By Luke Mathews
PASCOE VALE 10.7 (67) def. by DEER PARK 19.12 (126)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has hurt Pascoe Vale’s faint finals hopes, defeating the Panthers by 59 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The Panthers couldn’t find the form that saw them knock off league heavyweights Strathmore and Keilor in recent outings and now sit two games and 34 per cent out of fifth.
Saturday’s win means the Lions have wrapped up fourth spot and will have their eyes set on an elimination final matchup in the first week of finals.
The sides went blow for blow in the first quarter, however Pascoe Vale had their noses in front at the first change.
The Panthers were held goalless in the second quarter and were made to pay with Deer Park turning the tables on them and were up by 11 points at half time.
With their season on a knife’s edge, the Panthers were found wanting with Deer Park piling on seven third quarter goals to go into the final change ahead by 42 points.
Jamie Madigan’s side weren’t finished there, kicking six goals to four in the final quarter to help run away with a comprehensive victory.
Trent McKenzie stole the show at Raeburn kicking a season-high 10 goals and was a handful for Pascoe Vale’s backline, while Billy Cannolo and Josh Chatfield were also excellent.
Paul Ahern’s strong end to 2025 continued with the midfielder picking up 37 disposals and eight clearances, while youngsters Carled El Khodr and Mahmoud Taha showed plenty of promise.
Deer Park will face a much tougher test next week when they take on Aberfeldie at Clifton Park, while Pascoe Vale will meet with Airport West.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 12.12 (84) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 19.10 (124)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have gone one step closer to booking their ticket to finals after defeating Maribyrnong Park by 40 points at Monk Oval.
The win means Douttas are one game and percentage clear of Airport West in sixth spot, however do have tough matchups with Strathmore and Keilor looming.
After such a positive start to the season, the Lions are now two games and 18 per cent outside of the five having lost five games in a row.
With their season on the line, the Lions came to play and raced out to a 22-point quarter time lead thanks to five first quarter goals.
Like they have done for most of the year, Douttas hit back with five goals of their own in the second quarter and were up by four points heading into the main break.
Brodie Holland’s men returned serve in the third quarter with five goals of their own handing them back the lead heading into the final quarter.
With the game in the balance, Douttas had all the answers, kicking eight final quarter goals to storm away to a stirring 40-point win.
Bailey Ryan did the damage on the scoreboard kicking another eight goals to take his season tally to 55, while Declan Tully and Liam Mercieca stood up when it mattered most.
Brodie Romensky’s strong form continued with the midfielder again among Marby’s best, while Ned Ryan and Zach Coughlan continued to show plenty of promise.
Douttas will be hoping to wrap up their top five finish when they host Strathmore, while Marby will travel to Joe Brown Oval to take on Keilor.
EAST KEILOR 0.2 (2) def. by ABERFELDIE 48. 23 (311)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have all but locked in second spot, defeating East Keilor by 309 points at Overland Reserve.
The thumping victory is the Rillas second 300-point victory over the Cougars for 2025.
The Cougars knew they were in for a tough day right from the get-go, conceding 13 goals in the first quarter alone before giving up another 10 in the second quarter.
The visitors were determined to turn their 148-point half time lead into another big victory, kicking another 25 goals in the second half to claim a 52-goal win.
Callum Moore was the story of the day booting a competition record 20 goals and now takes the record off teammate Sam Paea who booted 17 goals in the Round 7 clash.
Moore wasn’t the only one who had a day out with Sam Medland, Brodie Newman, and James Peters all kicking bags of five goals.
The usual suspects for East Keilor continued to fight hard all day with Nathan Perrone, Jackson Griffiths, and Ben Nicholl all doing their best.
Abers will be back at Clifton Park to take on Deer Park, while East Keilor will square off with Greenvale at Overland Reserve.
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GREENVALE 10.8 (68) def. by KEILOR 21.24 (150)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has returned to the winner’s list after defeating Greenvale by 82 points at Section Road.
Despite having little to play for in terms of ladder position, the reigning premiers found what they were looking for ahead of a huge month of finals footy.
Coach Mick McGuane was satisfied with his side’s response early and their ruthless approach in the three phases of the game, however was disappointed with his side’s accuracy.
The undermanned Jets still managed to put up a strong showing in the final quarter and proved there were plenty of things to carry into 2026.
The reigning premier’s intent was clear very early on with 11 goals in the first quarter opening up a 55-point quarter time lead.
