By Luke Mathews
GREENVALE 10.11 (71) def. by AIRPORT WEST 17.7 (109)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West has snapped its two-game losing streak with a 38-point win over Greenvale at Section Road.
The win moves the Eagles into fifth spot on the ladder while Greenvale are left languishing in ninth having lost three of their first four.
Brent Taylor’s side came out of the blocks firing, kicking the first five goals to open up a 27-point quarter time lead.
The Jets fired back with six goals of their own in the second quarter to go into the half time break only three points behind.
They couldn’t capitalise on the momentum with Airport West running away with the win after six goals in the third quarter set up a comfortable victory.
It was gun recruit Max Rider that stole the show at Section Road, kicking six goals in a breakthrough game while Ned Gentile, Matt Hanson, and Tyson Young all fired once again.
Sam Zumbo backed up last weekend’s heroics for the Jets with another three goals, while Liam Podhajski didn’t miss a beat in his return game.
The Eagles will be hoping to make it two in a row when they host Maribyrnong Park, while Greenvale will take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval.
DEER PARK 19.10 (124) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 14.13 (97)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has won a see-sawing affair at John McLeod Reserve, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 27 points.
Remarkably, the Lions opened up a 50-point lead just before the half time siren thanks to six goals in the first quarter, while Douttas could hardly touch it in their forward half.
Oscar Sasalu breathed life into the contest with a goal just before the break and it did wonders, with the Stars coming out firing just after half time.
It was all Douttas in the third, kicking five goals to zero with Sasalu running riot, kicking two goals and setting up several others to will his side back into the contest.
With the game hanging in the balance at the final change, the Stars hit the front with two goals in three minutes.
The sides went goal for goal, with Douttas stretching their advantage to seven points at the 13-minute mark.
From then on it was all Deer Park, with the returning Kwame McHarg putting on a show for the home side, booting a whopping five of his eight goals in the final term.
Lin Jong was dominant early in the midfield finding plenty of the footy, while Kier Bol and Josh Chatfield were solid all day.
For the Stars, Darcy Runting showed plenty of promise kicking two goals, while Declan Willmore and Liam Mercieca fought hard all day.
Douttas will return to Nipper Jordan Oval to take on Greenvale next week, while Deer Park will travel to Lebanon Reserve to take on Strathmore.
ABERFELDIE 8.14 (62) def. by KEILOR 12.13 (85)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has gone to outright top of the ladder with a 23-point win over Aberfeldie at Clifton Park.
Saturday’s victory is the Blues' fourth for the year, while Abers now sit 3-1.
Coach Mick McGuane praised his side’s defensive efforts, particularly their pressure and their ability to hold firm and stop Abers scoring late in the game.
After an even opening half, it was a five-goal third term that broke the game open and ensured another victory for the reigning premiers.
Matthew Bartlett and Cody Brand did the damage for Keilor on the scoreboard with three goals each, while Reuben William stood tall in defence.
For the home side, Will Brkic, Daniel Thompson, and Stefan Rasinac all showed plenty of positive signs despite going down.
Abers will be hoping to bounce back when they host Pascoe Vale, while Keilor will be back at home to take on East Keilor.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 17.11 (113) def. PASCOE VALE 11.15 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has proved it's the real deal with another strong performance, defeating Pascoe Vale by 32 points at Monk Oval.
The win moves the Lions to 3-1 in their first season since winning the Division One flag, while the Panthers have now lost three on the trot.
It was all Pascoe Vale for most of the opening term kicking four of the first five goals, before Marby clawed their way back with two late goals.
They carried the momentum through to the second quarter, kicking five goals to one to go into the main break with a three-goal lead.
Leigh Tudor’s men responded with five goals in the third to reduce the margin to just three points with one quarter to play.
With the game hanging in the balance, the home side clicked into gear kicking five goals in 14 minutes to help ensure another win.
Despite having one of the youngest sides in the competition, it was Marby’s experienced campaigners that got the job done with Sean Heatherington, Brodie Romensky, and Jack Kaygisiz all stepping up.
For the visitors, Matt Stillman, Jordan Sesto, and Mitch Egan all did their best however it wasn’t enough in the end.
Marby will be looking to make it four in a row when they take on Airport West at Hansen Reserve, while Pascoe Vale will take on Aberfeldie at Clifton Park.
