By Luke Mathews
Keilor will meet with Strathmore at Joe Brown Oval in what looms as a season-defining clash for both sides.
Strathmore is currently sitting on top of the ladder and have been the side to beat for most of the year, however slipped up two weeks ago against Deer Park.
Keilor is the in-form side of the competition, with the Blues on a seven-game winning streak and sitting in second spot on the ladder.
Despite the two sides being evenly matched, a win for Keilor wouldn’t see them jump Strathmore on the ladder, however it would put it only a game behind.
When these two sides met earlier in the year, Strathmore kicked off its premiership defence in style with a 37-point win with Matthew Allison booting four goals.
One for Strathmore to try and stop this weekend is Nick O’Kearney.
The superstar wasn’t a factor on Good Friday after he was ruled out early in the match through injury.
Despite going down in the grand final, the midfielder was brave all day on return from injury, collecting 40 disposals and 10 clearances.
The 29-year-old had his best game for the year last week against Douttas, finishing with another 40 disposals and a goal and will likely have a huge bearing on the result this Saturday.
Aberfeldie will be hoping to move into the top three when it takes on Deer Park at John McLeod Reserve.
The Rillas recorded their best win for the year last week when they stunned Pascoe Vale and came away with a 38-point victory.
Meanwhile it was a step back for Deer Park after it went down to Maribyrnong Park by 29 points despite handing Strathmore its first defeat for the season just seven days earlier.
A win for Abers could see them jump the Panthers on the ladder, while a loss for Deer Park would make a finals push very difficult.
Earlier in the year these two sides played out a classic with Abers winning by five points, however it could’ve been a completely different story if Jackson Barling’s kick after the siren had sailed through.
One man that will be hoping to continue his strong form is Matt Weber.
The midfielder has been on fire in the past fortnight, averaging 31 disposals and eight score involvements.
The Lions did well in Round 1 keeping the superstar to just 20 touches, however will need more of the same this week if they want to cause another upset.
Maribyrnong Park will be hoping to make it two wins in a row when it takes on Greenvale at Monk Oval.
The Lions broke their six-game losing streak when it when it took down Deer Park last week.
It now means Brodie Holland's men are one game and percentage clear in sixth spot, however they still remain a win outside the top five.
Despite fighting hard again last week, Greenvale was ultimately no match for Strathmore, however the Jets still sit in ninth spot.
When these two sides last met, Marby kicked their season off with a thrilling three-point victory.
One to keep an eye on this Saturday is Jai Brinkkotter.
The 23-year-old had his best game for the year last weekend, booting four goals in the win over Deer Park.
Against Greenvale in Round 1, Brinkkotter stepped up late in the game to kick the match-winning goal and drag his side over the line.
Greenvale’s defence has been well led by Matt Stillman all year, however they will be desperate to not suffer the same fate as Round 1.
Essendon Doutta Stars will be looking for a response when it takes on Airport West at Nipper Jordan Oval.
After a strong showing across the past seven weeks, the Stars received a reality check last weekend when it went down to Keilor by 105 points.
The Stars still remain in a strong position sitting in fifth spot on the ladder and a game ahead of Maribyrnong Park.
Airport West has shown signs of improvement in the past fortnight, however still haven’t been able to pick up the four points, going down to Aberfeldie by 16 points and Hillside by nine points.
The Eagles are currently in danger of being relegated but are only below Greenvale by less than two percent.
One for Douttas to be mindful of this Saturday is Ned Gentile.
The midfielder has been a shining light once again, averaging 35 disposals and 2 goals per game across the last four games.
Doutta's midfield has been very strong so far in 2026, however they’ll have their work cut out for them if they want to stop Airport West’s skipper.
Pascoe Vale will be hoping to keep a hold of third spot when it meets with Hillside at Raeburn Reserve.
The Panthers' hopes of securing the double chance took a hit last week when they went down to Aberfeldie by 38 points.
It now means Daniel Harris side are equal on points with Abers and now a game behind Keilor in second spot.
Hillside’s first season in Premier Division got even better last week when it defeated Airport West by nine points.
The Sharks are currently in eighth spot with four wins for the year and are two games clear of last spot.
When these two sides met on Good Friday, Pascoe Vale came from behind at half time to win by 58 points, with Lachlan Fazzolari starring with four goals.
One to watch this Saturday is Daniel Barker, a former Pascoe Vale junior.
Despite starting the year at St Bernards, the 23-year-old has made up for lost time, booting six goals in four games including a bag of four last week against Airport West.
Pascoe Vale’s backline was disappointing last week giving up 126 points, and will be hoping for improvement if it is to stop Hillside’s prized recruit.
By Eric Forman
Avondale Heights and St Albans will kick off Community Bank Strathmore Division One Round 12 action at Canning Reserve.
The Heights enter this after reports the club and coach Andrew Kahofer have parted ways, with finals very much still front of mind.
The Saints got back on the winners list last week and will hope to bring the momentum from that contest into this one.
It was an 11-point win for Avondale Heights when these sides met in Round 3.