Greenvale fought back in the second quarter, however they were still behind by 60 points at half time before the Blues extended their lead to 86 points before three quarter time.
The home side got the better of Keilor in the final quarter and prevented the margin blowing out beyond three figures, kicking five goals to Keilor’s four.
Kane Barbuto led the response from Keilor gathering 36 disposals, while Kyle O’Connor and Jermarl Daly were also excellent again.
Jarryd Bonello’s excellent 2025 continued with another 27 disposals and 10 marks, while Ben Speight and James Manfre were also solid.
Keilor will be hoping for more of the same when they take on Marby at Joe Brown Oval, while Greenvale will meet with East Keilor at Overland Reserve.
AIRPORT WEST 15.10 (100) def. STRATHMORE 14.10 (94)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have kept their finals hopes alive after defeating Strathmore by six points at Hansen Reserve.
The win means the Eagles are now in sixth spot with two games to play, however they’ll need to beat both Deer Park and Pascoe Vale if they want to play finals.
Strathmore’s double chance now could be in jeopardy with the Mores just four points clear of Deer Park with tough matchups against Douttas and Aberfeldie to come in the next two weeks.
Strathmore got off to the better start kicking the first four goals, before Airport West got back two just before the quarter time siren to go into the break just 11 points behind.
The Eagles carried the momentum into the second quarter and got their noses in front by a point, kicking five goals to Strathmore’s three.
The Mores hit back kicking four goals to three in the third quarter to go into the final break with a five-point advantage.
Strathmore got some breathing space with a goal at the two-minute mark giving them a 12-point lead, before Airport West turned the game on its head with the next three majors.
The Mores snatched the lead back with a goal 15 minutes into the final quarter, before a goalless 11 minutes added to the tension.
After two behinds handed them back the lead, Airport West kicked two goals in quick succession to extend the lead to 12 points and were able to hang on for a famous win.
Inspirational captain Ned Gentile’s brilliance continued with the midfielder kicking another four goals, while Tyson Young and Brendan Godden were also superb.
Despite going down, youngsters Hugh Allison and Kade Mueller were good once again, while Liam Cavanagh’s dominant 2025 season continued.
Strathmore will be looking to bounce back when they take on Douttas at Nipper Jordan Oval, while Airport West will meet with Pascoe Vale at Hansen Reserve.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
HILLSIDE 11.12 (78) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have ended their regular season campaign with a bang, defeating the Essendon Doutta Stars at home by 72 points.
The Sharks comfortably held their ground for much of the game, opening things up with four goals. They continued to pile on the pressure in the second half, though the Stars were able to sneak in a goal in a tense third quarter.
The Sharks dominance and intensity left their opponents struggling to find answers right up until the final siren.
Emily Paterno once again stepped up and helped bolster her side in the win, with the Sharks talent booting four goals.
Caitlin Sargent also delighted with her three goals, while Madalyn Kelly kick two of her own on the afternoon.
Amandeep Heyer slotted the lone goal for Douttas.
The win at Hillside Recreation Reserve sees the Sharks with a second consecutive win (their thirteenth in 2025) at the conclusion of the regular season.
Their efforts this year see them booked a spot in the elimination final.
The Stars will be disappointed with the result, but still get to keep their premiership aspirations alive.
The win also marks a preview ahead of next week's elimination final, where the two sides will meet once again at Lionheart Reserve.
KEILOR 10.4 (64) def. GREENVALE 8.3 (51)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor reigned supreme at Joe Brown Oval after steamrolling Greenvale by 13 points to end their regular season on a high.
It was a tight contest for much of the afternoon with Keilor's four unanswered goals in the third quarter the difference in the end.
Tegan Matthews stamped her authority on the afternoon with five majors, while Alyssa Old added scoreboard pressure with two goals of her own.
Greenvale patched together promising patches throughout the game.
Marli Klaumanns-Moller was a key player for her side, kicking three goals. Jii Williams also tried to do some damage on the scoreline, with three of her own goals.
But Greenvale's inability to capitalise on their initial early lead saw their chances for a final win this season hindered by the late afternoon.
The win gives Keilor a positive note to take into the off-season, despite both teams missing out on the August finals action.
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OAK PARK 13.10 (88) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 2.3 (15)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park will enter another final campaign after dismantling Maribyrnong Park in their 73-point victory.
In their last game ahead of the finals series beginning next week, the side put on a clinical showing.
Oak Park turned up the pressure for their opponents right from the opening bounce, including their third term blitz with six goals made to further distance Maribyrnong Park from a win.