EAST KEILOR 1.6 (12) def. by STRATHMORE 33.17 (215)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has recorded its third win for the year, thumping East Keilor by 203 points at Overland Reserve.
After losing to Keilor on Good Friday, the Mores now sit in second spot but equal on points with rivals Aberfeldie and Marby.
The game was over from the first bounce, with Strathmore piling on 10 goals in the first quarter, and it didn’t stop there with another 11 majors in the third term.
Superstar Sam Hayes had a day out once again kicking 10 goals, while Mitch Purcell and Amin Naim also cashed in with 13 goals between them.
Jackson Griffiths provided the only highlight for the Cougars, booting their only major for the day in the third quarter.
Strathmore will be hoping to go 4-1 when they host Deer Park, while East Keilor will travel to Joe Brown Oval to take on Keilor.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
HILLSIDE 4.8 (32) def. ABERFELDIE 3.3 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside secured a momentous 11-point win over Aberfeldie to remain the only undefeated side in the division.
The tight-scoring affair saw both sides put everything on the line during Saturday's clash, but it was Hillside who dominated with a defensive masterclass.
Among the highlights was Ashlee Thorneycroft who starred alongside her teammates.
Named among one of the best players for the side, Thorneycroft started the action kicking the opening goal.
Abers marked their territory early in the first quarter, edging ahead by one point.
Briana Marino, Olivia Madden, and Ellie Huggard made notable contributions to the Aberfeldie scoreline early on.
However, the Sahrks clawed back to overtake their opponents by four points at the end of second term.
A surge of goals in the third term helped bolster Hillside's lead and ensured their victory by the final siren.
Hannah Ibrahim, Caitlin Sargent, and Kiara Rigg each added goals to the tally.
Hillside's win sees them jump to the top of the ladder, sending a clear message to the rest of the competition.
Next, Hillside will face Maribyrnong Park at Monk Oval, while Aberfeldie will clash with Greenvale at Aberfeldie Park West.
KEILOR 2.4 (16) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 4.8 (32)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars returned to the winner's circle after an impressive performance against Keilor on Saturday afternoon.
An Adalita Pizzinga masterclass led the Stars to a 16-point victory, with her performance including a stunning three goals.
Chloe McFarlane was Douttas' other goalkicker with one goal.
Keilor held the lead through the first half, extending its margin to four points by half time.
However, a late surge from Essendon Doutta Stars in the second half saw them take control, putting Keilor under intense pressure.
Despite efforts from Tegan Matthews (two goals), it wasn't enough to deny the Stars their win.
Keilor will next face Moonee Valley at Ormond Park, while Essendon Doutta Stars will meet Oak Park at Buckley Park.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 0.0 (0) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 13.9 (87)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley was dominant against Maribyrnong Park securing their first win for 2025 to the tune of 87 points.
Charlotte D'Ambrosio led Moonee Valley's goalkickers with five goals on the afternoon.
Captain Nadia Valenti was also among the contributors on the scoreline, adding four goals to the tally.
Maribyrnong Park was kept scoreless throughout the entire game, struggling to find its rhythm and unable to break through Moonee Valley's relentless defence.
Moonee Valley will look to build on this momentum when they next take on Keilor at Ormond Park.
Maribyrnong Park will aim to bounce back this week when they face Hillside at Monk Oval.
GREENVALE 1.0 (6) def. by OAK PARK 23.10 (148)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park breezed past a determined Greenvale front to secure back-to-back wins.
A 45-point first quarter blitz from Oak Park set the tone for what would be a dominant performance.
Maggie O’Connell continued her red-hot form, bagging six goals.
Greenvale managed only a goal from Haylea Cooke in the second term, struggling to make any significant inroads against the reigning premier.
Oak Park was unstoppable, extending the margin out to 142 points by the time the final siren sounded.
Oak Park will next take on Essendon Doutta Stars over at Buckley Park, while Greenvale travel to Aberfeldie Park West to clash with Aberfeldie.
By Ben Parker
OAK PARK 5.9 (39) def. by CRAIGIEBURN 9.10 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn has upset Oak Park with a 25-point victory in one of the more stirring wins of division so far.
Away from home and under lights, the Eagles were simply too good for the Kangaroos.
Their ball movement was scintillating and their connection inside forward 50 was a key positive takeaway.
Jacob Aquilina and Luke Reichelt were sensational for the Eagles, leading from the front all night.
