By Luke Mathews
KEILOR 29.20 (194) def. DEER PARK 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has kicked off its 2024 premiership defence in style, defeating Deer Park by 139 points at Joe Brown Oval.
After jumping out to an early 33-point quarter time lead, it was an 11-goal third quarter blitz by the Blues that sealed the crushing win.
Coach Mick McGuane was pleased with his sides ability to be strong at the contest early as well as their efficiency inside 50 which allowed 12 players to hit the scoreboard.
It might be a new year, but captain Kane Barbuto continues to lead from the front, picking up the Mount Alexander Hotel player of the match award after kicking four goals, while Chris Kosmas and Nick O’Kearney were dominant once again.
Despite the pre-season hype, Deer Park failed to match it with the best in the competition for much of the day, however Lin Jong and Mark Galea both put in solid performances.
Keilor will be back at home again next Saturday to take on Airport West in a blockbuster clash, while Deer Park will be hoping to bounce back when they host Greenvale.
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AIRPORT WEST 35.17 (227) def. EAST KEILOR 5.7 (37)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West has sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition after thumping East Keilor by 190 points at Hansen Reserve on Saturday.
The Eagles made the perfect start to 2025 after narrowly missing finals in 2024, making the most of a disappointing East Keilor outfit.
After opening up a comfortable 78-point half time lead, Brent Taylor’s side piled on 21 second-half goals to help ensure a dominant win.
Reigning Reynolds Medallist Tyson Young did the damage for the Eagles kicking a remarkable 10 goals in his first outing for 2025, while Hamish Morrison and Matt Hanson both starred in Saturday’s victory.
Despite going down convincingly, Jackson Griffiths and Tom Glesson were both still able to hit the scoreboard on a day when goals were hard to come by for the Cougars.
Airport West will be looking to test themselves when they travel to Joe Brown Oval to take on Keilor, while East Keilor will be back at home to take on Marby.
GREENVALE 8.10 (58) def. by STRATHMORE 12.12 (84)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has picked up its first win for 2025, defeating Greenvale by 26 points at Section Road.
It was Strathmore’s first half dominance that set up the win kicking eight goals to one, before holding firm in the second half to come away with the victory.
Mitch Purcell was a handful for the Greenvale defenders kicking four goals, while Cooper West and Ryan Brodie were both among the Mores' best in Saturday’s win.
Liam Podhajski showed plenty of strong signs in the ruck for the Jets, while Ben Speight and Blake Justice fought hard all day.
Strathmore will be hoping to make it two from two when they square off with Pascoe Vale at Lebanon Reserve, while Greenvale will travel to John McLeod Reserve to take on Deer Park.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 10.12 (72) def. by ABERFELDIE 19.9 (123)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has had the perfect start to 2025, defeating Division One premiers Maribyrnong Park by 51 points under lights at Monk Oval.
It was a difficult return to Premier Division for Brodie Holland’s men with his side unable to match it with a quality Aberfeldie outfit for four quarters.
It was Abers' second-term dominance that set up the win. After trailing by a goal at quarter time, the visitors piled on seven second-quarter goals before finishing strongly in the second half to come away with their first win for 2025.
Callum Moore had the perfect return home kicking four goals, while Josh Kemp and Ben Ronke led from the front with three goals each.
Veteran Scott Clarke had a promising start to 2025 despite the loss, while youngsters Zach Coughlan and Tom Barnett were solid all night.
Abers will be hoping to bank a second win when they take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval, while Marby will be hoping to bounce back when they face East Keilor.
PASCOE VALE 16.9 (105) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale has picked up from where it left off, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 37 points under lights at Raeburn Reserve.
With the game still in the balance at three quarter time, Leigh Tudor’s side came home hard, booting seven final-quarter goals to help pick up their first four points of the year.
Ahmed Saad continued to be a dangerous threat forward of the ball for the Panthers kicking five goals, while Caleb Ernst and Ibby Taha both showed plenty of promising signs in their first hit out in red and black.
Although they were unable to come away with the four points, there were plenty of things to like for Douttas with Oscar Sasalu and Bailey Ryan both able to hit the scoreboard with multiple goals each.
