By Luke Mathews
ABERFELDIE 11.12 (78) def. by KEILOR 11.13 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has continued its nine-game winning streak after defeating Aberfeldie by one point at Clifton Park.
The victory means the Blues now haven’t lost since Round 4 and remain only one win behind Strathmore on the ladder.
Saturday’s loss was Aberfeldie's second one-point defeat in as many weeks and third for the season, however it remains in fourth spot.
Coach Mick McGuane was rapt with his side's defensive pressure and their ability to step up in the last quarter which ultimately got them over the line.
Aberfeldie brought the heat early, kicking four first-quarter goals to skip out to an 11-point lead, before Keilor cut the margin to nine points after each side kicked three goals for the second quarter.
The home side's advantage was extended to 18 points at three quarter time however it could’ve been more with Aberfeldie only managing to kick 3.8 despite dominating for large parts of the term.
In the end, Keilor’s match winners stood up when it mattered with Cody Brand, Chris Kosmas, and Kane Barbuto all kicking final quarter goals which was enough to get their side over the line.
Kosmas was excellent again booting three goals, while Nick O’Kearney and Tom McGuane both continued their strong seasons.
Despite going down, Jhett Gaskett had a point to prove kicking three goals against his old side, while Ethan Hunt and Nic Watson were good again.
After the week off, Aberfeldie will gear up for a must-win clash against Maribyrnong Park at Monk Oval, while Keilor will meet with Airport West at Hansen Reserve.
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GREENVALE 5.9 (39) def. by PASCOE VALE 15.15 (105)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale has taken another step in securing the double chance after defeating Greenvale by 66 points at Section Road.
The win means the Panthers are now sitting pretty in third spot and are two games clear of Aberfeldie.
Greenvale remain with just two victories for the season with the side still sitting in ninth and dangerously close to relegation.
The Panthers raced out to a 14-point lead at quarter time before the margin was cut to 12 points at the main break after each side only managed one goal for the quarter.
The stalemate continued after half time with both sides kicking two goals in the third quarter which meant the Panthers held a 10-point lead at three quarter time.
With the game in the balance, Pascoe Vale proved to be a class above, kicking nine final-quarter goals to run away with an emphatic victory.
Tyson Scoble stood up again booting four goals, while Carled El Khodr and Moudy Taha were a handful for the Jets.
Matt Stillman was rock solid for the Jets once again against his old side, while Noah Crowley and James Manfre showed some positive signs.
Greenvale will be back at home after the break to host Deer Park, while Pascoe Vale will return to Raeburn Reserve to square off with Strathmore next Saturday.
AIRPORT WEST 10.7 (67) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 17.13 (115)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has kept itself well and truly in the finals hunt after defeating Airport West by 48 points at Hansen Reserve.
The win means the Lions remain in sixth spot after three wins in a row and are equal on points with Douttas and Aberfeldie.
Airport West still hasn’t seen the uptick in form it would’ve liked, with the Eagles still only recording two wins for the year to sit in last spot.
Coach Brodie Holland was pleased with his side’s connection throughout the day and the positivity around the club across the last month.
It was an arm wrestle for most of the first half with Marby ahead by eight points at quarter time and half time.
The visitors made a statement after the main break, kicking five goals in the third term before finishing with another five in the final quarter to help seal the victory.
Rory Atkins was superb finishing with three goals and 30 disposals, while Jack Gerardi and Brandon Ryan both cashed in with three majors each.
Mick Edwards had one of his best games for the Eagles collecting 29 disposals and 12 clearances, while Matt Hanson and Ryan Martin fought hard all day.
Marby will face a much tougher test after the break when it hosts Aberfeldie, while Airport West will meet with Keilor at Hansen Reserve.
HILLSIDE 13.8 (86) def. DEER PARK 9.11 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has notched up its fifth win for the year after defeating Deer Park by 21 points at Shark Park.
The Sharks have become one of the surprise packets of the season with the side currently sitting in eighth spot and now three games clear of the drop.
Deer Park's inconsistency has continued with the Lions unable to back up last week’s thrilling victory over Aberfeldie.
Coach Mo Kaakour said, “I thought our ability to defend the ground and play the ball in our front half for most of quarters two and three was the catalyst for the win.
“Our ability to connect in our front half was as good as we’ve seen it all season.”
