While we may have seen this coming, Keilor have officially secured the minor premiership following a tight victory over a persistent East Keilor outfit.
The margin never exceeded a goal at the breaks with the Cougars taking a two-point lead into the final quarter, before the flag favourites got the edge to win by seven points.
It’s no secret East Keilor were depleted coming into the weekend being unable to field a Reserves side, but they did enough to keep themselves in the four on percentage.
Matthew Clark and Kane Barbuto each kicked two for Keilor with the 2019 Reynolds Medallist named their best, while Chris Stewart kicked three for the Cougars.
Currently comprising the remaining two spots in the four are Pascoe Vale in second, and Strathmore in third.
The Panthers were defeated by Airport West on the weekend in an inaccurate day in front of goals, kicking 0.9 in the first half and ending with 4.15.
It was a low-scoring affair with the Eagles holding a comfortable lead throughout the game, but the loss now sees Pacco just one game clear in double chance territory.
Strathmore, East Keilor, and Greenvale are all one game behind, with there being a considerable difference in percentage that could play a pivotal role.
Pascoe Vale will play Strathmore and East Keilor in the coming weeks which could be an opportunity for each of those sides to shape the top four, while Greenvale plays Keilor this week with Douttas and Airport West to follow.
Aberfeldie are now three games out which would officially rule them out of finals contention for the first time since 2011, but with Strathmore and East Keilor to come, they could also play a pivotal role in shaping the top four.
Following Hillside’s win over Roxburgh Park on the weekend, the top five is now as good as locked in.
Craigieburn are two games out of finals behind the Sharks and St Albans, but would have to win their final two games (West Coburg in Round 18) and make up over 20 per cent to even have a chance at stealing fifth spot assuming the incumbents don’t pick up any more premiership points.
West Coburg will finish as minor premiers, with Deer Park and Rupertswood holding the second and third posts down in double chance territory.
Hillside and St Albans are two games behind that zone, Hillside plays Deer Park this week and Rupertswood plays St Albans.
The Sharks and Saints will meet in the final round, as will Rupo and Deer Park. Plenty to get excited about!
Westmeadows have given themselves every chance of staying up in Rookie Me Division One following a thumping 84-point victory over Glenroy on the weekend.
Shaun O’Grady and Aaron Evans starred in the forward half with six goals each and had a number of contributors all across the ground.
They will face Keilor Park and Craigieburn in the final two games and enjoyed a win against the Devils earlier in the year, but lost to the Eagles by 43 points.
Tulla are one game ahead and have Roxy and Moonee Valley to come, so it could be an interesting race with both sides wanting to remain in Division One.
In a 93-point turnaround, Taylors Lakes were able to defeat Northern Saints by four goals to secure their spot in the top two and the double chance.
They move to three games clear of the Saints in what’s been a stunning season for Steve Burns’ men after finishing sixth with just five wins in 2022.
Christian Petersen kicked two goals for the Lions with Sonny Briz named their best alongside Jake Toa who played his first game the week prior.
Northern Saints will be expecting two wins from their remaining games to finish in the four, while Coburg Districts continue to have Sunbury Kangaroos hot on their heels.
After a stunning entry into the final four to hand Aberfeldie their first loss, the reigning premiers in Keilor have been knocked out of the finals by Moonee Valley.
The Fog won by 10 points with Georgia Marsland kicked three of their four goals to book their meeting with Oak Park following their three-goal loss to Aberfeldie.
Alex Quigley played a lone hand up front for Oak Park kicking all three of their goals, with Erica Markesich matching the sharpshooter up the other end with some assistance from teammates to secure a comfortable win in the end.
The Kangaroos have enjoyed two comfortable victories over Moonee Valley in their two meetings during the home and away season, but we’ve come to learn that the girls from Ormond Park are not to be underestimated.
Greenvale have booked their Grand Final spot after a stirring win over Burnside Heights, Talia Motta the hero kicking a goal with four seconds to go to put the Jets up by two points.
The Jets trailed by 15 points at the final change and peppered the goal face, holding the Bears scoreless in the last quarter.
That was Motta’s second goal of the day in a best on ground performance with Nicolette Paschalis chipping in with another.
The Bears controlled much of the day and were led by their stars in Brodie Stevens, Kayla Ravanello, Krissy Trang and co.
Burnside Heights will face Essendon Doutta Stars this week who enjoyed a strong 49-point win over Gisborne.
Moonee Valley had a successful day on the weekend in the women’s competition with their second side also winning their elimination final, an 11-point triumph over Coburg Districts.
They had a number of contributors across the ground and will face Aberfeldie 2 after their heavy defeat to flag favourites Airport West.
