By Luke Mathews
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 13.16 (94) def. HILLSIDE 12.8 (80)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have edged closer to a breakthrough finals appearance after defeating Hillside by 14 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Saturday’s win means the Stars are now sitting in fourth spot ahead of rivals Aberfeldie and Marby with the two sides set to meet next week.
Despite going down, Hillside lost no admirers after putting in a strong showing for most of the day and is still sitting in a comfortable position on the ladder.
The start of the match was an arm wrestle with both sides managing three goals in the first term, however inaccuracy in front of goal meant Douttas were ahead by four points.
The home side opened up some breathing space in the second quarter with Douttas piling on five goals to extend their lead to 18 points.
Hillside clawed its way back in the third term with four goals which meant the margin was two points at the final change.
With the game on the line, Douttas clicked into gear kicking four quick goals to start the final term which was enough to seal the victory.
Declan Willmore stood tall with three goals while Ben Thompson and Angus Murray were both excellent.
Mo Yassine made an instant impact on his return from VFL duties kicking three goals, while Tristian Rudic and Joseph Careless fought hard all day.
After the break, Douttas will travel to John McLeod Reserve to take on Deer Park, while Hillside will meet with Aberfeldie at Shark Park.
PASCOE VALE 10.13 (73) def. by STRATHMORE 15.11 (101)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has strengthened its grip on top spot, defeating Pascoe Vale by 28 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The win means the reigning premiers are now two games clear of Keilor in second spot and will likely mean the premiership will run through them once again come September.
Pascoe Vale missed an opportunity to nearly wrap up the double chance, however is still a game and percentage clear of Douttas with only four weeks left.
The sides couldn’t be split in the first quarter with the scores level at quarter time, before the home side kicked away with six goals for the term to open up a 21-point lead.
Its lead quickly vanished after half time with Strathmore booting six goals and went going the final change with a five-point lead.
With the game still on a knife’s edge, the reigning premiers held their nerve, booting five goals to seal another victory over their neighbours.
Liam Cavanagh was unbreakable in defence once again, collecting 32 disposals and 14 intercepts, while Brock Egglestone and Ryan Brodie were both very good again.
Moudy Taha’s stellar 2026 season continued with the youngster finishing with 31 disposals and nine tackles, while Charlie Bolmat and Jared Eckersley did everything they could.
Strathmore will now turn its attention to Airport West in two weeks at home, while Pascoe Vale will host Marby.
By Evan Tudor
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.1 (37) def. STRATHMORE 4.5 (29)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars took an eight-point victory over Strathmore in a strong win at Buckley Park.
Winning their third game straight, the Stars moved inside the top four to put an end to the Mores' six-game winning streak.
The Stars’ dominance was on full display, highlighted by Mia Tully’s two-goal return to the scoreboard.
Camryn Bux, Eden Grant, Aleesha Hobbs, and Jessie Hulett all found goal for the Stars, while Zoe Attard was named their best on ground.
The then-ladder-leaders Strathmore were frazzled by its opponent’s dominance, but the Mores continued to wriggle their way back into the contest.
After trailing by 15 points at the final change, Strathmore returned to win the final quarter 2.1 (13) to 1.0 (6) in hopes of snatching victory at the death.
While that wasn’t possible, Strathmore is close to punching its finals ticket and would like to move its way back up the ladder from third where it now rests.
Maeve Langston, Talia Motta, Milla Murphy, and Georgie Richardson found the Mores’ goals, while Eloise Egglestone was named the best-on alongside Murphy.
An exciting encounter with Oak Park awaits Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve next weekend.
Essendon Doutta Stars will take Round 14 off as part of a three-team bye and will return for Round 15’s clash with Oak Park.
ABERFELDIE 17.8 (110) def. HILLSIDE 0.2 (2)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie returned to the top of the ladder after Saturday's 108-point victory over Hillside at Clifton Park.
In the percentage-boosting win, the Two Blues further strengthened its case to finish the regular season as the minor premier.
League-leading goalkickers Moana Hope and Emily Smith were on full display, dominating the day’s action with a respective six and five-goal outing earning the duo a spot on Abers’ best-on list.
