By Luke Mathews
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 11.12 (78) def. by DEER PARK 14.7 (91)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has come away with another hard-fought win over Essendon Doutta Stars, this time by 13 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Saturday’s victory is the Lions' eighth victory for the year and now means they are two games clear in fourth spot and likely to feature in the finals.
Despite going down, Douttas are still in the hunt for a finals berth with Barry Prendergast’s side one game out in sixth spot, however are equal on points with Pascoe Vale and Airport West.
Like they have done for most of the year, Deer Park got the fast start kicking four first-quarter goals to go into the first change with an eight-point lead.
The margin was extended to 14 points at half time thanks to a five-goal second term, however it was cut to just seven points at three quarter time.
With the game hanging in the balance, Douttas took the lead with goals to Michael Kiraly and Maison Goodman.
The visitors reponded with five of the next six goals which proved to be enough to secure the four points in the end.
Zen Christofi claimed the Mt Alexander Hotel best on ground award for his 29 touches and eight clearances, while Mutaz El Nour (15 intercepts) and Jackson Barling (19 disposals, seven tackles, three goals) were also dominant in Saturday’s victory.
Michael Kiraly had no trouble finding the footy finishing with 36 disposals and seven clearances, while Liam Mercieca (48 hit outs, 11 clearances) and Giacomo Thomas (three goals) were good once again.
Douttas will be hoping to keep their finals hopes alive when they take on Greenvale at Section Road, while Deer Park will host Strathmore.
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STRATHMORE 40.25 (265) def. EAST KEILOR 3.1 (19)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has broken its run of back-to-back losses after defeating East Keilor by 246 points at Lebanon Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Mores' ninth victory for the season and maintains their four-point buffer in third spot, while East Keilor is still without a win for 2025.
The Cougars did put up a fight early in the game kicking three first-quarter goals, however they still trailed by 28 points at quarter time.
It was one way traffic for the rest of the contest with East Keilor unable to register a score after quarter time and Strathmore piling on 33 goals.
Superstar Athan Tsialtas had another day out booting seven goals, while Mitch Purcell and Andrew Gallucci were also dominant in the thumping victory.
Will Vasiliadis continues to be the shining light for East Keilor in a tough season kicking another two goals, while Dion Gerassimou and Ben Nicholl showed plenty of promise.
Strathmore will face a much tougher test when they travel to John McLeod Reserve to take on Deer Park, while East Keilor will face Keilor at Overland Reserve.
PASCOE VALE 17.6 (108) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 14.10 (94)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale has kept itself in the hunt for finals after coming from behind to defeat Maribyrnong Park by 14 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The win means the Panthers are just one game outside the top five with five wins from their last six matches, while Marby remains in fifth but are only one game clear of sixth.
Marby got off to the perfect start kicking the first six goals to open up a 35-point quarter time lead.
The Panthers were able to claw their way back into the contest with four second-quarter goals to reduce the margin to just 16 points at the main break.
Pascoe Vale weren’t finished there with another seven goals in the third quarter tying the scores with just one quarter to play.
Marby did respond with two of the first three goals of the final quarter to open up a six-point lead seven minutes into the last.
It was all Pascoe Vale from then on with the Panthers booting four consecutive goals to help run away with a stirring victory.
Matthew Dennis was at his destructive best in the ruck finishing with 54 hit outs and 24 contested possessions, while Rhys Ritchie did the damage on the scoreboard with five goals.
Despite going down, Rook Barry was excellent collecting 26 disposals and seven inside 50s, while Josh Cole and Scott Clarke led from the front once again.
Marby will be hoping to break their run of back-to-back losses when they take on Airport West at Monk Oval, while Pascoe Vale will host Aberfeldie.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
KEILOR 1.1 (7) def. by ABERFELDIE 10.12 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie was dominant in a 65-point win over Keilor at Joe Brown Oval.
Aberfeldie brought the intensity around the ball from the first bounce as they shut down Keilor's forward entries with a clinical defensive display.
Aberfeldie's pressure forced turnovers leaving Keilor struggling to find rhythm, particularly in the first quarter which saw them scoreless.
Despite being outpaced across the afternoon, Keilor did manage to sneak a lone goal from Tegan Matthews in the second quarter.
Moana Hope's heroics were on full display, with the talented dynamo kicking a stellar six goals on the afternoon.
Hannah Brodie, Emily Heaney, Olivia Madden, and Amelia Wright also contributed to the scoreboard with a goal each.
