By Luke Mathews
Aberfeldie will be hoping to break its two-game losing streak when it faces Greenvale at Clifton Park.
After a strong opening five weeks, the Rillas have taken a step back in the past fortnight after losing to Hillside and Essendon Doutta Stars.
It’s a similar story for Greenvale who is without a win since Round 3, but has put in better performances against Deer Park, Keilor, and Airport West in recent weeks without picking up a victory.
A win for the Jets could move them off the bottom of the ladder with Anthony Rock’s side currently boasting a better percentage than Hillside in ninth spot.
Meanwhile, Abers are in need of a win to keep in touch with the top sides, with the side currently in fourth spot but equal on points with Marby, Keilor, and Douttas.
Last time out Greenvale couldn’t put up much of a contest with Aberfeldie winning by 140 points.
Abers struggled in front of goal last week and are in desperate need of a tall target that can consistently hit the scoreboard, Sam Medland (20 goals) the leading goal scorer this season.
Hillside will be hoping to cause another upset when it takes on Keilor at Shark Park.
After a strong win against Aberfeldie in Round 6, the Sharks were handed a reality check last week after going down to Strathmore by 95 points.
Meanwhile after a rocky start to the year, the Blues seem to have steadied the ship with victories over Airport West, Greenvale, and Marby.
A win for Hillside could see it jump Airport West and Deer Park on the ladder, however a loss could see it slip back to last spot.
Keilor will be looking to move clear of Marby, Abers, and Douttas with all four sides currently between third to sixth on the ladder and sharing a 4-3 record.
Saturday’s clash between the two sides will be their first encounter and the last side for Hillside to tick off at the level.
One to keep an eye on this week is Josh Honey.
The midfielder returned with a bang last week, booting seven goals in the 32-point victory over Marby.
The 24-year-old played mostly forward last week so it will be an interesting watch to see where he lines up this Saturday.
Airport West will be hoping to record consecutive wins for the first time in 2026, when it takes on Deer Park at John McLeod Reserve.
After a difficult five weeks, the Eagles broke through for their first win since Round 1 last week when they knocked off Greenvale by 37 points.
The Eagles now sit in eighth spot on the ladder, however are level on points with Deer Park and Hillside.
Deer Park has shared similar fortunes in 2026, recording two tight victories over Greenvale and Hillside.
However the Lions have had a mostly difficult start to the year, losing five matches including last weekend against Pascoe Vale.
For Airport West to win, they’ll be hoping Kai Daniels' strong form continues.
The tall forward has had a stunning start to 2026, booting nine goals in seven games, including a bag of four last weekend against Greenvale.
Deer Park’s backline has been its biggest strength, however it’ll need to be at its best this weekend to try and quell Airport West’s main target.
Maribyrnong Park will be out to end its losing streak when it meets with Strathmore at Monk Oval.
After a fantastic opening month, Brodie Holland’s side has stumbled in recent weeks, losing its last three matches against Aberfeldie, Pascoe Vale, and Keilor.
A win for Marby on Saturday could see them climb to as high as third spot, however another loss could see them lose touch with the top five.
Meanwhile, it has been smooth sailing for Strathmore with the reigning premier yet to lose a game this year and is currently on top of the ladder with a percentage of 188.
Last time out, the Mores all but ended Marby’s finals hopes with a 61-point victory, with Hugh Allison and Corey Grindlay leading the way with four goals each.
An intriguing watch this Saturday will be the performance of Alex Tonelli.
After winning the Mark Thompson Medal last year, the 19-year-old has quickly made his mark at senior level, highlighted by a memorable bag of 11 goals last week against Hillside.
Marby’s backline has conceded scores of more than 110 points in the last three weeks and will need to tighten up this week if they are any chance of causing an upset.
Essendon Doutta Stars will be looking to make it five wins in a row, when it travels to Raeburn Reserve to take on Pascoe Vale.
After a shaky first three weeks, Barry Prendergast’s side has had a brilliant turnaround, winning its last four matches against Keilor, Hillside, Deer Park, and Abers.
It now leaves the Stars sitting pretty in third spot and a comfortable victory could see them climb.
Pascoe vale has hardly put a foot wrong in Daniel Harris’ first full year at the helm, winning five of its first seven with its only losses coming against last year’s grand finalists.
A win on Saturday would further solidify its position in second spot on the ladder, however a loss would drop them back into the chasing pack.
The two sides haven’t met since Round 11 last year, with the Stars coming away with a 21-point victory.
For Douttas to win, they need to find a way of limiting Pascoe Vale’s scoring power.
The Panthers have one of the best forward lines in the competition, ranking second for points per game with an average of 107.
Pascoe Vale’s prowess was on display last week with six players recoding multiple goals in the win over Deer Park.
Doutta's backline has been just as strong, ranking first for point against with an average of 67 points per game.
Whichever team can find a way to take away its opponent’s strength will likely come away with the victory.
By Eric Forman
An interesting contest awaits Canning Reserve as Avondale Heights takes on Taylors Lakes.