Marlo Zambelli and Olivia Madden were also highlighted as some best players for Aberfeldie.
After Hillside defeated Aberfeldie in Round 1, the Sharks were unable to pull off another victory against the Two Blues.
Nevertheless, the Sharks didn’t give up in the challenging encounter, with Natasha Campbell, Madelyn Hartley, and Annalise Wilkie named some of their standouts.
Hannah Ibrahm, Brooke Kerrigan, and Annie Gray also impressed for the Sharks.
Hillside will return to Shark Park next weekend for a clash with Maribyrnong Park.
Aberfeldie will take next weekend off ahead of Round 15’s encounter with Caroline Springs.
OAK PARK 12.11 (83) def. CAROLINE SPRINGS 2.0 (12)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has taken another step in securing the double chance after getting over Caroline Springs by 71 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The Roos have now won their eighth consecutive match and hold the longest winning streak in this competition.
Stephanie Normington-Dickens was a key player in the victory, hitting the topflight scoreboard for the first time this season, walking away with three goals.
Tayah Kelly and Tamsyn Kirk both found two, while Mikayla Barnes was named the Kangaroos’ best.
It’s another win over the Lakers for Oak Park, with that previous victory taking place back in Round 6.
With a third straight defeat, Caroline Springs now rests on fifth, with a significant percentage gap keeping it away from Essendon Doutta Stars’ fourth.
Jacinta Kondis put on a show and scored the Lakers’ two majors of the contest, taking herself to third in the league goalkicking tally for the season.
Brodie Stevens, Caitlyn Volpe, and Alyssa De Bono were named some of Caroline Springs’ best.
The Lakers will have a chance to recharge and regroup during next weekend’s bye. They’ll face off against Aberfeldie when they return in Round 15.
Oak Park will look to keep its streak alive and take revenge over Strathmore next weekend.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 6.8 (44) def. KEILOR 4.7 (31)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park returned to the winners circle after it took a 13-point win over Keilor at Monk Oval.
In what was a high-spirited battle, the Lions and Blues put on an entertaining spectacle, putting each other to the test while scoring plenty of goals along the way.
Tegan Matthews put on another clinic with a match-leading three goals, making her way onto the best-on list. Elise Korteman, Dimi Papadopoulos, and Stella Williams all contributed one goal.
Gabrielle Mahoney picked up a best-on appearance for Maribyrnong Park alongside Jessie Kazazes and Ava Steel.
While it wasn’t a win for Keilor, the Blues will certainly be thrilled with the result after they put up their highest score of the season.
Sarah Ingram found goal twice, while Olivia Castello and Olivia Manfre both sunk one.
It’s well-deserved reward for the effort that the Blues’ camp has been putting in each week.
Tahlia Psaila joined Keilor’s goalscorers on the best-on list.
Keilor will have an opportunity to keep the positives flowing at Ormond Park when it travels to meet Moonee Valley.
Maribyrnong Park will look for another win when it clashes with Hillside at Shark Park.
By Eric Forman
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 13.7 (85) def. by CRAIGIEBURN 16.13 (109)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn has officially secured it finals place following a 24-point win over Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve.
The Eagles are five games clear with four games remaining, while the Heights are now two games and percentage out of the top five.
It was a controlling performance from Craigieburn with a 17-point half time lead pushed out to 48 points at the final change.
The Heights kicked five goals to one to close out the contest, but couldn't get close enough in the end.
Jamie Gorgievski and Brodie White each kicked four majors and were named Craigieburn's best, while Chace Gordon kicked three.
Nathan Foster and Daniel Taberner did their best for the Heights up the other end with four goals each as well.
Darcy Tarczon and Anthony Bonaguro tried hard despite the loss.
Craigieburn will next host Taylors Lakes, while Avondale Heights has a must-win game against Tullamarine.
ST ALBANS 13.11 (89) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes picked up its fourth win of the season with a 21-point triumph over St Albans at Kings Park Reserve.
The Lions maintained a comfortable distance from the Saints after kicking five of the first six goals of the contest.
Damien Petrone returned for his first game since Round 6 and kicked four goals, while Bowey Larizza was hard to stop with three.
