By Luke Mathews
GREENVALE 5.7 (37) def. by ABERFELDIE 12.10 (82)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has gotten its revenge for last year’s elimination final loss, defeating Greenvale by 45 points at Section Road.
The win gives Abers a two-game buffer inside the top three, while Greenvale sits in ninth spot with just the one win for the year.
It was a comprehensive defensive effort that helped get the visitors over the line, keeping the Jets scoreless for the opening quarter and conceding just five majors for the match.
The Rillas came out firing kicking five goals in the first quarter, before booting another three in the third term to help cruise to another victory.
Callum Moore was back to his brilliant best kicking five goals, while Daniel Thompson and Matthew Williamson were also terrific in the seven-goal victory.
Riley Leedham continues to go from strength to strength for the Jets kicking another two goals, while Dylan Aridas and Jarryd Bonello both put in solid performances.
Abers will be looking to make it three in a row when they host East Keilor, while Greenvale will travel to Joe Brown Oval to take on the reigning premiers.
EAST KEILOR 2.5 (17) def. by DEER PARK 23.24 (162)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has recorded its third win for the year defeating East Keilor by 145 points at Overland Reserve.
The win moves Jamie Madigan’s side into sixth spot, however they are equal on points with Marby and Essendon Doutta Stars.
The game was over before quarter time with the visitors piling on seven unanswered goals to jump out to a 48-point lead, before booting another seven in the third term.
Diesel Moloney and Lachlan Smart did the damage on the scoreboard booting five goals each, while Zen Christofi continued his strong start to 2025.
Jackson Griffiths continues to fight hard despite being well beaten again, booting one of his side’s two goals.
Deer Park will be back at home next week to take on Pascoe Vale, while East Keilor will travel to Clifton Park to take on Aberfeldie.
AIRPORT WEST 3.12 (30) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 15.12 (102)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars has made it two big wins in a row, defeating Airport West by 72 points at Hansen Reserve.
The win moves the Stars into fourth spot on the ladder with three wins, while Airport West has slipped to seventh spot after failing to back up last week’s come-from-behind win.
After conceding the first goal of the game, the visitors proceeded to pile on seven unanswered goals across the first two quarters to open up a 41-point lead just before the half time siren.
The Eagles did get one back just before the break but it did little to stop Doutta's momentum, booting another five consecutive goals to give themselves a 62-point three quarter time lead.
A further three goals in the fourth quarter helped put an exclamation mark on another great win for Barry Prendergast’s side.
Vice-captain Bailey Ryan led from the front with five goals, while superstars Declan Willmore and Michael Kiraly stood up once again.
Despite going gown, Lachlan Di Sebastiano, Ned Gentile, and Cooper Janevski all did their best for the Eagles.
Douttas will be looking to make it three in a row in a blockbuster clash with Marby at Nipper Jordan Oval, while Airport West will take on Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve.
PASCOE VALE 9.12 (66) def. by KEILOR 17.10 (112)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has recorded another convincing win over Pascoe Vale, defeating the Panthers by 46 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The win maintains the reigning premier's one game buffer on top of the ladder, while Pascoe Vale is left languishing in eighth spot having lost its last five games.
The visitors were prepared for a fired-up Pascoe Vale outfit and they were on from the first bounce kicking six goals in the first quarter to skip out to a 30-point lead.
Another 10 goals meant the Blues had a 73-point lead heading into the last and looked set for another three-figure win, however the Panthers did restore some pride with a five-goal final quarter.
Coach Mick McGuane was pleased with how his side played the conditions early, especially their contest work, clearance work, and efficiency, however he was disappointed with the drop off in the final term.
After a quiet week against the Cougars, Chris Kosmas was back to his explosive best kicking four goals, while Nick O’Kearney and Jay White both put in solid performances.
Despite suffering another defeat, Antonio Spataro had his best game for the year kicking two goals, while Charlie Faubel and Jared Eckersley fought hard all day.