The Heights enter this contest in sixth spot following three consecutive losses, two games out of the top five.
Although their four season losses have been against sides currently sitting inside the top five, three of those losses have been by around 10 goals on each occasion.
The Lions, meanwhile, sit one game below the Heights in seventh spot after winning their second game of the season last week against Rupertswood.
They couldn't seem to get going early in the season, but the last two weeks have been a lot better with the win, and a narrow defeat to Craigieburn the week prior.
All that brings us to Canning Reserve for an important clash as both sides look to remain within touch of the finals pack.
Lockie Rayner will be one of the first names Heights coach Andrew Kahofer will look at with the ruck averaging 34 disposals, 44 hit outs, and 18 clearances since returning from suspension.
Daniel Taberner will be the man Kahofer turns to in the ruck to not only limit Rayner around the contest and around the ground, but also utilise his strengths in providing first use to their talented midfield.
Blake Cochrane gets his hands on the footy more than anyone in this competition (36 disposals per game) and will be one for Steve Burns to look to nullify.
With Chris Vulic also returning for the Lions with effect, it's set to be an interesting battle in the middle, and all around the ground.
Oak Park and St Albans will both be looking to bounce back they meet at Kings Park Reserve.
The Kangaroos sit in fifth after their three-game winning streak was snapped with a loss to Moonee Valley last week.
It's been a tough run for St Albans which sits in eighth after three big losses in a row.
Only East Keilor has conceded more points than St Albans this season with the last three weeks seeing an average of 157 points against.
The Saints' defence will need to stand up this week to remain in the contest, while they'll need more players outside of Hok Marial to step up in the forward line.
It was only the final quarter last week where Oak Park was overpowered, so there's no real reason to change much if you're Luke Williams.
There may be some movement in and out with both teams, but Oak Park will go in as favourites.
Leo Dineen Reserve will play host to a blockbuster contest as Tullamarine takes on Moonee Valley.
The two bolters of the competition will go head to head to create some separation on the ladder, with both teams sitting on five wins, Tullamarine's percentage the only difference at the moment.
Although Moonee Valley is comfortably the highest scoring team in the competition, Tullamarine is comfortably the best defensive team which makes for an interesting battle.
Mitch Clarke (26 goals) and Richard Potter (20 goals) are the two up front for Demon defenders to lock onto, but the Fog have shown an ability to find many avenues to goal.
Despite running out last week's win over Oak Park strongly, the Fog were hit by injuries which will make team selection an interesting watch.
Ruck Quinn McArthur and full-back Joachim Liaw look likely to miss, with some sore bodies elsewhere.
Tullamarine responded strongly last week after a tighter outing than it was expecting against East Keilor the week prior, Lucas Scerri (31 disposals, 11 clearances) and Austin Warden (29 disposals, four goals) starring.
It's been a balanced team effort this year from Zack Carey's side and they'll be hoping for more of the same this week.
The bottom two sides will square off at Overland Reserve as East Keilor plays host to Rupertswood.
The Cougars have shown more positive signs this year, but will still be starting from a fair way back against a Rupo side that is better than the ladder suggests.
Despite the Cougars' trouble scoring, Cooper Matthews continues to shine with 19 goals for the season, a bag of five against Craigieburn his most recent haul.
Up the other end, Mitchell Johnson has shone up forward for Rupertswood with nine goals from his last two games.
Clayton Bonello returned to senior action last week as well and will relish the opportunity to build into his season as a vital cog in this Sharks outfit.
It'll be a top-of-the-table clash at Jacana Reserve as West Coburg takes on Craigieburn.
The Burgers and Eagles sit 6-1 with percentage separating them on the ladder, so a second loss is on the cards for one of the sides.
Both sides have only dropped their games to Oak Park within a two-goal margin, having dealt with all other challengers thus far.
Hayden Polley is arguably the most in-form player in the competition right now, kicking 12 goals from 27 disposals last week against East Keilor, and five crucial goals in a comeback win over Taylors Lakes the week prior.
He'll be one of a number of young stars Burgers coach Cole Harvey has to contend with.
His West Coburg side is littered with its own stars, however, with six players kicking multiple goals last week against Avondale Heights, and Tom Baravi (28 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) and Dinny Cleary (30 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles) leading the engine room.
The last time these sides met was in the semi final last year where Craigieburn ended West Coburg's season with a 12-point win, Jai Robinson was the best for the Eagles on the day.
By Leroy de Villiers
Tenterfield Drive will see an intriguing clash as Burnside Heights hosts Northern Saints.
The Bears are fresh off their first win of the season, while the Saints have lost two in a row after breaking through.
Lachlan Evans dominated for the Bears in the win with 26 disposals, 28 hit outs, and 11 clearances, while Zack Williams continued his impressive run.
In front of goal it was the youngsters who shone, Ethan Dalla Rosa (five goals) and Cade Anset (four goals) leading the way.