Brandon Coletta and Tomi Ibarra were both solid, while 16-year-old Lucas Sinclair enjoyed his best game at senior level with two majors.
Meanwhile, two goals from Danny Younan kept him on top of the division's goal tally.
Another young gun in Hok Marial kicked four goals to make it eight of nine games he's played in which he's kicked at least three goals.
He was named in the best alongside Kyan Kretiuk Clarke and Jacob Hunt.
Taylors Lakes will next play Craigieburn, while St Albans will take on Rupertswood.
TULLAMARINE 17.20 (122) def. EAST KEILOR 8.8 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine moved one step closer to returning to finals football with a 66-point win over East Keilor at Leo Dineen Reserve.
The Demons are two games and percentage clear in fifth spot, but all eyes were on Josh Covelli with the star forward nearing his 1,000-goal milestone.
He finished with 11 in the end (two away) and was named Tullamarine's best with Zak Wunhym and Sal Melilli.
Cooper Matthews kicked two for East Keilor, with Jackson Griffiths and Lachlan Jones solid contributors.
Tullamarine will look to book its finals spot and celebrate Josh Covelli in this weekend's home clash against Avondale Heights.
East Keilor, meanwhile, will head to JP Fawkner Reserve to play Oak Park.
MOONEE VALLEY 16.19 (115) def. RUPERTSWOOD 5.11 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley has confirmed its spot in finals footy following a 74-point win over Rupertswood at Ormond Park.
The Valley are five games clear with four games remaining and currently occupy the third double chance spot.
It was the second and third quarters that created some separation on the scoreboard, before nine goals to two in the final term blew the margin out.
Richard Potter (four goals) and Mitch Clarke (three goals) combined again, while young guns Matthew Di Qual and Burhan Kassab kicked two each.
Sean Callander and Luke Denny were named Moonee Valley's best along with Lachlan Grant and Nathan Williams.
Rupertswood's Luke Sultana backed up last week's forward impact with two goals, with Ethan Fitzpatrick, Aaron West, and Lucas Guarracino adding one each.
Jackson Cardillo joined Fitzpatrick and West among the best for Rupertswood.
Rupertswood will next play St Albans, while Moonee Valley plays West Coburg.
WEST COBURG 11.9 (75) def. by OAK PARK 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has spoiled West Coburg's Shore Reserve homecoming with a 35-point win in the top-of-the-table clash.
The win draws the Kangaroos and Burgers level on points, with 20 more per cent keeping West Coburg in first.
The Kangaroos had the edge early leading by 15 points at the first change, before West Coburg fired back to lead by seven points at half time.
Eight of the next 10 goals were kicked by Oak Park to see the margin at 20 points approching the final change, before Muhammad Saad reduced it to 14 points heading into the last.
West Coburg struck first in the final quarter, however the Kangaroos kicked the next four to make it a strong win for the visitors.
Adam Del Busso, Kane O'Halloran, and Jedd Taylor each kicked four goals, while Archie Payne added two.
Taylor was named the Kangaroos' best along with Paul Pascu and Anthony Delorenzi.
Jesse Martini did the damage on the scoreboard for West Coburg with four goals, with Tom Baravi and Omar Saad named their best.
West Coburg will look to bounce back against Moonee Valley, while Oak Park will play East Keilor.
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By Noah Wallwork
TULLAMARINE 6.4 (40) def. ROXBURGH PARK 5.6 (36)
MATCH CENTRE
The Round began with Tullamarine defeating Roxburgh Park by four points in a brilliant clash at Leo Dineen Reserve.
Both teams were honouring a former teammate in the inaugural Tamara Youkhanis Perpetual Cup.
It was a battle between eighth and ninth on the ladder, with the first quarter of Tullamarine proving devastating for the away side.
Tullamarine jumped out of the blocks, kicking three goals and two behinds in the first term.
Tullamarine’s Chelsea Paton starred in the first quarter, kicking two goals.
Roxburgh Park responded in the second term, by kicking 15 points to reduce the margin to five points at half time.
The Demons kicked ahead in the third term, with Chelsea Paton kicking another pair of goals to add four to her tally.
