By Luke Mathews
Deer Park will be looking to get back on the winner's list when it travels to Section Road to take on Greenvale.
Despite putting up a strong performance last weekend, Deer Park’s run of four consecutive wins came to an end when they were defeated by the reigning premiers.
It was another really difficult weekend for the Jets, with Darren Bewick’s men going down to Strathmore by 86 points despite only trailing by one point at quarter time.
Last time the two sides met, Greenvale were no match for a red-hot Deer Park outfit, with the Lions coming away with a comfortable 68-point victory at John McLeod Reserve.
One to look out for on Saturday at Section Road will be Lachlan Smart.
The livewire small forward has kicked 19 goals in his last five games including four last weekend against the Keilor backline.
Back in Round 2 the sharpshooter booted a game high five goals and will need do something similar this weekend if he wants to climb up the leading goalkickers tally.
Maribyrnong Park will return to Monk Oval to take on East Keilor.
Marby were once again gallant in last weekend’s defeat to Aberfeldie, with Brodie Holland’s men going down by just seven points.
It’s been a terrific return to Premier Division for the Lions with the side notching up five wins so far.
East Keilor’s difficult 2025 season continued last weekend when they were thumped by Airport West, however there were a few shining lights.
Earlier in the year, Marby recorded their first victory of the season defeating the Cougars by 188 points at Overland Reserve.
One to keep an eye on will be Jaye Bowden.
The full forward is proving to be one of the recruits of the season, kicking 27 goals from his seven games.
The Tasmanian in currently one of the most in-form players across the competition kicking nine goals in his last two games, as well as booting 12 goals in the corresponding match in Round 2.
The Cougars have struggled to contain key forwards so far in 2025 and they’ll once again have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Aberfeldie will be hoping to strengthen their grip on second spot when it hosts Essendon Doutta Stars.
The Rillas won another nailbiter last weekend when they took down Marby by seven points and now sit at 8-2 for the season.
Douttas bounced back from three straight defeats when they defeated Pascoe Vale in a low scoring affair at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Earlier in the year the two teams played out a classic with Abers coming away with a seven-point victory, despite leading by 44 points late in the third quarter.
The Stars had their chances late in the contest to snatch victory and got within one point, however it wasn’t to be in the end.
For Aberfeldie to come away with the victory, they’ll be hoping Jack Middleton’s strong form continues.
After missing the first six games for the year, the ruck hasn’t missed a beat since returning, averaging 104 ranking points per game.
The 25-year-old was pivotal in Abers' victory over Strathmore collecting 23 touches and backed it up last week with another 11 contested possession and 41 hit outs.
The Stars do have plenty of big men to try and combat Middleton and will need to be at their absolute best to limit his influence.
Airport West will be hoping to repeat its heroics from 12 months ago when it takes on Keilor at Hansen Reserve.
In Round 16 last year, the Eagles caused one of the all time great upsets, toppling Keilor by 13 points and handing the Blues their first defeat in almost two years.
It’s been an up and down 2025 for Brent Taylor’s side who are currently in seventh spot and are a game and percentage outside the top five.
Keilor once again sit on top with a perfect record and have won 12 games in a row dating back to last year’s preliminary final win against Strathmore.
When the two sides met back in Round 2, Keilor thrashed Airport West by 207 points with Chris Kosmas booting seven goals.
One that Airport West will need to stop is Kyle O’Connor.
The hard running wingman has once again been terrific in 2025 averaging 116 ranking points and 23 disposals.
In Round 2, the deputy vice-captain was one of the Blues' best finishing with 28 disposals and 16 score involvements, and was also one of Keilor’s best last weekend.
The Airport West midfield does have plenty of superstars, however they’ll have their hands full on Saturday trying to stop Keilor’s engine room.
Pascoe Vale will host Strathmore at Raeburn Reserve in a repeat of last year’s qualifying final.
The Mores are once again towards the top of the ladder and firming for another finals appearance, while Pascoe Vale has had a disappointing 2025 and are currently eighth.
A big win for the Mores on Saturday could see them leapfrog rivals Aberfeldie into second spot with the two sides equal on points, however Strathmore are just two per cent behind.
Back in Round 2, Strathmore came away with a gritty 21-point win over Pascoe Vale with Athan Tsialtas leading the way with five goals.
One exciting match up on Saturday will be the ruck battle between Matthew Dennis and the pairing of Sam Hayes and Andrew Vavra.
The big men are among the competition’s best rucks and have proven to be a point of difference for both of their sides.
Back in Round 2 despite going down, Dennis won the battle finishing with 41 hit outs and 20 disposals.
Dennis will have his work cut out for him to grapple a fitter and more in-form Vavra than that meeting along with the quality of Hayes.
