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Community Bank Strathmore Division One Preview - September 5, 2026

By Noah Wallwork


Oak Park will take on Moonee Valley in the preliminary final at Section Road for a spot in the grand final.

Fresh off a disappointing defeat to West Coburg by 72 points, the Kangaroos will be hoping for a big response. 

On the other side, the Valley cruised past Tullamarine to secure a 35-point victory.

The Valley dominated pressure around the ground, winning the tackle count 25 and causing turnovers all over the ground.

Mitch Clarke proved damaging in the forward half, kicking four goals against the Demons defenders.

Clarke was joined by Bevan Newell, who had 28 disposals, four clearances, and two goals.

Sean Callander joined his teammates with 11 one percenters, showcasing his intensity and pressure around the contest. 

The last time these two teams played against each other was in the qualifying final, where the Kangaroos proved victorious by 15 points.

The Valley nearly completed a miraculous comeback down by 41 points at three quarter time, kicking 34 points to close the gap. 

The Kangaroos controlled possession for the first three quarters of the game, with the Valley winning clearances by six in the final term.

Oak Park’s Tyson Old proved dominant in the front half, kicking three goals alongside his 25 disposals and 10 inside 50s.

Jedd Taylor provided support in the middle with 12 clearances among his 26 disposals and eight tackles. 

For the Valley, Nathan Williams starred with 38 disposals, 13 inside 50s, and eight clearances.

He was supported by Haidyn Shade who had 24 disposals, seven clearances, and five tackles in the midfield. 

The game will be won in the midfield and who takes their chances, both are evenly matched with stars on every line. 

Will Oak Park get its chance at grand final redemption, or will Moonee Valley continue its terrific season?

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