By Luke Mathews
Deer Park will be hoping to extend its unbeaten run at home, when it takes on Aberfeldie at John McLeod Reserve.
The Lions have been almost unstoppable at home to start 2025 winning all three matches, however they have only won once away from John McLeod Reserve.
Aberfeldie's strong start to 2025 continued last week, defeating East Keilor by 304 points in ruthless performance.
The two sides last met in Round 13 last year and it was Aberfeldie that came away with the 27-point victory thanks to four goals from superstar Ben Ronke.
Deer Park will need to keep Sam Paea quiet if they want to come away with the win.
The sharpshooter kicked a Premier Division record 17 goals last week and was unstoppable in the Rillas' crushing win.
Josh Chatfield and Aaron Britten were instrumental in getting the Lions over the line will last week and will need to do the same once again if they’re any chance of causing an upset.
Pascoe Vale will be hoping to break its six-game losing stream when it hosts Airport West at Raeburn Reserve.
It’s been a difficult start to 2025 for Pascoe Vale, with their only win coming in Round 1 against Doutta Stars.
Additionally, the club announced on Tuesday that Leigh Tudor has stood down as coach to pursue "an exciting business opportunity interstate".
Airport West, meanwhile, has dropped its last two games and sit in seventh.
A win on Saturday would see the Eagles stay in touching distance of the top five, however a third straight defeat could mean they sit two games outside a potential finals berth.
The two sides played out a classic the last time they met, with the Panthers ending Airport West’s finals hopes with a two-point victory.
Ahmed Saad starred in that contest with six goals.
If Pascoe Vale is any chance of causing an upset, it’ll need someone to stop Max Rider.
The youngster has been in fine form to start 2025 booting 18 goals in his six games, including four against a formidable Strathmore backline.
Pascoe Vale’s defence has been solid to start 2025 despite being depleted at times, however it’ll need to be at its best this weekend to help quell the visitor’s dangerous threats forward of the ball.
Greenvale will be looking to record just its second win for the year when it takes on East Keilor at Section Road.
The Jets' only win came in Round 3 when they defeated Pascoe Vale by five points in a tight contest.
Tt’s been a difficult first seven games for Darren Bewick’s men outside of that who currently sit in ninth spot just one year after making a semi-final.
One to keep an eye on at Section Road is Sam Zumbo.
The veteran had a strong start to 2025 kicking nine goals across the first five games in a move from back to front.
The number 34 has been quiet in his last two outings and failed to hit the scoreboard, however Saturday provides a great opportunity to return to his early season form.
Essendon Doutta Stars will be hoping to bounce back from last week’s tough loss when it takes on Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve.
After two great wins against Greenvale and Airport West, the Stars took a step back last week, unable to match it with a formidable Maribyrnong Park outfit for four quarters.
Strathmore continued its strong start to 2025 last week, taking care of Airport West by 25 points in a high scoring affair at Lebanon Reserve.
Last year it was Strathmore that cruised to a 75-point victory over the Stars with vice-captain Mitch Purcell leading from the front kicking six goals in a dominant display.
Given recent form, Saturday’s matchup looks certain to have plenty of goals once again.
Despite recording only three wins for the year, the Stars still have a percentage of 151 and only dropped below 90 points twice this year.
Although they won on the weekend, the Mores' backline was under the pump, giving up 106 points.
Both sides have plenty of dangerous threats forward of the ball with the likes of Bailey Ryan, Oscar Sasalu, Athan Tsialtas, and Mitch Purcell all set to feature heavily at Lebanon Reserve.
Maribyrnong Park will get a good test to see where they are at when it takes on Keilor at Monk Oval.
It’s been a brilliant start to 2025 for Brodie Holland’s men, well and truly holding their own in the first six matches to sit in fourth spot with four wins and three losses.
The reigning premiers once again sit comfortably on top of the ladder, however coach Mick McGuane has lamented his side’s inconsistency during matches against East Keilor, Pascoe Vale, and Greenvale.