Emily Findlay was electric, with her three goals lighting up the scoreline for Oak Park.
Felicity Theodore was also influential in the win with her three goals.
The game was a tough ending for Maribyrnong, who had yet to get a win in 2025.
Despite contributions from Piper Dixon and Mali Sauvarin, both of whom kicking a goal each, it wasn't enough to stop Oak Park from securing the victory.
With Oak Park concluding the regular season, they'll turn their attention this week to their qualifying final against Aberfeldie.
For Maribyrnong, they finish off their regular season and will look forward to building to better days in 2026.
ABERFELDIE 11.15 (81) def. MOONEE VALLEY 0.1 (1)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have concluded their triumphant 2025 campaign as minor premiers, pummeling Moonee Valley by 80 points.
Opening things up with a 17-point lead in the first quarter, Aberfeldie hit the top gear and powered away to a commanding win.
Moana Hope led the way in the win. Her four goals were crucial in the masterclass.
Hope had some warmly welcomed assistance, with Shauna McElligott and Elizabeth Woerndle both bringing the energy with two goals each.
Moonee Valley battled hard through the likes of Charlotte D'Ambrosio, Amy Hoang, and Meg Harrison, but they struggled to create scoring chances, with the side only managing to record a behind over the weekend.
The result sees Aberfeldie further cement their position as a premiership contender, as they prepare for a qualifying final with Oak Park at Coburg City Oval.
With Moonee Valley racking up a loss, it sees their season concluded as they now turn their attention to regrouping for next season.
By Ben Parker
ST ALBANS 9.11 (65) def. by AVONDALE HEIGHTS 10.12 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights has outlasted a brave St Albans outfit in a thriller at Kings Park Reserve, securing a seven-point win away from home.
The game was on from the get-go, with both sides producing an even five-goal opening quarter, with the Heights leading by a singular point at the first break in play.
In almost identical fashion, the second half saw another tightly contested and even standard of footy, with both teams only managing to kick one goal apiece. The Heights again took a one-point lead into half-time.
After an exciting first-half contest, the game was in the balance and onlookers were all set for an exhilarating finish.
Avondale were able to extend their lead by just the two points at three-quarter time, with the Saints responding to every punch the Heights threw at them.
In the end, it was Avondale Heights who outduelled St Albans in one of the games of the season, as they inched away in the last quarter to win by just the seven points.
The win sees the Heights move in to third position on the ladder, and in the driver’s seat to land a top three position and the critical double chance.
It’s simple – beat Craigieburn next week and they will secure the double chance.
Bailey Williamson was back to his best for the Heights, with his skill and field kicking capabilities on full display. Meanwhile, Sahaf Ali bobbed up again with another four-goal performance.
On the other side of the ledger, it’s a critical loss for St Albans as they fall back out of the top five.
They now fall to seventh position but sit on equal points with both the sixth placed Taylors Lakes, and Craigieburn who have jumped into the fifth position.
In what was ultimately quite a tough loss, Jack Sims impressed again in his final game at Kings Park, and Mason Dipetta did the damage on the scoreboard with a bag of five goals.
Next week, St Albans will travel to Lakeside Reserve for their must-win game against Roxburgh Park, while Avondale Heights will host Craigieburn.
CRAIGIEBURN 16.11 (107) def. HILLSIDE 6.12 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn are back in the top five after a dominant 59-point win over Hillside.
With just one game to go for the season, the Eagles are in a remarkable purple patch of form that has seen them become a legitimate finals contender.
They have now won five out of their last seven matches, and with September right around the corner, are hitting their straps at just the right time.
The Eagles led the Sharks at every break in play, and were too classy for a flat Hillside outfit.
After taking their chances early by kicking five goals straight to quarter time, the Eagles took a 16-point lead into half-time, with the game very much on their terms.
A three-goal-to-one third quarter gave them some breathing room heading into the last, where the hosts kicked clear to extend their lead out to 59 points by the final siren.
The win sees them climb back into the top five and back into the finals frame.
Tadhg Boyle was the star of the show with a bag of five goals, while Jamie Gorgievski was also among their best.
Meanwhile for the Sharks, they were far from their best in what can only be described as a highly uncharacteristic performance.
They’re much better than that, and after being completely outplayed, will need to correct some critical errors for improvement before the finals start in two weeks.
To be held to only six goals as a team was the key takeaway from the game, as this is a side that can score heavily, and score quick.
