By Luke Mathews
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 11.9 (75) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 17.14 (116)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have chalked up their first win in 2024 knocking off Avondale Heights by 41 points at Canning Reserve.
Despite coming off a strong win last weekend against Greenvale, Avondale Heights were unable to match Douttas for four quarters who were looking to respond after a tough first outing.
The Avondale Heights backline was no match for Bailey Ryan and vice captain Declan Tully who kicked five goals each, while Oscar Sasalu was able to hit the scoreboard with three of his own in his first game back at the club after transferring during the week.
After a tight first three quarters that saw Essendon Doutta Stars lead by only a kick heading into the final term, Douttas were able to kick away in the last quarter piling on six goals to one to ensure a comfortable victory.
The Heights will prepare for a marquee ANZAC Day clash with Abers, while Douttas will want to carry this momentum into a clash with Airport West.
ABERFELDIE 17.15 (117) def. EAST KEILOR 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have made it two wins in a row to start 2024 beating East Keilor by 36 points at Clifton Park.
Ben Ronke was prolific up forward for the Rillas kicking three goals, while Karl Brown continued his strong start to the year kicking another two goals to go with his bag of eight last week.
The loss leaves East Keilor still searching for their first win of the year as they currently sit bottom of the ladder, with Airport West and Deer Park as the other winless sides this year.
Lachie Smart kicked another two goals as the Cougars enjoyed more contributors on the scoreboard, with Jack Cackett and Michael Dalrymple other multiple goal scorers who were among their best.
Abers will be looking to make it three in a row on Thursday when they travel to Canning Reserve to take on Avondale Heights on ANZAC day, as East Keilor look to get on the winner's list against Greenvale.
GREENVALE 18.14 (122) def. DEER PARK 12.11 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have made up for last week's disappointing loss to Avondale Heights defeating the promoted Deer Park by 39 points at Section Road.
Despite having a successful 2023 campaign, Jamie Madigan’s side is yet to notch up its first win in Premier Division after consecutive losses to Greenvale and reigning premiers Keilor.
Dylan Aridas, Samuel Zumbo, and Josh Porter were among the Jets' best as they piled on eight unanswered goals in the third term to secure the side's first victory in 2024.
Deer Park will look to bank its first four points of the year next week at home against 2023 preliminary finalists Pascoe Vale.
KEILOR 14.20 (104) def. AIRPORT WEST 7.11 (53)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor have continued their hot start to 2024 beating Airport West comfortably by 51 points.
Mick McGuane’s men never had their advantage threatened after they jumped out to a 20-point lead at quarter time and followed it up with a five-goal second term.
The reigning premiers had a forgettable day in front of goal, kicking 20 behinds with eight of them coming in the third quarter.
Corey Ellis was once again among Keilor’s best, while the ever-reliable Ned Gentile put in a captain's performance as the Eagles' best.
PASCOE VALE 11.17 (83) def. STRATHMORE 7.10 (52)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have inflicted revenge from last year's preliminary final, downing Strathmore by 31 points at Raeburn Reserve.
Pascoe Vale have joined Keilor and Aberfeldie as the only sides to boast a 100 per cent winning record in 2024 after the Panthers knocked off last year’s grand finalists in a scrappy affair.
Both sides missed golden opportunities, however Pascoe Vale stood tall when it counted kicking five goals to two in the final term.
19-year-old Charlie Bolmat was impressive for the Panthers while Trent Dumont and Kade Mueller fought hard all day for the Mores.
Strathmore will be hoping to square their ledger in two weeks time when they take on Doutta Stars, while Pascoe Vale will hope to continue their winning start to the year against Deer Park.
By Luke Mathews
OAK PARK 12.9 (81) def. TULLAMARINE 9.10 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have notched up their first win in Division One for season 2024 beating Tullamarine by 17 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The 2023 Division Two premiers had a rough start to the season losing their first two games, however Saturday’s win will provide some much-needed relief and belief for the Kangaroos.
Kane O’Halloran was too strong for Tulla’s backline kicking another bag of five goals, while Anthony De Lorenzi and Jedd Taylor also put in strong performances for Oak Park.
Tullamarine will be hoping to get their season on track on ANZAC Day when they take on Keilor Park at the mens' first game back at Leo Dineen Reserve since the 2022 season.
