By Luke Mathews
ABERFELDIE 7.10 (52) def. by KEILOR 18.13 (121)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor were made to work hard but have come away with their twelfth victory for the year, defeating arch rivals Aberfeldie by 69 points at Clifton Park.
The win maintains the reigning premiers' perfect record in 2024 and still sit two games clear of Pascoe Vale on top of the ladder, while Saturday’s loss means the Rillas sit two games out of the top three.
The game appeared to be a tight tussle early, with both sides kicking two goals each in the first term before Abers established an early 11-point advantage 10 minutes into the second quarter.
The visitors clicked into gear with five of the next six goals to open up a 13-point lead at the main break.
From then on it was all Keilor, with Mick McGuane’s men kicking 11 second-half goals to Aberfeldie’s two to runaway with another victory in 2024.
McGuane praised Aberfeldie’s heat and venom on the contest early but was pleased with the way his side absorbed the pressure and held sway in contest, clearance, and territory.
Captain Kane Barbuto and swing man Billy Johnson were unstoppable for the Blues with both men combining for nine goals, while key defenders Bradley Xavier and James Bailey held firm all day.
There were plenty of positives for Aberfeldie with youngster Darby Scott kicking two goals in one of his best games for the year at senior level while Josh Misiti and Samuel Paea had solid games with one goal each.
Keilor will return home next week to face Pascoe Vale in a top of the ladder clash while Aberfeldie will take on Deer Park at John McLeod Reserve.
GREENVALE 10.12 (72) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.9 (45)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have given their finals chances a huge boost, defeating Douttas by 27 points at Section Road.
Saturday’s win was the Jets seventh for the year and crucially now sit three games clear inside the top five.
Both sides struggled in front of goal early with only five goals in the first half, before the home side stamped their authority on the game with five third-quarter goals to open up a 21-point lead at the final change and cruising to a comfortable victory.
Ben Bath and Hayden Fraser did the damage in front of goal for the Jets with two goals each while Ryan Townsend had one of his best games for the year.
Bailey Ryan backed up last week’s strong showing with another two goals for the visitors, while Declan Willmore and Oskar Balta showed plenty of fight for the Stars.
Next up, Douttas will host the in-form Airport West, while Greenvale will be looking to test themselves when they play Strathmore at Section Road.
AIRPORT WEST 12.13 (85) drew EAST KEILOR 12.13 (85)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West and East Keilor couldn’t be split with the two teams playing out the season’s first draw at Hansen Reserve.
Both teams seem to have avoided the relegation threat and sit on 14 points for the year with Airport West just above the Cougars in seventh spot on percentage.
A repeat of the Round 8 clash between the two sides looked to be on the cards when the home side booted five goals in the first quarter to set up an early 15-point lead at the first change.
The Cougars did steady and kicked the next five goals to lead by eight points at the main break and give themselves a good chance of recording their fourth win of the year.
The Eagles hit back once again with five goals in the third quarter, and went into the final term with their noses in front.
Corey Barbaro gave his side the lead eight minutes into the final term when he goaled but the visitors responded.
Both teams struggled to find the big sticks with the Cougars missing several shots late that would’ve given them the lead but instead had to settle for a draw.
Ned Gentile was instrumental for his side with three goals in another best on ground performance, while Luca Muratore chipped in with another three goals to sit atop the league goal kicking tally.
Reigning Reynolds medallist Matty Dennis had another impressive performance while Frank Campisi contributed again with four goals.
East Keilor will be hoping to come away with four points next week when they play Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve, while Airport West take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval.
STRATHMORE 32.19 (211) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 6.7 (43)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore have sent a warning to the rest of the competition, easily accounting for Avondale Heights by 168 points at Lebanon Reserve.
The win solidifies Strathmore’s spot in third spot, two games and percentage clear of Aberfeldie, while the Heights are still searching for their second win of the year.
The game was over at quarter time with the Mores making the most of their opportunities kicking 10.1 to open up a 47-point lead at the first change.
It didn’t stop there with last year’s grand finalists kicking another 22 goals while the Heights could only manage a further four goals for the rest of the game.
Will Jury, Daniel Mammoliti, Amin Naim, and Athan Tsialtas all had days out with each player kicking five goals.