It doesn’t get any easier for Douttas when they take on Aberfeldie at home, while Pascoe Vale will travel to Lebanon Reserve to take on Strathmore in a replay of last year’s qualifying final.
By Eric Forman
MARIBYRNONG PARK 2.0 (12) def. by ABERFELDIE 24.13 (157)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has started its 2025 campaign with a thumping 145-point win over Maribyrnong Park at Walsh Oval.
The Two Blues made a statement early kicking six unanswered first quarter goals, adding eight more unanswered in the second quarter.
Marby would kick two goals in the third quarter from Saskia Williams in a best-on-ground performance, but were unable to make any progress on the scoreboard.
Abers ended up kicking 24 goals with co-coach Em Smith booting seven, matched by new star recruit Mo Hope with seven of their own.
A further seven goal scorers would hit the scoreboard with co-coach Ash Gunn (three goals) and Amelia Wright (two goals) also prominent.
MOONEE VALLEY 6.1 (37) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 13.8 (86)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars took home the win at Ormond Park with a 49-point triumph over Moonee Valley.
It was an even start to the contest with Douttas taking an eight-point lead into the first break, before a five-goal second quarter opened up a 35-point margin for the visitors at half time.
Marie Napoli's side continued to extend the lead to enjoy a comfortable victory.
Lucy Dunne impressed on debut for Douttas with three goals, with skipper Harmony Mitsos also bagging three majors.
Adalita Pizzinga and Jayla Rutley kicked multiples with Steph Mitchell among the best.
Charlotte D'Ambrosio led the way for Moonee Valley in the forward half with two goals, supported by singles to Tabatha Andrade, Michaela Chalhoub, Poppy Gallaughar, and Nadia Valenti.
Douttas will head home for the first time in 2025 to play Greenvale at Buckley Park, while Moonee Valley will head to Hillside.
OAK PARK 3.3 (21) def. by HILLSIDE 4.3 (27)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside took home the win against reigning premiers Oak Park in one of the most anticipated clashes across the competition.
Goals were hard to come by for both sides, but it was Jasmine Kincaid who first broke through to kick the lone goal of the first half.
The Sharks would kick the next to push the margin to a game-high 14 points, before Oak Park responded a couple of minutes later through new recruit Sasha Nelson.
With the game on a knife's edge, Kincaid kicked her second on the eve of three quarter time to make it a 13-point game heading into the final break.
The Kangaroos scored in the opening minute and would tie the game 10 minutes later through Steph Normington-Dickens.
Both sides pressed to get the go ahead goal, but it would be new Sharks recruit Natasha Campbell who would seal the game kicking the winner with a little over two minutes to play.
Kincaid was among the best on ground alongside Ash Thorneycroft, Annalise Wilkie, and Hannah Ibrahim.
For the Kangaroos, Felicity Theodore starred in her return to Oak Park against her former side, with Rhianna Nunn and Tamsyn Kirk other key performers.
Hillside will next host Moonee Valley, while Oak Park will face another top opponent in Aberfeldie.
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GREENVALE 3.3 (21) def. by KEILOR 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor made its way back on the winner's list with a 34-point victory over Greenvale at Section Road.
The Blues controlled the game from start to finish despite a third-quarter fightback from the Jets.
Tegan Matthews' return to Keilor colours was emphatic with the 2024 AGA Rising Star booting five goals.
Olivia Lacy and Estelle Grimaud were also strong performers, as Maddison Reynolds, Ellie Goulden, and Jessika Jacobsen added a goal each.
Sophie Wheeler and Awatea Poutini were named the Jets' best, as skipper Haylea Cooke, Amelia Commisso, and Lara Temiz added goals.
Greenvale will next play Douttas, while Keilor will host Maribyrnong Park.
By Ben Parker
HILLSIDE 8.5 (53) def. by OAK PARK 8.16 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
In what was anticipated to be the match of the round, an inaccurate Oak Park has come away with an 11-point win over Hillside.
The Kangaroos sent a message to the rest of the competition that they’re the real deal, and with a win highly touted Sharks side, their premiership aspirations are off to a positive start.
