By Eric Forman
ABERFELDIE 17.10 (112) def. DEER PARK 12.7 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has gotten one back over Deer Park heading into finals with a 33-point win at Clifton Park.
The sides could barely be separated throughout the first half, before Aberfeldie started to stretch out in the second half.
Sam Paea and Nic Watson kicked four goals each with Callum Moore chipping in with two of his own.
Moore and Watson were among the best on ground alongside Jack Middleton who had 10 clearances to go with his 43 hit outs.
Trent McKenzie led Deer Park's scoring with three majors, complemented by Spiros Amarantidis and Kwame McHarg with two each.
The Lions will now remain in fourth spot with the double chance no longer up for grabs, while Abers remain in second.
Abers will next play Strathmore in a qualifying final preview at Lebanon Reserve, while Deer Park will face Airport West.
EAST KEILOR 7.4 (46) def. by GREENVALE 30.14 (194)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale picked up its first points since Round 12 with a 148-point win over East Keilor at Overland Reserve.
East Keilor started well with the margin just 17 points at quarter time, before the Jets took off, an 11-goal third term the major separating factor.
Ben Speight (eight goals), Josh Porter (six goals), and Riley Leedham (four goals) cashed in, with Will Martyn named the best with 26 disposals and nine tackles.
Cooper Matthews kicked three goals for the Cougars, with Nathan Perrone (29 disposals, eight tackles, eight clearances) was solid all day.
East Keilor will finish its season at Raeburn Reserve against Pascoe Vale, while Greenvale will play Maribyrnong Park.
KEILOR 18.13 (121) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 9.9 (63)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor made it convincing back-to-back wins with a 58-point win over Maribyrnong Park.
Although Marby led into time on in the first quarter, the Blues kept the Lions at a comfortable distance for most of the afternoon, six goals to two in the last blowing out the margin.
Chris Kosmas starred with four goals while Reuben William kicked three, making it eight goals from his last four games.
Kane Barbuto was named Keilor's best with 27 disposals and 10 clearances.
Sam Calleri was dominant up forward for the Lions with five majors, a season high to go with 18 disposals and seven score involvements.
Marby will wrap their season up at home against Greenvale, while Keilor will face Essendon Doutta Stars.
AIRPORT WEST 17.12 (114) def. PASCOE VALE 11.15 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West's finals hopes are still alive with a 33-point win over Pascoe Vale at Hansen Reserve.
The Eagles' eight goals to two in the second term set up the win, the 31-point half time lead carried through to the final siren.
Max Rider made it 23 goals from his last six games with a bag of five, while skipper Ned Gentile again stood up with four goals.
Tyson Young got back to putting up video game numbers with 50 disposals, 12 clearances, seven tackles, and a goal.
Pascoe Vale was led by experienced duo Paul Ahern (47 disposals, 21 clearances, one goal) and Ahmed Saad (three goals), while Lachlan Fazzolari made it 14 goals from his first five games of senior footy with three more here.
Douttas drawing with Strathmore means the Eagles are just two points behind the Stars with a game to play.
They'll take on Deer Park, while Pascoe Vale will finish its season against East Keilor.
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ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 8.13 (61) drew STRATHMORE 8.13 (61)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars came from behind to draw with Strathmore in a tense battle at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The Stars remain in fifth spot, but a win would've all but secured their finals aspirations.
Strathmore, meanwhile, locked in the double chance with Deer Park losing to Aberfeldie.
The Mores got off to the perfect start kicking five goals to one in the opening term to lead by 27 points at quarter time.
They maintained the lead into half time, before three unanswered from Douttas in the third quarter saw the margin at just five points heading into the last.
Douttas did all the attacking in the opening 10 minutes kicking 2.2 and leading by nine points.
The Mores struck back with a goal at the 15 minute mark, with two further behinds tying things up at 61, the score remaining unchanged at the final siren.
Julian Callegari led the scoring for Douttas with two goals, while Liam Mercieca enjoyed a solid day in the ruck with 28 disposals, 31 hit outs, and 19 clearances.