Keilor will be back at Joe Brown Oval next week to take on Greenvale, while Pascoe Vale will face off with Deer Park at John McLeod Reserve.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 10.9 (69) def. by STRATHMORE 12.7 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has come away with a gritty win, defeating Maribyrnong Park by 10 points at Monk Oval.
The win maintains the Mores' spot in second position on the ladder, while Marby has slipped to fifth having lost their last two matches.
Marby got the jump on the visitors kicking four goals in the first quarter, before the Mores hit back with four of their own to open up a 15-point half time advantage.
Strathmore kicked the first two of the third and with the game slipping away, Marby fired back with three of the next four and were only 16 points down 22 minutes into the third.
The Mores got the last of the third before the sides went goal for goal to start the fourth, with Marby only able to get within 10 points after kicking four straight behinds to finish the game.
Corey Grindlay was terrific kicking two goals for the second week running, while Brock Egglestone and Andrew Vavra played integral roles in helping get their side over the line.
Kieran Mcgadey had a breakout game kicking four goals for the Lions, while Sam Calleri and Jack Gerardi were good once again.
Marby will be looking to break the run of back-to-back losses when they face Douttas at Nipper Jordan Oval, while Strathmore will host Airport West.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
OAK PARK 9.6 (60) def. MOONEE VALLEY 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park rocketed past a scoreless Moonee Valley front, silencing them at JP Fawkner Reserve with a thumping 60-point win.
Opening the first term with 21 points, the Kangaroos overwhelmed their opponents with relentless pressure and ferocity throughout the game.
The win was led by Stephanie Normington-Dickens, whose classy performance that included three goals, helped charge her side to a fourth straight victory.
Tamsyn Kirk also impacted the scoreboard with two goals, while Emily Findlay shone with two of her own goals.
Continuing to ride a red-hot winning streak, Oak Park will take on Aberfeldie in a highly anticipated twilight clash at JP Fawkner Reserve.
Meanwhile, Moonee Valley will aim to bounce back at Ormond Park in a rematch against Maribyrnong Park.
HILLSIDE 14.9 (93) def. GREENVALE 1.1 (7)
MATCH CENTRE
The ladder leaders Hillside cemented its top position in Airport Toyota Premier Division with a commanding 86-point win over Greenvale.
Despite a late push in the final term from Greenvale’s Jorji Allison, whose final-term goal avoided the side from being goalless, it wasn’t enough to stop Hillside cruising to their sixth consecutive victory.
As the division’s last undefeated team, Hillside sent a powerful message to the competition in what was a one-sided affair on Saturday afternoon.
Emily Paterno was on fire kicking six goals, three of which coming in the final term.
Also among the best players for Hillside was Kiara Rigg who contributed three goals of her own, while Annalise Wilkie added two more to the tally.
The Sharks will be aiming to retain that undefeated streak in their upcoming clash against Keilor at Green Gully Reserve.
Greenvale, with three consecutive losses, will seek redemption against Essendon Doutta Stars at Section Road.
ABERFELDIE 15.9 (99) def. KEILOR 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie delivered another commanding performance steamrolling Keilor with a 93-point win.
Despite a string of behinds in the second half, including four in the final term, Aberfeldie’s dominance ensured that Keilor couldn’t capitalise, leaving them well behind on the scoreboard.
Aside from a lone goal in the second quarter by Natalie Dunne, Keilor were outpaced for most of the game by Aberfeldie’s rock-solid defence.
That included a routine display from the competition’s leading goalscorer, Moana Hope, whose seven-goal haul takes her season tally to 33.
Emily Smith also impressed in her performance over the weekend, with her two goals giving her side the additional momentum.
Aberfeldie will next head to JP Fawkner Reserve for a twilight showdown against Oak Park, while Keilor will look to regroup ahead of its clash with Hillside at Green Gully Reserve.
By Ben Parker
TULLAMARINE 9.5 (59) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 6.8 (44)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine has come away with a brilliant 15-point win over Avondale Heights.
In somewhat of a surprising result, the Dees held off a charge from the Heights to record their second win of the season.