Youngster Khalil Kaakour was good again, while Robbie Castello also battled hard in the defeat.
Craigieburn will travel to Canning Reserve next week for their blockbuster, must-win clash against Avondale Heights. Meanwhile, Hillside will host Taylors Lakes in what could be a crucial finals-shaping game.
WEST COBURG 11.22 (88) def. OAK PARK 11.11 (77)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have ended Oak Park’s seven-game winning streak with a thrilling 11-point win at Shore Reserve.
The Burgers dominated the action early with a whopping 14 scoring shots to four in the first quarter of play.
The inaccurate Burgers took a 25-point lead into quarter-time, but this lead should have been far greater when considering the opportunities they left on the table.
In saying that, they steadied in the second, and corrected their goal-kicking woes to take a 46-point lead into half-time.
The only thing keeping Oak Park in this contest was the Burgers yips in front of the sticks.
The Burgers had kicked a score of 11.18 at the final break in play, but hadn’t completely put away the ladder leaders who were converting their chances in front of goal.
With West Coburg leading by 48 points at the final break, Oak Park produced an emphatic six-goal-to-nil final quarter to cast some doubt over the contest, and trim the margin back down to 11 points by game's end.
The ladder leaders left their run too late though, and the Burgers couldn’t be reeled in as they secured their thirteenth win for the season.
Star Tom Baravi was at his scintillating best with an emphatic performance, while Omar Saad and Mahmoud Elhawli each kicked two goals for the Burgers.
Oak Park were bound to drop one sooner or later.
After an impeccable 2025 campaign, the premiership favourites were comprehensively beaten in a way that will ignite hope for the other teams in the final five.
Ruck Josh Hotchkin was best on for the Kangaroos, while Adam Del Busso hit the scoreboard with two goals.
Next week, West Coburg will travel to Leo Dineen Reserve for their clash with Tullamarine, while Oak Park will host Moonee Valley at JP Fawkner Reserve.
MOONEE VALLEY 8.16 (64) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 15.12 (102)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park has sensationally recorded their second win of the season with a 38-point road victory over Moonee Valley.
It’s a fantastic way to end the season for Roxy, who have struggled in what’s been a tough 2025 campaign.
They flew out of the blocks with a five-goal-to-one opening quarter, but the Valley hit back hard in the second term to take a slender three-point lead into the main break.
After coughing up a four-goal lead, Roxy tightened the screws and clicked into gear as they poured in seven goals to one in the third quarter. They took a 37-point lead into the final quarter.
With their second win of the season firmly in sight, the visitors proved too good as they held on to win by seven goals.
Big man Jack Elliott produced another emphatic performance, dominating around the ground and hitting the scoreboard with two goals. Eyad Hegazy also had his best game for the year with a bag of five goals to his name.
On the other hand, it’s a disappointing way for Moonee Valley to finish off their season.
With one game to go, against Oak Park, this was perhaps the Valley’s last chance to taste victory in 2025.
It wasn’t to be though, and their record falls to 12 losses and just the five wins for the season.
Callum Clinnick continued his strong patch of form with another solid performance, while young gun Zayas Leonedas chipped in with three goals.
Roxburgh Park will finish off their season next week when they host St Albans, while Moonee Valley will have it all to do when they travel to JP Fawkner Reserve to take on Oak Park.
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TAYLORS LAKES 15.16 (106) def. TULLAMARINE 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has kept their finals aspirations alive in a cruisy 33-point home win against Tullamarine at Lionheart Reserve.
The win sees the Lions maintain their position at sixth on the ladder, but with St Albans tasting defeat to Avondale Heights over the weekend, they draw level with the Saints and Eagles on points to only trail by percentage.
It’s a massive last week of footy as the three sides – Taylors Lakes, Craigieburn, and St Albans, are all a chance to capture that final position in the top five.
Tullamarine actually started the game more efficiently to take a five-point lead into quarter-time.
The second quarter is where the Lions began to click into gear, and they slowly overworked the Dees to take a six-point lead into the main break.
Taylors Lakes went on to produce a nine-goal-to-five second half and put the Dees away in a relatively simple final half of football.
Chris Vulic was up to his usual tricks with another dominant midfield performance for the Lions, while Damien Petrone was impactful up forward with a haul of four majors to his name.
As the season comes to its cessation next week, Tullamarine will be looking forward to some time away from football.
They have battled through a disappointing 2025 campaign, and while there were chances again on the weekend to put their stamp on the game, they ultimately fell short.