The win puts Aberfeldie in good stead with the side set to face Hillside next in a highly anticipated clash at Clifton Park.
Meanwhile, Nipper Jordan Oval will host a battle between Keilor and Essendon Doutta Stars this weekend.
OAK PARK 9.14 (68) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.7 (13)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park claimed a comfortable 55-point win over Essendon Doutta Stars at JP Fawkner Reserve.
Despite inaccuracies at goal, Oak Park's midfield dominance saw them outclass their opponents to help them hold possession of the lead throughout all four quarters.
Kicking 2.1 in their opening quarter, it helped set them up for what would be a much-welcomed win for them.
A frenzy of goals would see the side cap off their first half finish with 41 points, before they continued to apply the pressure in the second half, leaving the Stars to generate too much.
Stephanie Normington-Dickens was crucial for Oak Park kicking two goals in the victory.
Ruby Aitken was the lone goal scorer for the Stars.
Oak Park will look to continue their winning ways this week when they take on Moonee Valley at Ormond Park.
The Stars will be wanting to bounce back, as they'll be expecting a tough fight against Keilor at Joe Brown Oval.
GREENVALE 0.1 (1) def. by HILLSIDE 21.16 (142)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside put up a ruthless display in their 141-point win against Greenvale over the weekend.
The Sharks set the tone early on the game with relentless pressure and quick ball movement on their way to six first-quarter goals.
With the Sharks outclassing their opponents right into the second half, they bought the heat and kicked 11 goals to run away with the win.
The Sharks' overall performance left Greenvale failing to register a goal by the final siren.
Emily Paterno was electric. Her five-goal haul helped the Sharks secure another win for their campaign.
Emma Picone (four goals), and Makaylah Brne (three goals) also impressed for the Sharks.
Hillside will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they take on Aberfeldie in a highly anticipated clash at Clifton Park.
Next up on the agenda for Greenvale will be their upcoming clash at Walsh Oval, where they'll be taking on Maribyrnong Park.
MOONEE VALLEY 8.11 (59) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 1.1 (7)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley produced a dominant four-quarter effort to topple Maribyrnong Park in a 52-point victory.
The victor's backline held firm all day, restricting their opponents to just a single goal.
While the first quarter saw the playing field open with the scoreline 7-7, Moonee Valley was able to flip the script by the second to gain the lead, and never looked back throughout the rest of the match.
Despite some inaccuracies at goal, Moonee Valley made the most of their opportunities to secure the win.
Charlotte D'Ambrosio led the way, kicking three goals in her side's win.
Eve Harris was also influential on ground, kicked two goals of her own.
This week, Moonee Valley face a big test when they take on Oak Park at Ormond Park, while Maribyrnong Park is set to clash with Greenvale at Walsh Oval.
By Ben Parker
HILLSIDE 16.21 (117) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 5.10 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has sent an emphatic message to the rest of the competition with a brutal 77-point win over Avondale Heights.
It’s Hillside’s fourth win in a row, as well as another win over a top five side.
They were in cruise control all day and dominated to lead at every major break in play.
After skipping out to a seven-goal lead at half-time, they kicked clear again in the second half to run away with a 13-goal victory.
It’s been a brilliant past month of football for the Sharks who have recorded victories over West Coburg, St Albans, and now Avondale Heights in the last four weeks.
The win sees the Sharks leapfrog the Heights on the ladder and move into third position.
Lachlan Pettigrove was back to his best with an elite performance with ball in hand. His precise kicking and line-breaking decisions were on full display.
Young gun Noah Asciak also played well again, while Josh Covelli kicked three majors in an afternoon where his was influence was minimised.
On the other side of the ledger, it was an unusually miserable afternoon for Avondale Heights who looked far from their best.
They were simply outplayed and will need to respond next week if they want to keep their top three chances alive.
Bailey Williamson put forward another good performance in what was a challenging afternoon.
Hillside will host bottom-of-the-ladder Roxburgh Park next week, while Avondale Heights will get a chance to bounce back when they clash with Tullamarine.
CRAIGIEBURN 7.7 (49) def. by OAK PARK 10.3 (63)
MATCH CENTRE
Ladder-leader Oak Park has survived a scare from Craigieburn to secure a 14-point road win at DS Aitken Reserve.
After an even and tightly contested opening term, the visitors took a slender five-point lead into the first break.
Another tight quarter in the second term succeeded this, but the Kangaroos were beginning to get the game on their terms.
The Roos outscored the Eagles six goals to two in the middle stages of the game with the second and third quarters largely belonging to Oak Park.