The Heights got out to a strong lead and resisted a late Saints surge to hold on.
Both sides generated plenty of scoring opportunities, but it was the contest and handball game that set the Heights apart.
Blake Cochrane (37 disposals, six clearances), Brad Robb (27 disposals, 10 tackles, two goals), and Declan Joyce-Lawford (33 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances) were crucial in the win that day and will be three the Saints will need to be mindful of.
Jake Galea (32 disposals, two goals) enjoyed another incredible outing amid his strong season for the Saints, while Hok Marial kicked three goals.
Avondale Heights will need to win games like this to stay in the finals hunt, but St Albans will be hoping to challenge all the way.
It'll be the Lions against the Cougars as Taylors Lakes and East Keilor meet at Lionheart Reserve.
Taylors Lakes announced during the week that Steve Burns won't coach on in 2027, so the Lions will surely look to lift in the last part of the season to finish strongly.
The Cougars remain without a win with a 65-point loss their last outing.
The Lions won by 98 points when these sides met in Round 3, Danny Younan was electric with 25 disposals and six goals.
Cooper Matthews was again the shining light for the Cougars with three goals.
A fascinating contest awaits Ormond Park as Moonee Valley and Craigieburn are set to lock horns.
The sides are tied on points, but the Fog has the percentage edge to sit in third in double chance territory.
The Fog have won their last five games, while the Eagles have picked up three in a row after the King's Birthday break.
The last time these sides met it was a 34-point win for Craigieburn in what was a controlling win.
The Eagles had 14 more scoring shots with Jamie Gorgievski (five goals) and Brodie White (23 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) leading the way.
Mitch Clarke hit the scoreboard with three goals for Moonee Valley, while Callum Clinnick and Nathan Williams impacted from the midfield.
Since that game, however, Richard Potter has added another dimension up front for the Fog with 27 goals from his last eight appearances, someone Andrew Horne will be hoping can get dangerous.
A win for either side will create some separation in the top three, who can claim it?
West Coburg's homecoming to Shore Reserve will have to wait another week as they head to Salesian College to play Rupertswood.
The Burgers enter this contest sitting a game clear on top of the ladder, while the Sharks are in eighth spot with two wins for the year.
These sides last met in Round 3 when the Burgers won by 36 points.
Belal Abou-Eid proved hard to stop with 30 disposals and 11 marks, while Jesse Martini and Ibby Taha each kicked three goals.
Luke Sultana was immense for Rupo, but he unfortnuately hasn't been in the side since Round 4, so they'll need a full team effort if they're to get on top.
Closing out Round 12 will be a Sunday clash between Oak Park and Tullamarine at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The Kangaroos sit in second spot on percentage, while the Demons are one game and percentage clear in fifth.
It became four wins in a row last week when Oak Park stormed home against Avondale Heights with three dominant wins preceding that.
The Demons will be wanting to make a statement and get back on the winners list this week after two consecutive losses.
It was a 34-point win for Tullamarine when these sides met in Round 3 in a strong performance for the Demons.
While they were strong defensively, Sal Melilli (35 disposals, six clearances, one goal), Zak Wunhym (31 disposals, 14 clearances), and Lucas Scerri (24 disposals, eight clearances) helped generate 23 more entries inside 50 for their side.
Willie Rioli made his EDFL debut in that game, but Josh Covelli wasn't in the side at this stage, so it could be another different look up forward for the Dees.
The Kangaroos have been flying, however, so they'll still enter as favourites despite that result as they've found continuity with their personnel.
Max Gleeson was quiet in the Round 3 meeting but he's found some of his best form with averaging 32 disposals and 15 intercepts in his last three games, one to watch for Tulla.
By Jake Reeves & Evan Tudor
Northern Saints and Keilor Park will battle it out in a bottom-two clash at Charles Mutton Reserve.
Both sides have had tough seasons so far with a big opportunity for a win to be had.
The Devils currently have the extra win with two on the season, while the Saints only have the solitary which came in Round 5 after upsetting Roxburgh Park by three points.
Off the back of 38 disposals, Tamer Abdallah has had an incrediblely consistent season, only dropping below 22 touches once and averaging 26 across the season.
It has been a solid campaign for Keilor Park's Luke Killy who has been a reliable player for the Devils and has kicked 15 goals in a season where goals have been hard to come by.
Hadfield and Roxburgh Park will continue Saturday’s action at Martin Reserve.
In a mouthwatering clash between fourth and fifth, the Hawks will be looking to get back on the winners list, while Roxy will search for a second consecutive win.
When these sides last met on Anzac Day Eve, it was Roxy who was victorious by 17 points.
The Hawks’ Mohammed Moustafa was strong in that outing with a bag of five majors and will return to face the Magpies after slotting seven last Saturday.
Sam Godden and Jake Polizzi continue to be strong ball winners for the brown and gold, both averaging 35 touches per game.
The pair are some key talents and have played part in building the side’s division-leading status of most total disposals per game.