Jamie Madigan’s side looked to be in control for most of the first half, with the Lions taking a five-point lead into quarter time and followed it up with four goals in the second quarter.
The match was turned on its head in the third term, with Hillside piling on seven majors and went into three quarter time with a 13-point lead.
With the match in the balance, Hillside booted two goals in the final quarter and held firm in defence which was enough to secure the victory.
Nick Fluke continues to have no trouble finding the footy collecting 29 disposals, while veterans Robbie Castello and Fort Caruso were good again.
Anthony Anastasio’s dominant year continued with another 39 touches and 10 inside 50s, while Trent McKenzie and Billy Cannolo did everything they could.
Hillside will now travel to Nipper Jordan Oval to take on Essendon Doutta Stars, while Deer Park will meet with Greenvale at Section Road after the break.
STRATHMORE 14.9 (93) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 9.6 (60)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has returned to the winners list after defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 33 points at Lebanon Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Mores' eleventh victory for the season and means they keep a hold of top spot for now.
Saturday’s performance shows Douttas still has work to do in order to bridge the gap to the competition’s best sides, however did still cause plenty of headaches for the reigning premiers.
Coach Matthew Horne said, “I was really happy with how the team responded after trailing by 20 points at half time.
“The team defended much better after a disappointing result last week.”
Strathmore had its noses in front at quarter time after a three-goal-to-two quarter, however the Stars responded with four goals in the second term to open up a 19-point lead.
Just as it seemed another upset was on the cards, the Mores hit back with five goals in the third term to go into the final quarter with a one-point lead.
With the game still on a knife’s edge, Strathmore clicked into gear kicking six final-quarter goals to run away with a strong victory.
Liam Cavanagh was at his brilliant best again with 34 disposals and 14 intercepts, while Sam Hayes and Nick O’Brien stood tall all day.
Liam Merceica led the way in the ruck for the visitors with 17 disposals and 10 clearances, while Tom Cappellari and Ben Thomson both put in strong performances.
Strathmore will now gear up for a blockbuster clash with Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve, while Douttas will host Hillside.
By Evan Tudor
CAROLINE SPRINGS 2.4 (16) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.7 (43)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars were 27-point winners over Caroline Springs in an upset victory at Town Centre Recreation Reserve.
It is a second straight win for the Stars, while Caroline Springs has lost two on the trot for the first time in its EDFL topflight tenancy.
The Stars held control throughout the entire match, holding the Lakers goalless at halftime.
It was individual goal scorers across the board for both teams, with Jacinta Kondis striking goal for the Lakers alongside Rylee Driscoll who made her topflight debut on Saturday.
Driscoll joined Alicia Azzopardi and Caitlyn Volpe as being named some of the Lakers’ best.
Essendon Doutta Stars finds itself knocking of the door of the top four, sitting in fifth, and has picked up momentum at the right time of the year.
Six Stars wrote their names on the scoresheet, with Grace Azzopardi, Jessie Hulett, and Isabelle Porter all doing so in addition to being named some of the side’s best.
Essendon Doutta Stars will look to continue its finals push at Buckley Park next weekend when it takes on the ladder leaders Strathmore.
Caroline Springs will go head to head with Oak Park at JP Fawkner Reserve.
KEILOR 1.0 (6) def. by STRATHMORE 12.17 (89)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has found itself at the top of the ladder after it shrugged off Keilor by 83 points at Joe Brown Oval.
A fast Strathmore outfit took to the field amidst Saturday's wintery conditions, holding the Blues scoreless until the final term.
A pool of seven Mores struck through the big sticks, with Milla Murphy leading charge with three.
Tegan Brett, Eloise Egglestone, and Charli Sette trailed close behind with two.
Milla Murphy, Sarah McKinnon, and Talia Motta were some of Strathmore’s best.
The Mores have strung together six consecutive wins and are setting themselves up in a very strong position to be part of the finals mix.
Despite what the scoreboard displayed, Keilor didn’t give up in the contest.
While the Blues were challenged, Keilor continued to give Strathmore its all, with some late success coming for the home side after Ruby Gibson found goal in the fourth quarter.
In addition to Gibson, Olivia Castello, Eleanor Cornish, Emily O’Keefe, and Sophie Cameron were named as some of Keilor’s best.
The Blues will hope to find some heightened success against Maribyrnong Park at Monk Oval on Saturday.
Over at Buckley Park, Strathmore will look to continue its top-spot grip against Essendon Doutta Stars.
