By Luke Mathews
Strathmore will be looking to make it four wins in a row when they take on Airport West at Lebanon Reserve.
The Mores currently sit in second spot on the ladder having knocked off East Keilor, Deer Park, and Maribyrnong Park in recent weeks, while Airport West are currently seventh with three wins for the year.
The two teams last squared off back in Round 10 last year, with Strathmore coming away with a comfortable 38-point victory on the back of three goals from sharpshooter Amin Naim.
The deciding factor on Saturday will likely be the midfield matchup between two of the competition’s best engine rooms.
Seasoned campaigners Trent Dumont, Adam Iacobucci, and Brock Eggleston combined for 87 touches and 25 clearances last week which helped will their side over the line.
They’ll have their work cut out for them this week when they face a dynamic Eagles midfield that includes the in-form Ned Gentile and Matthew Hanson, fired up after a disappointing team performance last week.
Aberfeldie will be looking to keep the pressure on rivals Strathmore and Keilor when they take on East Keilor at Clifton Park.
The resurgent Rillas currently sit in third spot, equal on points with Strathmore and just one win behind ladder leaders Keilor.
It was another difficult weekend for East Keilor, with the Cougars going down by 145 points to Deer Park last weekend and currently sit last on the ladder.
The one to watch on Saturday will be Callum Moore.
The prized off-season recruit has hit the ground running in the two blues kicking 16 goals in six games and has become one of the toughest matchups in the competition.
East Keilor’s backline has struggled to negate dangerous forwards so far in 2025 and this Saturday’s matchup looms as one of the toughest so far.
Maribyrnong Park will travel to Nipper Jordan Oval to take on Essendon Doutta Stars in the match of the round.
Both sides boast a record of 3-3 from their first six games with Marby winning three of their first four, while Douttas started the year 0-2 and have recovered nicely with back-to-back wins.
A win for either side on Saturday would mean they would sit in fourth spot and firming for a potential breakthrough finals berth, while the loser could slip to as low as seventh.
The thing to look out for on Saturday will be how Marby copes with Douttas' forward line.
Giacomo Thomas and Bailey Ryan have been in fine form recently, kicking seven goals between them last week and 32 for the year.
Marby’s backline has been rock solid with Tom Barnett and Alex Barba leading the way and will need to keep the home side to a low score if they want to come away with the four points.
Keilor will be looking to extend its unbeaten run to seven matches to start 2025 when it takes on Greenvale at Joe Brown Oval.
The Blues have been dominant once again in their quest for back-to-back flags, while Greenvale has been disappointing with its only win coming against Pascoe Vale.
The two sides last squared off in Round 17 last year with Mick McGuane’s men winning by 64 points thanks to four goals from Jermarl Daly.
For Greenvale to have any chance of winning, they’ll need to expose Keilor in the ruck.
Liam Podhajski and Riley Leedham have had a blistering start and are one of the best ruck combinations in the competition.
Podhajski starred last week with 32 disposals and 57 hit outs, while Leedham was the difference in the Jets win over Pascoe Vale, finishing with three goals and 24 hit outs.
The ruck position hasn’t been the Blues' biggest strength in recent years and will need a big performance from Blair Wyllie if they want to nullify the Jets’ tall timber.
Pascoe Vale will be looking to avoid its sixth straight defeat when they travel to John McLeod Reserve to take on Deer Park.
After making a breakthrough grand final last year, it’s been a difficult start to the new season for Leigh Tudor’s men, with their only win coming in Round 1 against Essendon Doutta Stars.
Deer Park’s rollercoaster of a season continued last week when they thumped East Keilor by 145 points and currently sit in sixth spot with three wins for the year.
The two sides last squared off back in Round 12 last year with the Panthers coming away with a 29-point victory after kicking six final quarter goals to help overrun the Lions.
The deciding factor on Saturday will likely be the match ups in Deer Park’s forward line and Pascoe Vale’s backline.
It was the Panthers' defensive system that powered them to Windy Hill last year with Matt Stillman a key factor.
The Lions' forward line has had no trouble hitting the scoreboard this year with Trent McKenzie, Lachlan Smart, and Kwame McHarg all kicking bags of goals at different stages.
If the dangerous forwards are taken care of, it’ll go a long way in helping the Panthers break their losing streak.
By Ben Parker
St Albans hosts Oak Park in a mouth-watering clash between two of the competition’s best.
Sitting third and second on the ladder respectively, what a contest this is shaping up to be.
The Saints are coming off a shock defeat to Moonee Valley where they were hot favourites but failed to take the chocolates.
They flew out to a 34-point lead at quarter time and kept the Fog goalless, but managed to let the hosts reel them all the way back in, to go down by two points.
However, every good side can have an off week, and Saints fans at Kings Park should expect to see them respond emphatically.