Oak Park, meanwhile, will be looking forward to a much-needed rest this weekend.
KEILOR PARK 8.11 (59) def. by RUPERTSWOOD 15.10 (100)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood have claimed their first victory of 2024 beating Keilor Park away from home by 41 points.
With both sides hoping to record their first win of the year, it was Rupertswood who outclassed Keilor Park kicking seven goals to one in the third quarter and running away with the victory.
Daniel and James Mifsud both put in strong performances kicking five goals between them on a day where goals were hard to come by for the Devils.
Clayton Bonello staked his claim for the three votes kicking six goals, while Fraser Phelan-Smith kicked four of his own.
The Devils will be hoping to get off the bottom of the ladder next week when they take on Tullamarine, while Rupo have the bye.
ST ALBANS 9.19 (73) def. ROXBURGH PARK 8.6 (54)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans have continued their winning start to 2024 defeating Roxburgh Park by 19 points on Saturday.
Despite a slow start, the Saints took their opportunities late kicking five goals in the last quarter to overrun the magpies.
Although the scoreline is an unflattering one for St Albans having kicked 19 behinds, they'll take some encouraging signs out of the fact they were able to produce that many scoring shots.
Atu Bosenavulagi was prolific for the Saints while captain Jack Elliott led from the front for Roxy kicking three goals.
St Albans will be looking to maintain their perfect record next week when they take on Craigieburn, while Roxburgh Park host West Coburg.
WEST COBURG 16.12 (108) def. by HILLSIDE 17.9 (111)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have suffered their first home and away loss since August 2022 after losing to Hillside by three points in a high-scoring encounter.
After overcoming former Premier Division side Maribyrnong Park last week, the Burgers weren’t able to hold on against Hillside after leading by as many as 27 points in the third quarter.
In the end, Hillside made the most of their opportunities with Josh Covelli being the difference kicking six goals, four of which came in the final quarter.
Despite going down in an early contender for one of the games of the year, Ibby Taha (four goals) and Muhammad Saad (three goals) did their best to help West Coburg get over the line.
Hillside will look to keep up their winning streak next week against Moonee Valley, while West Coburg will hope to return to the winner's list against Roxburgh Park.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 27.14 (176) def. MOONEE VALLEY 10.7 (67)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have made up for last week's disappointment after defeating Moonee Valley under lights by 109 points.
After a difficult 2023 campaign, Marby have sent a warning to the rest of the competition that they are a force to be reckoned with in 2024.
Brodie Holland’s side piled on 27 goals thanks to five goals from Rook Barry and four goals each from Darcy Griffin, Jack Mantello, and Thomas Wyatt.
Jack Newman and Richard Potter were the shining lights for Moonee Valley on a dark evening with both men kicking two goals each.
Marby will enjoy a bye next week, while it doesn’t get any easier for Moonee Valley when they take on the undefeated Hillside on Saturday.
By Eli Duxson
NORTHERN SAINTS 11.9 (75) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 14.10 (94)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights go two from two after grinding out a 19-point win against Northern Saints.
Each side had their moments in the first half with the scores level heading into the main break, before the Bears opened a buffer with a four-goal-to-one third term.
Northern Saints kept attacking the final term, but Cole Harvey's men matched them and maintained their margin.
The tall timbers in Josh Neralic and Lachlan Evans were among the top performers for the Bears alongside Anthony Petrarca, as Daniel Hovey and Dion Lawson each bagged four goals.
Ed Withington matched their effort with four goals of his own up the other end, with Daniel Trikilis (two goals) their only other multiple goal scorer.
Northern Saints move to 0-2 but it'll be far from panic stations as they head into a bye, having faced two sides gunning for finals placement.
The Bears on the other hand will prepare for an ANZAC Day clash with Coburg Districts.
HADFIELD 11.13 (79) def. GLENROY 9.11 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield have recorded their first win since July last season after downing local rival Glenroy in a tight affair at Martin Reserve.
The Hawks won by 14 points with Jack Wallace kicking four goals in a best-on-ground performance, supported by Josh Trembearth and Mathew Cornwall who each kicked two goals.
Aaron Kite enjoyed his first game back in the red and white booting four goals, but with singles to five teammates, they couldn't quite kick a winning score.
Zac Smith and James Bennie were named the best for the Roys who will play their first game at home in a blockbuster clash on ANZAC Day against Westmeadows.
