By Luke Mathews
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 15.8 (98) def. by ABERFELDIE 16.9 (105)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have staved off a late Essendon Doutta Stars fightback to win by seven points for their second victory of the season.
A six goal to zero second term gave the Rillas a 32-point half time advantage before an even third term meant Douttas had to overcome a 31-point deficit if they wanted to win.
Barry Prendergast’s men didn’t die wondering, piling on five goals in 11 minutes to reduce the margin to two points just after time on.
Oliver Nockles had the chance to give his side the lead, but unfortunately couldn’t convert and he was made to pay, with Abers kicking the final goal to seal another victory.
Karl Brown was solid in his second game back from an ACL injury kicking two goals, while Jordan Lombardo and Samuel Medland contributed strongly with one goal each.
Despite going down there was a lot to like about Douttas for the second week running, with Thomas Legudi, Peter Ntalianis, and Oskar Balta all showing plenty of positive signs.
After the week off, Aberfeldie will feature in the marquee ANZAC Day clash against Airport West at Hansen Reserve, while Douttas will be hoping to record their first win when they host East Keilor.
KEILOR 38.15 (243) def. AIRPORT WEST 5.6 (36)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor have put the competition on notice once again, thumping Airport West to the tune of 207 points at Joe Brown Oval.
Despite going into the game expecting a strong contest, the game was well and truly over at half time with the Blues booting 17 first half goals against a disappointing Airport West outfit, struggling without superstar Tyson Young.
Coach Mick McGuane was delighted with his side’s offence and electrifying ball movement that allowed his side to have plenty of unbroken chains from the back half and 12 individual goal kickers.
Chris Kosmas dominated once again kicking seven goals, while Cody Brand and Liam Hude cashed in with six and five goals respectively.
Even though they were well beaten, consistent performers Luca Muratore and Matthew Hanson didn’t lower their colours and fought hard all day.
Both sides will feature in marquee games in Round 3 with Keilor taking on Strathmore in the annual Good Friday game at Lebanon Reserve, while Airport West will host their ANZAC Day game against Aberfeldie.
DEER PARK 23.7 (145) def. GREENVALE 12.5 (77)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park have made amends for their Round 1 loss, defeating Greenvale by 68 points at John McLeod Reserve.
It was a seven-goal second term that did the damage for Jamie Madigan’s side, opening up an eight-goal half time advantage before 12 second half majors sealed their first victory for 2025.
Lachlan Smart and Trent McKenzie lit up John McLeod Reserve kicking five goals each while Hayden Gill also did plenty of scoreboard damage with four majors.
For the Jets, Liam Podhajski and Ben Speight were good for the second week running while the veteran Sam Zumbo fought hard all day.
Deer Park will be looking to make it two in a row when they take on Marby, while Greenvale will hoping to avoid going 0-3 when they face Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve.
EAST KEILOR 3.7 (25) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 33.15 (213)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have picked up their first win since rejoining Premier Division, thrashing East Keilor by 188 points.
The game was over almost from the first bounce with Brodie Holland’s side kicking seven unanswered first-quarter goals.
They would push through the heat to finish strongly with 10 majors in the final term.
Jaye Bowden went to equal top of the leading goal kickers tally, cashing in with a whopping 12 goals in just his second game in Marby colours, while Brodie Remensky and Sam Calleri both made the most of their opportunities with seven goals between them.
Arnold Kirby was the only shining light for East Keilor on another really difficult day kicking two of his side’s three goals.
Marby will be looking to test themselves next week when they host Deer Park, while East Keilor will take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval.
STRATHMORE 10.9 (69) def. PASCOE VALE 7.6 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore have got one back on their neighbours, defeating Pascoe Vale by 21 points at Lebanon Reserve.
After going down to the Panthers three times in 2024, Saturday’s win is the Mores' first victory against Pascoe Vale since the 2023 preliminary final.
After a quiet first term that saw Strathmore kick the only major, a four-goal second quarter gave the Mores a 24-point buffer heading into half time
They would then hold off a mini Pascoe Vale fightback early in the final quarter which helped seal the win.
Athan Tsialtas was a handful for the Pascoe Vale backline kicking five goals in a dominant display, while Cooper West and Liam Cavanagh were solid once again.
Despite going down, Ibby Taha continued his strong start to 2025 since making the switch during the off season booting three goals, while Jayden Ranno and Max Carta fought hard all day.
Strathmore will have the unenviable task of taking on Keilor in a blockbuster Good Friday clash at Lebanon Reserve, while Pascoe Vale will be hoping to get their first win for the year when they host Greenvale.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 18.17 (125) def. GREENVALE 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars are making an early statement in Premier Division after a strong 125-point win against Greenvale.
Douttas pulled out all the stops early, holding Greenvale scoreless and building to a 33-point lead by quarter time.