Patrick Taban and Jack Sims were two of the best for the Saints last week, and they’ll each look to put another strong game together.
Taban was a force in the ruck with 43 hit outs, 17 disposals, and six tackles, while Sims was at his silky best with 20 disposals and 10 intercept possession while operating at 80 per cent disposal efficiency.
Those are two watch out for again this week.
On the other hand, Oak Park has found its mojo again winning its last two games by a combined margin of 116 points.
Tom Gleeson popped up as a fresh goal threat with five majors, while Kane O’Halloran (four goals) again showed why St Albans will need to take extra care with him.
Expect the Kangaroos to take it right up to the Saints.
Moonee Valley will travel to Shark Park this week to take on Hillside.
Having completed a brilliant comeback against St Albans last week, the Fog will no doubt be buzzing and ready to fire on all cylinders.
The question is, can they do it again?
From one strong side of the competition to another, their task is no easier this week as they come up against a rejuvenated Hillside that has won three in a row and looking to make it four.
Ones to watch out for Moonee Valley are Nick Robortella and Ned Wilson.
Robortella was instrumental in last week’s win with 34 disposals and 10 clearances in a brilliant best-on-ground performance. Alongside him was Wilson, who also produced a game-breaking performance with 31 disposals and 12 clearances.
Expect these two to bring the heat early.
Meanwhile, the Sharks are flying.
They’ve won three on the bounce and are back to playing the brand of footy that’s taken them to recent finals series.
They get another big opportunity here to bank a win.
Jackson McMenamin was sensational last week with four goals, while Tristan Rudic is also one to watch after his 23 disposal, 13-tackle performance.
Hillside will look to put this one away early, but what’s stopping Moonee Valley from making it two in a row if the Sharks are off their game?
West Coburg will host Taylors Lakes at Shore Reserve in an intriguing matchup as they look to go on with their winning ways.
The Burgers are looking to make it their sixth win a row, while Taylors Lakes will be looking to bounce back after a brutal 10-goal loss to Oak Park last week.
Liam Bowkett and Patrick McCallum were pivotal for the Burgers last week in their win over Craigieburn, and they are ones to watch again this week.
The Burgers lead the competition in loose ball gets with an average of 72 per game, meanwhile Taylors Lakes are ranked one for hard ball gets with 34 per game.
With the Burgers being so efficient on the outside, if the Lions can win the inside battle and win the footy at the source, they’ll pose a real challenge here.
Off a disappointing result last week, expect Taylors Lakes to come out firing.
Aaron Vendramini is one to look out for this week after recording 24 disposals, 10 clearances, and two goal assists last week as one of the Lions' best.
Expecting a physical and fast contest here.
Roxburgh Park will travel to Canning Reserve to take on Avondale Heights, as their bid for a first win continues.
Meanwhile the Heights are looking to get back in the winner’s circle after their surprising loss to Tullamarine last week.
They currently sit in a solid position in fourth on the ladder, but will need to bank a win here to keep touch with the leading pack and keep their double chance hopes alive.
Bailey Williamson has been the shining light so far for the Heights this year. Ranked elite in ranking points, disposals, kicks, and rebound 50s, he’ll be looking to respond after his unusually quiet performance last week.
Meanwhile for Roxburgh Park, a much improved performance last week against Hillside should generate immense internal confidence going into this week.
They matched the Sharks for the best part of three quarters of football, to only go down by a narrow 12 points.
If Roxy are to threaten the Heights, Jack Elliott is the one that has to fire.
He was sensational last week with a brilliant 23 disposals and 13 clearances and will need to be at his best again here.
Their best footy is good enough, and if Roxy can produce it here then they’ll be banging down the door for that desperate first win.
Craigieburn hosts Tullamarine in what’s another intriguing matchup this weekend.
The Eagles have had mixed form so far this year and currently hold seventh position on the ladder.
Despite this, their best footy is far greater than what seventh position suggests, and so they’ll look to bring their best in a winnable game this week.
Jai Robinson and Nathan Stewart are two Eagles to watch out for this week. They were solid contributors in the loss last week and will be dangerous again come Saturday.
Meanwhile, Tullamarine are fresh off an encouraging win against Avondale Heights.
In what was just their second win of the season, the Dees put away a flat Heights outfit by 15 points in front a rowdy home crowd.
Adam Figliola was back to his mercurial best on the weekend, piercing the game open with sublime speed and skill.
Craigieburn will need to be wary of him and not let him get off the chain.
By Evan Tudor
Westmeadows and Burnside Heights will go head to head to open Round 7 of Strathmore Community Bank Division Two.
It’s all smiles for the Tigers after their 24-point win over the Sunbury Kangaroos last weekend.
Aaron Evans had a day out with a match-leading 40 disposals and two goals, contributing to his team’s overall ranking.
The Tigers are ranked second in the division for average disposals per game, and with numbers like that, coach Ash Flavel will be hoping for more of the same in this match.