Michael Kiraly was also strong through the middle with 32 disposals and nine clearances, with Daniel Romero (11 intercepts), Declan Willmore (10 intercepts), and Dylan Laurie (12 rebound 50s) reliable in defence.
Young gun Will Janky had one of his best games for the Mores this season, 12 intercepts among his 18 disposals.
Luke Jarrad (35 disposals, 11 rebound 50s) and Liam Cavanagh (25 disposals, eight intercepts) were up to their usual tricks, with Mitch Purcell, Adam Iacobucci, and Haidyn Shade kicking two goals each.
Douttas will play Keilor this weekend, a win securing finals and a loss meaning they rely on Deer Park to beat Airport West.
Strathmore, meanwhile, will play Aberfeldie.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
ABERFELDIE 3.5 (23) def. by OAK PARK 6.3 (39)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park got the job done taking down Aberfeldie by 16 points in a gritty showdown at Coburg City Oval, booking the first grand final spot at Windy Hill.
The Kangaroos got things going in the opener booting two goals to take control of the game, as things continued going their way as it went into halftime.
The side kicked another two majors to extend their lead out to 13 points.
But a second half resurgence, kicked off by a goal from Moana Hope, saw Aberfeldie slowly start to crawl back into the game.
Oak Park fired two goals of their own in the fourth term.
Though the resurgence was short lived for Aberfeldie, with the side missing three attempts at goal and Oak Park capitalising in the last to run through to the final siren and secure the win.
Maggie O'Connell was crucial in the Kangaroos’ win, with her classy three goals helping the side take out the victory.
O'Connell had some assistance at the goalposts from her teammates, Marnie Jarvis, Tamsyn Kirk, and Stephanie Normington-Dickens also had a goal each.
For Aberfeldie, the loss was not how they would have liked to finish the afternoon, however, Moana Hope (two goals) and Sienna Loccisano (one goal) each had contributions in the game.
With the Kangaroos taking out the win, it sees them lock in a place in the highly anticipated grand final clash at Windy Hill on August 30.
While for Aberfeldie, the loss means that they'll be facing Hillside at Merrifield Recreation Reserve, where they'll have one last shot at their chance for premiership glory.
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HILLSIDE 15.16 (106) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.1 (7)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has kept its premiership aspirations alive after a dominant showing against Essendon Doutta Stars.
The Sharks were on top of things early, keeping their opponents scoreless in the first term and flexing their offensive display they've shown all season.
By halftime, the Sharks continued to pile on the pressure on the Stars who struggled to find their rhythm.
Come the final quarter, and the Sharks turned up the heat to further consolidate their advantage with another three goals.
The Stars battled hard, even managing to sneak in a goal through Emma Dawson late in the fourth. But the Sharks' scoreboard pressure kept the side at bay.
Caitlin Sargent led the charge in her side's win, with the powerhouse kicking a whopping eight-goal haul.
Kiara Rigg also dominated at the goals, kicking three of her own against the Stars.
Despite the loss, the Stars had some highlights with Ada Pizzinga, Ruby Aitken, and Jayla Rutley among the names that stood out on the afternoon.
The win means the Sharks advance to the preliminary final, where they'll meet Aberfeldie in what will be a dramatic do-or-die clash.
While the loss means that the Stars season will end here, the side will be able to take plenty of positives with them into the offseason.
By Ben Parker
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 7.11 (53) def. CRAIGIEBURN 12.16 (88)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn has booked a ticket to finals footy with a gritty 35-point win over Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve.
In arguably their best win of the season, the Eagles couldn’t be stopped as they flew away to what was an impressive six-goal win.
These two will meet again for a blockbuster elimination final at Sewell Reserve this Sunday.
After a tightly contested first quarter, the two sides couldn’t be split as they headed into the first break in play.
It was all Craigieburn after that, with the visitors keeping the home side goalless until the fourth quarter.
The Eagles kicked five unanswered goals throughout the second and third quarters and kicked another four in the last to run away with the victory.
It’s an impressive statement game from the Eagles, who were made to earn their place in the finals with a final round bout against a fellow top five side.
Benjamin Radford was among the best for the Eagles, and Tadhg Boyle did the damage on the scoreboard with four goals to his name.