Led by a valiant effort from Adalita Pizzinga who was among the best on ground with six goals, Douttas kept Greenvale scoreless for the entire game.
Despite a determined effort from Greenvale, Douttas maintained momentum throughout as multiple players contributed to the scoreboard.
Supporting Pizzinga were Stephanie Mitchell and Jayla Rutley, who each dazzled with two goals.
Douttas will return after the Easter break to play Hillside, while Greenvale will be hoping to bounce back at home and collect a win against Maribyrnong Park.
KEILOR 18.12 (120) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 1.5 (11)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor triumphed against Maribyrnong Park to take out their first win of the season with an impressive 109-point win.
Despite a strong effort from Marby’s Mali Sauvarin booting a much needed goal in the second term, the team struggled to contain an in-form Keilor over the weekend.
After a 77-point lead at three-quarter time, Keilor further solidified their win by the end of the final term.
Tegan Matthews was on fire for Keilor, ending the game with eight goals and was named one of her side's best players. Kaitlyn O’Keefe also impressed on return from Port Melbourne duties with six goals.
Keilor will next be travelling to JP Fawkner Reserve to take on Oak Park after Easter, while Maribyrnong Park will head to Greenvale.
HILLSIDE 17.14 (116) def. MOONEE VALLEY 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have pulled off another win, this time against Moonee Valley by 110 points.
Moonee Valley were unable to defend against a red-hot Hillside side, managing only a single goal in the third term.
Hillside’s win was helped by a stellar five-goal performance from the returning Caitlin Sargent.
Sargent was well supported by teammates Nicolette Paschalis (four goals) and Jasmine Kincaid (three goals), who were also solid in their performances on the ground.
Hillside’s next challenge will be against Essendon Doutta Stars in what promises to be an exciting clash after Easter.
Moonee Valley will prepare to take on Aberfeldie at Ormond Park on ANZAC Day, while Hillside will play Essendon Doutta Stars.
ABERFELDIE 16.10 (106) def. OAK PARK 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has made a huge statement with a 98-point win over Oak Park in a grand final rematch.
Oak Park had a strong start to open up the first term with a goal and a behind, but couldn’t build any momentum against a dominant Aberfeldie side.
A late surge in the final term saw Aberfeldie extend their lead with seven unanswered goals to seal the Round 2 win.
Moana Hope was once again vital for Aberfeldie, slotting a phenomenal nine goals and being named among the side’s best.
Emily Smith was also in fine form, impressing with four goals.
Oak Park will return back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back against Keilor after the break, while Aberfeldie will face Moonee Valley on ANZAC Day.
By Ben Parker
OAK PARK 12.12 (84) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has beaten Avondale Heights in a Saturday afternoon thriller at JP Fawkner Reserve by 11 points.
In what was a sensational comeback win, the Roos were able to overcome a tiring Heights outfit.
Avondale Heights took a six-goal lead into half time and had dominated the play in the first half.
However, the momentum quickly changed as the Roos fought back to produce a scintillating 12-goal second half to overpower what will be a disappointed Avondale outfit.
The Heights only managed to kick one major in the second half.
Josh Ksiazek was everywhere for Oak Park for the second week in a row and superstar recruit Lachy Stredwick was at his brilliant best. Kane O’Halloran’s four goals were also instrumental.
Meanwhile for the Heights, to only kick one goal in the second half and still be in it at the end is a positive that can be taken away.
Anthony Bonaguro and Brody Watts were among Avondale’s best.
Oak Park will next play Tullamarine after the Easter break, while Avondale Heights will play Taylors Lakes.
ROXBURGH PARK 12.10 (82) def. by CRAIGIEBURN 13.14 (92)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn have come from behind to beat Roxburgh Park in one of the more exciting contests of the round.
After trailing at half time and three quarter time, the Eagles dug deep and emptied out all the reserves in the tank to overcome an extremely brave Roxburgh Park.
Jamie Gorgievski was enormous for the Eagles as he slotted three majors to go along with his brilliant performance.
In what was an excellent team effort, Benjamin Redford and Benjamin Fynch were also strong contributors.
On the other hand, Roxy should walk away from this contest with their heads held high. After a miserable opening week where they were annihilated by a superb Taylors Lakes, a much improved performance here will provide some confidence going forward.
Luke Smith and Bradley Coulson toiled away hard all day, while Cooper McPharlane impressed again with three goals.
Roxy will next play West Coburg, while Craigieburn will play Moonee Valley.
WEST COBURG 14.12 (96) def. HILLSIDE 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg were too strong for rivals Hillside in a 28-point win at Shore Reserve.
An exciting first half of back and forth footy had the stage set for a close finish, however it was West Coburg who were able to break away from a labouring Sharks outfit.