The deciding factor at Monk Oval on Saturday will be the midfield battle.
Despite being one of the younger sides in the competition, Marby’s engine room has plenty of experienced campaigners.
Jack Gerardi, Sean Heatherington, and Jordan Anastasakis have all stood up at different times in 2025 and played a key role in Marby’s rise up the ladder.
They’ll have their work cut out for them on Saturday when they face a Keilor midfield that’s filled with multiple premiership superstars.
By Ben Parker
Oak Park hosts West Coburg in a top-of-the table blockbuster between the competition’s two best teams.
With both sides in scintillating form coming into the clash with six wins and one loss each, an epic contest is anticipated.
The Kangaroos have won three in a row after their shock loss to Craigieburn in Round 4 and are starting to fill the lofty pre-season expectations placed upon them.
They easily put away a disappointing St Albans outfit last week to the tune of 34 points, but they’ll need to be even better this week to be competitive against the Burgers.
Lachy Stredwick is the one to watch this week for the Roos.
He’s been instrumental over the past few weeks, propelling the roos into a better patch of form.
Ranked elite for intercept marking, he is starting to return to the form we know he can bring. If he can produce his best this week in a huge game, look out.
Meanwhile for West Coburg, the wins just keep on rolling with its win streak now out to six.
They’re evidently the number one team in the competition at the moment, and will make this contest a thriller away from home.
Emilio Rinaudo will be critical for the Burgers.
Averaging over 26 disposals, seven clearances, and almost five tackles per game, this inside bull will be the one to watch from an Oak Park perspective.
If he gets going early, West Coburg will be in good stead.
A ripping contest that will excite all in attendance, expect both teams to come out firing.
St Albans travels to Canning Reserve for the first time to take on Avondale Heights in what’s a critical game for both teams.
St Albans has lost its last three and have fallen down to fifth position on the ladder.
The Saints went 4-0 throughout the opening month of footy and desperately need to bounce back if they want to stay in touch with the top end.
Avondale Heights are in a solid position, sitting in third with four wins and the three losses.
However, they find themselves two games behind Oak Park and West Coburg who clash this week.
A win here would close this gap and critically, keep them well placed in double chance contention.
Away from home, the Saints will need their big guns to perform this week.
Expect Tom Eckel to be a key driver for the Saints with the star recruit averaging 32 disposals and nine clearances.
Avondale has protected home with great success so far this year, going 3-1 at Canning Reserve. Look for them to bounce out the gates early here.
The Saints may consider putting some time into Jackson Robb, who was brilliant again last week for the Heights.
Robb logged 40 disposals, eight clearances, and three goals in a match-winning individual performance.
With a lot to play for, both sides will ensure this one is full of surprises.
Roxburgh Park hosts Moonee Valley in what’s an exciting matchup for both sides.
With both sinking down at the bottom of the ladder, this week presents as a real winnable game for both sides.
The winless Roxburgh Park come into this contest after a solid three-week patch of footy without recording a win.
The Magpies have generated productive quarters and have been competitive in games for periods of time.
Teronne Potter has clearly been Roxy’s most dangerous forward target this year. Averaging over two goals per game, he’ll need to hit the scoreboard again this week.
Jack Elliot is the other obvious watch after his monstrous performance last week, recording 38 disposals, 46 hit outs, and 22 clearances in Roxy’s loss.
Still hunting for that first win, could this be the week that Roxy get their first four points of the season?
Moonee Valley were beaten comprehensively by the Sharks last week, but the highs of two weeks ago have not been forgotten.
They played a scintillating brand of football and recorded an upset win against a quality opposition in St Albans.
If they can reproduce a rating and level of play like that, they’re right in this.
Look for Luke Denny and Callum Clinnick to set the tone early.
They’ve been two of the Fog’s most reliable performers so far this year, and will need to be at their best this week.