Tullamarine jumped the Heights early and strode out to a three-goal lead at the first break.
Avondale did not register a single score until the second quarter.
What a second quarter it was though. The Heights came right back into it with a five-goal-to-two second quarter to leave Tullamarine with just the slender one-point lead at half-time.
After an even third term, it was Tullamarine who kicked away in the last to run away as victors.
The inclusion of Shaun McKernan was paramount as the former AFL big man went on to kick five out of his side's nine goals in a match-defining performance.
Avondale will be disappointed with this one. The game was there to be won and they just couldn’t match the intensity of the Dees in the last quarter.
Colm Brennan and Bailey Williamson tried hard all day in a tough loss to swallow.
They get a chance to bounce back next week when they host the struggling Roxburgh Park, while Tullamarine travel to DS Aitken Reserve to take on Craigieburn.
WEST COBURG 14.13 (97) def. CRAIGIEBURN 8.12 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg has cruised to a 37-point win over Craigieburn at Shore Reserve.
After a tight first quarter, the Burgers ultimately took control over the game. While they couldn’t blow out a nippy Eagles outfit, they never looked like losing.
They took a 30-point lead into the fourth quarter and were just too strong.
Ruairi Cleary was the Burger’s best all day, with Liam Bowkett and Jesse Martini hitting the scoreboard with four and three goals respectively.
Craigieburn toiled away but were simply no match for the Burgers.
Jai Robinson was back to his best this week, while Hayden Polley and Brodie Griffiths were also key contributors.
West Coburg will host Taylors Lakes next week, while Craigieburn will take on Tullamarine.
ROXBURGH PARK 10.1 (61) def. by HILLSIDE 10.13 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has held off a gallant Roxburgh Park to make it three wins in a row as they look to recover from their unfortunate start to the season.
After losing their first three games, the Sharks now find themselves up in the heavily sought after fifth position.
While a turnaround in form was anticipated, to be back in the top five bracket this quickly has perhaps come as a surprise for some. Nevertheless, they’re back to playing some of their best footy.
Leading by a mere two points at half-time, the Sharks lifted in the third and grinded their way out to a 25-point lead at the final break.
While Roxy came again with incredible accuracy, they couldn’t overcome a composed Sharks outfit.
Jackson McMenamin had an immediate impact in his return. The key position utility was sent forward and kicked a game-high four goals, while Nick Fluke and Jack Tarr also produced impactful individual performances.
Despite the loss, Roxburgh Park will be pleased with its performance on the weekend.
A two-goal loss to one of the competition’s more in-form sides suggests that they’re on the right track and that their first win approaching.
Teronne Potter bagged three goals, while Luke Smith was solid all day.
Hillside will look to make it four in a row when they host Moonee Valley next week, while Roxburgh Park takes on Avondale Heights.
TAYLORS LAKES 9.8 (62) def. by OAK PARK 18.12 (120)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has stormed right back into some strong form after an emphatic 58-point win over Taylors Lakes.
In what was essentially a demolition job from the start, the Kangaroos never looked like losing as they stormed out to a 39-point lead at quarter time.
A 58-point lead at the final break was all too much for the Lions to overcome, as Oak Park steadied to record their fifth win of the season and move into second position on the ladder.
Josh Hotchkin was instrumental for the Roos. With Lachie Rayner out, the former Aberfeldie ruck was dominant around the ground all day, and managed to slot through two goals as well.
For the Lions, in what was a tired looking outfit, Damien Petrone and Luke Nappi kicked all but one of their majors, with four goals each.
Oak Park will travel to St Albans next week in what’s a mouth-watering contest, while it doesn't get easier for Taylors Lakes as they take on West Coburg at Shore Reserve.
MOONEE VALLEY 10.9 (69) def. ST ALBANS 9.12 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley has produced one of the upsets of the season so far with a three-point win over St Albans.
Coming into this clash with strikingly different form lines, it was the Saints who were expected to bank another win.
At quarter time, it looked gloomy for the Fog yet again.