Despite being beaten comprehensively, Joshua Browne was solid with two goals while youngster Luca Papsis and and Danko Bzenic put in solid performances.
Avondale will be hoping to bounce back when they take on East Keilor at Canning Reserve while Strathmore will travel to Section Road to take on the Jets.
PASCOE VALE 16.22 (118) def. DEER PARK 14.5 (89)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have been made to work hard but have come away with their tenth victory for the year, defeating Deer Park by 29 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The Panthers still remain in second spot on the ladder and a game clear of Strathmore while Deer Park have slipped down to ninth spot on the ladder.
An upset looked on the cards at quarter time, with the visitors kicking six goals in the first quarter to set up a 15-point lead.
Leigh Tudor’s side did get themselves back in the game to trail by just one point at the main break but could’ve been further in front after they kicked eight behinds in the second quarter.
The sides could hardly be spit in the third quarter with the Panthers taking a two-point lead into the final quarter before putting the foot down to kick six goals and run away with the victory.
Rhys Ritchie and Ahmed Saad were very good for the Panthers with two goals each, while Adam Figliola had a solid game with two goals.
In just his second game since Round 4, Jackson Barling put in his best performance for the year with four goals while captain Spiros Amarantidis continued his superb 2024 season with another two goals.
Next week, the Panthers will face their toughest test yet when they take on Keilor in a top of the ladder clash at Joe Brown Oval while Deer Park will host Aberfeldie.
By Luke Mathews
ABERFELDIE 11.4 (70) def. MOONEE VALLEY 3.3 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have booked themselves a spot in the finals, defeating Moonee Valley by 49 points at Aberfeldie Park West.
Saturday’s win is Abers eighth for the year and now sit three games and percentage clear of fourth spot, meaning they will feature in finals action.
Moonee Valley, meanwhile, have slipped down to fifth on the ladder behind Maribyrnong Park.
Abers set the game up early with four goals in the opening term and were able to respond to a Moonee Valley fightback in the second quarter, holding the Fog to one goal after the main break.
Erica Markesich continues her fine form booting a season-high five goals to take her season tally to 15 from just nine games, while vice captain Emily Smith had a solid game with three goals.
Despite going down, Georgia Marsland, Jessica Nannup, and Nadia Valenti all showed plenty of promise with one goal each.
Aberfeldie will be hoping to keep up their winning form when they take on Westmeadows at home, while it doesn’t get any easier for Moonee Valley when they travel to Hillside to take on the Sharks.
KEILOR 1.2 (8) def. by OAK PARK 19.13 (127)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have solidified their spot in the top two defeating Keilor by 119 points at Joe Brown Oval.
The win is the reigning premiers' ninth for the year after capitalising on early opportunities to jump out to a 45 point lead at the first break.
The Kangaroos would hold firm all day conceding only the one goal and piling on 19 goals for the match.
Alex Quigley put in one of the best performances for the season with the forward booting seven goals to boost her season tally to 29, while Abbey Taylor and Leah Spargo both had strong games.
Despite being well beaten, Kiera Leare provided the major highlight with Keilor's only goal, as Megan Neill and Olivia Lacy showed plenty of promise.
It will get tougher for Oak Park next week when they host Maribyrnong Park, while Keilor are back at home again to play Essendon Doutta Stars.
Oak Park scored in triple figures for the third time this season. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
MARIBYRNONG PARK 11.17 (83) def. WESTMEADOWS 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have jumped back into the top four, defeating Westmeadows by 77 points at Walsh Oval.
Saturday’s win makes amends for Marby’s disappointing loss to Moonee Valley two weeks that saw them drop down to fifth on the ladder.
The home side made the most of their opportunities early and held firm in defence all day, only conceding the one score for the game which came at the beginning of the final quarter.
Tegan Matthews continues to be one of the most in-form players across the competition.
The forward kicked five goals for the fourth time this year while youngster Alex McBride-Loane continues to be one to keep an eye on booting three goals.
Despite another loss, Charlotte Jackson provided the highlight of the day for the Tigers kicking the side's only goal, while Mikayla Plant and Gemma Wright continue to be shining lights.
