By Luke Mathews
Keilor will be searching for back-to-back wins for the first time in 2026 when it travels to Section Road to take on Greenvale.
The Blues got their season somewhat back on track last week, with a confidence boosting 63-point win over Airport West.
The Jets put in a much-improved performance against Deer Park last week, however they still couldn’t manage to get over the line, going down by nine points.
Despite having just the one win for the year, the Jets remain in eighth spot on the ladder however are only above Airport West and Hillside on percentage.
The Jets hardly put up a fight against Mick McGuane’s men in 2025, losing by a combined 194 points across the two clashes.
One thing for Keilor to focus on this week will be their accuracy in front of goal.
McGuane was disappointed with his side’s goal kicking last week, with Jack Brown kicking 1.4 and Chris Kosmas booting 2.5.
A clinical performance in front of goal this week would go a long way in helping the Blues charge back up the ladder.
Strathmore will be hoping to strengthen its grip on top spot, when it travels to Hansen Reserve to take on Airport West.
The reigning premiers kept their winning streak alive last week with a strong 17-point win over a gallant Pascoe Vale outfit.
It now means Matthew Horne’s men are on an eight-game winning streak, dating back to last year’s qualifying final victory over Aberfeldie.
Airport West put in another disappointing performance last time out, going down to Keilor by 63 points.
The Eagles are currently 1-4 and are without a win since Round 1 which is the longest winless run of any side in the competition at the moment.
Brent Taylor’s side will be buoyed by the fact the Eagles did get the better of Strathmore last time out, recording a come-from-behind, six-point win in Round 16 last year.
For Airport West to break Strathmore’s unbeaten streak, they’ll need another miracle performance from captain Ned Gentile.
The skipper has been a shining light for Airport West once again this year and has had no trouble hitting the scoreboard, booting nine goals in his five games.
Strathmore’s midfield does have plenty of weapons, however it’ll still need to be mindful of Airport West’s main man.
Aberfeldie will be hoping to keep a hold of second spot when it travels to Shark Park to take on Hillside.
Leigh Tudor’s men took down the undefeated Maribyrnong Park last week and are now only behind archrivals Strathmore on the ladder.
After a memorable Round 4 win over Airport West, the Sharks failed to back it up, going down to Douttas by 59 points.
The Sharks are currently sitting in last spot, however are level on points with Greenvale and Airport West who also have just the one victory for the season.
Saturday’s contest will be the first time these two sides have met, with Abers one of only four clubs to have only featured in the top flight since 2003.
For Hillside to be any chance of causing an upset, they’ll need to find a way of limiting Aberfeldie’s scoring power.
The Rillas are currently ranked second for points for, averaging 115 points per game and their proficiency was on show last week with Will Brkic, Sam Medland, and Flynn Riley all booting four goals.
Hillside’s backline has been the strongest part of their game so far; however, they’ll need to be at their very best if they want to keep Abers to a low score.
Maribyrnong Park will be looking to return to the winner’s list when it hosts Pascoe Vale.
After a strong opening month, Brodie Holland’s side received a reality check last week, going down to Aberfeldie by 59 points.
Pascoe Vale has been just as strong across the first five matches of 2026, however, has suffered two losses to last year’s grand finalists, Keilor and Strathmore.
A win for the Panthers on Saturday could see them climb into third spot on the ladder, however a loss could see Essendon Doutta Stars or Keilor overtake them.
Last time they met, Pascoe Vale dealt a huge blow to Marby’s final hopes after it defeated the Lions by 14 points, however Marby did win the first clash by five goals.
One for Marby’s backline to try and quell this week is Carled El Khodr.
The youngster is one of the most promising prospects across the competition and has had a hot start to 2026, kicking 14 goals include two bags of five against Keilor and Strathmore.
Marby’s backline was touched up last week and will need to bring its A-game if it wants to stop El-Khodr’s strong start to 2026.
Essendon Doutta Stars and Deer Park will be hoping to square the ledger when they face off at Nipper Jordan Oval.
After a difficult first three weeks, Douttas have rallied in the past fortnight with back-to-back wins over Keilor and Hillside.
It’s also been an up and down opening five weeks for Deer Park who have recorded tight victories against Hillside and Greenvale, however have gone down to Abers, Marby, and Strathmore.
In their two matches last year, Deer Park won a classic by 27 points in Round 4 before backing it up with a 13-point victory in Round 13.
Saturday’s match looms as a potential grudge match with Deer Park having lost the Round 18 clash to Airport West last year by 168 points which ultimately denied the Stars a breakthrough finals spot.
If Douttas are to win, they’ll need Declan Willmore’s strong season to continue.
After a quiet opening two weeks, the 22-year-old has had a strong three weeks, kicking nine goals include a bag of five against Keilor.
