Finals footy was on the line for Greenvale over the weekend with a win keeping them well within reach of a finals berth, but a two-point loss against Essendon Doutta Stars will see them working uphill to feature in September.
The two teams were evenly poised all game with the margins at the main and final break within a kick either way.
The Jets peppered the goal face in the final term but were only able to manage 1.7 with two goals from Douttas earning them the victory.
It’s been an incredibly positive end to the year for the young Essendon Doutta Stars group with a couple of wins on the trot and the future of Barry Prendergast in the head coaching set secured.
Greenvale on the other hand will be disappointed they couldn’t come away with the victory and will now need to comfortably win and rely on Aberfeldie to beat East Keilor by plenty to reduce the percentage differential.
Rupertswood and St Albans drew first blood in the finals previews with Deer Park and Hillside respectively.
We’ll see these matchups next week with a lot more on the line, but both victors will take some confidence into those contests.
Rupertswood especially will, having secured their second win against Deer Park.
Deer Park will rue their inaccuracy in front of goal kicking 9.17, but it mustn’t overshadow a five-goal final term from Rupo to hand them the four points.
St Albans enjoyed a 19-point win over the Sharks in the Elimination Final preview.
The Saints held the final margin lead at the main break and fought off a Hillside fightback to extend the lead.
With survival on the line next week, you can expect the contest to heat up drastically at Coburg City Oval on Sunday.
Keilor Park have held their spot in Rookie Me Division One for 2024 after holding off a rampant Westmeadows outfit fighting for their spot.
The Devils flew under the radar for much of the season picking up a few wins and remaining competitive and have thoroughly deserved to hold their spot.
Westy needed to win by around the seven to eight goal mark and were unable to take any advantage at the breaks, the four-goal deficit at the end of the third all but sealing their fate.
It was a valiant fightback from the Tigers who saw a lot of talent go through the door last summer, but they’ll join Glenroy in Division Two in 2024.
A finals spot was still up for grabs in the final round of Strathmore Community Bank Division Two with all eyes on two games: Burnside Heights v Coburg Districts and Oak Park v Sunbury Kangaroos.
Sunbury Kangaroos had to either win or pray a depleted Bears outfit got the job done against Coburg Districts, and their prayer was answered when Burnside Heights led by a point at the final siren.
They got out to a 20-point lead at the first change and maintained it into the half, before the Lions fought back with a five-goal third term.
The Bears held on and afforded Sunbury Kangaroos a finals berth after their 0-5 start to the season.
Sunbury Kangaroos almost didn’t need to rely on that result coming close to a win of their own against Oak Park, three points was all that separated them from their guaranteed finals spot.
The disappointment would have quickly turned into euphoria once learning of the other result as they prepare to go again against Northern Saints in an Elimination Final.
Speaking of Northern Saints, special shoutout to Khoder Taleb for kicking a whopping 16 goals to steal the leading goal kicking crown from Rhys Magin, what an effort!
After missing out on their chance to play in the big dance in 2022, Oak Park took their opportunity with both hands to win the Airport Toyota Women’s Premier Division Grand Final.
Read the full match report here.
Essendon Doutta Stars took out their second Airport Toyota Women’s Division One Grand Final with their eighth win on the trot.
Read the full match report here.
Airport West completed their perfect season to hoist the Division Two Premiership Cup high above their heads after a dominant showing at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Read the full match report here.