The Magpies managed to stay within arm’s reach of the Demons, through the hard work of Emily Prouse and Nour Moubarak.
The last quarter saw the Demons kick the lone behind, yet they managed to hang on against the surging Magpies.
The Magpies gained another eight points, yet could not bridge the gap.
Alongside Paton’s dominant day out, Marianna Shiba and Charlotte Jackson both added to the scoreboard with one goal each.
Tricia Devine was best on ground, with lots of run and dare for the Demons.
They will take on the Sunbury Kangaroos next week at Eric Boardman Reserve.
For Roxburgh Park, it will take on Burnside Heights at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
TAYLORS LAKES 1.3 (9) def. by WESTMEADOWS 22.16 (148)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes then hosted Westmeadows at Lionheart Reserve, where it went down by 139 points.
The Tigers continued their 12-game winning streak with a whopping percentage of 1020.
It was first against last with the Tigers having 11 separate goal kickers.
Captain Gemma Wright led from the front with three goals, while Stefanie Maiorana, Ruby Smith, and Danielle Linton all kicking three as well.
The Lions of Taylors Lakes could only manage nine points, with their lone goalkicker Courtney McCormack.
The hosts tried hard with the efforts of Sarah Sullivan and Rebecca Foggie, yet struggled to hit the scoreboard.
The Tigers' victory solidified their position as ladder leaders, six points ahead of Burnside Heights.
They take on fifth placed Gisborne next week at Willowbrook Reserve.
Taylors Lakes will take on East Sunbury at Lionheart Reserve, where it will hope to respond.
EAST SUNBURY 2.0 (12) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 3.3 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another close result at John McMahon Recreation Reserve, where Coburg Districts defeated East Sunbury by nine points.
Coburg’s Katherine Jansen led the way with two goals and Karli Kulbars also hit the scoreboard with the one major.
For the hosts, it was Jacinta Lee and Paris Latimer who hit back with majors each.
Charrouf Habib also continued her fine form of the season after being named among the best for the seventh time this season.
For the victors, it was Jansen and Bridgette Aparo who dominated around the ground.
Both players have been part of Coburg Districts' best nearly every week.
East Sunbury will take on last placed Taylors Lakes next week at Lionheart Reserve.
Coburg Districts will take on third placed Craigieburn at Vic Foster Reserve.
GISBORNE 3.5 (23) drew KEILOR PARK 3.5 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne and Keilor Park drew in rare scenes at Gardiner Reserve.
In the first term, it was Keilor Park which jumped out of the blocks, kicking three goals and five behinds.
In the second, Gisborne hit back kicking two goals and three behinds.
Both goals were kicked by Amelia Hodgson who led the way back for the hosts.
Gisborne kicked away to a five-point advantage in the third term, kicking another goal from Alexia Todorovic.
Keilor Park clawed its way back from defeat, kicking 11 points to bridge the gap. Gisborne could only add a single point.
All scores remained level in strange scenes at Gardiner Reserve.
Amy O’Kelly and Kirsty Baker provided leadership and on-field brilliance for the home side, as both continued their fine form of the season.
For the away side, it was Ashleigh Guest who provided the most spark. She has been named among the best for nearly every game this season.
Gisborne will face ladder leaders Westmeadows next week at Willowbrook Reserve, in a first against second contest.
For Keilor Park, they will play against the Sunbury Lions at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
SUNBURY LIONS 0.0 (0) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 23.11 (149)
MATCH CENTRE
In the final match played of the round, it was Burnside Heights taking down Sunbury Lions by 149 points at Clarke Oval.
The Bears continue their three-game winning streak, with a percentage of 347.
It was a dominant affair, with Burnside having 10 individual goalkickers.
Taylli Iglesias and Olivia Antonello both kicked five goals each, while Isabelle Young kicked four.
Antonello has now kicked 20 goals for the season, as she continues to dominate the forward half.
Other players that excelled for the Bears included Holly Taylor, Tonja Davis, and Aarzu Marvi.
For the away team, Kayla Theodore tried hard but it was always going to be tough going against the second placed Bears.
Sunbury Lions will take on Keilor Park next week, while Burnside will take on Roxburgh Park.