Burnside Heights are fresh off a loss to Rupertswood, the side going down by 25 points.
It wasn’t all negatives however for the Bears, with the side showing its marking dominance yet again despite the loss.
The Bears won, if-not-equalled all of its marking aspects in the contest last week, the side also being number 1 for intercept marks in the division.
While Westy like to use the ball, the Bears will be hoping to stop them in their tracks.
It’s a contest between fourth and ninth, the match to be played out at Willowbrook Reserve.
Sunbury Kangaroos and Coburg Districts will take to Eric Broadman Reserve for this battle between fifth and seventh.
Both sides are coming off hard fought losses to Westmeadows and Glenroy respectively.
After its three-game winning streak was flipped on its head, the Kangaroos are looking to bounce back this weekend.
The Roos are known to be subtle throughout play and work through hands.
Coburg Districts on the other hand are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses.
It has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the Lions so far in 2025, with a 2-4 record placed at seventh, these Lions need a serious return to form on Saturday.
The Roos are known to be subtle throughout play and work through hands.
The Lions are the second best tackling side in the competition and will be looking to put a stop to the Kangaroos ball movement.
This matchup featuring sides in the bottom half of the ladder will be one to keep an eye on, with both sides looking to remain in the finals conversation.
Hadfield will challenge Glenroy at Martin Reserve as Round 7 continues.
After a 100-point showcase over East Sunbury, Hadfield slumped to just a score of 22 against Keilor Park.
It was a disappointing result to what could’ve marked a mid-season turnaround for the Hawks.
Nathan Johnson scored the majority of Hadfield’s goals, adding two to his 2025 tally of six in the seniors.
Hadfield possesses the footy more than any side, but they'll want to be more damaging this week than they were last week.
Undefeated ladder leaders Glenroy continued its dream 2025 campaign with a win over Coburg Districts.
The Roys piled on 14 goals, with Mark Sabatino, Jacob Albazi, and Jake Young combining for 10.
The best side in it at both ends of the ground, Glenroy will look to make it 7-0.
John McMahon Reserve will be the backdrop for East Sunbury’s contest with Keilor Park.
Despite yet another loss for the Thunder, East Sunbury will be delighted with its third quarter performance over the Northern Saints last weekend.
After a 35-point halftime deficit, the Thunder piled on seven goals against two to lead by five at the final change.
Keilor Park were strong in the wet with its 45-point win over Hadfield on Saturday.
In a low-scoring affair, the Devils booted nine goals against three, winning the match’s clearance and inside 50 counts sufficiently.
Jarod Pontin continued his 2025 spectacle for the Devils, adding two to his tally of now 13.
If he can fire up in this match, it may pave the way for a big Devils win on Saturday, as will the hopeful inclusions of some key pillars.
Northern Saints return to Charles Mutton Reserve for its clash with Rupertswood to close off Round 7 action.
After a disappointing 0-4 start to the season for the Saints, they have won two-straight with hopes to go three on-the trot.
With wins over Westmeadows and East Sunbury, the Saints have found their mojo in the sixth week of the campaign.
Despite an East Sunbury scare, the Saints looked good in the contest, winning the tackle counts where they mattered most.
Sainter Nick Bruno booted five, helping his side to its 20-point win.
But will Rupertswood show its second placed ladder dominance in this one?
Rupo looked good in its 25-point win over Burnside Heights, highlighted by Clayton Bonello’s three, taking his grand total to 15.
Rupertswood were nothing short of superior in the win, holding control of disposals, clearances, hit outs, and inside 50s.
It's second taking on eighth, and with both outfits on runs of their own, it’ll be an interesting clash to see who can go three in-a-row.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
STRATHMORE v AIRPORT WEST
Saturday 2:15pm at Lebanon Reserve
ABERFELDIE v EAST KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Clifton Park
KEILOR v GREENVALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Joe Brown Oval
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Saturday 2:15pm a Nipper Jordan Oval
DEER PARK v PASCOE VALE
Saturday 2:15pm at John McLeod Reserve
HILLSIDE v MOONEE VALLEY
Saturday 2:15pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
WEST COBURG v TAYLORS LAKES
Saturday 2:15pm at Shore Reserve
ST ALBANS v OAK PARK
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Saturday 2:15pm at Kings Park Reserve
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v ROXBURGH PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Canning Reserve
CRAIGIEBURN v TULLAMARINE
Saturday 2:15pm at DS Aitken Reserve
SUNBURY KANGAROOS v COBURG DISTRICTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Eric Boardman Reserve
HADFIELD v GLENROY
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
EAST SUNBURY v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at John McMahon Recreation Reserve
WESTMEADOWS v BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Willowbrook Reserve
NORTHERN SAINTS v RUPERTSWOOD
Saturday 2:15pm at Charles Mutton Reserve
