By Luke Mathews
Essendon Doutta Stars will take on Airport West in a season defining clash for both sides at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The two sides go into the game equal on points with Douttas currently in fifth spot, while Airport West are in seventh with a percentage of just 90.
A win for Douttas would go a long way in helping the club secure a breakthrough finals appearance with the side set to play Strathmore and Keilor in the final two rounds.
Airport West, meanwhile, have breathed life into their season when it appeared to be almost finished three weeks ago with impressive victories over Greenvale and Maribyrnong Park.
When the two sides last met back in Round 6, the Stars made light work of Airport West, winning by 72 points with Bailey Ryan dominating with five goals.
One for Airport West to keep an eye on this Saturday will be Declan Tully.
The vice-captain has had a terrific season to date, booting 23 goals from his 14 games, with one bag of six and one bag of five.
The sharpshooter has been in fine form recently kicking 11 goals across his last three matches including a four-goal performance in the win over Greenvale on the weekend.
Airport West have given up 100 points 10 times during 2025 and will have to avoid doing this on Saturday if they are any chance of claiming the four points.
Deer Park will be hoping to make amends for last week’s disappointing loss when they take on East Keilor at John McLeod Reserve.
The Lions took a step back last weekend when they were thrashed by Strathmore by 76 points at home however, they remain two games clear in fourth with a percentage of 98.
Despite going into the game with no expectations, East Keilor still went down to Keilor by 245 points and remain without a win for 2025.
The two sides last met back in Round 6 and Deer Park came away with a 145-point victory, with Deisel Moloney and Lachlan Smart combing for 10 goals.
One to pay close attention to on Saturday will be Jackson Griffiths.
The Queenslander has been the shining light for East Keilor in an incredibly difficult season, kicking seven goals in his 14 games from limited supply.
While they might be up against it once again on Saturday, the number 16 will be hoping to provide a few more highlights for East Keilor before season’s end.
Aberfeldie will be looking to make it six wins from their last seven games when they square off with Greenvale at Clifton Park.
The Rillas have been in fine form since their loss to Deer Park with impressive wins over Strathmore, Douttas, and Pascoe Vale capping off a strong six-week block.
The Jets' season went from bad to worse last weekend with Darren Bewick’s men going down to Essendon Doutta Stars by 76 points with the side only able to muster up two goals.
A win on Saturday will go a long way in helping Abers secure second spot on the ladder, with the Rillas currently a game clear of Strathmore, however are a significant amount of percentage behind.
Back in Round 6, Abers got their revenge for last year’s elimination final loss, defeating Greenvale by 45 points with Callum Moore booting a game-high five goals.
One to watch out for at Clifton Park is Brodie Newman.
The defender has built a reputation as one of the most reliable players across the competition over the last few years, standing tall for Abers time and time again.
The 25-year-old had one of his best games for the year last weekend picking up 18 disposals and 12 marks, however his four goals were the highlight for the match.
Greenvale does have plenty of tall timber at its disposal and they’ll need to bring their A-game if they want to stop Aberfeldie’s number one defender-turned-utility.
Maribyrnong Park will be hoping to get their season back on track when they travel to Lebanon Reserve to take on Strathmore.
Marby’s finals chances took a blow last weekend with Brodie Holland’s men going down to Airport West by 25 points and now sit outside the top five.
Strathmore look to be hitting form at the right time of year with the Mores defeating Deer Park by 76 points at John McLeod Reserve.
A win for the Lions on Saturday could see the side climb back into fifth spot, however another loss would mean they are a game and percentage out of the finals places.
Earlier in the year, Strathmore overcame a brave Maribyrnong Park outfit, defeating the Lions by 10 points with Adam Iacobucci starring with 30 disposals.
For Strathmore to win, they’ll be hoping Brock Egglestone’s strong form continues.
The number 19 has been dominant once again in 2025, averaging 120 ranking points and 28 disposals per game in a star-studded Strathmore engine room.
The midfielder was at his brilliant best last weekend collecting 27 disposals in the thumping victory over Deer Park.
Marby’s midfield has been beaten when it has mattered in the last two weeks and will need to take care of Egglestone if they have any chance of causing an upset.
Keilor will be back at Joe Brown Oval to square off with Pascoe Vale in a blockbuster grand final rematch.