By Ben Parker
Canning Reserve plays host to a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash between Avondale Heights and Oak Park.
With Oak Park only sitting one game ahead of Avondale on the ladder, onlookers can expect a thrilling game of footy.
The Heights have charged up the ladder and have moved into second position.
After being relegated from Premier Division, they have had a strong season so far as they look to make their stint in Division One short-lived.
They’ve produced the seven wins to date, lost just the three, and have an almost perfect home record.
The Heights have won four out of their five games at home, and are turning Canning Reserve into somewhat of a fortress.
Nonetheless, perhaps the biggest challenge of their season awaits them this week as they host an in-form and dangerous Kangaroos outfit.
The last time these two sides met, it was the Kangaroos who took home the four points back in Round Two after a hard-fought 11-point victory at JP Fawkner Reserve.
With both sides enjoying a similar vein of form since then, it’s almost impossible to put one on top here.
Oak Park have hardly batted an eye this year, with eight wins and only the two losses so far.
For the most part, they’ve been dominant and been emphatic winners, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of their season so far has been their ability to win close games.
They’ve won four games by 20 points or under and have proven that when opposition sides mount a challenge, they tend to respond.
This week presents as quite the challenge for the Kangaroos though. With Avondale being almost unbeatable at home, they’ll need to produce their best.
Jackson Robb has been dominant for the Heights this year, and will certainly give the Roos some headaches if he gets off the chain. He’s averaging 32 disposals and seven clearances per game and will look to put on another show in front of a home crowd.
Meanwhile for Oak Park, Rory MacGregor is the one to keep an eye on after a brilliant game last week. The big-bodied wingman collected 30 disposals and was sensational on the outside with his elite foot skills.
Hillside host West Coburg in what’s another exciting matchup in Division One footy this weekend.
When these two sides last met, West Coburg ran away as 28-point winners.
With both sides expected to be fighting it out in September, a potential finals preview awaits onlookers here.
Hillside will be looking to bounce back after losing their second game in a row in what was a disappointing loss to ladder leaders Oak Park last week.
The Sharks were in the hunt all afternoon but cost themselves as they failed to take their chances in front of goal.
The 20-point loss does not represent how close the contest was, and this is evident as the Sharks had the same amount of scoring shots, being 19, as Oak Park.
In such a tight and competitive year of Division One footy, converting in front of the sticks is critical.
With another difficult opponent this week in West Coburg, the Sharks must be on song.
Lachie Pettigrove was exceptional for the Sharks last week with 31 disposals and seven marks, and they’ll want the footy in his hands rebounding.
West Coburg is well positioned to launch into another finals attack.
They currently sit in third on the ladder due to last week’s loss against Avondale Heights, but remain only one game behind ladder leaders Oak Park.
Ranked second in the competition for contested possessions with 150 per game, their ability to step in and win the footy at the source will be critical this week.
Once again, they’ve proven that they’re best footy is up their with the very best and they’ll be hard to beat if they can produce it this week.
Emilio Rinaudo is again one of the key Burgers to watch this week. He was brilliant last week with 31 disposals, eight rebound 50s, and a goal, and will be dangerous again should he get his hands on it.
Lionheart Reserve plays host to an intriguing matchup this week between Taylors Lakes and Moonee Valley.
With both sides in purple patches of form and playing some impressive footy, an exciting clash awaits.
The last time these two sides met, the Lions overpowered the Fog by 47 points away from home. With this clash to be played at the Lions Den, expect Taylors Lakes to be confident here.
Taylors Lakes have moved into outright fourth position on the ladder after three consecutive wins.
They were too strong for a gritty Roxburgh Park last week, and prior to this, overcame Hillside in a season-defining victory.
Lion’s star Chris Vulic has been in sizzling form.
He collected a whopping 50 disposals and 18 clearances in his sides thrilling win over the Sharks two weeks ago, and was good again last week in the win against Roxy.
He’s the one to stop if you’re Moonee Valley coach Andrew Horne, but if he gets off the chain, then look out.
Moonee Valley in their own right are in a sensational vein of form.
They’ve won four out of their last five games and have moved into finals contention after what was a slow start to the season.
Victories against Oak Park and St Albans will hold them in good stead for another difficult contest this week.
However, they’ve proven that they can match it with the best.
James Kefalas has been a consistent performer for the Valley this year and will look to put forward his usual best.
The midfielder is averaging 25 disposals and five clearances a game and will be a tricky matchup for the Lions because of his leg speed and evasiveness.
Tullamarine host St Albans in what is a critical game for both sides.
With both outside of the top five, wins are pivotal at this time of the year to stay in contention.
In their previous matchup this year, it was the Saints who came out on top as 39-point winners at Kings Park Reserve.