Sal Melilli west best on for the Dees with four goals.
Taylors Lakes will travel to Shark Park next week for their must-win clash against Hillside, while Tullamarine will wrap up their season at home with the ominous task of West Coburg at Leo Dineen Reserve.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
STRATHMORE 4.10 (34) def. KEILOR PARK 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has booked its ticket in this year's Airport Toyota Division One grand final after toppling Keilor Park in an electrifying 20-point victory at Walter St Reserve.
After a quiet start in the opening term with just 0.1 and a narrow lead at half time, Strathmore turned things around to secure a hard-fought win and a grand final berth.
The Devils showed fight early on, but the margin blew out by the third term and left them scrambling to fend off Strathmore's dominance.
Milla Murphy impressed, her performance including two goals for Strathmore.
Skyla Cain and Jasmina Curtis kicked a goal each.
Keilor Park had highlights through Rhiarn Daley and Krystyn Raymundo, both of whom kicked a goal each. But their inability to capitalise on Strathmore's early scoring inaccuracies cost them a crucial win.
The win will see Strathmore have a breather next week, as they wait to see the results of the preliminary final between Keilor Park and Burnside Heights.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.10 (64) def. WESTMEADOWS 1.1 (7)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights fended off Westmeadows to cruise to a comfortable 57-point victory, keeping their premiership aspirations alive.
The Bears overcame a sluggish 8-6 start in the opener to wrestle complete control from Westmeadows to secure the win.
Westmeadows were only able to register a single goal in the game from Stefanie Maiorana. Their woes were exposed early on, with the Bears capitalising on Westmeadows mistakes early and putting a dent in their premiership hopes.
The Bears had a healthy rotation of seven players stepping up to score.
Taylia Iglesias was one of the standout performers in the win kicking two goals, with Sina Mason awarded the Mt Alexander Hotel player of the match award.
Skipper Kayla Ravanello also impressed with two goals of her own.
With the win secured, the Bears will take on Keilor Park in the preliminary final. It'll be a huge game with major ramifications where the winner will take on Strathmore in the decider.
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By Michelle Dunstan
NORTHERN SAINTS 13.11 (89) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 19.13 (127)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts kicked away in a tense contest to defeat Northern Saints by 38 points.
The Lions led by single figures at the first two breaks and 16 points at three quarter time, before kicking six goals to two in the last to win comfortably.
Jack McNamara made an instant impact on return with seven goals, as William Banks kicked three in a best-on-ground performance, alongside three from Tom Carland.
Up the other end was Saints vice-captain Nick Bruno kicking seven of his own, but there just wasn't enough support in front of goal elsewhere to overcome the Lions.
The Lions continue their build towards their return to finals with East Sunbury next week, while Northern Saints will finish their season against Burnside Heights.
KEILOR PARK 7.14 (56) def. EAST SUNBURY 6.5 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park has held off a resistant East Sunbury to win by 15 points and move into third spot.
The Devils held the Thunder at a comfortable distance throughout the afternoon despite it being a low-scoring game, with inaccuracy perhaps costing them a bigger win.
They kicked 7.14 for the game including 2.7 in the second half, Jarod Pontin leading the way with four goals as the Devils' best.
Brendan Fevola made it nine games in a row with a goal, leading the thunder with three majors.
The Thunder will wrap up their season this week against Coburg Districts, while the Devils will look to maintain third spot against Sunbury Kangaroos.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 15.8 (98) def. GLENROY 9.9 (63)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos have pulled off an upset 35-point win over ladder leaders Glenroy at Eric Boardman Reserve.
While the result likely won't shift ladder positionings, it goes to show how even this competition is.
It was a fast start by the Kangaroos kicking five goals to one in the first quarter, leading by 24 points at the first change.
They would add four points to the lead at half time before withstanding the Glenroy fightback in the third.
The Roys kicked 4.4 in that third quarter, while the Roos made the most of their opportunities kicking three straight to ensure they led by eight points at the final change.
It was a strong defensive effort by the Kangaroos to keep Glenroy scoreless in the final quarter, while adding a further four goals to win comfortably.
Mitch Streiff hit the four-goal mark for the sixth time this season, while Shawn Bowden and Chris Lucas added three each.
Those three found themselves among the best alongside experienced duo Tie Cuffe and John Corso.
Aaron Kite kicked three goals making it seven games in a row he has hit that mark.
George Abdallah was Glenroy's only other multiple goal scorer with Jake Young and James Bennie named their best.