Pascoe Vale’s faint finals hopes took a hit last weekend, with the Panthers going down to Aberfeldie by 64 points, while Keilor’s perfect season continued with a 245-point victory over East Keilor.
The Panthers are just a game and percentage outside the top five, however a loss to the reigning premiers would all but end their season with just three games left.
Last time out Keilor cruised to a comfortable 46-point victory over the Panthers, however Pascoe Vale were the last team to defeat the Blues back in last year’s semi-final.
For Pascoe Vale to win, they’ll have to find a way of kicking a winning score.
Despite having plenty of firepower in their forward line, Keilor’s backline is the hall mark of their game with the reigning premiers conceding just 53 points per game.
The Panthers were unable to break down Keilor’s backline in their last two matches again the reigning premiers kicking just 66 points in Round 6 and 61 points in the grand final.
Pascoe Vale do have plenty of threats in their forward line and they’ll all need to be at the top of their game if they have any chance of causing an upset.
By Ben Parker
Roxburgh Park hosts Avondale Heights in what looms as another ominous challenge for the home side.
The last time these two sides met, it was Avondale who protected home and recorded a 47-point win at Canning Reserve.
With the hosts losing to Hillside by an emphatic 108 points last week, it’s hard to see them as a genuine winning chance here against a side that arguably, are just as good as the Sharks.
Roxburgh Park has had a forgetful 2025 campaign with relegation now a certainty.
In saying this, their best footy has been competitive, and they are certainly capable of finishing their season with momentum.
Look for Jack Elliott to dominant here. It’s no surprise the big man is the one to watch as he was best on ground yet again last week with another superb effort. He collected 36 disposals, 40 hit outs, and 13 clearances in their loss.
On the other side, Avondale Heights is presented with another opportunity to bank a simple four points.
If they turn up at their best, their form on paper suggests that they win this one.
In saying that, look for Roxy to stick around if the Heights are off.
Avondale have lost only game to a team sitting outside the top five and should prove hard to beat here.
Look for vice-captain and star midfielder Jackson Robb to put his name on the contest early.
Tullamarine hosts Craigieburn at Leo Dineen Reserve in what’s one of the more intriguing clashes of the weekend.
They last met back in Round 7 where the Dees stole the four points away from Craigieburn with a thrilling nine-point win on the road.
For Tullamarine, they have the chance to end Craigieburn’s season.
A win here for the Dees will set themselves up for a fruitful finish in what’s been an inconsistent 2025 campaign.
With 11 losses and just the four wins to their name, their record fails to adequately reflect how close they have been in games, and the quality of their list.
In the absence of star forward Shaun McKernan, the Dees fell to Hillside by just the 11 points three weeks ago, and were only beaten by five goals against another contender in Avondale Height last week.
With just three weeks to go in their season, look for the Dees to fire some shots here.
Brad Horgan was their best last week and will be the one to watch again.
On the other side of the ledger, it’s simply a must-win game for Craigieburn.
With their season on the line, they simply must win every remaining game and hope that some other results fall their way.
They were narrowly beaten by West Coburg last week in a heartbreaking three-point loss at home, with the Burgers coming from behind to steal victory in the last quarter.
They currently sit in seventh position on the ladder, two games behind St Albans in fifth, with Taylors Lakes splitting the two in sixth.
With the Saints and Lions both facing top three sides this week, a win here for the Eagles, and some losses in their favour, may take some pressure off their backs.
While they are one of the lowest scoring teams in the competition, their midfielders are dangerous with ball in hand when they venture forward.
Harry Albon is the one for the Eagles this week. The young, classy midfielder is a proven ball-winner and even more importantly, a proven goal-kicker.
Look for the Eagles to throw him forward if goals are hard to get.
With plenty to play for, expect both sides to come out hot here.
Hillside will travel to Ormond Park this week for their clash with the struggling Moonee Valley.
The last time these two sides faced off, the Sharks sunk their teeth into the Fog and recorded a convincing 65-point win at Hillside Recreation Reserve.
Hillside currently reside in third position on the ladder, and are one game behind West Coburg in second position.
They were in scintillating form last week with a 108-point win over the helpless Roxburgh Park.
A 13-goal second half tore Roxy to shreds, and onlookers were subjected to a showcasing of what this Sharks outfit can do at their very best.
If they turn up here in similar condition, look out.
