By Luke Mathews
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 13.16 (94) def. by ABERFELDIE 15.7 (97)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have kept up their winning record for season 2024, beating a gallant Avondale heights by just three points at Canning Reserve on ANZAC Day.
The two blues blooded more talent with youngsters Jordan Lombardo and Darby Scott both making their senior debuts, with Scott’s first senior goal sealing the victory for Abers.
Avondale Heights were able to control large portions of the game, however were wasteful in front of goal kicking 16 behinds and recording seven more scoring shots than Aberfeldie.
Danko Bzenic continued his strong start to the year kicking six goals with Jalen Gill and Brody Watts chipping in for multiples.
Connor Byrne, Josh Browne, and Jackson Robb were immense through the middle of the ground with Myles Gollant and the Heights' defensive unit holding up strongly.
Aberfeldie were able to bookend the game with seven and five goals in the first and last quarters respectively.
Ben Ronke kicked four goals while Karl Brown kicked another three goals to boost his tally to 13 for the season to lead the top flight goalkicking.
Both sides will get a much-needed nine-day rest before Aberfeldie take on Pascoe Vale at home, while Avondale Heights will play East Keilor at Overland Reserve.
View this post on Instagram
AIRPORT WEST 8.15 (63) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 14.10 (94)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have made it two wins in a row defeating Airport West by 31 points at Hansen Reserve on Saturday.
Douttas kept up their winning form thanks to six goals from Giacomo Thomas, while Oskar Balta, Bailey Ryan, and Angus Murray each kicked two goals.
Peter Ntalianis put in a strong effort in the engine room, while George Romios was reliable down back, and Oscar Sasalu was a strong option forward of the footy for Douttas.
The Eagles never gave themselves a chance outside of dominating the early stages and weren't able to capitalise on opportunities kicking 15 behinds, seven of which came in the second term.
Captain Ned Gentile was Airport West’s best for the second week running kicking three goals from the midfield, while 19-year-old Thai Macumber kicked two goals on a day when the Eagles struggled in front of the big sticks.
Corey Barbaro made his first appearance in green and white and was a quality inclusion in their defensive half, providing plenty of run and creation while defending staunchly.
Airport West will be hoping to end their winless start to the season when they take on Deer Park at home, while Essendon Doutta Stars will host Strathmore in a clash that'll give them a good test as to where they're at in the scheme of the competition.
DEER PARK 12.12 (84) def. by PASCOE VALE 15.21 (111)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have joined Aberfeldie and Keilor as the only undefeated teams in Premier Division, beating Deer Park away from home by 27 points.
The game remained in the balance for much of the first three quarters with Deer Park taking a slender three-point advantage into the final term due to Pascoe Vale squandering golden opportunities in front of goal.
In the final quarter, Pascoe Vale proceeded to pile on six goals to Deer Park’s two, putting the result beyond doubt.
Matthew Watson kicked three goals while Paul Ahern, Adam Figliola, Hussein El Achkar, and Carled El Khodr chimed in with two goals each.
Spiros Amanrantidis was clinical in front of the goals for the Lions kicking four goals on return, helped by Josh Cooper who also kicked three goals.
Deer Park will be looking to get off the bottom of the ladder next week when they host Airport West, while Pascoe Vale will travel to Clifton Park to take on Aberfeldie.
EAST KEILOR 17.7 (109) def. by GREENVALE 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
East Keilor and Greenvale have played out a classic at Overland Reserve, with the Jets coming out on top by just one point.
The Cougars were accurate in front of goal kicking 17 goals from 24 shots, however it wasn’t enough, falling just short in a valiant effort.
It was a seesawing affair for much of the day, with Greenvale entering the final quarter with a 16-point advantage before both teams combined for 12 goals in an intense fourth quarter.
Lachie Smart was a handful for the Greenvale defenders kicking six goals to make it 10 for the season, while Greenvale veteran Ben Speight and young gun Callum Di Pietro kicked three goals each.
East Keilor will be hoping to get on the winner's list for the first time in 2024 when they take on Avondale Heights, while Greenvale will host reigning premiers Keilor at Section Road.