This game now shifts to Leo Dineen Reserve, and Tullamarine will be confident with this one being played on home soil.
With the Saints winning their first game in six weeks over the weekend, Tullamarine will sniff blood early if they can get on top of the contest throughout the first half of footy.
The Dees have been in solid form without recording a win, with narrow losses to both Taylors Lakes and Moonee Valley.
If they can produce their best this week, they’re right in this.
Shaun McKernan is the one who can ignite the Dees.
He was instrumental last week with a monstrous 29 disposals, 44 hit outs, 14 clearances, and a goal.
The Saints may need to put some time into him if McKernan grabs a hold of the game early.
St Albans broke its horrid run of vein with a 38-point win over Craigieburn last weekend.
After five consecutive losses, the drought was finally broken.
Perhaps this is the type of the win that can reignite their season. We know that at their best, they’re certainly good enough.
The Saints went 4-0 to start the season and recorded wins over the likes of Hillside and Taylors Lakes. They were then only defeated by a slender 10 points by flag fancy West Coburg, which kickstarted their run of consecutive losses.
If they can build upon last week then they are certainly capable of taking out this one here.
Tom Eckel is the one who can lead this Saints side into some better form.
He was superb last week collecting 34 disposals, six clearances, and six inside 50s.
DS Aitken Reserve plays host to Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park in what’s an exciting matchup for both respective clubs.
2025 has not been kind to both sides, and wins have been extremely challenging to come by.
They are the bottom two sides on the ladder, with Roxy being the latter of the two, and attention should perhaps now be directed towards fighting relegation.
Last time they met, the Eagles just scraped over the line in a 10-point thriller at Lakeside Reserve.
Nonetheless, with each side’s respective struggles, both are presented with what’s perhaps a rare opportunity for a win.
Craigieburn has won just the three of its last seven games, but do have the scalp of ladder leaders Oak Park on its CV.
They were brilliant in beating the Kangaroos back in Round 4, and if they can find any form that is comparable to that then they’ll be hard to hold out.
With coach Shane Jacobs not with the side on the weekend and moving forward, that'll present another challenge for the group.
Expect season stars Jai Robinson and Harry Albon to lead the way again this week.
Roxburgh Park has put together a far better past month of footy than what its current record suggests.
The Magpies categorically beat St Albans two weeks ago, and before that suffered defeats to Hillside and Moonee Valley by two goals or less.
Wins have just escaped them, but they are certainly capable of beating the Eagles away from home this week.
Jack Elliott was sensational again last week and will look to continue on with his brilliant season here. In what was probably his toughest opponent in the Lion’s Lockie Rayner, he was superb in collecting 24 disposals, 10 clearances, and 55 hit outs.
By Evan Tudor
Hadfield will welcome Coburg Districts to Martin Reserve as Round 11 of Strathmore Community Bank Division Two gets underway.
Fresh off a 26-point win over East Sunbury and mathematically still a chance at September action, the Hawks will be looking for another win to keep their season alive.
Its win was highlighted by 11 strong goal scorers, the most the club has had since Round 5.
Major ball winners Sam Godden and Jake Polizzi again put on a display, combining for 75 touches and four goals.
Hadfield certainly has a stacked lineup of talent across the field and know how far they can go when its used effectively, something they’ll need to display on Saturday.
A four-point win for Districts gave them their third win on the trot and they’re coming in hot into this battle.
Holding off the then second placed Rupertswood, Districts have the right to be smiling.
The team ranked number three for disposals knows how to use the ball, displayed with Zac Kuret’s club-high 28 touches and Luke Viska’s 25 naming them some of the best on ground.
Districts stronghold Jack McNamara will be one to watch as he takes on Hadfield’s backline, on a roll with 24 goals kicked in the past three weeks.
Will any more be added to the tally or will a desperate Hadfield hold him off?
Let’s not forget that the Hawks are ranked number two for disposals in the division.
It’ll certainly be an exciting one to watch between two sides who know how to contest a hot footy.
Glenroy will take on East Sunbury at Sewell Reserve after the ladder leaders faced yet another scare.
The Roys nearly fell short in their return-trip clash against Keilor Park, but a four goal oust in the premiership quarter saw them over the line.
The win was dampened by a goalless final term for the side, but dominance in crucial game aspects of clearances and inside fifties indicates a team that knows all areas of the field.
Four Roy boys led the disposal counts topped with Tanner Nilsson’s 30, yet again proving its stamp of authority extends to all corners of the competition.
It should be a simple task for the Addam Maric-coached Glenroy, but there’s still a game to be won and East Sunbury won’t give up without a fight.
The Thunder went down humbly last week but look to their building strength and courage of exceeding the 60-point mark for three consecutive weeks.
