GREENVALE 7.9 (51) def. by AVONDALE HEIGHTS 9.9 (63)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights kicked off their season with a 12-point win first up against Greenvale at Section Road.
Not many would’ve tipped the Heights coming into this one but they were able to build on a positive offseason to grind out the win in what was a tight contest for much of the day.
It was a new-look forward line for the Heights with Danko Bzenic and Tom Gleeson leading the way with two goals, with Liam Bianco, Connor Byrne, and Muharem Muja the other new or returning recruits hitting the scoreboard.
Leading by four points at the final change, the Jets were kept goalless in the fourth quarter and unable to stop the three goals landed by the Heights.
Ben Speight was their only multiple goal scorer as Ray Murphy had a good first outing in the green and black, kicking a goal and being named in their best.
Greenvale will look to make amends against Deer Park, while Avondale Heights will host Essendon Doutta Stars.
AIRPORT WEST 10.14 (74) def. by ABERFELDIE 16.13 (109)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie are on the board in 2024 with a solid 35-point win against Airport West.
Both sides unleashed a range of recruits with Ben Ronke kicking two goals and the returning Brodie Newman and Matthew Williamson named Aberfeldie’s best, while Matt Hanson was as dominant as expected for Airport West.
The difference on the day was the bag of eight goals from Karl Brown who has started on fire after an injury-interrupted 2023 season.
Aberfeldie will look to keep it rolling against East Keilor while the Eagles will face Keilor, one of the more daunting propositions in local football.
DEER PARK 9.8 (62) def. by KEILOR 21.12 (138)
MATCH CENTRE
It was always going to be a tough initiation for Deer Park with Keilor first up, and after a competitive first half, Keilor yet again put their opposition to the sword with a strong third term to run out 76-point victors.
They kicked nine goals to one and were at their relentless best as they enjoyed nine individual goal scorers on the day, including three players with four goals or more.
Cody Brand led the way with five goals alongside Chris Kosmas who has proven to be a tough matchup forward of the footy.
It was a typically well-rounded team performance from the Blues with players in each third named among their best.
Deer Park were missing a number of key players and will be sweating on their return due to depth issues they may encounter through the 2024 season.
Tom Mundy was immense in the engine room through the first half and hit the scoreboard with three goals, while Billy Cannolo and Kier Bol held up admirably in a backline under siege with well-directed, clean entries.
EAST KEILOR 7.13 (55) def. by STRATHMORE 20.8 (128)
MATCH CENTRE
East Keilor were hoping a refreshed group would swing the result of last year’s elimination final against the Mores in their favour, but it remained a comfortable 73-point victory for Strathmore.
The Mores were hot out of the gates kicking seven unanswered goals in the first quarter, and it was an uphill battle for the Cougars from there.
Amin Naim kicked four goals in just his second senior game, with Mitch Purcell and Athan Tsialtas also bagging four goals each.
New recruits shone for both clubs with Trent Dumont yet again named in the best, while Lachie Smart hit the scoreboard with two goals and Nayef Hamad among their top contributors.
East Keilor will look to improve against Abers next week, with Strathmore facing Pascoe Vale in a preliminary final rematch.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.6 (42) def. by PASCOE VALE 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
Rounding out the weekend was Essendon Doutta Stars and Pascoe Vale under new lights at Nipper Jordan Oval, where the Panthers took home the four points.
Pascoe Vale won by 68 points and held a comfortable lead after kicking eight goals to two in the second quarter.
Sunny Brazier booted five goals and was an outlier for the Panthers who boasted 11 individual goal scorers
Bailey Ryan and Julian Callegari both kicked goals in their club debut for Douttas with Declan Tully and Giacomo Thomas picking up from where they left off in 2023,kicking two goals each.
HILLSIDE 11.12 (78) def. CRAIGIEBURN 8.9 (57)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside picked up win number two for season 2024 after a 21-point triumph over Craigieburn at Shark Park.
Josh Covelli was at his unstoppable best, booting seven of their 11 goals – an indication he may be over the injuries he was dealing with last season which is a daunting prospect for Division One defenders.