Oak Park had a handy 23-point lead at the final break and were able to hold on from a brave Hillside outfit, who, unlike the Roos, made the most of their chances in front of the sticks.
Josh Covelli and Kane O’Halloran both booted five goals for their respective teams in what was a real masterclass from both players.
Positives for Hillside came in the form of Tyson Gill and Lucas Failli, who put in incredibly strong performances for the Sharks. While on the other side of the ledger, Errol McConnell and Josh Ksiazek were instrumental for the Roos.
Oak Park will host Avondale Heights next week, while Hillside will make the journey out to Shore Reserve to take on West Coburg.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 16.6 (102) def. WEST COBURG 8.14 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights defeated West Coburg to record their first win in almost a year.
It was West Coburg who threw the first punch, taking a mere four-point lead into the first break. However, it was all Avondale from there with the Burgers falling victim to a severe case of inaccurate goalkicking, the Heights were able to produce seven second-quarter goals to draw away from a frustrated West Coburg side.
Brody Watts, Brad Robb, and Anthony Bonaguro were all exceptional performers for the Heights, with Brody Watts splitting the sticks with five goals and recruit Sahaf Ali chipping in with four of his own.
On the other hand, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for West Coburg. A strong team-wide performance suggested that they should be extremely competitive again this year.
As mentioned above, their accuracy in front of goals hurt them, but expect the Burgers to look to bounce back next week on their home deck in what will be a cracking clash with Hillside.
Meanwhile, Avondale Heights will take on Oak Park as they look to make it two from two to start their new chapter in Division One.
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TAYLORS LAKES 17.17 (119) def. ROXBURGH PARK 7.6 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has produced a dominant display to defeat Roxburgh Park in what was an extremely encouraging performance for the Lions.
As expected, the contest was hot early. With both sides bringing the heat, they couldn’t be separated at quarter time with the scores sitting level.
The Lions quickly sprung into action from that point on to kick six unanswered goals in the second term and eventually run away as 71-point winners.
Cooper McPharlane put through five goals for Roxy in what was an encouraging display from the forward.
Damien Petrone converted five of his own for Taylor Lakes, with Christian Petersen and Jacob Hutchinson also producing scintillating performances to be named as some of the Lions' best.
Roxburgh Park will next week look to bounce back against Craigieburn, while Taylors Lakes will travel to take on Moonee Valley at Ormond Park.
CRAIGIEBURN 9.2 (56) def. by ST ALBANS 13.12 (90)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans produced an exciting start to their season with a road win over Craigieburn.
The Saints proved to be too strong all day, with Craigieburn unable to do any real damage on the scoreboard and rein in a strong St Albans outfit.
Six players were able to kick two goals each for the Saints in what was an incredibly productive team display for the travelling side.
There were plenty of promising signs for the Eagles throughout the game with strong performers all around as well, including the likes of Harry Albon and Jai Robinson who were gallant in defeat.
It was the Saints who were ultimately able to pinch a victory on the road, and they will go into next week against Tullamarine brimming with confidence.
For the Eagles, they get a chance to put their first win on the board against a Roxburgh Park side that will come out firing after their opening round loss to the Lions.
TULLAMARINE 7.6 (48) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 7.7 (49)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley will take home the four points after leading by a point when its contest with Tullamarine was called off due to an injury towards the end of the third quarter.
The Fog started off strong with four unanswered goals to quarter time before holding a three-goal lead at the main break.
Tullamarine kicked into gear in the third quarter kicking four goals to one before the game was called off.
Cristian Athanasopoulos and Vincent Moffett impressed in their senior debuts for Moonee Valley with two goals each.
The Demons, meanwhile, had seven individual goal kickers.
They'll prepare for a road trip to St Albans next week, while Moonee Valley will host Taylors Lakes.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
COBURG DISTRICTS 1.0 (6) def. by WESTMEADOWS 6.11 (47)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has started its 2025 campaign with flying colours after a dominant display against Coburg Districts.
The win saw several contributors to the scoreline, with Ruby Smith among one of the game’s best having a goal to her name.
Nikayla Jones, Danielle Linton, Courteney Munn, and Taylor Jones also scored a goal each.
