Keilor will be gunning for a fourth straight grand final when it takes on Strathmore at Coburg City Oval this Saturday.
The Blues claimed their fourth successive minor premiership on the back of 14 straight wins to finish the home and away season to sit out last weekend.
Strathmore was on top of the ladder for most of the year, however slipped up late in Round 17 against Maribyrnong Park which handed top spot to the Blues.
The Mores were able to account for Pascoe Vale last weekend, defeating the Panthers by 17 points.
Despite finishing third last year, Strathmore took down Keilor in the same match last year which powered them towards their third premiership in five years.
Keilor has lost this same match twice in the last two years, however history is on their side with every minor premier making the grand final since 2012.
These two sides first met this year on Good Friday when Strathmore came away with a comprehensive 37-point victory, while Keilor flipped the script in Round 12 with a 74-point smashing.
The big question this week will be how does Keilor limit Matthew Allison?
The full forward has been unstoppable when he has featured for Strathmore in 2026, booting 32 goals in seven games including a bag of eight last weekend with four coming in the final quarter.
Keilor’s defence is ranked third for points against in 2026, however they haven’t conceded a score of more than 80 since Round 12.
Brad Xavier will lead the Keilor defence and if he can stand tall for most of the day, it’ll go a long way in booking Keilor’s spot in another grand final.
Maribyrnong Park will be aiming for a historic preliminary final appearance when it takes on Pascoe Vale at Coburg City Oval.
Brodie Holland’s side seem to be peaking at the right time of year with three wins in a row including an incredible 70-point victory against Essendon Doutta Stars in the elimination final.
Pascoe Vale was brave last weekend, however not quite good enough when it mattered, going down to Strathmore by 17 points.
Marby has had plenty of troubles against the Panthers in 2026, going down by 56 points in Round 6 and 66 points in Round 15.
One interesting watch this Saturday will be how does Marby use Blade Sulzberger.
Brodie Holland sent the Tasmanian to Dylan Laurie which proved to be a masterstroke with Sulzberger booting five goals and keeping the defender to a season low 16 touches.
The Lions could be eyeing off Charles Bolmat this weekend with the 21-year-old ranked first for rebound 50s and intercept possessions at the Panthers.
The defender had a day out against Marby in Round 15, finishing with 36 disposals and 11 score involvements and will need to be negated this week if the Lions are any chance of causing another upset.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
KEILOR v STRATHMORE
Saturday 2:15pm at Coburg City Oval
PASCOE VALE v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Sunday 2:15pm at Coburg City Oval