After taking a 26-point lead into the final quarter, Craigieburn threw one last punch at the Kangaroos with a four-goal-to-two final effort, but couldn’t quite reign in the competition’s best.
The Kangaroos have now won five consecutive games, and it’s their twelfth win for the season as they continue to stamp their authority on the competition.
Kane O'Halloran delivered again with three goals, while Paul Pascu continued with his good run with another robust effort.
Meanwhile for Craigieburn, they can walk away with their heads held high after this one.
Despite the loss, the Eagles seemed to have really turned a corner in the past month, winning three out of the last four.
In what was always going to be a significant challenge, the Eagles went toe-to-toe with the premiership favourites.
Their season is very much still alive as they only lie one game and percentage outside of the top five, but with just five games to go in 2025, wins are paramount.
Tadhg Boyle was good in front of the sticks finishing the day with three goals, while Blake Polley was also among the best.
Next week, Oak Park will host Taylors Lakes in a blockbuster twilight clash, while it gets no easier for Craigieburn when they host West Coburg.
WEST COBURG 19.19 (133) def. MOONEE VALLEY 8.12 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg has moved past Moonee Valley with ease to record a 73-point victory at Shore Reserve.
The win moves them back into second position, but still trailing Oak Park by two games.
With a finals position all but guaranteed, the Burgers have a fight on their hands for the top three finish.
They were in cruise control on Saturday and never looked like losing as they easily put away a disappointing Moonee Valley outfit.
The Burgers jumped out of the blocks to take a seven-goal lead into quarter time, and it was a similar story in the second term with the home side taking 52-point lead into the main break.
A second half in similar fashion followed, and the Burgers drew away to win comfortably by 13 goals.
Omar Saad had a day out booting through a sack of six goals, while Jesse Martini also hit the scoreboard with four of his own majors.
On the other end of the scale, Moonee Valley has been left searching for answers yet again as they fall to five wins and nine losses for 2025.
In what was their fourth consecutive loss, they look a shadow of the team that beat Oak Park back in Round 9.
With Hillside and Oak Park still to come in the next few weeks, the Fog need to produce their best month of football.
Bevan Newell was the best for Moonee Valley in what was a gloomy day.
West Coburg next travels to DS Aitken Reserve next week to take on Craigieburn, which will be no easy feat. Meanwhile, Moonee Valley will have it all to do when they travel to Kings Park Reserve to take on St Albans.
TULLAMARINE 9.17 (71) def. ROXBURGH PARK 9.9 (63)
MATCH CENTRE
An inaccurate Tullamarine has held off a gallant Roxburgh Park with a gritty eight-point win at Leo Dineen Reserve.
A winnable game for both sides, it was the Dees who came out on top after holding out the fast-finishing Roxburgh Park.
After going into the main break at an even split, 38-38, the Dees produced a four-goal-to-nil third quarter to put a margin of 31 points on the visitors at three-quarter time.
But Roxy found another gear and came again in the last quarter to record a three-goal-to-nil final quarter of their own.
Roxy dominated the final term with 10 scoring shots to two, but were unable to reel in the Dees who collected their first win since Round 7.
Sal Melilli was one of the Dees' best, while Josh Cowell produced his best game of the year with four goals to his name.
Meanwhile for Roxburgh Park, it’s another close loss in a season of limited chances.
While they completely dominated the final passage of footy, they were unable to convert in front of goal, and their final quarter score of 3.7 will sting for some time.
Scott Poynter was excellent for Roxy with three goals, while Dylan Exposto was also solid.
Next week, Tullamarine will travel to Canning Reserve to take on Avondale Heights, while Roxburgh Park have a daunting date with Hillside at Shark Park.
ST ALBANS 10.12 (72) def. TAYLORS LAKES 8.9 (57)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans has kept its season alive with a thrilling 15-point win over Taylors Lakes at Kings Park Reserve.
In what was a pivotal game for both sides, it was the Saints who held out a fast-finishing Lions ambush to record their seventh win of the season and stay in the finals hunt.
They now sit in the sixth position on the ladder, and only trail Taylors Lakes on percentage, with Avondale Heights a further two games ahead in fourth position.
The Saints started the contest well and jumped out to a three-goal lead at the first break in play, before the Lions came charging back to almost even the game up at half-time.
St Albans led the Lions 29-24 in a low-scoring blockbuster at the main break in play, with the game evenly poised heading into the second half.
A scintillating second half is what was produced, and it started with a dominant four-goal-to-nil third quarter from the Saints.