Meanwhile for Avondale Heights, a flat performance like this one week out from the finals will see some improvements required moving into next week.
They were beaten at the contest for most of the day bar the first quarter, and never looked like reeling the Eagles in once the whips started cracking and they gained momentum.
Danko Bzenic was among Avondale’s best, while ruck Tom Russell also chipped in with a solid performance.
With the two sides to meet in an elimination final this week, the Heights must correct their woes from the weekend if they want to reverse the result.
OAK PARK 14.10 (94) def. MOONEE VALLEY 9.5 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has cemented their place as minor premiers with a 35-point home win over Moonee Valley.
It was on early, with the Valley coming out to fly the flag for the last time in 2025.
The Kangaroos took a mere five-point lead into quarter time but were able to wrestle control over the contest for the rest of the clash.
They outscored the Valley at every break in play post quarter time, kicking 11 goals to seven for the remainder of the match.
It’s a solid kick-start into the finals for the minor premiers, who recorded their fifteenth win of the season to take their record to an impressive 15-3.
Kane O’Halloran had a day out, with the star forward kicking a sack of seven goals for the Roos in what was a memorable performance.
On the other side of the ledger, it’s a disappointing end to what’s been a challenging season for Moonee Valley.
While there have been glimpses of their best footy, none more so than their win over the Roos back in Round 9, they simply haven’t been able to put wins on the board.
They finish the season in eighth position on the ladder, with 13 losses and just the five wins to show.
James Mamo had his best game of the year with three goals, while Luke Denny and Ned Wilson were others to put in solid performances again.
Oak Park will now have a spell, and will face the winner of this week’s qualifying final between West Coburg and Hillside in two weeks’ time.
ROXBURGH PARK 9.18 (72) def. by ST ALBANS 11.9 (75)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans has outlasted a brave Roxburgh Park to win by three points at Lakeside Reserve.
Despite the win, it’s heartbreak for the Saints as they fall just short of returning to finals footy.
They finish the season off in sixth position on the ladder and on equal points with the fifth placed Craigieburn, but the Eagles go through due to their superior percentage.
The Saints were made to earn this one with Roxburgh Park coming out swinging in the first half of footy.
Roxy took a 13-point lead into quarter time, and then maintained this lead to go into the main break with a handy 11-point buffer.
The Saints tightened the screws in the third quarter though, kicking five goals to two and taking the lead heading into the last.
With the chance of playing finals footy still on the line, the Saints dragged themselves over the line to win by three points, however, would have been left disappointed when seeing the final score between Craigieburn and Avondale Heights.
Nevertheless, it’s a positive way to end the season for the Saints, who after going 4-0 to start the season off, found themselves stuck and struggling to find form for the second half of the year.
Jack Sims was sensational again, while Andre Srour, Jacob Townsend, and Lachlan Calder all hit the scoreboard with two goals each.
For Roxburgh Park, it’s another heart-breaking loss in what’s been a difficult 2025 campaign.
Having won just the two games heading into this clash, a win here would have made it two out of two against the Saints this year.
But it wasn’t to be, with Roxy falling short again to lose their sixteenth game of the season.
Cooper McPharlane returned to his best and was strong up forward with four goals, while Dylan Exposto was also solid all day.
HILLSIDE 15.15 (105) de. TAYLORS LAKES 6.5 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has brought Taylors Lakes' season to an emphatic end with a 64-point win at Shark Park.
The Sharks were on song right from the first bounce, with the home side swimming out to a solid 30-point buffer at the first break in play.
Taylors Lakes stemmed the bleeding marginally in the second term, but ultimately found no answer for the Sharks who extended their lead out to 39 points at the main break in play.
The second half was even stronger with the Sharks kicking nine goals to five to close the game.
Hillside finish their season off in third position on the ladder, with the critical double chance secured.
Josh Covelli was superb again with another six-goal outing. He now moves to 89 goals for the season, with just 11 more required in the finals to bring up the ton.
Robbie Castello was also instrumental in the win, with the midfielder finding a stack of the footy and named the Mt Alexander Hotel Player of the Match.