Glenroy will finish the regular season against Rupertswood this week, while Sunbury Kangaroos will play Keilor Park.
HADFIELD 14.10 (94) def. RUPERTSWOOD 10.6 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield continued its impressive second half of the season with a 28-point win over Rupertswood at Martin Reserve.
The loss consequentially drops Rupo out of the top three with everything having to go right this week to move back up.
Hadfield led by single digits at the first two breaks before stretching out in the second half with six goals to two.
Ten players hit the scoreboard for Hadfield with Nathan Johnson (three goals), Harry O'Kelly (two goals), and Michael Pell (two goals) leading the way.
Jake Polizzi made his twelfth appearance in the best, with Ahmed Elbaba and Jake Wheeldon also prominent.
Fraser Phelan-Smith worked hard with four goals for Rupo, while Matthew Brown and James Fox were also good.
Hadfield will face Westmeadows this week, while Rupertswood will play Glenroy.
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BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.5 (59) def. by WESTMEADOWS 21.16 (142)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows recorded a dominant 83-point win over Burnside Heights at Tenterfield Drive.
The Tigers were well in front all day, with six unanswered goals in the final term blowing the margin out further.
Aaron Evans (six goals) and Shaun O'Grady (four goals) enjoyed the afternoon in front of goals, with co-captain Ryan Capron also impressive with two goals.
Jordan Hughes had another day out for the Bears, with Jacob Elia, Andrej Krunic, and Josh Neralic each kicking two goals.
Burnside Heights will close its season against Northern Saints, while Westmeadows will play a red-hot Hadfield.
By Evan Tudor
GISBORNE 11.4 (70) def. TAYLORS LAKES 1.3 (9)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne has secured its ticket to the premiership decider after dominating Taylors Lakes by 61 points at Walter Street Reserve.
Boasting their now well-known stunning style, the Dogs yet again proved why they’re the flag favourites and held authority from the first bounce to final siren.
Under beautiful sunny conditions and in front of a healthy crowd who hadn’t seen a senior EDFL footy match at the oval in quite some years, it was one-way traffic as Gisborne booted 11 goals.
Four of which came from Brooke Cowan who kicked all in the first half, with another three coming off Emma Williams’ boot.
Demonstrating a piercing handball strategy and the ability to create space on the field for effective kicking and marking, Gisborne was unstoppable across all areas of the field.
And while it was a struggle for Taylors Lakes to withstand Gisborne, the Lions will be very happy with their positives that came out of the match and will hope to draw on them next week.
By far one of the best on field was vice-captain Rebecca Foggie who gave it her all in the last line of defence.
Foggie held a cool and calm composure to prevent numerous likely goals with her startling marks, smothers, and ability to get the ball out of the pack.
The Lions’ lone goal came from a fast Stefania Valerio who slotted it on the run and from an angle in the dying stages of the game.
The Lions will be proud of the fact that they never gave up until the final siren’s sound.
Gisborne gets the week off as it prepares for the grand final, while Taylors Lakes will be back next week to take on the Sunbury Kangaroos in a must-win preliminary final.
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SUNBURY KANGAROOS 5.7 (37) def. ROXBURGH PARK 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Fourth time’s a charm as the Kangaroos finally get a hold of Roxburgh Park when it mattered most.
In a thrilling nine-point win against a side who got over them by four points the week prior, the Kangaroos have locked in a spot for next week’s preliminary final date with Taylors Lakes.
With the Roos trailing by two at the maiden break and leading by one at the half, this game was certainly on a knife's edge.
Roxy piled on two goals to the Kangas’ one in the third term to lead by four at the final change as the end drew near.
But after a determined three-quarter time huddle, the Roos responded with two goals and shrugged off the Pies by nine.
Roos’ captain Lisa Kirby led the way with three goals, as Kiara Milici and Summer Pazsa both slotted one.
Eager to progress on to the next week, Roxy brought their best in an attempt to faze the Kangas.
Jameson Best struck goal twice, while Kiara Croxford and captain Danira Fuamatu made an impact with one each.
Tylah Bell and Jordan Di Mizio were named in the best-on list for their respective sides.
So, while it’s the end of the road for Roxy, the Pies should hold their heads high after the efforts they gave in all season. Making the finals alone is something to be proud of, especially when it’s so closely contested.
Sunbury Kangaroos live to survive another day and will travel to Walter Street Reserve to challenge Taylors Lakes in next week’s preliminary final.