In what’s perhaps a rare opportunity for a win for both teams, expect this one to be on from the start.
Hillside hosts Craigieburn this week at Shark Park as it looks to make it five wins in a row.
The Sharks are circling back in familiar waters, and will look to get another kill this week.
They’re back to playing a brand of footy that is expected of them, and they’re firmly placed to bank another four points here.
They cruised past an inferior Moonee Valley last week with a 65-point win, but are posed a different challenge here with Craigieburn.
Craigieburn has proven that its best is good enough to match it with anyone, but it’s the week-to-week consistency that’s bringing the Eagles undone at the moment.
They were competitive against West Coburg, Taylors Lakes, and St Albans without recording a win, and our minds don’t need to travel far to remember their brilliant upset win against Oak Park.
Can they put a four-quarter performance together this week is the question. Against the brute of the Sharks, this is a necessity.
Jai Robinson has been a force for the eagles. With Harry Albon out, Robinson will be the one to watch again. He’s averaging 30 disposals and six intercept possessions, and he’s the one who can get this side going from the defensive half.
Meanwhile for the Sharks, Lachie Pettigrove is the one to watch. He is scintillating to watch at his best with his elite foot skills and speed slicing up oppositions.
Tullamarine hosts Taylors Lakes in what’s an intriguing matchup at Leo Dineen Reserve.
The Dees come into this clash having won two on the bounce against Avondale Heights and Craigieburn. They appear to have turned their form right around and are playing some exceptional footy at the moment.
It’s no surprise that Tullamarine are at their best when star big man Shaun McKernan is at his best.
He was pivotal last week logging 25 disposals, 39 hit outs, and 11 clearances.
While he wasn’t as impactful on the scoreboard as other weeks, his impact around the ground cannot be questioned – he’s the one that the Lions will need to stop.
Taylors Lakes gets its opportunity to bounce back this week.
After back-to-back losses against Oak Park and West Coburg, a win here is critical.
The past two weeks for the Lions have revealed that they can’t quite match it with the competition’s top brigade for four quarters, but that they’re very much in the hunt at their best.
Jake Hobbs was clearly the Lions' best last week. Against the powerhouse that is West Coburg, Hobbs produced a sensational 35 disposals, eight clearances, and two goals in a losing outcome.
A replication of this performance will be crucial for the Lions' chances.
In what’s a massive game for both clubs, expect this one to go down to the wire.
By Evan Tudor
The halfway mark of this 2025 season is fast approaching as Round 8 of the Strathmore Community Bank Division Two commences.
Burnside Heights will host East Sunbury at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve as the bottom two sides face off.
Burnside Heights will be desperate to walk away winners following four consecutive losses.
A 43-point loss to Westmeadows the most recent where the Bears just simply couldn’t win the ball.
Nick Cugliari however was one of Burnside’s best with 29 touches, he’ll be one to watch on Saturday alongside Jacob Elia.
Elia continued his goal-a-game stance, adding two to his tally.
East Sunbury struggled in defeat against Keilor Park with the side held to only four goals.
The Thunder also didn’t have what it took to win the footy against the Devils despite Wade Lees leading the disposal count at 29.
Both Burnside Heights and East Sunbury have had their struggles throughout their campaigns so far, but one will be walking away with the chocolates.
Sunbury Kangaroos will welcome Keilor Park to Eric Broadman Reserve.
The Kangaroos have had mixed performances this year and currently hold fifth position on the ladder with a 4-3 record.
It was an eight-point win for the side over Coburg Districts led by captain Mitch Streiff who dominated the scoreboard with five goals.
Mitchell Kook also dominated on the field with 39 touches.
Together they helped their side hold together against a Districts surge.
Second placed Keilor Park has had a consistent season and looks to settle the question with a win in this game.
The Devils were fierce all over the park in their win against East Sunbury and were able to hold the opposition to just four goals.
Boasting a 21-disposal and three-goal day out, Josh Bistisi-Nguyen will be one to threaten the Kangaroos' lineup.