Despite the Lions’ best efforts, including an opening goal from new recruit Steph Pontonio, it wasn’t enough to hold off a defiant Westmeadows side.
With the first game of the season in the books, both teams will regroup and prepare for their next challenge. Westmeadows faces Tullamarine in Round 2, while Coburg Districts will aim to bounce back against Keilor Park.
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TULLAMARINE 1.1 (7) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 2.4 (16)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights delivered a classy nine-point win when they took on Tullamarine over the weekend.
Last year’s Division One Best and Fairest runner-up Holly McGregor shone as she scored a goal.
A late push in the third quarter saw Tullamarine take the lead early following a goal from Sophie Kelly. However, they weren’t able to captalise on their early lead, as Burnside crawled back with goals from McGregor and Jacklyn Caruana.
Up next, Burnside hosts Strathmore at home. Tullamarine will be up against Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve in a twilight slot.
STRATHMORE 2.9 (21) def. KEILOR PARK 0.3 (3)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore began its new era under Shaun Bannister with an 18-point win against Keilor Park.
Several players stepped up in the electric win.
Chloe Oakley slotted a stellar goal, adding a welcome addition to the scoreboard, while skipper Clara Toperosa was also a standout with her goal.
Several other players helped lead Strathmore to their first win of the season, with Amanda Gewargls, Georgie Richardson, Maya Koo, and Milla Murphy each contributing to the scoreline.
Keilor Park will be aiming for their first win in 2025 when they take on Burnside Heights. Meanwhile, Strathmore will go up against Coburg Districts.
By Levi Swanson
GLENROY 16.13 (109) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 6.5 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy has kicked off its 2025 campaign with a 68-point win over Burnside Heights at Sewell Reserve.
It was a fresh start for the Roys under new coach Addam Maric and it was exactly the performance they would've been after.
A six-goal second quarter opened up the margin that wouldn't be ceded, with more pain piled on in the final quarter.
New recruit Julian Hemala was best on while Jake Young (five goals), Aaron Dimatteo (three goals), and Joey Vacccaro (two goals) were dominant in front of goals.
Anthony Petrarca was named the Bears' best, while Jacob Elia (two goals) led the way in front of goals.
Glenroy will next face Northern Saints at Charles Mutton Reserve, while Burnside Heights will host Hadfield.
RUPERTSWOOD 13.8 (86) def. KEILOR PARK 11.15 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood and Keilor Park put on a show at Salesian College with the hosts coming away five-point victors.
It was a game full of ebbs and flows with Rupo stretching away in the third quarter after an even first half.
The Devils were able to run the game out strong kicking five unanswered goals, including four in a six-minute stretch to take the lead.
Ned Crotty responded to restore the Rupo lead, with no further score for the game resulting in the Rupo win.
Crotty ended up with four majors and was supported by new recruit Owen Sloan with three goals, while Clayton Bonello and Mitch Johnston each kicked two.
Daylan Kempster (four goals) and Mark Jamar (three goals) did the damage in the Devils' forward half, while Lindon Bektash was named their best.
Keilor Park will next feature on Good Friday against Coburg Districts, while Rupertswood will face Sunbury Kangaroos.
(Image: Moments by Shaun)
HADFIELD 16.12 (108) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield has started the season in style with a 40-point win over local rival Northern Saints.
It was an emphatic display from the outset with a six-goal-to-one opening quarter giving themselves a comfortable lead for the entire contest.
The Saints were able to win the second half, but were unable to make any significant inroads to the deficit.
The Hawks boasted 11 goalkickers with Ali Elmaaraoui, Sam Godden, Patrick Ryan, Jack Slavich, and Jack Wallace kicking two each.
Godden was named their best alongside reliable contributors Rhys Gleisner and Jake Polizzi.
Nick Bruno picked up from where he left off last season with five goals, while captain Anthony Petrocco and coach Tamer Abdallah stood tall alongside him.
Hadfield will look to keep it rolling against Burnside Heights next week, while Northern Saints will host Glenroy.
COBURG DISTRICTS 14.15 (99) def. WESTMEADOWS 9.8 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
It was a statement victory for Coburg Districts taking down last season's grand finalist Westmeadows by 37 points at Cole Reserve.