The game was never beyond reach for the Eagles with the margin standing at just 13 points heading into the final quarter, but were unable to find enough avenues to goal.
Riley Gaylard (three goals) and Mitch Wilson (two goals) were the most effective up forward for Craigieburn, while John Bellino, Sam Laffan, and Luke Reichelt chipped in with singles.
Hillside will want to carry this momentum into a big clash with West Coburg, while Craigieburn have a bye.
ROXBURGH PARK 11.9 (75) def. KEILOR PARK 10.10 (70)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park and Keilor Park both entered this clash hoping for improved performances from their Good Friday appearance and were able to do so.
It was the closest contest across every senior EDFL game over the weekend as the Magpies emerged five-point victors.
Keilor Park trailed by four goals at the final change and stormed home to try and steal the four points, kicking four goals to one in the last quarter, but it wasn’t quite enough.
It’ll give the group some confidence as they head into next week’s contest against Rupertswood.
Roxy had nine individual goal scorers after just four on Good Friday, finding more ways to score in this match – something they’ll need to take on St Albans next week.
MOONEE VALLEY 15.15 (105) def. OAK PARK 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley picked up a 32-point win against Oak Park after a rampant eight-goal final quarter.
The margin at each break never extended beyond five points with the Fog trailing at three-quarter time, before they piled on the goals.
Ben Ryan kicked six goals for Moonee Valley as debutant Blake Townsend-Booth slotted two majors.
Oak Park’s Kane O’Halloran was the only other multiple goal scorer for the game who kicked five.
Although the game was still in the balance until the final quarter, Ian Denny’s men were inaccurate in front of goal with 30 scoring shots compared to Oak Park’s 18.
After a slow start last season, they’ve reversed that with a solid first up victory and will look for a second win next week against Maribyrnong Park.
Oak Park meanwhile will take on Tullamarine who’ll make their first appearance this season.
RUPERTSWOOD 5.6 (36) def. by ST ALBANS 16.18 (114)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans have started their 2024 campaign with a commanding 78-point win over Rupertswood.
The Saints were inaccurate in front of goal but were able to pepper the goalface enough to extend the margin to a comfortable lead for much of the game.
Josh Carter kicked four goals with Jake Galea and Andrew Papazoglou (three each) both contributing to the Saints’ 16 majors.
Rupo were held to just five goals with homegrowns named among their best.
St Albans play Roxburgh Park next week while Rupertswood will prepare for Keilor Park.
WEST COBURG 12.9 (81) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 8.17 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg took the four points in their first meeting with Maribyrnong Park following a 16-point victory at Shore Reserve.
The Burgers kicked four unanswered goals in the first quarter and held the Lions at a similar distance for most of the contest.
It wasn’t through a lack of opportunities for Marby, however, who kicked 8.17, emulating Deer Park’s inaccuracy in their first game at the Shoretress in 2023.
Ibby Taha led the offence for West Coburg with three goals, while Jordan Anastasakis and James Kayrooz each kicked two goals for Marby.
Marby will be looking to get back on the winner’s list against Moonee Valley, while West Coburg will face another contender in Hillside.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 18.21 (129) def. HADFIELD 5.5 (35)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore Community Bank Division Two kicked off on Friday night at the Bear Cave where Burnside Heights showed off their new recruits in a 94-point victory over Hadfield.
After a relatively even first term, the Bears kicked five goals to one in the second and would only extend the lead from there, kicking 10 second-half goals to two.
Daniel Hovey (four goals), Jaydon Stiles (four goals), and Nick Gregson (three goals) provided the scoreboard impact and forward targets Cole Harvey would’ve been hoping for, while Jordan Hughes and Anthony Petracca each filtered down for two goals apiece.
Jake Polizzi and Sam Godden were both shining lights for Hadfield in what was an otherwise tough night, while Zac Polizzi and Rhys Gleisner were as reliable as we’ve come to expect for the Hawks.
Hadfield will face Glenroy in a reignited local rivalry, while the Bears will face Northern Saints.
COBURG DISTRICTS 12.16 (88) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts continue their winning streak against Northern Saints after grinding out a hard-fought seven-point win in Charlie Denaro’s first game at the helm.