Hillside took a four-point lead into half time, but the Burgers then knuckled down and took control of the contest.
With a five goal to zero third quarter, the Burgers made the Sharks pay and quickly built a handy buffer.
Damian Galofaro booted three goals, and Perry Patrikios and Dinny Cleary were invaluable contributors for West Coburg.
Meanwhile for Hillside, a disappointing second half will leave them pondering and searching for answers as they fall to 0-2.
It will be no easier next week for the Sharks as they host an undefeated and hungry St Albans side, while West Coburg will look to build some momentum when they face a winless Roxburgh Park after the break.
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MOONEE VALLEY 9.14 (68) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 17.13 (115)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has had the perfect start to their Division One promotion with a comfortable 47-point win over Moonee Valley.
After a tight tussle up until half-time, where the Lions only led by seven points, the visitors flexed their muscles and roared away from a flat Moonee Valley.
The Lions had 11 individual goal kickers and put forward a sensational team performance. Jack Burns and Jack Gusman were pivotal with their bags of four and three goals respectively.
Elsewhere, Marc Lock couldn’t put a foot wrong in a sublime individual performance.
Moonee Valley will be looking to make amends for their disappointing third quarter here come next week. The home side conceded eight goals in the third term which ultimately sealed their fate come the final break.
Positives around the ground came from James Kefalas and Josh Toy, who battled hard for the Fog all day.
The Lions will next play Avondale Heights, while Moonee Valley will next look to redeem themselves against a tough Craigieburn opponent.
ST ALBANS 14.15 (99) def. TULLAMARINE 8.12 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans were able to put away Tullamarine in a strong showing at Kings Park Reserve, winning by 39 points.
After a tightly contested first half, the game opened up come the second half as anticipated.
With both sides inaccurate in front of the sticks, it was the Saints who were able to maintain greater scoreboard pressure for a longer period of time.
Eight of the Saints' 14 goals came from Patrick Taban and Tom Eckel who kicked bags of five and three goals respectively. The two goal threats will be ones to watch throughout the season.
Tullamarine stuck around for the majority of the day, and showcased glimpses of what their best footy looks like. With a few stars missing, they challenged the Saints and should walk away with a lot of confidence from their performance.
Ben Weightman looked the only real forward threat on an overall gloomy day. The forward slotted six of the Dees' eights majors to produce a terrific individual performance.
The Dees will need to bring their absolute best when they come up against one of the premiership favourites Oak Park after Easter.
The Saints, meanwhile, will head to Shark Park for Good Friday footy against Hillside.
By Eric Forman
KEILOR PARK 6.11 (47) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 0.1 (1)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park is on the board in 2025 with a 46-point win over Coburg Districts on Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day.
The Devils were on top from the outset with eight scoring shots to none in the opening quarter, but couldn't quite find the middle kicking 1.7.
With their defence remaining solid, the second half in front of goals was a lot more fruitful kicking 5.3 to see some reward for effort.
Georgia O'Donovan led the way with three majors, while Caitlyn Crameri (two goals) and Kyiesha Taylor (one goal) also chipped in.
Ashleigh Drews was named the Mt Alexander Hotel Player of the Match with an outstanding attacking game, while Alexandra Kilty and Mia Tournas were also strong.
Madeline Ladanyi, Georgia Ogston, and Steph Pontonio were among the best for Districts who will next play Strathmore after the break.
The Devils will prepare to face Tullamarine on ANZAC Day.
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WESTMEADOWS 10.6 (66) def. TULLAMARINE 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has made it two from two with a 66-point victory over Tullamarine in twilight action at Willowbrook Reserve.
The Tigers got out to a 20-point lead at quarter time and didn't look back from there with seven second-half goals.
Courteney Munn kicked three goals and was among seven individual goal scorers for Westmeadows.
Munn was named in the best alongside Gemma Wright and Courtney Bligh as they enjoy their start to life in Division One.
Charlotte Jackson and Amy Warden were named the two best for Tulla who will look forward to its next contest on ANZAC Day against Keilor Park.
Westmeadows will next head to Tenterfield Drive to play Burnside Heights after the break.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS v STRATHMORE
Game abandoned
By Levi Swanson
WESTMEADOWS 33.14 (212) def. EAST SUNBURY 6.4 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has responded emphatically with a scintillating 172-point win against East Sunbury.
The Tigers kicked 11 goals in the first quarter including seven in the final 10 minutes to blow the margin open.
It wasn't just the barrage of goals that was impressive, it was the fact they held the Thunder scoreless in the second half.
Hugo Jenkins kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance, while Mitch Church kicked six against his former side.
There were a further 10 goal scorers for Westmeadows, five of whom kicked multiples.
The loss will bring East Sunbury back to earth after an incredible Round 1 showing.