By Luke Mathews
TULLAMARINE 18.11 (119) def. KEILOR PARK 11.3 (69)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine have banked their first four points of the year, taking down Keilor Park by 50 points at home on ANZAC Day.
Despite Keilor Park’s incredible accuracy in front of goal, the Devils were no match for the Demons after they opened up a 28-point lead by quarter time.
Steven Vocale was one of Tulla’s best kicking three goals while Tim Matson, Brad Horgan, and Kirk Lang all starred for the Demons on a special day on the Australian calendar.
Mitchell Meredith and Michael Gatt did their best for the Devils kicking two goals each, while Pearce Wilkinson and Samuel Pontin both put in strong performances.
Tullamarine will host the undefeated West Coburg next week, while Keilor Park will be looking to regroup before they take on Maribyrnong Park in two weeks time.
HILLSIDE 24.12 (156) def. MOONEE VALLEY 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have kicked the second highest total of any team in Strathmore Community Bank Division One this year beating Moonee Valley by 83 points.
Despite only being down by 10 points at the first change, Moonee Valley were unable to keep up with the Sharks who handed the men in black and white their second 13+ goal loss in as many weeks.
The Sharks kicked 24 goals thanks to nine from Josh Covelli, who takes his tally to 24 for the season – double the next best in the competition – while Captain Anthony Prestia also contributed strongly with three goals.
Ben Ryan played a lone hand for Moonee Valley kicking a very respectable five goals from limited supply, as Charles Aitken and captain Bevan Newell kicked two goals.
Both sides will get a bit of respite next week with the bye before Moonee Valley host Roxburgh Park and Hillside travel to Tullamarine to take on the Demons.
ST ALBANS 14.6 (90) def. by CRAIGIEBURN 18.9 (117)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn have handed St Albans their first loss of the season winning by 27 points at Kings Park Reserve.
The sides were evenly matched for much of the encounter before Craigieburn kicked nine goals to five in the second half to blow the match wide open and record a strong victory.
Homegrown star and captain Jake Carlisle kicked three goals along with Brent Gordon, while Harry Albon and Luke Reichelt were prolific for the Eagles.
Atu Bosenavulagi put in a strong performance for the second week running for the Saints and Bailee Revell kicked four goals to keep St Albans in it.
St Albans will be looking to test themselves next week when they take on Maribyrnong Park, while Craigieburn will sit out next week before travelling to Salesian College to take on Rupertswood.
ROXBURGH PARK 8.8 (56) def. by WEST COBURG 14.23 (107)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have made amends for last week's tough loss, defeating Roxburgh Park by 51 points.
Ibby Taha stepped up once again kicking five goals to go with his four from last week, while Ruairi Cleary kicked four goals to help last year’s runners up return to the winner's list.
Despite going down, Scott Poynter (three goals) and Hayden Farrelly both put in strong performances that would’ve pleased Ross Terranova.
Next week West Coburg will be back at Shore Reserve taking on Tullamarine, while Roxburgh Park will have a week off before playing the winless Moonee Valley.
By Luke Mathews
COBURG DISTRICTS 10.10 (70) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 12.11 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights have kept up their perfect winning record defeating Coburg Districts by 13 points on ANZAC Day.
The match hung in the balance for much of the first three quarters, with the Lions taking a slender one-point lead into the final change before the Bears kicked four goals to two to ensure their third victory for season 2024.
Nick Gregson took his season tally to 10 for the year kicking five goals, while Jacob Elia and captain Jordan Hughes put in strong performances that helped Burnside get over the line.
Despite going down, Coburg Districts had a plethora of contributors, with eight individual goal kickers and Jack McNamara and Ian Fisher being among the best for the Lions.
Next week both teams travel to Sunbury with Burnside Heights taking on the winless East Sunbury and Coburg Districts taking on Sunbury Kangaroos.
GLENROY 8.5 (53) def. by WESTMEADOWS 19.11 (125)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows have sent a message to the rest of the competition that they will be pushing for finals action, taking down Glenroy by 72 points of ANZAC Day.