St Albans skipped out to a commanding six-goal lead at quarter time, but were then simply outplayed and outworked for the rest of the day.
Moonee Valley slowly chipped away at the deficit, reducing the margin to 19 points at half time, before cutting it down again to just the three points come the final break.
In what was a sensational last quarter of tough, old-fashioned EDFL footy, the Fog overpowered the Saints to record one of their most memorable wins in quite some time.
Nick Robortella and Luke Denny were brilliant all day, and Costa Detsikas did the damage on the scoreboard with four goals.
Meanwhile the Saints will be disappointed after what looked like potentially being another win in the books, with Patrick Taban and Jack Sims strong contributors.
Moonee Valley will head to Hillside next week to take on a rejuvenated Sharks outfit, while St Albans will need to recapture its best when it hosts Oak Park.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
STRATHMORE 13.19 (97) def. TULLAMARINE
MATCH CENTRE
It may have been the only Divsion One game of the weekend due to the split round, but it still delivered plenty of excitement.
Strathmore delighted fans with a dominant 97-point victory, toppling Tullamarine at Lebanon Reserve.
Strathmore controlled the contest from start to finish, holding the lead and keeping Tullamarine scoreless right through to the final siren.
Talia Motta was electric booting five majors, and was well supported by teammates Maya Koo and Sophie Page, who each contributed two goals in the convincing win.
Strathmore enjoyed a healthy rotation of goalkickers, with Skyla Cain, Charlize Kraljevic, Milla Murphy, and Georgie Richardson also hitting the scoreboard.
With the split round now wrapped up, the competition heats up as we head into Round 6.
Strathmore will travel to face Keilor Park in a top-of-the-table showdown, while Tullamarine will look to bounce back when it meets Coburg Districts at Leo Dineen Reserve.
By Eliza Duncan
RUPERTSWOOD 12.13 (85) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.6 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood scored consecutive wins with a 25-point triumph over Burnside Heights.
The win puts Rupo a game clear inside the top three with a game in hand, while the Bears move to second last on percentage, sharing eight points with three other sides.
It was a scrappy affair until the final change with just seven goals scored in tough conditions, before both sides piled on 14 goals in the final quarter.
Rupertswood scored 10 of those goals after trailing by 15 points heading into the final term to record the comfortable victory in the end.
Six unanswered goals from Rupertswood opened up a handy lead, with the Bears kicking the final two goals to reduce the deficit.
The Sharks boasted nine individual goal scorers with Clayton Bonello (three goals) and Fraser Phelan-Smith (two goals) leading the way.
Jackson Cardillo was among the best again in his fourth game since returning to the club, while Bailey Verrall and Jack Young were strong performers.
Jacob Elia continues his goal scoring streak with another two goals taking his season tally to 13.
Greg Constantinou backed up last week's effort with another two goals, while skipper Jordan Hughes continues to lead from the front with two majors as well.
The Bears will next play Westmeadows, while Rupo will look for a third win in a row when they play Northern Saints.
COBURG DISTRICTS 12.10 (82) def. by GLENROY 14.17 (101)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy has made it six from six with a 19-point win over a gritty Coburg Districts outfit.
The Roys remain two games clear in top spot, while Coburg Districts sit a game out of the top five in seventh.
It was a fast start for the Roys who skipped out to a 25-point quarter time lead, before the Lions fought back to trail by just six points at the main break.
Addam Maric's men found plenty of opportunities to score in the second half, but were unable to capitalise as often as they would've liked to put the Lions away, kicking seven goals from 18 scores.
Mark Sabatino kicked four goals to continue his hot streak alongside Jake Young whose three goals ensured he has kicked multiple goals in every game this season to sit atop the leading goalkickers tally.
Jacob Albazi also hit the scoreboard with three goals, a career high at senior level, while El-Amir and Ahmed Abdul-Wahed were key contributors.
William Banks, Pasquale Curcio, and Luke Viska each kicked two goals to make up for the absence of key forward Jack McNamara, with young guns Ayden Skroce and Zachary Kuret named their best.