Marby will be looking to test themselves when they travel to Oak Park to take on the reigning premiers, while Westmeadows will play Aberfeldie at Clifton Park.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 2.0 (12) def. by HILLSIDE 5.5 (35)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have strengthened their grip on top spot on the ladder, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 23 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The win all but guarantees the Sharks will finish on top of the ladder as they are two games and percentage clear of Oak Park with only three games left to play.
The game was over at half time with the ladder leaders opening up a 19-point advantage and only two goals kicked after the halftime siren.
Caitlin Sargent continues to cause headaches for opposition defenders with the forward kicking another three goals to take her season tally to 34 from 11 games, while Emily Rudic and Isabelle Young both chipped in with one goal each.
Despite going down Amelia Marino and Yasmin Welsford both hit the scoreboard for the home side on a day when goals were hard to come by.
Douttas will be hoping to bounce back when they travel to Green Gully Road to take on Keilor, while Hillside will be back at home to take on Moonee Valley.
By Joseph Ibic
HILLSIDE 9.13 (67) def. by WEST COBURG 15.10 (100)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have made a huge statement in the fight for the premiership this week, convincingly beating the second place Hillside by 33 points.
It was the second and fourth quarters where West Coburg did most of the damage scoring five majors in both as Hillside were unable to keep up.
Maurice Contreas was among the best for West Coburg booting four goals, while Emilio Rinaudo and Wally Karaan were also impressive.
It will be back to the drawing board for Hillside this week who were simply no match for West Coburg on the day.
Josh Covelli continued his incredible season in front of goals kicking four majors and taking his season tally to 70.
Hillside next faces Craigieburn, while West Coburg comes up against Roxburgh Park.
West Coburg had the better of Hillside. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
TULLAMARINE 12.9 (81) def. by ST ALBANS 12.12 (84)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans are back on the winner's list this week after defeating Tullamarine by three points in an absolute thriller.
It was an important win for the Saints as it saw them snap their two-game losing streak.
However, it still leaves them with many questions as the match was a lot closer than they would’ve liked, especially considering they had a 16-point lead heading into the last term.
Mason Dipetta led their offense with three goals with Ben McManus and Andrew Papazoglou kicking two goals each.
Despite the obvious disappointment there were plenty of positives for Tulla from the loss, as they were able to match it with the Saints and nearly stole the game late.
Tom Jackson was especially prominent kicking four goals, with Jake Long and Daniel Devine important.
Tullamarine takes on Maribyrnong Park next, while St Albans play Keilor Park.
MOONEE VALLEY 6.5 (41) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 27.18 (180)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another complete domination by Maribyrnong Park who won by over 100 points for the fifth time this season.
Marby had the game won by quarter time having kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter and didn’t take the foot off the throat until the final siren went.
James Kayrooz (nine goals) and Brodie Romensky (eight goals) had a field day as both players led their team to the 139-point victory.
The 100-point thrashing sees Moonee Valley fall back into the bottom two in what is a disastrous result for the Valley as the threat of relegation begins to loom large.
There weren’t many positives for the Valley in this week's match but a four-goal final quarter will at least provide something to build off for next week.
Moonee Valley will face off against Rupertswood next week, while Marby Park plays Tullamarine.
RUPERTSWOOD 17.16 (118) def. KEILOR PARK 8.8 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
It was a huge win for Rupertswood on the weekend both in margin and importance, as the 62-point victory saw them move out of the relegation zone for the time being.
Rupertswood led all day with a big first quarter setting up the win as they scored six goals to two.
Fraser Phelan-Smith (five goals) and Clayton Bonello (four goals) were prominent up forward in the dominant win.
It was another convincing loss for Keilor Park who were unable to build off the momentum of their victory last weekend.
They remain in last place with just the one win after 12 matches as relegation remains a likely outcome for them this season.
Keilor Park face St Albans next, while Rupertswood take on Moonee Valley.
ROXBURGH PARK 8.10 (58) def. by OAK PARK 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
It was a hard-fought victory for Oak Park who defeated Roxburgh Park by 18 points to move into the top five.
Oak Park were in front at every break and were able to hold a three-goal advantage all the way to the final siren.
Max Gleeson and Jake Woods were among the best on ground as they led the Oakers to victory.
It was another disappointing loss for Roxburgh Park who lost their second consecutive game since the bye.