Oak Park was left flat-footed from the start. They only trailed by the 14 points at the main break, but couldn’t go with the Eagles who skipped away to a memorable victory.
Michael Dalrymple and Errol McConnell fought hard for the Kangaroos all night.
Oak Park will get a chance to make amends next week as they host bottom-of-the-ladder Roxburgh Park. Craigieburn will host Taylors Lakes in an extremely intriguing contest.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 6.12 (48) def. by HILLSIDE 10.16 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has banked its first win of the year with a convincing 28-point win over Avondale Heights.
Away from home and with their backs against the wall, the Sharks finally sunk their teeth into a win.
A tight tussle in the first half saw the Heights go into the main break with a one-point lead.
The momentum swung the way of the Sharks in the second half though, and despite their wayward accuracy, they put their foot down to runaway as deserving winners.
James McNaughton slotted four goals while young gun Nick Karakyriakos produced his best game of the year to be among the Sharks' best.
The Heights will be disappointed with their second half, with Matthew Hlisic and Justin Morris strong contributors in defeat.
Avondale Heights is in a strong position to bounce back next week as they host a struggling Moonee Valley, meanwhile Hillside will look to build some momentum and get their season going when they host Tullamarine at Shark Park.
TAYLORS LAKES 11.11 (77) def. by ST ALBANS 14.12 (96)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans has continued its perfect start to the season with a gutsy 19-point win over a gallant Taylors Lakes.
The Saints have continued on with their winning ways and now sit a game clear on top of the ladder.
After a dominant first quarter which saw the Saints record 10 scoring shots to the Lions' three, they left the door open by not punishing the Lions, and the Lions responded.
The Lions came roaring back into the contest with a five-goal-to-two second quarter to place some genuine pressure onto St Albans.
As expected, Chris Vulic was sensational for Taylors Lakes and got his team back into the contest as the Lions took a one-point lead into half time.
With pressure and heat on the contest, the likes of which they haven’t seen this year, the Saints responded when it mattered most – the sign of a very good football team.
They showed again they’re the real deal and put the rest of the competition on notice.
Matthew Gundry and Jayden Kretiuk went to work all day for the Saints, and were among their best players.
Taylors Lakes will travel to DS Aitken Reserve next week to take on Craigiebur, while St Albans hosts West Coburg in a blockbuster clash that is sure to be scintillating.
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MOONEE VALLEY 7.12 (54) def. by WEST COBURG 13.13 (91)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg comfortably defeated Moonee Valley by 37 points at Ormond Park.
After an extremely even first quarter which couldn’t split the two sides at the first break, West Coburg took control over the game and cruised away.
After a disappointing opening round loss, the win pushes the Burgers back up to second on the ladder and back into familiar territory.
Jesse Martini was the star of the show. He booted through an impressive bag of eight goals in a categorical best-on-ground performance.
Meanwhile, Moonee Valley has been left scrambling down the rear of end of the competition at one win and three losses. The Fog will need to find some improvement in the next few weeks as they fight to stay away from relegation territory.
Recruit Callum Clinnick was Moonee Valley's best on a disappointing day.
West Coburg will travel to Kings Park next week to take on the Saints in a top-of-the-table blockbuster, while Moonee Valley will need to find its best when it take on Avondale Heights.
ROXBURGH PARK 7.19 (61) def. by TULLAMARINE 13.14 (92)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine is the latest to add to the woes of Roxburgh Park as the Dees sent Roxy into an 0-4 slump after a 31-point win.
Both teams had their chances throughout the game, but it was the dees who capitalised on opportunities in front of the sticks.
Roxy will be bitterly disappointed after they could only convert seven goals from 26 scoring opportunities.
They’ll need to make the most of their chances next week in what will be an extremely difficult clash against a fiery Oak Park.
Meanwhile, the Dees played a great brand of footy right from the jump. Fletcher Smith and Ben Weightman were among the best, but it was a real team performance.
Tullamarine will travel to Shark Park next week to tackle Hillside.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
COBURG DISTRICTS 1.6 (12) def. by TULLAMARINE 5.13 (43)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine has pulled off a stunning 31-point win at Cole Reserve, defeating Coburg Districts with a commanding win.
Coburg Districts started off strong and led early, but a defiant Tullamarine unit switched up things by the end of the second term and never looked back.
Several players stepped up for Tullamarine, with Amy Warden, Laura D'Amore, Tricia Devine, Rachael White, and Laycee Eustace all hitting the scoreboard.