The game wasn’t over though, with the Lions roaring back with a five-goal-to-two final quarter, but falling just short of collecting the four points.
In a must-win game for the Saints, Jack Sims and Brandon Coletta starred with Coletta kicking two goals respectively.
From a Taylors Lakes perspective, a win here would have almost guaranteed a finals berth.
With just four games to go, they would have kicked two games clear of the Saints with a much-needed four points here.
Yet it wasn’t to be, and with games against Oak Park, West Coburg, and Hillside to come, it’s a daunting final month of footy for these Lions.
In a losing result, Daniel DeVito and Jake Hobbs were among the Lions' best.
St Albans will host Moonee Valley next week in what presents as a winnable game. Meanwhile, Taylors Lakes will travel to JP Fawkner Reserve to take on ladder-leaders Oak Park.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
TULLAMARINE 2.4 (16) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 5.10 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights fought hard for a stunning win over Tullamarine in a 24-point contest.
The Bears held their composure early on, and managed to keep Tullamarine scoreless until the second quarter.
Despite showing signs of a steady comeback in the second half, Tullamarine struggled to get a hold of a defiant Burnside Heights front.
Holly McGregor, Krissy Trang, and Kayla Ravanello were among the best players for the Bears.
Tullamarine had some highlights with Emily Angelidis and Angela Marino standing out with a goal each for Tullamarine.
For the Bears, they'll be hoping for another win when they face off against Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve.
Tullamarine will head back to the drawing board before they take on Keilor Park this week at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
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WESTMEADOWS 1.0 (6) def. by STRATHMORE 7.15 (57)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore recorded a dominant 51-point win over Westmeadows in twilight footy at Willowbrook Reserve.
While the winners had no issues at the ball, they were however inaccurate in front of the goals, ending the afternoon with just seven goals from 22 scores by the final siren.
Despite this, Westmeadows weren't able to capitalise with their own scoring opportunities, ultimately struggling to get on top of the Mores' strong backline.
Maya Koo was a vital part of the win for Strathmore, with the talented dynamo kicking two goals.
Courtney Bligh kicked Westmeadows’ only goal of the afternoon late into third term.
Current ladder leaders Strathmore will be heading into a new week with more motivation, as they prepare to take on Burnside Heights at Lebanon Reserve.
Westmeadows will be looking for redemption as they take on Coburg Districts at Cole Districts.
By Evan Tudor
NORTHERN SAINTS 11.11 (77) def. by EAST SUNBURY 15.16 (106)
MATCH CENTRE
In a joyous day for the East Sunbury football community, the Thunder have picked up their first win since Round 1, doubling as their first away win in over three years.
Leading every break at Charles Mutton Reserve, the Thunder put on a show with 10 goal scorers, three of whom had multiples.
Joel Bonnici and Brendan Fevola kicked three apiece. Wade Lees and Todd Elton were some of the Thunder’s listed best.
But it was the Northern Saints too who put up a good contest.
Vice-captain Nick Bruno starred in another consistent display with three goals.
Two of the best for Northern were Tamer Abdallah and Moustafa Rabah.
East Sunbury will next return home full of confidence to take on Rupertswood, while the Saints will look for a bounce back against Keilor Park.
WESTMEADOWS 14.12 (96) def. GLENROY 12.8 (80)
MATCH CENTRE
The race for the 2025 premiership is wide open following Westmeadows’ stunning comeback win over the ladder leaders Glenroy at Willowbrook Reserve.
In a ninth-straight victory for the side, the Tigers came from 13 points down at the final change to pile on seven fourth-quarter goals and win by 16.
Both clubs’ rucks Michael Mayne and Zac Smith put on an amazing spectacle for onlookers, with both winning hit outs, some of which eventuated in spectacular goals.
Ryan Stingel and Cody Wight took the mark of the day for their respective clubs just two minutes apart.
And in a fourth quarter for the ages, the Tigers produced a string of four early goals with Hugo Jenkins’ two in three minutes setting them alight.
The Roys hold on to top spot with a 12-2 record as Westy creeps up on them at 11-3.
Glenroy will look to get back on the winner's list against Coburg Districts, while Westmeadows will be eager for a tenth straight win when it faces Sunbury Kangaroos.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 5.8 (38) def. by HADFIELD 6.9 (45)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield has upset the Sunbury Kangaroos by seven points at Eric Boardman Reserve in cold and blustery conditions.
In a match where only 11 goals were scored, every moment counted, and the Hawks were the ones who got there in the end.