Jarod Pontin will also look to carry the momentum of his three-goal performance into the clash against the Kangaroos on Saturday.
Coburg Districts and the Northern Saints will go head to head in an interesting contest at Cole Reserve.
Districts are coming into this one off a clash they really should’ve won against the Kangaroos.
Thirteen inaccurate shots at goal in the second half denied the chance of the 25-point comeback, with Districts going down by eight.
Despite the outcome, many positives came from their performance which proves why they’re in contention for this week.
Districts showed their authority with the ball, and won the counts of disposals, hit outs, and clearances, something the Northern Saints will need to be mindful of.
The Saints were victorious last week and sung the song after a 16-point arm-wrestle over Rupertswood.
If Tamer Abdallah's men can find the footy and be efficient with ball in hand, this should be a cracking contest.
Sewell Reserve hosts an intriguing battle as ladder leader Glenroy takes on third place Rupertswood.
Glenroy continued its undefeated run with a 52-point showcase over a tired Hadfield.
The Roys flexed their muscles with a six-goal-to-none opening term before dominating from there afterwards.
Mark Sabatino booted a season-high eight goals and will concern the Rupertswood back line in this match.
Rupertswood were strong in defeat against the Saints but inaccurate kicking saw out the game.
Clayton Bonello was Rupo’s only multiple goal scorer, kicking five and named one of the best on ground.
Rupo controlled the ball for most of the game and will challenge Glenroy’s ability to do so, with the Roy's utilising speed on the ball.
Glenroy looks poised to continue its undefeated run but facing a side like Rupertswood will take another strong performance.
It’s certainly shaping up to be the game of the round, and the Sabatino and Bonello battle at either end will just about put the icing on the cake.
Hadfield looks to make amends for a scrappy loss when it takes on Westmeadows at Martin Reserve.
The Hawks managed to possess the ball for most of the game in their 52-point loss at the hands of Glenroy, but struggled to convert that into scoreboard impact.
A loss the Hawks would like to forget overall, Hadfield will be looking for a return to form.
The Hawks currently sit seventh on the ladder with a 2-5 record.
Standing in their way is Westmeadows who knows how to win big and make a statement.
Hadfield will be concerned by the MitchChurch and Aaron Evans duo who combined for nine last week and know how to kick big bags.
Westy overran Burnside Heights in nearly every aspect possible last weekend, and coach Ash Flavel will be expecting to see the same this week.
The Hawks will give it their best shot on Saturday, but the Tigers may just be too good.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
STRATHMORE v ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
Saturday 2:15pm at Lebanon Reserve
PASCOE VALE v AIRPORT WEST
Saturday 2:15pm at Raeburn Reserve
GREENVALE v EAST KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Greenvale Recreation Reserve
MARIBYRNONG PARK v KEILOR
Saturday 2:15pm at Monk Oval
DEER PARK v ABERFELDIE
Saturday 2:15pm at John McLeod Reserve
HILLSIDE v CRAIGIEBURN
Saturday 2:15pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
ROXBURGH PARK v MOONEE VALLEY
Saturday 2:15pm at Lakeside Reserve
TULLAMARINE v TAYLORS LAKES
Saturday 2:15pm at Leo Dineen Reserve
AVONDALE HEIGHTS v ST ALBANS
Saturday 2:15pm at Canning Reserve
OAK PARK v WEST COBURG
Saturday 2:15pm at JP Fawkner Reserve
SUNBURY KANGAROOS v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 2:15pm at Eric Boardman Reserve
HADFIELD v WESTMEADOWS
Saturday 2:15pm at Martin Reserve
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS v EAST SUNBURY
Saturday 2:15pm at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve
COBURG DISTRICTS v NORTHERN SAINTS
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Saturday 2:15pm at Cole Reserve
GLENROY v RUPERTSWOOD
Saturday 2:15pm at Sewell Reserve
