that has been happening regularly this season against the top sides in the division.
While they were relatively competitive for a half, they were ultimately no match for the Bears.
It won’t get any easier for Hadfield next round as they play Westmeadows, while Burnside Heights will have a couple of weeks off.
WESTMEADOWS 4.5 (29) def by. TAYLORS LAKES 19.15 (129)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes recorded a massive 100-point win over fellow finals fancy Westmeadows to stay unbeaten this season.
The Lions' incredible season continued this week with an absolute demolition of the in-form Westmeadows.
Lachlan Rayner was dominant scoring five goals while Brenden Lucas was also dangerous slotting four.
Westmeadows will be shocked and disappointed by the result which is the another heavy defeat at the hands of a top-two side.
The Tigers will look to regroup and bounce back as they face Hadfield next weekend, while Taylors Lakes prepare to face Sunbury Kangaroos.
By Luke Mathews
HILLSIDE 6.5 (41) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 3.1 (19)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have notched up their seventh win for the year defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 22 points at Hillside Recreation Reserve.
Despite going into the game undefeated, Hillside did have to earn it as Essendon Doutta Stars were able to match the Sharks for much of the encounter.
Caitlin Sargent continues her superb 2024 with another three goals, while Isabelle Young (two goals) and Emma Picone (one goal) were also strong up forward.
Leyla Corkill, Candice Dyson, and Aleesha Hobbs all hit the scoreboard for the Stars with one goal each, while Amelia Marino and Mia Tully put in strong performances for Douttas.
Douttas will host Maribyrnong Park after the break while Hillside will travel to Westmeadows to take on the Tigers.
KEILOR 2.2 (14) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 14.11 (95)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have recorded one of their best wins for the season defeating Keilor by 81 points at Joe Brown Oval.
The Lions were on from the first bounce kicking the first nine goals of the game to put the result beyond doubt.
Tegan Matthews starred for the Lions kicking seven goals to take her to the top of the goalkicking tally with 24 goals, while Amelia Hetherington and Zoe Manning were prolific for the Lions with two goals each.
Ruby Gibson and Megan Neill proved to be the bright sparks for the Blues on a tough day with both hitting the scoreboard.
Next up the Lions will take on fourth-placed Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval, while Keilor will host Moonee Valley at Green Gully Reserve.
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OAK PARK 23.21 (159) def. WESTMEADOWS 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have kept the pressure on Hillside and recorded a percentage-boosting win, beating Westmeadows by 159 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The win keeps Oak Park in second spot on the ladder while Westmeadows have yet to record a win during 2024 and still sit on the bottom of the ladder.
Oak Park had plenty of contributors with 11 players hitting the scoreboard, with Tamsyn Kirk and Maggie Styles being among the side's best players.
Alex Quigley and Chiara Guarino had a day out for the Kangaroos kicking four goals each, while Emily Findlay cashed in with three goals.
Oak Park will next take on Aberfeldie at Clifton Park in a huge clash, while it doesn’t get any easier for Westmeadows when they host Hillside.
MOONEE VALLEY 4.3 (27) def. by ABERFELDIE 11.12 (78)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have recorded their fifth win for the year easily accounting for Moonee Valley by 51 points at Ormond Park.
The win sees Aberfeldie move into third spot on the ladder ahead of rivals Essendon Doutta Stars after their loss to Hillside.
Abers had plenty of contributors with eight individual goal kickers – Erica Markesich one the best with three goals, while vice-captain Emily Smith kicked two in one of her best games for 2024.
Georgia Marsland proved to be one of the highlights for the Valley kicking two goals, while Tabatha Andrade and Charlotte D’Ambrosio both hit the scoreboard with one goal each.
Aberfeldie will next take on Oak Park at home while Moonee Valley will travel to Green Gully Road to take on Keilor.
By Joseph Ibic
KEILOR PARK 5.3 (33) def. by TULLAMARINE 6.4 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine won a seven-point thriller against Keilor Park to record their second win of the season.
Tulla led for most of the match including at the final change and held off a late Keilor Park fightback to cement the victory.
Keilor Park would be disappointed they couldn’t get the job done against Tullamarine this time around like they did earlier in the season.
They would, however, be pleased with their efforts as they did put up a strong performance even though they fell short.
Keilor Park next face Burnside Heights, while Tullamarine play Airport West.
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AIRPORT WEST 0.3 (3) def. by GREENVALE 10.7 (67)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have comfortably beaten Airport West for the second time this season, this time by 64 points.
The Jets were phenomenal for the entire match having had the game wrapped up by the second quarter but not letting the foot off the throat until the end of the match.
Alisa Magri continued her outstanding form booting five goals which takes her season tally to 27 majors.
It was a massive reality check for Airport West who once again looked completely out of their depth against Greenvale.
The Eagles have not done well against the two teams above them this season, something that will need to change if they are to push deep into finals.
Airport West will have a chance to rebound against Tullamarine next round, while Greenvale play Strathmore/Pascoe Vale.
STRATHMORE / PASCOE VALE 5.1 (31) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 11.5 (71)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights recorded a commanding 40-point win over Strathmore/Pascoe Vale.
The Bears are still top of the ladder due to a superior percentage compared to Greenvale and as the wins continue to come, it seems more and more likely that they will feature in the final game of the year.
Skipper Kayla Ravanello led from the front scoring four goals in the comfortable victory which took her season tally to 18 goals.
It was another good effort by Strathmore/Pascoe Vale who have really stepped up in the last few weeks after a shaky start to the season.
Despite this, they still sit at the bottom of the ladder and will need to find some wins soon if they are to avoid the wooden spoon.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale next play Greenvale while Burnside Heights play Keilor Park.
By Joseph Ibic
TAYLORS LAKES 16.13 (109) def. EAST SUNBURY 0.1 (1)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes have a recorded a huge 108-point win over East Sunbury.
The Lakers dominated from start to finish and only let the opposition score just a single point across the four quarters.
Jorja Brink and Rebecca Foggie both had a day out booting five majors each in the dominant win which gave the Lakers a handy percentage boost as the top half of the ladder begins to tighten up.
Paris Latimer and Jennifer Stevenson were among the best for the Thunder.
Taylors Lakes next face Sunbury Kangaroos while East Sunbury face Coburg Districts.
SUNBURY LIONS 4.5 (29) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park have become the first team to defeat Sunbury Lions this season with a 13-point win on the road.
Roxy were ahead for pretty much the entire match and proved too strong for Sunbury Lions in multiple areas.
The Magpies now sit in fourth spot and will be dreaming of an even higher finish come the end of the season.
The Sunbury Lions received a reality check this weekend as they went down by 13 points to a team they defeated by 44 points in Round 2.
Nevertheless, Sunbury will see the loss as a good opportunity to learn and grow moving forward.
Sunbury Lions next face Glenroy while Roxburgh Park have a couple of weeks off.
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COBURG DISTRICTS 5.9 (39) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 6.2 (38)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts have won a one-point nail-biter against the Sunbury Kangaroos to end their run of two losses.
Districts were able to flip the switch on their earlier encounter in what was a huge victory in the context of their season.
They led at every change and were able to just hang on to their lead in the last term, despite inaccurate goal kicking which made the contest much closer than it needed to be.
It was a heart-breaking loss for the Kangaroos but one where they showed plenty of fight.
Nat Dunne continued her impressive form this season scoring two goals and taking her season tally to 17 goals.
Sunbury Kangaroos next face Taylors Lakes, while Coburg Districts play East Sunbury.