Hadfield will remain at home and face Sunbury Kangaroos.
WESTMEADOWS 8.5 (53) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 5.18 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows capitalised on an inaccurate Coburg Districts to take a nail biting five-point victory and make it two wins to start their Division Two campaign.
It was a hot start for the Tigers who kicked five unanswered goals in the first term, before the Lions kicked into gear with four unanswered of their own in the second.
With the margin just four points at the main break, Westy added on the only three goals of the third quarter to hold an 18-point lead at the final change.
The trend continued with Coburg Districts holding Westy goalless, but they were unable to capitalise on an abundance of opportunities as they kicked 1.8 in the final term to fall agonisingly short.
Goals were seemingly hard to come by with Aaron Evans and Rex Hickman kicking two goals for the Tigers, and Districts' William Banks the only other multiple goal scorer on the ground with two of his own.
Westmeadows will want to carry their momentum into ANZAC Day and make it three on the trot, while Coburg Districts will look to bounce back against an in-form Burnside Heights.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 11.13 (79) def. EAST SUNBURY 9.5 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos have yet again taken out the Local Cup after picking up a 20-point victory over East Sunbury.
The Kangaroos were hot out of the gates under lights at Eric Boardman Reserve kicking five unanswered goals in the first quarter, but the Thunder were able to hold on in a much-improved performance from last week and remain competitive until the end.
East Sunbury outscored the Kangaroos after quarter-time with Mitch Church (four goals) and Charlie Spencer (three goals) providing effective targets forward of the footy for the Thunder.
Singles to Dayne Tannenberg and Liam Watson rounded out East Sunbury's scorers, whereas the Kangaroos found eight avenues to goal with Ben Cannon, Mitch Streiff, and Andrew Siekai kicking two each.
The Kangaroos will face Hadfield at Martin Reserve, while East Sunbury will host Taylors Lakes.
By Joseph Ibic
ABERFELDIE 10.19 (79) def. KEILOR 3.5 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie picked up their first win of the season after beating Keilor by 56 points.
The two blues were able to keep Keilor goalless until the third quarter before limiting them to just three goals for the match.
Amy Trindade scored three goals and Olivia Madden scored two goals for Abers, while Lily Robinson, Elizabeth Woerndle, and Danielle Angley were among their best players.
Keilor had three individual goalkickers in Katherine De Araugo, Amelia Grech, and Sabrine Navarro, with Kiera Leare, Eleanor Cornish, and Megan Neill some of their top performers.
Aberfeldie will face Maribyrnong Park next while Keilor will come up against Moonee Valley.
HILLSIDE 13.17 (95) def. WESTMEADOWS 0.2 (2)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside defeated Westmeadows by 93 points in what was another dominant win by the Sharks.
Caitlin Sargent booted five goals, while Brittney Bonner, Ellie Neralic, and Yara Taylor were instrumental in what was a defensive and attacking masterclass by the Sharks.
Westmeadows will be trying to look for the positives in what was otherwise a tough day for the Tigers.
Ruby Smith, Jayda Guzel, and Nikayla Jones were in the best players for the second straight week.
Hillside will next face reigning premiers Oak Park while Westmeadows will take on Essendon Doutta Stars.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 0.4 (4) def by. OAK PARK 2.8 (20)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park defeated Essendon Doutta Stars by 16 points in what was a hard-fought game with great defence from both sides.
Oak Park proved to be too strong in the end with single goals from Savannah Byrne and Erin Graham the only goals for the match.
Chiara Guarino, Rhianna Nunn, and Tafa Malumu were among the best for the Oakers.
Douttas will take plenty out of the match despite being held goalless as keeping the reigning premiers to just two goals is no easy task.
Jasmine Arezzolo, Yasmin Welsford, and Candice Dyson were among Douttas' best.
Douttas will play Westmeadows next week while Oak Park will play the unbeaten Hillside.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 10.11 (71) def. MOONEE VALLEY 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park defeated Moonee Valley by 29 points in a high-scoring match at Walsh Oval.
Tegan Matthews had a day out scoring five of Marby Park's 10 goals, while Zhoe Durst, Madeline Convery, and Jade Cilia were also among the best players.
For the Fog, Georgia Marsland and Kate Maxwell were both in the best players for the second game in a row and were supported by Sally O’Brien, Aaliyah Malik, and Amy Hoang.