Roxy did well keeping pace with Oak Park for majority of the game but were never able to recover after Oak Park got the jump on them in the first quarter of the match.
Roxburgh Park faces West Coburg next, while Oak Park has the week off with the bye.
By Joseph Ibic
AIRPORT WEST 6.6 (42) def. GREENVALE 5.3 (33)
MATCH CENTRE
The Eagles recorded a huge win in the context of their season as they defeated Greenvale by 9 points.
The win was Airport West’s first over a top-two side all year and has come at a great time as the season heads towards finals, giving the Eagles a major confidence boost.
Greenvale will be disappointed and frustrated by the result as they had easily beaten Airport West in their previous two encounters earlier in the year.
They will now have to bounce back across the next couple of weeks and will start against Tullamarine, as Airport West come up against Strathmore/Pascoe Vale.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 12.18 (90) def. TULLAMARINE 2.0 (12)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another massive win by Burnside Heights as they defeated Tullamarine by 78 points on the weekend.
The Bears appear to be peaking at the right time as their main competitor in Greenvale has started to falter.
Burnside's Laura Parker (four goals) and Bella Negri (three goals) were immense in front of goals leading their team to a huge win.
For Tullamarine, it was a tough day at the office but they were able to make the most of their shots on goal.
Tullamarine face off against Greenvale next and Burnside Heights take on Keilor Park.
Burnside Heights were at their dominant best. (Image: Moments by Shaun)
STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 3.8 (26) def. by KEILOR PARK 4.3 (27)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park defeated Strathmore/Pascoe Vale by just one point in a nail biter at Boeing Reserve.
The Devils got out to an early lead at quarter time and despite Strathmore/Pascoe Vale’s best efforts to drag the deficit back, they fell just short of a comeback victory.
The win makes certain that Keilor Park will be safe from the wooden spoon and threat of relegation this season in a massive result for the club, simultaneously aiding their finals chances.
Emily Laidlaw was the star of the day kicking three goals with Taylor Evans and Isabella Arvanitis named their best.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale will be kicking themselves after wasting plenty of chances in front of goals.
The combined side scored just three goals from 11 scoring shots which ultimately cost them the game.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale face off against Airport West next weekend as Keilor Park will battle it out against Burnside Heights.
By Luke Mathews
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 13.2 (80) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 20.13 (133)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights have kept the pressure on ladder leaders Taylors Lakes, defeating Sunbury Kangaroos by 53 points at Eric Broadman Reserve.
Saturday’s win moves the Bears equal on points with Taylors Lakes but have played one extra game while Sunbury Kangaroos remain in sixth spot, four points out of the top four.
The damage was done early in the game with the visitors setting up a 38-point lead at the main break before extending that to 51 points by three quarter time.
The Kangaroos stopped the final margin blowing out thanks their accuracy in front of goals.
Daniel Hovey had a day out against the Kangaroos again, with the forward booting nine goals for the second time this year against the Kangaroos defence.
Nick Gregson and Jaydon Stiles also played a pivotal role in the win with four and two goals respectively.
Even though they didn’t come away with the four points, the Kangaroos had plenty of contributors with Jake Olivieri, Mitch Streiff, Jackson Treweek, and Michael Treeweek all kicking two goals.
Sunbury Kangaroos will be hoping to bounce back when they face Coburg Districts at Cole Reserve while Burnside will face Northern Saints in a twilight clash at home.
HADFIELD 6.9 (45) def. by NORTHERN SAINTS 16.13 (109)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints have moved into the top four after beating Hadfield by 64 points at Martin Reserve.
The win makes in five in a row for the Saints and are looking like a serious finals threat after they started the season slowly.
The visitors started slowly and were trailing by five points at the first break thanks to some wayward kicking but did straighten up after that to boot 15 goals across the next three quarters, while only conceding a further four goals for the match.
Khoder Taleb’s fine form continues with the forward kicking another six goals to take his season tally to a competition-high 46, while Nick Bruno played a pivotal role with two goals.
Despite the Hawks only managing six goals for the game, Ali Elmaaraoui and Sam Godden both managed to have an impact with three and two goals respectively.
It doesn’t get much easier for the Hawks when they travel to Taylors Lakes to play the ladder leaders fresh off the bye, while the Saints will be hoping to keep their winning streak alive when they travel to Burnside to take on the Bears.