Young gun Nick Fluke has found his straps as of late. The youngster produced his best game of the season last week with a bullish 42 disposals, 24 intercepts, and 11 score involvements. Dangerous with ball in hand, he’s the one Moonee Valley must be on high alert of.
Moonee Valley looked much better last week in their 27-point loss to St Albans.
While they led at every break in play, they were overrun late by an empowered St Albans outfit who needed to win to keep their season alive.
Great confidence will have been taken away from Kings Park Reserve last week, so expect the Fog to put up a greater fight against the Sharks this time.
Callum Clinnick was back to his best last week with 26 disposals, three goals, and six clearances. Moonee Valley will need him to fire if they are to be a chance.
Oak Park hosts St Albans in what’s a pivotal game for the Saints.
Their previous clash this season saw the Kangaroos win comfortably by 34 points at Kings Park Reserve.
Ladder-leader Oak Park outduelled a gritty Taylors Lakes outfit last week, winning by 18 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
They took their season record to an impressive 13 wins from 15 games played, with just the two losses to show.
What was perhaps the most impressive aspect of the win was their ability to never take their foot off the pedal.
Every time it appeared that Taylors Lakes were going to score and make a run, the Kangaroos would find a way to kick one.
They were simply too classy, and proved why they are the team to beat.
Archie Payne and Anthony Delorenzi both booted three goals each, respectively, and are the two to watch up forward again this week.
Keep an eye on big man Josh Hotchkin as well. He was dominant in the ruck yet again with 23 disposals, 37 hit outs, six clearances, and a goal to show for himself.
The Saints must nullify his influence on the contest, and more specifically at the source, if they are to pose a threat to the premiership favourites.
St Albans are certainly up their eyeballs in this contest.
After a mid-season drought, they have won four out of their last six games and look to be finding their straps at the right time.
They were too good for the tiring Moonee Valley last week, who couldn’t go with the Saints when they dialled their pressure and intensity up.
Challenges come no harder than this though, and so it will be fascinating to see how they matchup against the number one team in the competition.
With the Saints clinging onto a position in the top five by the thinnest of threads, simply put, every game counts for the remainder of the season.
Tom Eckel is the one who can drive the Saints here. He was back to his best last week with a sizzling 33 disposals and nine clearances, and is the one to take note of here.
Taylors Lakes hosts West Coburg at Lionheart Reserve in an important game for the Lions.
The last time these two sides met, it was the Burgers who put away a gallant Lions outfit by the tune of 24 points at Shore Reserve.
Since then, the two sides have produced impressive performances which have led to them both being in finals contention.
For the Lions, it’s do or die this week.
They currently sit in sixth position on the ladder and are one game behind St Albans in fifth.
With just three games remaining and the Saints having a favourable matchup against Roxburgh Park in the last game of the season, the Lions simply cannot afford to drop one.
At their best, they’re a powerful outfit with speed and strength that can burn opponents.
Chris Vulic personifies this better than anyone as he was sensational again with 36 disposals, 12 marks and six tackles last week.
For the Burgers, it has been another season of dominance in Division One.
With 11 wins and just the four losses to show, they are one of the leading contenders to take out this year’s premiership.
Yet, they’ve been exposed on a couple of occasions, with all four of their losses coming against other top five sides.
In a big game like this against a team capable of competing in September, the Burgers need to be on song and at their best.
They scraped over the line last week against a determined Craigieburn side in a thrilling come-from-behind performance that will no doubt instil great confidence.
Stars Emilio Rinaudo and Ruairi Cleary led the way again, and will be the two driving the charge this week.
In a blockbuster clash, it is difficult to predict which way this bout will fall.
By Michelle Dunstan
East Sunbury will host Burnside Heights in what could be either side's best chance to pick up a final win for the 2025 season.
The two sides have followed different trajectories in the second half of their seasons.
The Thunder have picked up a win and been a lot more competitive, while the Bears have been within 34 points just three times since its last win, against the Thunder, in Round 8.
East Sunbury has started to gel and enjoyed a broader range of contributors with experienced quartet Brendan Fevola, Joel Bonnici, Todd Elton, and Wade Lees leading the charge in recent times.
Captain Jordan Hughes continues to lead the Bears from the front, named in the best in all but four games.
The Bears picked up the four points when these sides last met with a 29-point win, Jacob Elia's six goals the difference on the day.
The local rivalry between Glenroy and Hadfield continues as they meet at Sewell Reserve.