The Lions and Tigers traded blows in the first half, before a six-goal third quarter proved the difference in the end.
It was the perfect start for Damien Cavka and his side, staking their claim as a side looking to return to finals after closes misses in 2023 and 2024.
Jack McNamara dominated with seven goals, supported by coach Cavka and Pasquale Curcio with three goals each.
Shaun O'Grady led the scoring for Westy with two goals, while enjoying seven other individual goal scorers.
Districts will have to wait until Good Friday against Keilor Park to back up, while Westy will look to rebound against East Sunbury.
EAST SUNBURY 17.8 (110) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 6.8 (44)
MATCH CENTRE
After 1,344 days with no success, East Sunbury is back on the winner's list after a 66-point win over Sunbury Kangaroos.
A bumper crowd piled in to John McMahon Recreation Reserve to see a new look Thunder side featuring two-time Coleman Medallist Brendan Fevola, and they weren't disappointed with the 'Loosh' kicking two goals.
Josh Crump stole the show with a bag of seven, while Todd Elton kicked four as the Thunder kicked 15 goals to three after quarter time.
Returning players like Tom Cree and Lachlan Brne supported the input of the new recruits and will no doubt give the Thunder plenty of reason to believe as the season continues.
For the Kangaroos, Michael Treweek and John Corso were named their best while Riley Draicchio kicked two goals.
They'll look to get on the winner's list when they play host to Rupertswood, while East Sunbury will look to carry the momentum into its clash with Westmeadows.
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By Ashleigh Matosevic
SUNBURY LIONS 0.0 (0) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 16.16 (112)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes sent a clear message to the rest of the division following its 112-point win on Saturday.
Taylors Lakes’ early lead in the first quarter of 15 points helped the side secure their first win of the season against the Sunbury Lions.
It was an electrifying performance from Taylors Lakes, led by a heroic effort from Stef Valerio who delivered a stunning four goals.
Alongside Valerio, the win was bolstered with help from several other goalkickers on the afternoon.
Mia Bondar and Sarah McNally shone on the field with three goals each to their names.
Johanna Mercado and Charlie Goodwin assisted with two goals each, while Taylah Egan, Rebecca Foggie, Emma Villani, and Cathy Liberatore each had a goal.
In a tough day for Sunbury Lions, Brianna Spratling and Kirsty Baker were named their best.
Taylors Lakes will be looking to keep up their momentum for Round 2, where they will clash against East Sunbury.
For the Sunbury Lions, they will be on the hunt for their first win of the season when they face Roxburgh Park.
GISBORNE 13.12 (90) def. ROXBURGH PARK 3.5 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne was triumphant in its return to the senior ranks with a 67-point win over last year's preliminary finalists Roxburgh Park.
Gisborne managed to fend off a fierce Roxy squad with the help of a stellar quintet that provided much needed assistance goal-wise. Alexia Todorovic, Emily Gibson, Alicia Chadwick, Ayesha Nicholson, and Emma Williams all scored two goals.
Despite their best efforts throughout the four quarters, which included Jameson Best kicking two goals, it didn’t deter Gisborne from earning the first win for its 2025 campaign.
Gisborne will prepare to go into battle with the Sunbury Kangaroos, as Roxburgh Park faces the Sunbury Lions.
(Image: Moments by Shaun)
EAST SUNBURY 1.1 (7) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 12.18 (90)
MATCH CENTRE
A defiant Sunbury Kangaroos squad reigned supreme at John McMahon Recreation Reserve on the weekend with a stunning 83-point win against East Sunbury.
The Kangaroos were consistent, holding the lead right up until the final quarter.
Summer Pazsa was a standout on the ground, booting four goals, while Sophie Dunne assisted the scoreline, bagging three goals.
Tylah Bell, Alexsis Ryan, and Breanna Mason also added to the scoreboard for the Kangaroos.
Shelby Grinter, Paris Latimer, and Anna-Maria Rice were among the best for the Thunder.
The Kangaroos roll onto a new week, where they will be up against Gisborne.
East Sunbury and Taylors Lakes are locked in for Round 2.
(Image: Moments by Shaun)