Katherine Jansen was the only goalscorer for Coburg Districts, slotting her side's only major in the second term.
Tullamarine look to continue its momentum when they meet Strathmore this week at Lebanon Reserve. Meanwhile, Coburg Districts and Burnside Heights will face off at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
KEILOR PARK 7.8 (50) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 4.2 (26)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park has recorded its third consecutive win overpowering Burnside Heights by 24-points.
The Devils controlled the ball early on, kicking two goals in the opener and maintaining the upper hand throughout the contest.
Caitlyn Crameri continued her standout form this week, with her three goals contributing nicely to her side's scoreline.
Teammate Maddison Cooper also dazzled in front of goal, matching Crameri with three goals of her own.
Burnside Heights showed resilience with Jorja Brink, Bella Negri, Sina Mason, and Kiara Asani-Davis each contributing to the scoreboard.
But despite their efforts, Burnside Heights struggled to match Keilor Park's disciplined ball movement and relentless pressure.
Keilor Park will aim to continue their red-hot streak when they face Westmeadows this week, while Burnside plays Coburg Districts.
STRATHMORE 6.8 (44) def. WESTMEADOWS 2.0 (12)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore cruised to a comfortable 32-point win against Westmeadows to maintain its perfect record.
Strathmore was in-form, restricting Westmeadows to only two goals for the entire contest.
Emma Artigas led from the front, bagging two goals.
Strathmore quickly made its impact on the game, kicking 2.2 in the opening quarter. They extended their lead further in the third quarter, eventually sealing the 32-point victory.
Sophie Page, Yasmin Welsford, Milla Murphy, and Talia Motta each added a goal to the scoreboard.
Strathmore now turn their focus to a matchup against Tullamarine at Lebanon Reserve.
Westmeadows will return to the drawing board ahead of their next contest with an in-form Keilor Park at Willowbrook Reserve.
By Eliza Duncan
KEILOR PARK 15.10 (100) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 12.10 (82)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park has moved into second on the ladder following an 18-point win over Burnside Heights.
The lead was traded throughout the first three quarters before being all tied heading into the final term.
It was the Devils who were able to find ways to goal more in the final quarter to lead by three goals come full time.
Pearce Wilkinson isn't a noted goal kicker for the Devils but ended up with four goals as one of the best on ground.
Aaron Scerri (three goals) and Jarod Pontin (two goals) were important up forward, while ruck Sam Pontin had another stellar game, named Keilor Park's best.
Bears skipper Jordan Hughes led the way with four goals as Burnside's best, while Zack Williams continued his impressive form in front of goal with another two goals.
Keilor Park will face the undefeated Glenroy next week at Sewell Reserve, while Burnside Heights will host Sunbury Kangaroos.
EAST SUNBURY 3.6 (24) def. by GLENROY 23.24 (162)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy remains undefeated after a dominant 138-point win over East Sunbury.
The Roys kicked six goals to one in the opening quarter and would pile on the pain throughout the four quarters.
They certainly left a few out there kicking 23.24 while restricting the Thunder to three goals.
Aaron Kite kicked five goals against his old side while George Abdallah and Mark Sabatino each kicked four goals.
Daniel Riley was awarded the Mt Alexander Hotel player of the match award, while Julian Hemala and Daniel Ferraro were also very good.
Josh Crump, Todd Elton, and Aaron Flavel were the three goal scorers for the Thunder with Mitch Trimboli and Wade Lees named their best.
Glenroy will face Keilor Park at home next week, while East Sunbury will look to bounce back against Hadfield.
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COBURG DISTRICTS 12.9 (81) def. HADFIELD 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
A fast-starting Coburg Districts held off a fast-finishing Hadfield to get back on the winner's list with a 13-point triumph.
Districts kicked five goals to one in the first term and maintained separation with the Hawks to three-quarter time.
The Hawks did all the attacking in the final quarter kicking four unanswered goals, but couldn't quite get within range to knock off the Lions.
Jack McNamara (five goals) kicked multiple goals for the first time since his bag of seven in Round 1, while Damien Cavka again proved to be a threat around goals with three majors.
Riley Bentley and Luke Viska were among the best, alongside new recruit Romy Noureddine in game one.
Jack Wallace (three goals) and Jack Slavich (two goals) were pivotal in front of goal for the Hawks, with Steven Angus named their best.