Hadfield led at half time and three quarter time after being held to just three behinds at the first break.
Jayden Eales scored a double for the Roos while six individuals saw Hadfield over the line, including Zac Polizzi and his best-on-ground naming.
Having not won a game since Round 10, the Kangas will be eager to return to form if they’re any chance of finals action.
Hadfield has been impressive in this latter part of the season, but much more is still to be done.
Attention turns to Westmeadows for the Kangaroos, while Hadfield will look to keep the momentum rolling against Burnside Heights.
COBURG DISTRICTS 14.9 (93) def. KEILOR PARK 10.6 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts survived a third quarter scare against Keilor Park and responded strongly to win by 27 at Cole Reserve.
After leading 33-15 at halftime, Districts were all over the ball and went on to pile on four straight goals in the third.
But the Devils felt the call too, booting 6.1 to only trail by four at the final break.
Winning the last quarter and the match, Districts proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with and now hold the important fifth spot by a game and a half.
Jack McNamara showed no sign of slowing down with a second consecutive bag of five, while it was Daylan Kempster on the other side who scored big with three.
Some of the best on ground were Jake Gatto for Districts and Ben Chisholm for the Devils.
A date with Glenroy awaits Districts while the Devils return home to play the Northern Saints.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 5.6 (36) def. by RUPERTSWOOD 17.18 (120)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood has picked up a big win over Burnside Heights, winning by 84 points on the Bears’ home deck.
After a close first term, Rupertswood hit the accelerator and showed who’s boss, highlighted by Jackson Pranauskas’ bag of five, his first goals of the season.
Jackson Cardillo had a mammoth day for the Bears with 51 disposals putting him in the best-on-ground list.
Jordan Hughes had 42 touches for Burnside and teammate Riley McLaughlin kicked three. Both of whom made the list of the best Bears.
So, it’s safe to say that both sides had some pretty impressive performances, but it was a bigger day for Rupo.
Both clubs are on the road next week with Burnside Heights to play Hadfield and Rupertswood to play East Sunbury.
By Evan Tudor
SUNBURY LIONS 1.4 (10) def. by GISBORNE 10.14 (74)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne has continued its perfect winning streak with a 64-point win over the Sunbury Lions at Clarke Oval.
A big second half for the Dogs paved the way for victory, with the side booting 7.4 to just 1.2 from there.
Alexia Todorovic again was on fire for the Dogs with a bag of four taking her league-leading tally to 35.
Ruby Burnside and Tess Murphy had another impressive day for Sunbury in the blustery conditions.
Next week, the Lions will travel to take on Roxburgh Park with Gisborne to welcome East Sunbury to Sankey Reserve.
TAYLORS LAKES 7.2 (44) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 7.4 (46)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes and Roxburgh Park treated us to another high scoring shootout at Lionheart Reserve, with Roxy again taking the win over the second-place side.
In a crucial win for Roxy, the Magpies now rest fourth with two games to play in the season.
Taylors Lakes' Stefania Valerio season-high bag of five earnt her a spot in the best-on-ground list.
Rebecca Foggie too suited up in a positive display for the Lions.
But in the end, it was Roxburgh Park who took the bragging rights.
Its five scorers kept the Lions on their toes with two goals each from Jameson Best and Summa Blackburn. Captain Danira Fuamatu booted one.
The Magpies came back from eight points down at the major break to score four in the third and held on from there.
Taylors Lakes remain second by a healthy percentage and will again face Sunbury Lions next week, while Roxburgh Park looks to lock in a finals spot against Sunbury Lions.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 8.22 (70) def. EAST SUNBURY 2.0 (12)
MATCH CENTRE
The Kangaroos have moved one step closer to finals football with a 58-point win over East Sunbury at Eric Boardman Reserve.
In its first match since the end of June, East Sunbury booted two goals for consecutive contests.
Erin Carroll and captain Rhianna Kirk were the two who scored those for the team.
In just their second year of competition, the Thunder are on the rise, showing more reward for effort.
East Sunbury’s strong two-goal opening term kept the Kangas quick-footed, and they stamped their authority from there.
Six goal scorers ignited under the lights with Natasha Page-Lutze and Alexsis Ryan snagging doubles and captain Lisa Kirby kicking one.
Rhiannon Hanley was named as one of Sunbury Kangaroos’ best for the day.
Tess Carroll earned the same honours for the Thunder.
On Saturday, both teams will hit the road with Sunbury Kangaroos to contest Taylors Lakes and East Sunbury to challenge Gisborne.
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