The Tigers were too strong right out of the gate kicking 13 unanswered goals in the first half that would’ve disappointed many of the home side's supporters.
Westmeadows had an even spread of goal kickers with Korey Flavel-Wood kicking three goals and seven Tigers kicking two.
Glenroy did restore some pride with five unanswered goals in the last quarter, while Tanner Nilsson, Nasir Kodi, and Omar Taleb fought hard all day.
Westmeadows will be hoping to keep up their perfect winning record when they take on Northern Saints, while Glenroy will travel to Taylors Lakes to take on the Lions.
EAST SUNBURY 4.5 (29) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 19.16 (130)
MATCH CENTRE
East Sunbury have suffered their third successive loss, going down to Taylors Lake by 101 points at home.
The Thunder failed to register a score in the second and fourth terms, while the Lions were clinical in front of the sticks which ensured a comfortable victory.
Taylors Lakes vice captain Ben Weightman went to the top of the leading goalkickers tally with six goals and 14 for the year, while Raaf Rachrache also cashed in with five goals.
Joel Scherer and Charlie Spencer both were shining lights for the Thunder and will be hoping to build on their strong performances next week.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Thunder when they take on Burnside Heights next Saturday while Taylors Lakes take on the winless Glenroy.
HADFIELD 11.12 (78) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 15.10 (100)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos overcame a 28-point halftime deficit to take down Hadfield by 22 points at Martin Reserve.
Saturday’s win moves the Kangaroos into third spot, leaving Hadfield one and two to begin the season.
Vice captain Mitch Kook helped turn the game in the Kangaroos favour kicking four goals, as Mitch Streiff and Brandon Smith starred alongside him.
Despite the loss, Hadfield’s Jack Wallace was prolific for the Hawks with two goals and multiple score involvements along with Ayden Woodward who kicked three goals to help Hadfield establish an early lead.
Sunbury Kangaroos will be hoping to move to three and one to begin the season when they take on Coburg Districts, and Hadfield will rest up before playing Northern Saints on May 11.
By Joseph Ibic
ABERFELDIE 5.5 (35) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 4.7 (31)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie won a four-point nailbiter against Maribyrnong Park to take the four points home.
Marby started well kicking two goals to none in the first quarter, but Aberfeldie were able to work into the contest across the next two quarters to go into the final change with a four-point lead, one they held onto until the final siren.
The Lions had a heavy reliance on Tegan Matthews to score their goals as she booted three of their four goals, whereas Aberfeldie found many routes to goal having five individual goalkickers.
Aberfeldie will face the undefeated Hillside next, while Marby Park will play the winless Westmeadows.
OAK PARK 2.1 (13) def. by HILLSIDE 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside stand as the only undefeated team after a comfortable 42-point win over the reigning premiers.
The Sharks blew Oak Park out of the water scoring five unanswered goals by half time and effectively winning the match before Oak Park had even registered a score.
Caitlin Sargent scored five goals for the second week in a row bringing her overall tally for the year to 12 goals.
Oak Park seemingly had no answer to Hillside's relentlessness and despite a competitive third quarter, the Oakers registered three scoreless quarters.
Oak Park will face Moonee Valley next week and Hillside will play last season's other grand finalist in Aberfeldie.
MOONEE VALLEY 10.8 (68) def. KEILOR 5.5 (35)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley recorded an impressive victory over Keilor on the weekend.
The Fog caught Keilor off guard in the first half scoring five goals to one, before Keilor mounted a futile attempt at a comeback in the last quarter.
Moonee Valley shared the scoring around with Nicole Chiera and Charlotte D’Ambrosio kicking three each, as Georgia Marsland kicked two.
Keilor’s frustrating start to the season continues with their third straight loss to start the season, but despite the result, it was Keilor’s best performance with plenty of positives to take out of it.
Moonee Valley next play Oak Park and Keilor will face Essendon Doutta Stars.
WESTMEADOWS 2.1 (13) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 9.5 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows' winless start continues for a third straight week after a tough loss to Essendon Doutta Stars at Willowbrook Reserve.