By Jake Reeves & Scott Jacques
COBURG DISTRICTS 17.16 (118) def. GLENROY 11.13 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts has outclassed Glenroy by 39 points in a statement win at Cole Reserve.
For the second time this season, the ladder leaders take down their biggest competition for this Division Two premiership.
Coburg Districtss seven-goal-to-one first term put the game to bed early in the contest.
The Roys chipped away at the lead all afternoon but the deficit proved to be too much and it ended in a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Curtis Rawlings continued his goal kicking form with three goals, along with teammate Jack McNamara who also nailed three on the afternoon.
James Bennie and Nick Maric were both highly influential for the visitors on a tough day for the Roys.
Coburg Districts will host East Sunbury at Cole Reserve next weekend.
Glenroy will meet with the Sunbury Kangaroos in a crucial clash at Sewell Reserve.
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NORTHERN SAINTS 5.6 (36) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 29.18 (192)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park is back on the winners list with a 156-point thumping of Northern Saints at Charles Mutton Reserve.
The win keeps the Magpies one game out of the finals race, while the percentage drop puts the Saints back into last spot.
Roxy gained the ascendancy early and a strong second quarter put the margin to 62 points at the main break.
It was a whopping 18 goals to three in the second half that blew the game out with Eyad Hegazy cashing in with eight goals.
He was followed by Amos Potter (five goals), Andrew Capuana (three goals), Travis Cooke (two goals), and best-on Lachlan D'Cruz (two goals).
A further nine players hit the scoreboard with Thomas Baker and Zein Omar putting in strong outings.
Mohamed Abdullatif and Nick Bruno kicked two each for the Saints, with Bilal Abdullatif and Zac Merhi named their best.
Roxy will look to carry the momentum into their next clash with Keilor Park, while the Saints will face Westmeadows.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 12.16 (88) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 8.10 (58)
MATCH CENTRE
A dominant third quarter leads Sunbury Kangaroos to victory against Burnside Heights by 30 points at Eric Boardman Reserve.
It's a win that edges the Kangaroos closer to their finals dream and officially puts the Bears out of contention.
The game was close throughout the first half but the Bears could not stop the run of the Kangaroos who were too good when the game was there to be won.
A three-goal performance by Ryan Pretty and a couple of goals from Rhylee Lofts led the Kangaroos to their fifth win in a row.
Nicholas Cugliari five goals gave the visitors something to smile about, continuing his great run of form.
Sunbury Kangaroos are next set to travel to Sewell Reserve to face a hungry Glenroy outfit.
Burnside, meanwhile, will host Hadfield at Tenterfield Drive.
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EAST SUNBURY 12.11 (83) def. KEILOR PARK 10.10 (70)
MATCH CENTRE
East Sunbury got back to winning ways with a 13-point victory over Keilor Park at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
The Thunder controlled the contest leading by three to four goals at each change, before the Devils reduced the margin in the last.
Brendan Fevola returned and made an impact with three goals, while Robbie Gray was named the Thunder's best with two goals.
Leon Apollonio and Todd Elton also kicked two each, with Justin Waldron and James Strauss strong as well.
Luke Kilty was again the main man up froward for the Devils with three goals, while Callum Brown and Ben Chisholm were named their best.
Both teams will be on the road next week with East Sunbury playing Coburg Districts, and Keilor Park playing Roxburgh Park.
WESTMEADOWS 4.10 (34) def. by HADFIELD 7.8 (50)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield has run out on top at Kalkallo Reserve over Westmeadows in a low scoring affair.
Off the back of a very disappointing defensive performance against Glenroy, the Hawks responded by holding the Tigers to only 34 points.
It was a scrappy game throughout with only six goals combined being kicked before three-quarter time, but three last-quarter goals from the visitors proved to be to much for a flat Westmeadows side.
Ishaq Taha and Michael Pell were regarded as the best for the Hawks in such a crucial win in their season.
Co-captains Ryan Capron and Jarrod Petersen were highly influential through the middle of the ground and gave the Tigers a sniff on Saturday afternoon.
Westmeadows will host Northern Saints next weekend at Willowbrook Reserve.
Hadfield will travel to Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve to play Burnside Heights.