Meanwhile, it’s a difficult pill to swallow for Taylors Lakes as they fall just short of reaching the finals.
While they haven’t made the final five, it’s been a successful year for the Lions in their first season back in Division One.
They claimed some big scalps throughout their campaign and are a definite side to watch heading into 2026.
Bowey Larizza was one of their best in what was a disappointing end to their season.
Finals footy begins for Hillside this week, with the Sharks to go to war against West Coburg in a qualifying final at Salesian College.
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TULLAMARINE 8.8 (56) def. by WEST COBURG 18.10 (118)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg has ended their home and away season in style with a thumping 62-point road win over Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve.
It’s the fourteenth win of the season for the Burgers, who have looked unstoppable in recent weeks as the finals draw closer.
The Burgers dominated from the get-go, skipping out to a two-goal lead at quarter-time, before piling on five goals to nil in the second term.
After leading by 42 points at half-time, Tullamarine showed some fight and trimmed the margin back to 25 points at the final break in play, but they were then obliterated by an eight-goal-to-two last quarter avalanche from the Burgers.
It’s the perfect catapult into the finals for West Coburg, who have secured the double chance yet again.
Omar Saad was dynamic up forward with a sack of six goals to his name, while Reed Cathcart chipped in with three of his own.
As for Tulla, Sal Melilli was solid again while Austin Warden also had another good performance.
They finish the season in ninth position, with four wins and 14 losses to their name.
West Coburg will play off in a mouth-watering qualifying final against Hillside at Salesian College this week.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
KEILOR PARK 1.2 (8) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.7 (61)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights have cruised to a 53-point win over Keilor Park to book a spot in the Airport Toyota Division One grand final.
The Devils kicked things off, opening the game up with a goal and leaving their opponents scoreless.
However, the Bears switched gears to come back and take the lead after finishing with 29 points at halftime.
The momentum the Devils had seemed to have run out, with the side unable to keep up with the Bears' classy display on the field.
Things continued to sour for the Devils, with the Bears kicking three goals to extend their lead out to 53 points.
Isabelle Young was the Bears' leading goal scorer on the afternoon with her two majors.
The Bears had a healthy rotation of kickers, with a total of eight players kicking majors for the side.
Antonietta Parisi was the Devils' lone goal scorer on the weekend.
The win will see the Bears in a second consecutive grand final, this time against Strathmore at Coburg City Oval.
For Keilor Park, while they did fight valiantly, they ultimately fell heartbreakingly short of the win.
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By Michelle Dunstan
COBURG DISTRICTS 21.12 (138) def. EAST SUNBURY 10.6 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts made it three wins in a row upon its return to finals with a 72-point victory over East Sunbury.
The Lions were on from the start and had a range of contributors, 10 individual goal scorers helping them to their second highest score of the season.
Predictably, Jack McNamara ended with six to officially finish as the division's leading goal kicker with 71 majors.
William Banks and Curtis Rawlings also impressed with three goals each, while Mitchell Heales was named their best.
Former AFL-listed duo James Strauss (three goals) and Brendan Fevola (two goals) led the scoring for East Sunbury, with Wade Lees and Bailey Kirkman solid contributors.
East Sunbury's season ends here which through its various challenges has presented plenty to be optimistic about.
Coburg Districts will prepare for an elimination final against Rupertswood at Section Road.
RUPERTSWOOD 12.6 (78) def. GLENROY 7.14 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood has won its second game against ladder leaders Glenroy with a 22-point triumph at Salesian College.
It was an even contest for much of the afternoon with a wayward Glenroy keeping Rupo close, before the Sharks kicked six goals to two in the last to run away with the victory.
There was a spread of contributors with Fraser Phelan-Smith kicking three goals, and James Fox, Logan Johnson, Matt McDonald, and Jackson Pranauskas kicking two goals each.
Aaron West and Lachlan Shore were solid all day, alongside Aaron Grubb and Joel Flanigan.
For the Roys, Mark Sabatino was the most effective in front of goal with three majors, with Tanner Nilsson and Daniel Ferraro expectedly strong performers as well.