The game ebbed and flowed all day as the Lions had eight shots on goals to Northern Saints’ three in the final term, proving the difference in the end.
Jack Gusman and George Fotiadis crossed over with Denaro from Hillside and kicked four and three goals respectively.
Khoder Taleb (four goals) and Ed Withington (three goals) mirrored their effort up the other end but fell just short.
Coburg Districts will look to keep it rolling against Westmeadows as Northern Saints will try to bounce back against Burnside Heights.
TAYLORS LAKES 15.16 (106) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 10.14 (74)
MATCH CENTRE
The preliminary final rematch didn’t disappoint with Taylors Lakes eventually making amends with a 32-point victory over Sunbury Kangaroos at Lionheart Reserve.
The Kangaroos enjoyed a hot start with 10 first-quarter scoring shots, but weren’t able to nail their accuracy kicking just three goals.
The Lions kicked six goals to two in the second quarter to take a 12-point lead into the main break which was reduced to just a single point with a quarter to play.
Taylors Lakes ran away with it in the end kicking five unanswered goals in the final term.
Ben Weightman enjoyed a terrific debut at the Den with eight goals, while prized, late recruit Lachie Rayner was named in the best in his first outing in the blue and gold.
Ben Cannon, Andrew Siekai, Jack Vivian, and Blake Tirchett each kicked multiples for the Kangaroos who’ll face East Sunbury in a local derby as Taylors Lakes have the bye.
EAST SUNBURY 4.7 (31) def. by WESTMEADOWS 26.15 (171)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows were dominant in their first game in Strathmore Community Bank Division Two with a 140-point win over East Sunbury.
The Thunder won the second quarter after a slow start, but were blown away in the second half as Westy piled on 19 goals to two.
Rex Hickman led the way with six goals, while Aaron Evans (five goals), Korey Flavel-Wood (four goals), and Ryan Stingel (four goals) were all lethal in front of the sticks for the Tigers.
Westmeadows would be pleased with a lot of their homegrowns dominating the play as it seems their ethos will be to build from within.
Brandon Brancatisano kicked three of East Sunbury’s four goals and was among their top performers.
WESTMEADOWS 2.3 (15) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley picked up the win first up with a 27-point victory over Westmeadows.
The Fog kicked three unanswered goals in the second quarter and would only extend the margin from there.
Charlotte D’Ambrosio averaged over two goals a game in 2023 and started the season with two majors, equalling Georgia Marsland’s effort in front of goal.
Tara Newman, Bronwyn Peddley, and Kate Maxwell picked up from where they left off in 2023 and were among Moonee Valley’s best, while Courteney Munn and Flavia Rajapakse were important for the Tigers.
Westy will look to bounce back against Hillside as the Fog take on Maribyrnong Park.
KEILOR 1.4 (10) def. by HILLSIDE 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside were able to keep Keilor to just one goal as they cruised to a 71-point win at Joe Brown Oval.
Former Blues Brooke Kerrigan and Emma Picone were key contributors for the Sharks with Picone slotting two goals along with skipper Hannah Ibrahim, Caitlin Sargent, and Yara Taylor.
Former Shark Kiera Leare was named the best for the Blues with Maddie Barton their lone goal scorer.
Hillside will look to keep it rolling against Westmeadows while Keilor will take on Aberfeldie.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 3.2 (20) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 11.8 (74)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have commenced their second campaign in the top flight with a nine-goal victory over Maribyrnong Park.
Douttas came out of the blocks hard kicking four goals to one in the opening quarter with the result never in question from there.
Aleesha Hobbs kicked three goals after missing the majority of the 2023 season, with Jessie Hulett slotting two goals alongside Hobbs.
Emily Kostandinov and Casee Gazelle were named Douttas’ best with new recruit Yasmin Welsford also playing an important hand.
Gabrielle Mahoney (two goals) and new recruit Tegan Matthews (one goal) were the only goal scorers for the Lions who’ll play Moonee Valley next week, with Douttas unfurling their flag against the reigning premiers Oak Park.