The Tigers were able to get a couple of consolation goals in the final quarter but outside of that, it was one-way traffic against them as they were held goalless for the first three quarters.
Douttas continued their impressive form since being promoted to Premier Division and are looking a big chance to play finals in their first season.
Westmeadows will take on Maribyrnong Park next, while Essendon Doutta Stars will play Keilor.
By Joseph Ibic
TULLAMARINE 2.3 (15) def. by KEILOR PARK 5.6 (36)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park have won their first game back in the women's ranks with a 21-point victory over Tullamarine on ANZAC Day.
While the margin was never unattainable, Tulla were always trailing and were unable to muster a strong fightback at any stage.
Keilor Park would be pleased with their first win since re-joining the women’s competition and will be looking to build from this performance over the next few weeks.
Tulla will play Greenvale next while Keilor Park will face Strathmore/Pascoe Vale.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 15.15 (105) def. STRATHMORE / PASCOE VALE 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights continued their unbeaten streak with a 105-point victory on the weekend.
The Bears are shaping up as the team to beat this year with another dominant four-quarter performance.
The only downside would be their inaccuracy in front of goals, especially following last week's performance, but given how they played they will not be worrying about that too much at the moment.
Burnside had eight goal scorers led by skipper Kayla Ravanello who booted five for the match.
It was another tough match for Strathmore/Pascoe Vale who were unable to register a single point for the second week in a row.
Burnside Heights will take on Airport West next week as Strathmore/Pascoe Vale take on Keilor Park.
GREENVALE 12.9 (81) def. AIRPORT WEST 2.3 (15)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale recorded a huge 66-point win over the previously undefeated Airport West at Section Road over the weekend.
Greenvale dominated from the start booting six unanswered goals in the first quarter, taking a 45-point lead into the main break.
The Jets shared the goalkicking around with Kiara Delia, Talia Motta, and Nicolette Paschalis all scoring three each.
Airport West will be disappointed by the loss but will understand this is a Greenvale side that's been around the top of the Division One ladder across the last couple of seasons.
Greenvale next play Tullamarine while Airport West face Burnside Heights.
By Joseph Ibic
COBURG DISTRICTS 6.5 (41) def. ROXBURGH PARK 1.5 (11)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts proved too strong for Roxburgh Park to win their second game of the season.
The Districts kept Roxy goalless for the first half and despite a third-quarter fightback by the Magpies, they ultimately could not match Coburg Districts.
Coburg Districts shared the goalkicking around as they had six individual goalkickers showing that they are not reliant on just one or two players to score.
Roxy were competitive once again as their captain Megan Allan led from the front and scored their only goal for the match.
Coburg Districts next play Taylors Lakes and Roxburgh Park have a bye.
TAYLORS LAKES 6.8 (44) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 4.2 (26)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes overcame a strong challenge by Sunbury Kangaroos to win by 18 points at Lionheart Reserve.
Taylors Lakes only had a six-point lead heading into the final term but were able to keep the Kangaroos scoreless to hold a comfortable margin.
Sunbury Kangaroos came out of the blocks strong leading after quarter time but quiet second and fourth quarters ultimately left them short of a win.
Both teams had a few different routes to goal having four goalkickers each in positive signs going forward, with Lions Stef Valerio and Sarah McNally the two multiple goal scorers for the game.
Taylors Lakes next face Coburg Districts and Sunbury Kangaroos take on Glenroy.
GLENROY 1.2 (8) def. by SUNBURY LIONS 22.12 (144)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions have demolished Glenroy by 136 points in an impressive victory at Sewell Reserve.
Glenroy were no match for the classy Lions who find themselves at opposite ends of the winner's column.
Despite a goal in the first quarter, it was all one-way traffic for the Sunbury Lions who were up by 10 goals at half time.
The Lions' 22-goal performance affirms them as strong premiership contenders.
Forward Bianca Pepper booted seven goals while Natachia Abela scored five to extend her season tally to 14.
Glenroy next face Sunbury Kangaroos while Sunbury Lions take on East Sunbury.