Todd Elton kicked a third bag of four for his side while Dillon Norton and Wade Lees were the side’s best with 23 and 18 possessions respectively.
Against a rising Hadfield, the Thunder controlled the ball more with 75 marks to 61, a token of confidence to bring into its clash with the ladder leaders.
Two sides with strong points of their own will take to the field, lets see how the story is written.
Burnside Heights return to Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve for the first time in a month to take on Keilor Park as Round 11 continues.
The ninth placed Bears will be looking to bounce back with an in-form display against the fourth placed Devils after both sides went down on the weekend.
In a 30-point loss, the Bears simply just couldn’t win the footy against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
It wasn’t all negatives however, Anthony Petrarca picked up his ninth best on ground naming for the season after an impactful 20 possessions for the side.
Jacob Elia continued his goal-a-game minimum stance for the Bears, booting three to lead his club’s goalkicking ladder at 27.
Elia’s been a key asset for the club in 2025 and will look to score big on Saturday.
The talent is there for Burnside, it just needs to boil over to make a real stance on this competition.
Keilor Park will run out onto the field knowing they’re in prime position following a strong performance against the ladder leaders.
The result wasn’t to be but its voice was heard strongly, keeping the Roys on their toes for the duration of the match.
With an insidious display with players who were strong in front of goal - Daylan Kempster (three) - effective with the footy, Nicholas Kilty (23 possessions) - and dominant with hands, Sam Pontin (16 handballs), the Devils have what it takes.
Will it be a dream result for the Bears or will the Devils creep back towards the top two?
That we will find out.
What we do know is that Elia and Pontin’s head-to-head battle will provide some interesting results.
Seventh will take on sixth at Charles Mutton Reserve. It’s the Northern Saints and Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Saints will be looking to return to the winners’ list after a four-goal loss at the hands of Westmeadows.
They’ll bring the energy in hopes of doing so, fueled by a five-goal final term following a scoreless quarter.
Mohamed Taleb booted three while Mahmoud Abdallah and Salvatore D’Angelo both kicked two, demonstrating positives through consistent goal kicking talent.
The 4-6 Tamer Abdallah coached Saints rest just four points out from the top five, but will need to up their efforts if they want to be there in September.
The Kangaroos return having had a day out in cool conditions with a 30-point outing over the Bears.
It was a big day for the side with dominance both on the field and behind the big sticks.
Jayden Eales booted a season-high five goals, while teammates John Corso and Stephen Treweek shared 74 disposals at 37 a pop.
Out of the five on just percentage, the Kangas are proving they deserve to be there and will work towards achieving so on Saturday.
Rupertswood will welcome Westmeadows to Salesian College to close off Round 11.
Rupo enters this match following a loss better off left at Cole Reserve where it went down by four to Coburg Districts.
The arm wrestle showcasing the third placed side was yet another roadblock for Rupertswood, but they look to overcome it with strength and power.
Another Fraser Phelan-Smith masterclass was one of the talking points of the contest, with his five-goal, 18 disposal outing.
Jackson Cardillo and Matthew Brown will return home following game high 36 and 32 touches and will lead the way for a winning hungry side.
Westy’s 24-point victory over the Saints has them primed and ready for this Rupertswood battle.
With 94 more possessions than the opposition last week, the Tigers know how to stamp control quickly on a game.
And with Aaron Evans who hasn’t missed at all this season, his 34-goal efforts will well and truly be of key factor for the side.
It’ll be intriguing to see Phelan-Smith and Evans lock horns at either end of the ground, we could be set for a high scoring contest.
Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day will bring you this game live and free on Streamer and on 98.9 North West FM.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
GREENVALE v DEER PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Greenvale Recreation Reserve
MARIBYRNONG PARK v EAST KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Monk Oval
ABERFELDIE v ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
Saturday 2:15pm at Clifton Park
AIRPORT WEST v KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Hansen Reserve
PASCOE VALE v STRATHMORE
Saturday 2:15pm at Raeburn Reserve
TAYLORS LAKES v MOONEE VALLEY
Saturday 2:15pm at Lionheart Reserve
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v OAK PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Canning Reserve
CRAIGIEBURN v ROXBURGH PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at DS Aitken Reserve
TULLAMARINE v ST ALBANS
Saturday 2:15pm at Leo Dineen Reserve
HILLSIDE v WEST COBURG
Saturday 2:15pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
HADFIELD v COBURG DISTRICTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
GLENROY v EAST SUNBURY
Saturday 2:15pm at Sewell Reserve
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve
NORTHERN SAINTS v SUNBURY KANGAROOS
Saturday 2:15pm at Charles Mutton Reserve
RUPERTSWOOD v WESTMEADOWS
🎥 Streamer
📻 98.9 North West FM
Saturday 2:15pm at Salesian College