Marby Park will face last year's runners up Aberfeldie next week, while Moonee Valley face the winless Keilor.
By Joseph Ibic
KEILOR PARK 2.0 (12) def. by GREENVALE 12.11 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale recorded their first win of the season with a 71-point domination of Keilor Park.
Alisa Magri scored six goals and Nicolette Paschalis scored three, with Haylea Cooke, Amy Hakim, and Adela Luke among the best players for Greenvale.
Caitlyn Crameri was best on ground for Keilor Park after scoring both their goals which came in last quarter of the match.
Caprice Baillie, Alana Vidov, and Nyanthier Malual were also solid contributors for the Devils.
Keilor Park will face Tulla next on ANZAC Day as Greenvale will face the undefeated Airport West.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 3.13 (31) def. TULLAMARINE 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights remain unbeaten after a solid 25-point triumph over Tulamarine.
Despite their inaccuracy in front of goal, Burnside Heights completed a relatively comfortable win keeping Tulla to just one goal.
Bella Negri kicked two of Burnside Heights' three goals while Holly McGregor kicked the other.
Nikkita Asani-Davis, Ashley Zahra, and Anj Singh were among the Bears' best.
Tullamarine only managed one goal in what was a difficult match for the Demons, with Elisha Wain, Tricia Devine, and Amy Warden were at their reliable best.
Burnside Heights will next face Strathmore/Pascoe Vale, as Tulla prepares for Keilor Park on ANZAC Day.
STRATHMORE / PASCOE VALE 0.0 (0) def by. AIRPORT WEST 9.11 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West defeated Strathmore / Pascoe Vale by 65 points in what was another impressing showing from the Eagles.
Airport West kept their opponents scoreless for the entire match in what was a defensive masterclass.
Georgia O’Donovan and Alana Wenban booted three goals each with Edyn Grubisic, Rhiarn Daley, and Ashleigh Drews standout performers.
Strathmore / Pascoe Vale finished a difficult day at the office without scoring a single point, however, positives could be found in the performances of Natasha Zlegelaar, Michelle Duke, and Charlize Kraljevic.
Strathmore / Pascoe Vale will next face the undefeated Burnside Heights and Airport West will go head-to-head with Greenvale.
By Joseph Ibic
ROXBURGH PARK 2.0 (12) def by. SUNBURY LIONS 8.8 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions defeated Roxburgh Park by 44 points under lights at Lakeside Oval on Friday night to make it two wins from two games.
Natachia Abela kicked four goals taking her season goalkicking tally to nine goals after just two games.
Taylah Brady, Emily Taylor, and Amy Clendenning were among the Lions' best players.
Roxburgh Park lost their first match of the season in what was a tough contest for them.
Natalie Tull-Boyle scored both goals for the Magpies, while Megan Allan, Willow Harrington, and Dakotta Liddy were valuable performers.
Roxburgh Park will come up against Coburg Districts and Sunbury Lions will take on Glenroy next week.
COBURG DISTRICTS 16.11 (107) def. GLENROY 3.0 (18)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts defeated Glenroy by 89 points in what was a dominant performance in their first appearance this season.
Olivia Woods scored five goals as Jacinta Brew and Harmoni Chivell kicked three each in their impressive win.
Helena Katsios, Sarah Docherty, and Amanda Thompson were amongst the best for Districts.
Glenroy were accurate in front of goal in the tough loss, converting all three of their scoring shots into goals.
Glenroy’s best on the day included Rhiannon Morley, Jess Ashcroft, and Emily Williams.
Coburg Districts will come up against Roxburgh Park next while Glenroy will face Sunbury Lions.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 12.21 (93) def. EAST SUNBURY 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos will have bragging rights after defeating their local rivals East Sunbury by 85 points.
Nat Dunne scored three goals for the Kangaroos who despite kicking 12 majors, were inaccurate in front of goal.
Sophie Dunne, Tylah Bell, and Elisha Green were valuable contributors for the Kangaroos.
It was another tough loss for East Sunbury but there were still positives as Sarah Hunt put in a second consecutive standout performance.
Jacqui Elliot, Maegan Scholtz, and Sophia Iosifidis were also among the best for the Thunder.
Sunbury Kangaroos will next face Taylors Lakes as East Sunbury will have the bye.