The Hawks certainly know how to win the footy and will hope to have the upper hand in Saturday’s contest, but will a strong Magpies outfit get in the way?
Roxburgh Park will look to equal its 5-6 record and hit the road towards finals action.
The Magpies came from behind to take a 13-point win over the Bears last Saturday, subsequently snapping a four-game losing streak.
The job now for Roxy is to pile on as many wins as possible if they want to become a contender for a finals ticket.
Travis Cooke and Ryan Micallef are some guns to watch.
Named the Magpies’ best six times, Cooke is a handy ball winner with 22-possession averages.
With an average of 28 hit outs a match, Micallef s a jet in the ruck and, without surprise, has been named the Pies’ best, also, on six occasions.
Eyad Hegazy scored six majors last weekend, taking his tally to 21, including a three-goal appearance when his Magpies last met the Hawks in Round 3.
With a chance to strengthen their finals chances, both sides will give it their all, but there can only be one winner.
Coburg Districts is looking to make it 12 wins in a row when it faces Burnside Heights at Cole Reserve.
Districts have had the perfect season to date, and are off the back of a 34-point win over Hadfield.
While for Burnside, it has been a different story. The Bears were unable to win a game in the month of June and have only got two wins to their name heading into the Round 12 clash.
An enormous eight-goal performance from Jack McNamara led the way for the Districts who put on 21 goals in their win last weekend.
McNamara has been averaging three goals a game this season, being a big contributor to the Districts success when he's played.
Anthony Petrarca has been known as the tough inside bash and crash midfielder, averaging almost 11 tackles a game, but showed his class on the outside and conjoured 33 possessions in last week’s defeat.
Third will host second as Westmeadows take on Glenroy at Kalkallo Reserve.
In unfamiliar territory for an EDFL senior match, the Tigers and Roys will take to the field at Toyon Road.
It provides a unique backdrop to what is shaping up as a massive contest.
Glenroy enter this contest with an impressive 10-1 record and hold a three-game lead over the Tigers who are 7-4.
It was the Roys who were too good in the sides’ Anzac Day meeting, winning by 51 points.
The Tigers will be hoping to flip the script on Saturday.
On a three-game winning streak, Westmeadows proved too good for Keilor Park.
Shaun O’Grady paved the way with a superb seven goals, while Ryan Capron and Jordan Kosteas were ball magnets with a respective 52 and 45 possessions.
Capron and Kosteas rank a respective third and fifth in the league for average disposals, something opponents shouldn’t take lightly.
Glenroy will be seeking to prevent such names from doing what they do best.
With a competition-leading average of 55 inside 50s per match, the Roys will hope it can pile on scoreboard pressure and take another big win over Westy.
The Roys are on a six-game winning streak and are out to make it seven.
Mahmoud Taleb (five) and Mark Sabatino (four) combined for nine goals last weekend against East Sunbury.
Nick Maric, Daniel Micevski, and Julian Hemala own the most footy at Sewell Reserve with 28-disposal averages.
If the trio can help deliver the leather inside 50, Glenroy’s attack may become dangerous.
Both sides have some serious talking points, but whoever seizes the moment the most will have bragging rights at the end of the day.
East Sunbury is set to face crosstown rivals Sunbury Kangaroos in what is set to be an interesting clash at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
It has been an up and down season for both teams who each sit on five wins and six losses.
The Thunder put out a disappointing three goals in a 69-point loss to Glenroy, while the Kangaroos made it back-to-back wins over the bottom-placed Northern Saints.
Todd Elton has been kicking goals for fun across 2026 with 43 on the season with the Thunder forward leading the goal kicking in this competition.
While Kangaroo Joshua Nanninga has been a consistent and proven performer throughout the season and racked up eight best-on listings across the first 10 games.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
DEER PARK v ABERFELDIE
Saturday 2:15pm at John McLeod Reserve
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v AIRPORT WEST
Saturday 2:15pm at Nipper Jordan Oval
KEILOR v STRATHMORE
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Saturday 2:15pm at Joe Brown Oval
PASCOE VALE v HILLSIDE
Saturday 2:15pm at Raeburn Reserve
MARIBYRNONG PARK v GREENVALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Monk Oval
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v ST ALBANS
Saturday 2:15pm at Canning Reserve
TAYLORS LAKES v EAST KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Lionheart Reserve
MOONEE VALLEY v CRAIGIEBURN
Saturday 2:15pm at Ormond Park
WEST COBURG v RUPERTSWOOD
Saturday 2:15pm at Salesian College
OAK PARK v TULLAMARINE
Sunday 2:15pm at JP Fawkner Reserve
COBURG DISTRICTS v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Cole Reserve
NORTHERN SAINTS v KEILOR PARK
🎥 Streamer
Saturday 2:15pm at Charles Mutton Reserve
EAST SUNBURY v SUNBURY KANGAROOS
Saturday 2:15pm at John McMahon Recreation Reserve
HADFIELD v ROXBURGH PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
WESTMEADOWS v GLENROY
Saturday 2:15pm at Kalkallo Reserve