GLENROY 10.16 (76) drew COBURG DISTRICTS 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy overcame a 39-point deficit to draw with Coburg Districts at Sewell Reserve.
Saturday’s draw is the competition’s first for the year and sees Coburg Districts slip out of the top four while Glenroy remain in eighth spot.
The game looked over when the visitors kicked seven goals straight in the first term with Glenroy failing to capitalise on their opportunities and go into halftime with 10 behinds.
Districts couldn’t continue their first half dominance and managed only two majors in the second half, while Glenroy clawed their way back with seven second-half scores to tie the game up.
Despite their accurate kicking early in the game, Coburg Districts did have two opportunities late to win the game however they missed and had to settle for a draw.
Glenroy had plenty of contributors across the field however it was George Abdallah and Michael Adams who stepped up to kick two goals each.
Jack McNamara was the most dominant forward on the ground with four goals, while Jack Gusman was also important with three goals for the Lions.
Coburg Districts will be looking to make amends when they take on Sunbury Kangaroos at home while Glenroy will face Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve.
WESTMEADOWS 29.19 (193) def. EAST SUNBURY 3.4 (22)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows have recorded their biggest win of the year defeating East Sunbury by 171 points at Willowbrook Reserve.
The win keeps the Tigers two games clear in third spot on the ladder, while East Sunbury’s difficult year continues with the Thunder yet to record a win in 2024.
The Tigers made the most of their opportunities early kicking 100 points before the half time siren as East Sunbury could only register the one goal.
The home side didn’t slow down booting 14 second-half goals with nine of them coming after three quarter time to help them record a huge win.
Korey Flavel-Wood, Rex Hickman, Shaun O'Grady and Ryan Stingel all made the most of Westmeadows' forward fifty entries with five goals each that helped their side kick their highest total of the year.
Despite another difficult loss, vice captain Lochlan Jones fought hard and was rewarded for his efforts with one goal, while Nathan Smilie and Charlie Spencer both hit the scoreboard with one goal each.
Westmeadows will be back at home again for the second week in a row to take on Glenroy, while East Sunbury will have the weekend off before playing Burnside at home.
By Eric Forman
EAST SUNBURY 0.1 (1) def. by SUNBURY LIONS 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions continue to hold top spot after getting back on the winner's list with an 80-point win over East Sunbury.
It was a dominant performance for the Lions who boasted seven individual goal kickers, with league-leader Natachia Abela leading the way with five goals.
Skipper Emily Taylor kicked a goal and was among the best with Audrey Follett.
Chantell Theuma and Paris Latimer were named the Thunder's best as they continue to run the season out.
East Sunbury will have the week off as the Lions host Taylors Lakes in a twilight clash.
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TAYLORS LAKES 3.3 (21) def. GLENROY 1.5 (11)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes have outlast Glenroy by 10 points to remain in the finals hunt.
A strong second quarter proved the difference in the end for the Lions with two of their three goals coming before the main break.
Sarah McNally, Jorja Brink, and Amelia Alexander slotted the Lions' three goals with Hazel Bursic and Courtney McCormack named their best.
The Roys fought hard and won the second half, but were starting too far back with Vanessa East slotting their only goal.
Taylors Lakes will head to Clarke Oval to play Sunbury Lions while Glenroy faces Coburg Districts.
ROXBURGH PARK 2.3 (15) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 3.5 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts held off a Roxburgh Park fightback to take a vital eight-point win away from home.
The win all but cements the double chance for the Lions gaining two games separation with Glenroy and East Sunbury to come, while Roxy continue to fight to hold onto a finals spot.
After an even first quarter, the Lions got out to a 15-point lead at the main break before a two-goal third quarter from Roxy brought the margin back to just one point heading into the last.
Coburg Districts were disciplined at both ends keeping the Magpies scoreless and adding a goal to take the four points.
Jacinta Brew was among their best with two goals alongside Dawn McGuinness and Helena Katsios.
Captain Megan Allan was the best for Roxburgh Park with a goal, while Caitlyn McLeod and Chloe Mcintosh were important.
Roxburgh Park will look for another win against the Sunbury Kangaroos, while Coburg Districts will travel to play Glenroy.