Key targets Todd Elton and Brendan Fevola each kicked two goals, with only Mitch Trimboli and Sam Lockett were named in the best alongside Elton.
Both sides will travel to play on ANZAC Day in their next contests with the Tigers to play Glenroy, and the Thunder to play Rupertswood.
NORTHERN SAINTS 12.7 (79) def. by GLENROY 14.17 (101)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy has made it two wins from two games with a 22-point triumph over Northern Saints.
It was the Saints who started well taking a 17-point lead into the first change after closing the quarter out with three unanswered goals.
Glenroy worked its way back into the contest with the next eight scores of the game, only two of which were goals.
The Roys found some success later in the quarter and took a five-point lead into the main break.
The margin wouldn't change much in the third quarter despite Glenroy finding plenty of opportunities to score, but the Roys were able to convert in the last to extend the deficit.
George Abdallah and Jake Young each kicked three goals with multiples also to Aaron Dimatteo, Mark Sabatino, and Joseph Vaccaro.
Daniel Ferraro and Omar Taleb were named Glenroy's best, with the Abdul-Wahed trio also strong against their former side.
Nick Bruno, Jehad Haddara, and Khoder Taleb did their best for the Saints with three majors each.
Glenroy will next prepare to host Westmeadows on ANZAC Day, while Northern Saints will host Keilor Park the following day.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 12.13 (85) def. HADFIELD 9.8 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights has recorded a stirring 23-point win over Hadfield to get on the winners list in 2025.
It was a tough first showing for the Bears following the loss of senior players in the off season, but they responded with a strong third quarter to break open what was an otherwise tight affair.
The Bears kicked six goals to just one behind in the third quarter to take a 29-point lead into the last change.
Jacob Elia bagged four majors to back up two from last week, with Andrej Krunic and Zack Williams also assisting on the scoreboard with two goals each.
Tyson Iglesias and Ben Ryan were named the Bears' best.
Sam Godden was again forging the path for the Hawks with three goals in a strong performance, while Mousa Said was named their best.
Burnside Heights will next play Coburg Districts on ANZAC Day, while Hadfield will host Sunbury Kangaroo the following day.
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SUNBURY KANGAROOS 12.13 (85) def. by RUPERTSWOOD 18.8 (116)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood has taken out the local derby against Sunbury Kangaroos with a 31-point victory at Eric Boardman Reserve.
Fraser Phelan-Smith kicked five out of nine first-quarter goals for Rupertswood to give the Sharks a five-goal lead at the first change.
That lead would be maintained throughout the contest with Phelan-Smith ending the day with a bag of eight in a best on ground performance.
Clayton Bonello (five goals) and Mitchell Johnston (three goals) contributed strongly in front of goals with singles to Ned Crotty and Tom Markey.
John Corso kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Kangaroos, with Shawn Bowden also important with two goals.
Rupo will next host East Sunbury on ANZAC Day, while Sunbury Kangaroos will play Hadfield the day after.
By Eliza Duncan
ROXBURGH PARK 9.13 (67) def. SUNBURY LIONS 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park has turned its losing margin of last week into its first winning margin of 2025 with a 67-point win over Sunbury Lions.
It was a preliminary final rematch at Lakeside Reserve on Friday night with the Magpies dominating from the outset, leading by 31 points at the first change.
They would pile on a further five goals while keeping the Lions scoreless to secure their first four points of the year.
Roxburgh Park boasted seven individual goal scorers with Summa Blackburn leading the way with three goals.
Lions leaders Kirsty Baker and Taylah Brady were named their best as they'll next play Sunbury Kangaroos after Easter.
Roxy will next face Taylors Lakes in an enticing matchup.
TAYLORS LAKES 16.16 (112) def. EAST SUNBURY 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has moved to 2-0 after another dominant display, beating East Sunbury by 112 points.
The Lions kicked nine first-quarter goals and didn't look back.
Rebecca Foggie was dominant with six goals, while Charlie Goodwin (four goals) and Stef Valerio (three goals) also delivered.
Ally Salpingidis was the best for East Sunbury.
The Thunder will next play Gisborne, while the Lions will play Roxburgh Park.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 2.1 (13) def. by GISBORNE 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne has continued its strong start to the season with a 29-point win over Sunbury Kangaroos.
After a tense first quarter, Gisborne kicked five goals to one in the second quarter to open up the game.
Kareena Jacobsen-Logan dominated up forward with five of Gisborne's six goals in a best on ground performance.
Chey Macumber and Alexia Todorovic were also pivotal in the win.
Tylah Bell and Sophie Dunne hit the scoreboard again for the Kangaroos with a goal each.
Gisborne will next face East Sunbury, while Sunbury Kangaroos will play Sunbury Lions.