Scoring has been an issue at time for Burnside Heights so if they can be more consistent, more wins could be on the horizon.
Northern Saints haven't had an issue scoring with the third most points scored in the competition, but they are comfortably the worst defensive side.
The Saints concede 120 points per game, but will be hoping to lower that game by game as they find more connectivity.
Ezzat Haddara continues to fire in the front half, but they'll need to be stronger defensively if they're to convert good scores into winning scores.
Roxburgh Park will remain at Lakeside Reserve this week to welcome East Sunbury for an interesting clash.
The Magpies keep finding themselves in tight contests, the most recent was a loss to Glenroy to move them to 4-3 for the season.
The Thunder are a game behind at 3-4 and looking to snap a two-game losing streak.
Roxy is fierce in the contest as the number one side in the competition for pressure and tackles.
The likes of Andrew Capuana, Luke Smith, and Zane Terranova lead that aspect and will look to make things uncomfortable for the East Sunbury midfield.
There is experience everywhere you look for East Sunbury, though, with James Strauss and Todd Elton among their most consistent.
Elton sits second in the league goal kicking tally with 26 goals, one ahead of Roxy's Teronne Roberts-Potter which will serve as an interesting side contest.
Can't make it to the game? Catch it on Streamer for Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day.
Hadfield will look to consolidate its spot in the top four when the Sunbury Kangaroos travel to Martin Reserve.
Andrew Beever's men have been in fine form of late with three wins in a row to have them sitting in fourth.
The Kangaroos come into this clash off consecutive losses to Glenroy and Coburg Districts, and will be hoping to recapture some winning form.
Hadfield likes to possess the footy and back their defenders to win the ball back as quickly as possible.
Sam Godden (41 disposals per game) and Jake Polizzi (37 disposals per game) are the two standouts around the ground, while captain Ryan Potter and Harry O'Kelly average nine intercepts each per game.
The Kangaroos continue to get strong performances out of Mitch Kook, Tom Eiszele, and Mitch Streiff, but need more contributors across the ground.
Will the Hawks keep rolling or can the Kangaroos bounce back?
Keilor Park will be wanting to bounce back when it heads to Sewell Reserve to take on Glenroy.
The Devils made it three losses in a row when Burnside Heights knocked them off last week, with a record now of 2-5.
The Roys sit in second but had to win ugly against Roxburgh Park last week, nine points the final margin in a scrappy affair.
Daniel Micevski returned with a bang gathering 29 disposals with 10 clearances and seven tackles, making it another weapon for the opposition to quell.
For Keilor Park last week, Nick Nesci dominated with 21 disposals and two goals, while Leon Bektash had 23 disposals and 11 intercepts.
The Devils need more to step up if they're a chance in this one.
Glenroy have a two-game gap inside the top two and will enter as favourites, but can Keilor Park bounce back?
The undefeated Coburg Districts will head to Willowbrook Reserve to take on Westmeadows and close out Round 8 action.
The Lions have been flying scoring 122 points per game and sit one game clear in first spot.
The Tigers have won their last two after correcting a form slump with two high-scoring efforts.
They'll need all of that scoring power in this contest with Adrian Alfonsi stepping up, Shaun O'Grady returning last week, and Nick Mathewes enjoying his best two weeks in front of goal for Westy.
Jordan Kosteas has been the man in the middle providing first use for his forwards, averaging 42 disposals and nine clearances in those two wins.
The Lions may look to nullify Kosteas, but they'll likely continue on their merry way as they've clearly found a powerful formula.
No one has been within 24 points come the final siren this year and Curtis Rawlings (28 goals), Pasquale Curcio (19 goals), Ali Saad (16 goals), and Darcy Reid (16 goals) provide opposition defenders plenty of headaches.
Will the Lions remain perfect, or will Westy rise to the challenge?
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
ABERFELDIE v GREENVALE
Saturday 2:15pm at Clifton Park
HILLSIDE v KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
DEER PARK v AIRPORT WEST
Saturday 2:15pm at John McLeod Reserve
MARIBYRNONG PARK v STRATHMORE
Saturday 2:15pm at Monk Oval
PASCOE VALE v ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
Saturday 2:15pm at Raeburn Reserve
ST ALBANS v OAK PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Kings Park Reserve
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v TAYLORS LAKES
Saturday 2:15pm at Canning Reserve
EAST KEILOR v RUPERTSWOOD
Saturday 2:15pm at Overland Reserve
TULLAMARINE v MOONEE VALLEY
Saturday 2:15pm at Leo Dineen Reserve
WEST COBURG v CRAIGIEBURN
Saturday 2:15pm at Jacana Reserve
HADFIELD v SUNBURY KANGAROOS
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS v NORTHERN SAINTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve
GLENROY v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Sewell Reserve
ROXBURGH PARK v EAST SUNBURY
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Saturday 2:15pm at Lakeside Reserve
WESTMEADOWS v COBURG DISTRICTS
Saturday 2:15pm at Willowbrook Reserve