The Roys will be keen to keep top spot firmly in their grasp, while the Hawks will look to continue to be the disruptors.
Hadfield has won its last three games, with its last three losses by an average of less than 20 points, indicative of the footy many thought they were capable of at the start of the season.
The Hawks are two games out of finals with three games remaining so while finals is unlikely, they can show what they're capable of to finish the season.
It'll be a tough task nonetheless against a strong Glenroy outfit which averages over 100 points a game.
Mark Sabatino leads the firepower with 38 goals for the season, eight of which came the last time they played the Hawks in a 52-point win.
While the Hawks aren't prolific offensively, they've been able to grind games out.
The Roys kicked six unanswered to start that last contest, something coach Andrew Beever would love to avoid this time around.
Glenroy premiership player Josh Trembearth did not feature last time out for Hadfield against his former side and will be a key inclusion.
Westmeadows and Keilor Park will meet at Willowbrook Reserve with spots above them on the ladder still up for grabs.
A win here for the Tigers will secure a preliminary final while keeping the minor premiership a possibility, while Keilor Park is still pushing for the preliminary final opportunity.
Westmeadows enters this contest having won its last 10 games, while the Devils got back on the winner's list after a pair of losses.
Daylan Kempster was key in their most recent win with four goals, and will play a key role again this week.
In each of Westmeadows' three losses, a key forward has been hard to tame with Jack McNamara (seven goals), Aaron Kite (three goals), and Nick Bruno (five goals) all hitting the scoreboard.
It won't be as easy as that with Westmeadows winning both big and small in this incredible run.
Aaron Evans will be front of mind for the Devils, arguably enjoying a career-best season with 28 disposals and 10 score involvements per game and 42 goals for the season.
It was a seven-point Westy win the last time these sides met with inaccuracy costing the Devils.
Rupertswood will look to consolidate its spot in the top three when it plays Northern Saints at Salesian College.
Rupo is currently two points above Keilor Park and can maintain that buffer or extend it depending on the Devils' result with Westy.
The Saints are a mathematical chance of playing finals, but will need to win its three remaining games and hope Coburg Districts don't pick up any points.
Like its neighbours Hadfield, the next three weeks provides a good opportunity for the Saints to be disruptors and finish the season strong.
Rupertswood has won its last three, while the Saints have lost their last three.
Tamer Abdallah's men did enjoy a win the last time out against Rupo with Nick Bruno and Khoder Taleb kicking four goals each in the 16-point win.
A fascinating game closes out the round with Coburg Districts hosting the Sunbury Kangaroos.
A Coburg Districts win will likely secure its place in the top five depending on other results, while the Kangaroos will keep their season alive with a win.
The Lions are six points clear and face an easier run home against Northern Saints and East Sunbury, while the Kangaroos need to make this one count with Glenroy and Keilor Park to follow.
Both teams enter this clash off a loss, with the Kangaroos picking up an eight-point win against Districts back in Round 7.
League leading goal kicker Jack McNamara was absent, like he was last week, with the Lions kicking 9.18 in that clash.
The Kangaroos were led by co-captain Mitch Streiff's five goals, an effort he'd like to repeat to keep his side in the hunt.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v AIRPORT WEST
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📻 98.9 North West FM
Saturday 2:15pm at Nipper Jordan Oval
ABERFELDIE v GREENVALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Clifton Park
STRATHMORE v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Lebanon Reserve
KEILOR v PASCOE VALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Joe Brown Oval
DEER PARK v EAST KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at John McLeod Reserve
ROXBURGH PARK v AVONDALE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Lakeside Reserve
TULLAMARINE v CRAIGIEBURN
Saturday 2:15pm at Leo Dineen Reserve
MOONEE VALLEY v HILLSIDE
Saturday 2:15pm at Ormond Park
TAYLORS LAKES v WEST COBURG
Saturday 2:15pm at Lionheart Reserve
OAK PARK v ST ALBANS
Saturday 2:15pm at JP Fawkner Reserve
WESTMEADOWS v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Willowbrook Reserve
GLENROY v HADFIELD
Saturday 2:15pm at Sewell Reserve
RUPERTSWOOD v NORTHERN SAINTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Salesian College
COBURG DISTRICTS v SUNBURY KANGAROOS
Saturday 2:15pm at Cole Reserve
EAST SUNBURY v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at John McMahon Recreation Reserve