OAK PARK 7.11 (53) def. ABERFELDIE 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park took out the highly anticipated grand final rematch against Aberfeldie with a strong 25-point victory at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The Kangaroos led by nine points at the first change and would keep Aberfeldie at a reasonable distance before kicking three goals to one in the final quarter to run out comfortable victors.
Emily Findlay and Alex Quigley kicked two goals each with Alexi Kasteliotis and Sam German each kicking one.
For Aberfeldie, they had four goal scorers with Olivia Madden and new recruit Lyra Veniegas named their best.
Oak Park will take on their next challenger in Essendon Doutta Stars, while Aberfeldie will try and get back on track against Keilor.
AIRPORT WEST 10.10 (70) def. KEILOR PARK 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West started their Division One campaign with a 56-point victory over Keilor Park.
The Eagles would score consistently throughout each quarter and keep the Devils at bay in their first game since reintroducing their women’s program.
Sophie Cachia crossed back into the EDFL with the Eagles for the 2024 season and led the way with three goals, with Georgia O’Donovan kicking two.
Skipper Mia Tournas and Caitlyn Crameri kicked the two Keilor Park goals with Nyanthier Malual, Alexandra Kilty, and Laycee Eustace named their best.
The Eagles play Strathmore/Pascoe Vale next week with Keilor Park facing Greenvale.
GREENVALE 3.2 (20) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights drew first blood in convincing fashion against fellow flag-favourite Greenvale with a 48-point win at Section Road.
The margin was just two goals and three goals and half and three-quarter time respectively before the Bears kicked five unanswered goals to run away with the four points.
Bella Negri, Kayla Ravanello, and Holly Taylor kicked two goals each and ended with seven different goal scorers compared to three individual goal scorers from the Jets.
Back-to-back Division one leading goal scorer Alisa Magri was held goalless with the Jets only able to add one goal to their tally after the main break.
The Jets will look to get on the board against the Devils as the Bears take on Tullamarine.
TULLAMARINE 8.3 (51) def. STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 2.1 (13)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine picked up the win against the combined Strathmore/Pascoe Vale outfit, kicking five goals to one after the main break to take the four points.
Kiara Talbot booted four goals for the Demons with Amy Warden and Jade Reaburn each hitting the scoreboard with a goal each and named their best.
Amy Webber and Natasha Ziegelaar kicked the two goals for Strathmore/Pascoe Vale with Michelle Duke, Clara Toperosa, and Maeve Langston among their best.
GLENROY 2.4 (16) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 3.13 (31)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy and Roxburgh Park commenced their seasons with a tight contest at Sewell Reserve.
A four-point contest at the main break, Roxy were able to find avenues to goal but without converting, couldn’t quite put the Roys away.
The Magpies ended up winning by 15 points but had 16 scoring shots to Glenroy’s six.
Natasha Fama and Erica Linehan were named Roxy’s best with Jameson Best, Emily Val, and Katelyn Birmingham kicking their goals..
Emily Williams, Kiara Croxford, Jackie Vella, Jess Ashcroft, Tina Maio, and Ruqaiyah Allouche were named in Glenroy’s best.
SUNBURY LIONS 9.7 (61) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Two returning sides from 2023 faced off in a local derby which saw Sunbury Lions take a comfortable victory over Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Lions won by 47 points and kicked eight goals to one after quarter time led by a bag of five from Natachia Abela.
Bianca Pepper kicked two goals as Emily Taylor managed a goal in an excellent performance.
Nat Dunne and Teaghan Tweedly kicked goals for the Kangaroos with Breanna Tarczon and Tylah Bell named their best.
EAST SUNBURY 0.2 (2) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 16.8 (104)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes were superb in their first senior women’s contest against a valiant East Sunbury, winning by 102 points.
The Lions boasted 10 individual goal scorers with Stef Valerio leading the way with three majors.
Courtney McCormack chipped in with two goals and was named their best alongside Emma Villani and Jorja Brink.
For the Thunder, Sarah Hunt, Paige Ibbotson, and Steph Pontonio were named their best in their first outing and will look to build on this performance against Sunbury Kangaroos next week.