Coburg Districts will next play Rupertswood, while Hadfield will play East Sunbury.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 16.14 (110) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 14.11 (95)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos picked up its second win of the season with a 15-point victory over Northern Saints.
Northern Saints move to 0-4 and will be ruing some missed opportunities in this contest.
The Saints kicked 1.6 in the first term and trailed by 16 points at the first break, before the Kangaroos extended the margin to 33 at half time.
Tamer Abdallah's men needed to respond with the Kangaroos firmly in control of the contest, and they did just that kicking six goals to one in the third term.
Just one point separated the sides heading into the final quarter which saw 12 goals kicked, with the Kangaroos falling on the right side of the result.
Riley Draicchio kicked five goals in just his ninth senior game, while skipper Mitch Streiff kicked four goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Eliot Kako was the Saints' best and provided a strong option up forward with five goals, while Nick Bruno kicked three.
Northern Saints will continue to search for its first win against Westmeadows next week, while Sunbury Kangaroos will play Burnside Heights.
WESTMEADOWS 13.3 (81) def. RUPERTSWOOD 8.12 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has evened its season ledger to 2-2 with a 21-point win over Rupertswood.
The Tigers were incredibly accurate all day and it was especially the point of difference early.
Westy kicked eight goals from 10 scores to half time while Rupo only managed one goal from their seven scores.
The Sharks certainly polished things up in the third quarter kicking 7.3, but importantly held the Tigers to just one point to lead by a straight kick at the last change.
The trend of the first half returned in the last as Westmeadows kicked five goals to just the three behinds of Rupertswood.
Aaron Evans kicked his third consecutive bag of four goals, while Shaun O'Grady impressed with three.
Justin du Toit kicked two goals on senior debut and was among the best with Evans, Daniel Spencer, and Michael Portelli.
Clayton Bonello was the only multiple goal scorer for Rupo with three majors, with Matt McDonald and Jackson Cardillo named their best.
Westy will next play Northern Saints, while Rupo will play Coburg Districts.
By Eric Forman
ROXBURGH PARK 3.6 (24) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 2.9 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park has won its second game of the season in a three-point thriller against Sunbury Kangaroos.
The margin never extended beyond five points at any change with the elimination final rematch going right down to the wire.
Madison Bayes kicked two goals for Roxy with Shantelle Cantone kicking their third.
Danira Fuamatu and Dakotta Liddy were among their best as they look to get their season moving in the right direction.
The Kangaroos will be ruing some missed opportunities in front of goal kicking 2.9 for the day.
Tylah Bell kicked one of the goals in a best-on-ground performance, while playing coach Carly Blythe kicked the other.
Roxy face Sunbury Lions this week, while the Kangaroos will have the week off with the split round.
GISBORNE 6.5 (41) def. TAYLORS LAKES 5.4 (34)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne remains perfect to start 2025 winning a tense top-of-the-table clash against Taylors Lakes by seven points.
The Bulldogs led by five points at quarter time with their two goals coming off the boot of Kareena Jacobsen-Logan.
The Lions kicked two unanswered in the second term and held Gisborne scoreless to lead by eight points at the main break.
Brooke Cowan bobbed up with two goals in the third quarter to retake the lead for Gisborne, before Taylors Lakes responded to hold the advantage heading into the last.
Belinda Hately continued the trend and kicked successive goals for Gisborne to give the Bulldogs an 11-point lead seven minutes into the last.
The Lions could only add one more goal for the game to fall short in one of the games of the season so far in this division.
Hately and Natalie Korinfsky were named the best for the Bulldogs who moved to 4-0.
Charlie Goodwin and Sarah Jamieson each kicked two goals for the Lions with Stef Valerio named their best.
Both teams will have this weekend of the split round off, before the Lions play East Sunbury and Gisborne play the Kangaroos the following weekend.
SUNBURY LIONS 10.17 (77) def. EAST SUNBURY 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions has picked up its first win of the season with a 77-point triumph over East Sunbury.
It was a dominant performance from the start in game 250 for Jaimee-lee Wilson, with 27 scoring shots indicating as such.
Hayley Parke and Nikki Waldron kicked two goals each and led the way for the Lions.
Shelby Grinter, Rhianna Kirk, and Paris Latimer were named the best for East Sunbury.
Sunbury Lions will play Roxburgh Park this weekend, while East Sunbury will next face Taylors Lakes in the second week of the split round.
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