The Douttas forward line has been hard to stop in recent weeks and will need more of the same if they want to make it three in a row.
By Eric Forman
Oak Park and Avondale Heights will meet in a fascinating contest at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The Kangaroos are currently in the battle for first spot with four teams on four wins, one they'll hope to remain in with a win here.
It was a comfortable 76-point win over East Keilor the last time out for Oak Park to make it consecutive wins.
The Heights find themselves one game behind that logjam with three wins and two losses on the season, a 26-point loss to Craigieburn last week ending a two-game winning streak.
Anthony Delorenzi continued his strong start to the year last week as Oak Park's best, averaging 22 disposals and a goal a game.
He has played every game this year and will be one to stop, along with Adam Del Busso who has kicked five goals in his last two games and looks to be recapturing some of his best form.
The ruck battle will be one to look out for between Josh Hotchkin and Avondale Heights' Daniel Taberner and Andre Srour.
Taberner moved across to the club this year and will look to take it up to Hotchkin, while Srour will go up against his former Aberfeldie teammate.
Blake Cochrane is another new face for Oak Park to keep tabs on, averaging 38 disposals per game and 10 clearances.
Rupertswood continues the search for its first win against St Albans at Kings Park Reserve.
The Sharks have been competitive in every game, but haven't been able to get close come the final siren.
It was a 37-point loss last week against Moonee Valley making it five losses in a row.
The Saints, meanwhile, sit seventh with two wins and three losses for the season.
Although St Albans has been plucky with a tight loss to Avondale Heights and a win over Taylors Lakes, it was a disappointing outing last week.
The Saints went down to West Coburg by 125 points, conceding 14 goals in the second half.
Coach Shaun Thompson will be hoping to bounce back with the likes of Jake Galea key in an improved performance.
The vice-captain is their top-ranked player this season averaging 31 disposals, nine clearances, and eight score involvements per game.
Rupertswood was able to find plenty of avenues to goal last week, but Mitchell Johnson and Beau Wright were the only two to kick multiples.
So, while the Sharks managed 23 scores, coach Brad Fox will be hoping to reduce the scores up the other end to bring the game closer.
Can't make it? Catch the game on Streamer thanks to Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day.
An intriguing contest awaits Lionheart Reserve as Taylors Lakes takes on Craigieburn.
The Lions have struggled in 2026 with just one win from five games this year, a 29-point loss to Tulla their most recent outing.
The Eagles are currently equal on points for top spot and downed Avondale Heights by 26 points last time out.
A big boost for the Lions should come in the form of Lachlan Rayner who is available for selection following suspension.
The ruck contest is one area Craigieburn struggles in with Nathan Stewart averaging the most hit outs per game 23, half of what Rayner averaged in Rounds 1 and 2.
Chris Vulic also returned last week and will be a big boost for Taylors Lakes moving forward.
While team selection will follow Rayner's name for Taylors Lakes, Craigieburn was without Jamie Gorgievski, Harry Albon, and Chace Gordon last week – its skipper and two young, excitement machines.
Brodie White will be number one for players to watch for on Steve Burns' whiteboard though, 37 disposals and four goals a prolific effort from the Eagle last week.
Catch the game on 98.9 North West FM and Streamer from 2pm.
It'll be a top-of-the-table clash at Ormond Park between Moonee Valley and West Coburg.
Both teams enter this contest 4-1, with just eight per cent difference seeing the Burgers sit on top of the ladder.
The Fog is the most prolific scoring team in the competition averaging over 126 points per game, Mitch Clarke (23 goals) and Richard Potter (14 goals) leading the way.
West Coburg on the other hand is the best defensive team in the competition, conceding just 56 points per game.
Ruairi Cleary has been a big part of the defensive prowess of the Burgers with 10 intercepts per game, so whether he gets a role on Clarke or Potter or roams loose will be an interesting watch.
In the midfield we'll see Muhammad Saad (28 disposals, six clearances) look to stamp his authority on the game.
Callum Clinnick will be looking to lift the Fog in the same area, leading the side in clearances last week with eight.
East Keilor and Tullamarine will close out the weekend at Overland Reserve.
Tullamarine enter as heavy favourites against the winless Cougars, a chance to consolidate itself in the top five a potential payoff.
The Cougars will continue to look for gradual improvements, a 9.2 (56) return following a 2.8 (20) outing a positive bounceback.
The Demons have boasted a range of contributors all season, something they'd like to continue this week.
By Leroy de Villiers
Northern Saints will look to make it consecutive wins when it hosts Westmeadows at Charles Mutton Reserve.
The Saints picked up their first win in a three-point triumph over Roxburgh Park.