Rupertswood will face Coburg Districts in an elimination final, the winner to play Glenroy which will enjoy the week off.
WESTMEADOWS 12.6 (78) def. by HADFIELD 12.10 (82)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield has taken down another top five side with a four-point win over Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve.
The Hawks created some separation in the third quarter after a tight first half, leading by 23 points at the last break.
They withheld the inevitable Westy fightback in the last to make it five wins from their last six games.
Nathan Johnson continued his strong form to end the season with five goals, with Josh Trembearth kicking two in a best-on-ground performance.
Aaron Evans kicked three goals to lead the Tigers, finishing the season with the second most goals in the division with 51.
Hadfield's season has drawn to a close but leaves plenty of excitement for the offseason, while Westmeadows will play Keilor Park in a preliminary final after a week off.
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BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 11.13 (79) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 11.12 (78)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights and Northern Saints have closed their seasons out in thrilling fashion, a one-point win for the Bears the final result.
The Bears led at each break, most notably by 22 points at three quarter time.
Tamer Abdallah's men never stopped trying and kicked five goals to two in the last quarter, but ultimately fell short.
The winning goal in the end came off the boot of Jordan Hughes at the 28-minute mark, the final score of the game.
Hughes was brilliant again and named in the best alongside Ben Ryan and Josh Neralic.
Tyson Iglesias kicked three goals, with young James Baillie and Jacob Elia slotting two each.
Abdallah was named best on with Mohamed Taleb (three goals) and Nick Bruno (two goals) leading the scoring.
KEILOR PARK 9.13 (67) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 8.10 (58)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park secured third spot with a nine-point win over Sunbury Kangaroos at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
The Devils dominated the first half kicking eight goals to two, before the Kangaroos kicked four unanswered in the third term.
Tricky conditions brought inaccuracy for both sides, but Colby Blyth's men were able to hold on in the last to secure the preliminary final appearance.
Ben Chisholm and Sam Pontin were named their best with Daylan Kempster booting three goals.
Riley Draicchio kicked two goals for the Roos with Sebastian Sanderson named their best.
The Kangaroos' season ends there, while Keilor Park will play Westmeadows in the preliminary final after a week off.
By Evan Tudor
TAYLORS LAKES 6.5 (41) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes are through to its first-ever grand final after an impressive 13-point win over the Sunbury Kangaroos at Walter Street Reserve.
Under warm sunshine tempered by a stiff breeze, the Lions ran away winners after a dominant display.
The Lions led 19-0 at the first change after co-captain Stef Valerio struck goal twice in a strong quarter.
It was a good day for Valerio who was all over the ball. Courtney McCormack and Charlie Goodwin were also stunning across the field as they were committed with their performances.
With strong field play, use of handball, accurate kicking, and decisive marking, Taylors Lakes reiterated why they shouldn’t be ruled out of premiership contention.
Their ability to score against the wind proved the difference between both sides in this preliminary final.
And while it was a tough day for the Kangaroos, the Roos should be proud of the determination that they displayed for the duration of the match.
On many occasions the Roos were able to find the ball inside their 50, with two goals coming from the boots of twin duo Fiona and Summer Pazsa.
While the final changeover saw the Kangas trail by 28 points, captain Lisa Kirby revved up her side in the huddle and encouraged them to finish off their season on a high.
And that they did, with Sunbury Kangaroos holding Taylors Lakes scoreless, controlling the ball, and dominating the inside 50 counts in the final term.
Alexsis Ryan slotted one from an angle as the Roos were hungry for more. Kat Haifa struck her only goal for 2025 late in the match and drew the margin back to 13.
By far one of the best on field was Lions’ Rebecca Foggie who owned the footy countless times and controlled the momentum of the match, even finding a goal in the third term.
Roos’ Summer Pazsa displayed similar attributes to those of Foggie’s, named in the team’s best-on list alongside Tylah Bell and Lisa Kirby.
While that’s a wrap on the season that was for the Sunbury Kangaroos, a powerful final quarter from them points towards an exciting 2026.
Taylors Lakes will be eager for next week’s premiership decider against Gisborne-Kyneton United at Coburg City Oval.