The Lions will look to bounce back against Sunbury Kangaroos, while Glenroy will take on Hadfield.
KEILOR PARK 8.13 (61) def. HADFIELD 3.4 (22)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park bounced back strongly to take a 39-point win over Hadfield on Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day.
The Devils sit second on the ladder and a game clear in the top three, while Hadfield is a game out of the five in sixth spot, but still boasting a healthy percentage.
It was a stringent defensive effort from Keilor Park which only allowed three goals from seven scores.
It was a comfortable margin throughout the second half for the Devils which could've been a lot bigger had they converted in front of goal kicking 8.13.
Josh Bistisi-Nguyen, Luke Kilty, and Jarod Pontin each kicked two goals with Sam Pontin awarded the Mount Alexander Hotel player of the match award.
Nathan Johnson kicked two of Hadfield's three goals, with Rhys Gleisner named the Hawks' best.
The Devils will next play East Sunbury, while Hadfield will take on the undefeated Glenroy.
View this post on Instagram
EAST SUNBURY 9.6 (60) def. by NORTHERN SAINTS 12.8 (80)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints has made it two on the trot with a 20-point win over East Sunbury.
The win moves Northern Saints up to eighth spot on the ladder, while the Thunder remain last.
The Saints got out to a 25-point lead at the main break before East Sunbury kicked seven goals to two in the third to lead by five heading into the last.
They were unable to keep up the momentum adding one point to their score, with Northern Saints kicking four goals to win comfortably.
Northern Saints will look for a third win in a row when it takes on Rupertswood next week, while East Sunbury will play Keilor Park.
WESTMEADOWS 11.13 (79) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has held off a valiant Sunbury Kangaroos to return to the winner's list.
The 24-point win sees the Tigers move past the Kangaroos, sitting fourth and fifth respectively.
The lead was traded through the first half with Westmeadows threatening to stretch out the margin, before being reeled in by the Kangaroos on multiple occasions.
Westmeadows' four-point lead at three quarter time was erased when John Corso kicked the first goal of the final quarter to give the Kangaroos the lead.
That would be his side's only score for the final term with Westy running home strong to win by four goals.
Aaron Evans, Shaun O'Grady, and James Taglieri-Sclocchi kicked two each with co-captain Ryan Capron named the best.
Corso and Shawn Bowden kicked two goals for the Roos who will look to bounce back with a win against Coburg Districts.
Westmeadows on the other hand will look to build some consistency when it takes on Burnside Heights.
By Eric Forman
SUNBURY LIONS 6.9 (45) def. ROXBURGH PARK 2.0 (12)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions has moved into the top four with a 33-point win over Roxburgh Park on Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day.
The win completed a 99-point turnaround with Roxy winning by 66 points in the earlier meeting between these sides.
It was a tense first quarter with both sides able to hit the scoreboard, before the Lions started to extend out through the final three quarters.
Samantha Burnside was front and centre in the strong win kicking five of the Lions' six goals to be awarded the Mount Alexander Hotel player of the match award.
Sister Ruby also goaled for the Lions and was among their best.
Jameson Best and Kiara Croxford kicked majors for Roxy with Mackenzie Best and Jessica Ivory among their top contributors.
Sunbury Lions will look to carry the momentum from the win into its clash with Taylors Lakes, while Roxy will face Gisborne.
View this post on Instagram
EAST SUNBURY 0.1 (1) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 19.18 (132)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has installed a two-game buffer in second spot with a 131-point win over East Sunbury.
The Lions were on from the start with Charlie Goodwin's six goals a career-high at senior level, moving to first on the leading goal kickers table with multiple goals in every game.
Stef Valerio added four goals with Sarah Jamieson kicking three.
Amelia Alexander, Mia Bondar, and Rebecca Foggie kicked two each as Natalie Collett was named their best.
East Sunbury continues to fight hard with leaders Sophia Iosifidis and Rhianna Kirk named among the best.
The Thunder will next play on Friday night against Sunbury Kangaroos, while Taylors Lakes will play Sunbury Lions.