It was another accurate display from the Saints (17.6) who eclipsed triple figures for the third time this year, a pleasing aspect of their game for co-coaches Tamer Abdallah and Antony Papalia.
The Tigers on the other hand are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, their most recent a 65-point loss to Hadfield scoring just 28 points.
Jordan Kosteas tried hard last week with 38 disposals, but will need more to step up around him.
Shaun O'Grady was sorely missed as a presence in front of goal, his availability will be an interesting watch.
For the Saints, Hisham Kerbatieh will be the one to stop with 33 disposals and two goals a game making a significant impact.
Can the Tigers bounce back, or will the Saints build into their season?
Glenroy will look to bounce back from last week's loss when it takes on Sunbury Kangaroos at Eric Boardman Reserve.
It was a first loss for 2026 last week for the Roys, while the Kangaroos escaped with the points against Burnside Heights.
The Kangaroos sit in fifth spot with three wins for the season, but they've only scored more than 60 points on two occasions.
They'll need the likes of Mitch Streiff, Rhylee Lofts, and Jayden Eales firing if they're to get a winning score on the board.
Glenroy wasn't able to capitalise on its clearance domination last week which coach Addam Maric will hope to rectify.
Nick Maric cotinues to be one to watch through the middle, while Julian Hemala generates a lot of attack in their defensive half.
East Sunbury will host the undefeated Coburg Districts at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
The Thunder are on a three-game winning streak, while the Lions downed Glenroy last week to sit clear on top of the ladder.
Each forward line is where the focus will be for the opposition.
Coburg Districts has enjoyed a spread of contributors up front with five players kicking eight goals or more this season, Curtis Rawlings (22 goals) leading the way.
Jack McNamara has missed the last two games but they've fired without him, an ominous sign for the competition.
Up the other end sits Todd Elton who has kicked 18 goals from his last four games, a clear focal point for the Thunder.
Although the Lions are the best scoring team in the competition, East Sunbury is the best defensive side in the competition and will need to be every bit of that this week.
Keilor Park and Roxburgh Park will both look for a bounceback victory when they meet at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
Both sides enter off a loss, the Devils going down by 26 points against East Sunbury, the Magpies losing by three points against Northern Saints.
Keilor Park has struggled offensively this season with the fewest points scored in the competition.
Round 3 saw the Devils score 94 points, Shylo Smith (five goals), Luke Kilty (four goals), and Jarod Pontin (three goals) the main contributors.
Out of those three, just Kilty has managed a goal in the two weeks since, noting Smith missed last week, showing Keilor Park's lack of a reliable scoring option this season.
The Magpies sit on three wins with East Sunbury and Sunbury Kangaroos, and with both of those sides facing one of the top two sides, a win could give them some separation in third should results go their way.
Andrew Capuana was again superb last week with 28 disposals, 11 tackles, eight clearances, and two goals, and will look to drive his side to victory.
Hadfield and Burnside Heights will close out Round 6 when they meet at Martin Reserve.
The Bears continue the search for their first win after a narrow defeat to the Sunbury Kangaroos last week.
Hadfield got back on the winner's list last week with a strong win over Westmeadows, Sam Godden leading the way with 50 disposals.
Godden will be one for the Bears to watch, but there is also Josh Trembearth and Jake Polizzi that will influence the game.
The Bears will look to Lachlan Evans to get the advantage out of the ruck and around the ground, but they'll still need their midfielders to get to work.
Can the Hawks start to get their season rolling, or will the Bears break through with an upset?
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
GREENVALE v KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Greenvale Recreation Reserve
AIRPORT WEST v STRATHMORE
Saturday 2:15pm at Hansen Reserve
MARIBYRNONG PARK v PASCOE VALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Monk Oval
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v DEER PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Nipper Jordan Oval
HILLSIDE v ABERFELDIE
Saturday 2:15pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
OAK PARK v AVONDALE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at JP Fawkner Reserve
ST ALBANS v RUPERTSWOOD
🎥 Streamer
Saturday 2:15pm at Kings Park Reserve
EAST KEILOR v TULLAMARINE
Saturday 2:15pm at Overland Reserve
TAYLORS LAKES v CRAIGIEBURN
🎥 Streamer
📻 98.9 North West FM
Saturday 2:15pm at Lionheart Reserve
MOONEE VALLEY v WEST COBURG
Saturday 2:15pm at Ormond Park
NORTHERN SAINTS v WESTMEADOWS
Saturday 2:15pm at Charles Mutton Reserve
KEILOR PARK v ROXBURGH PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve
SUNBURY KANGAROOS v GLENROY
Saturday 2:15pm at Eric Boardman Reserve
HADFIELD v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
EAST SUNBURY v COBURG DISTRICTS
Saturday 2:15pm at John McMahon Recreation Reserve