MOONEE VALLEY 6.4 (40) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 2.11 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley has kept itself in the finals talk following a 17-point win over Maribyrnong Park at Ormond Park.
The result sees the Fog hold sixth spot on the ladder, sitting just two wins away from the final four.
The Lions started Saturday’s contest in a rapid manner, booting 2.3 (15) to Moonee Valley’s 1.0 (6).
Evie Fitzgerald and Tegan Matthews were the Lions goalkickers in the first term, with inaccurate kicking seeing the Lions bring up eight behinds beyond the first change.
Felicity Mahoney, Ava Steel, and Charli Calleia joined Fitzgerald as being named some of the Lions’ best.
After the Fog went down to Marby by 22 points back in Round 9, Moonee Valley took revenge in stunning fashion.
The Fog combined as one with six individuals putting up the goals on Saturday.
Rhiannon Busch, Madeleine Thompson, and Matilda Zander were part of the Fog’s scoring crew in addition to being named some of their best.
Michaela Chalhoub, Danica Pederson, and Nadia Valenti also scored big on Saturday.
After next weekend’s bye, Moonee Valley will look to pick up a much-needed win against Keilor at Ormond Park.
Maribyrnong Park will take to the stage of Monk Oval on Saturday when a clash with Keilor awaits.
OAK PARK 8.3 (51) def. ABERFELDIE 4.2 (26)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has taken its seventh consecutive win in emphatic fashion, getting over Aberfeldie by 25 points.
Oak Park led from start to finish at JP Fawkner Reserve and showed no signs of slowing down.
After the scores rested on 5.0 (30) to 2.0 (12) at the main break, Aberfeldie tried to wriggle its way back into the contest, winning the third-quarter 2.1 (13) to 1.0 (6).
Despite a comeback set at the forefront of the Two Blues’ minds, Aberfeldie was unable to do so.
Lara Churchill was named as one of Abers’ best-on with two goals.
Jess Duffin and Emily Smith also earned honours in single-goal displays.
Having beaten the then-ladder-leaders, the Kangaroos now emerge as a true contender to go all the way.
It was another big day of goals for Tayah Kelly with three. Holly McGregor found two, while it was singles from Sarah Dargan, Meghan Patrick, and Maggie Styles.
Sasha Nelson and Terira Fry were named some of the Roos’ best.
Oak Park will look to make another statement when it welcomes Caroline Springs to JP Fawkner Reserve on Saturday.
Aberfeldie will hope to return to winning ways when it hosts Hillside at Clifton Park.
By Ben Parker
CRAIGIEBURN 8.7 (55) def. by OAK PARK 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park flexed their muscles and reminded the competition of their premiership credentials with a terrific 18-point road win over Craigieburn..
Leading all day, the Roos jumped out of the blocks early with five first-quarter goals to only two from Craigieburn.
Another impressive innings in the second quarter saw the lead extended out to six goals at half time, with the Roos firmly in the box seat.
But Craigieburn came out of half time in sensational style, lifting their pressure and gaining the upper hand with forward half possession and inside 50 dominance.
The Eagles kept Oak Park goalless in the third quarter while kicking three majors themselves to cut the margin back down to just three goals at the final break in play.
With the game in the balance, the Roos staved off a game Eagles outfit to claim a big win on the road and increase the gap on the ladder between the two sides.
Oak Park now sit clear in second position on the ladder, a game behind West Coburg and a game clear of Craigieburn and Moonee Valley.
Adam Clemente was a robust contributor for the Roos, while Errol McConnell was also excellent.
For the Eagles, young gun Harry Albon did all he just about could with three goals for the afternoon in what was ultimately a disappointing loss for his side.
Oak Park will travel to Shore Reserve next week for a top-of-the-table blockbuster against ladder leaders West Coburg. Meanwhile for Craigieburn, it’ll look to bounce back against Avondale Heights.
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ST ALBANS 11.9 (75) def. by WEST COBURG 16.15 (111)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg remain a game clear on top of the Division One ladder after a strong 36-point victory over St Albans.
Ater flying out of the gates in the opening quarter, the Burgers were challenged strongly by St Albans in a spirited comeback which saw the Saints reduce the margin from six goals at quarter time, to eight points at the main break.
However, the Burgers were able to go to another level, and after being thrown a challenge, responded with a dominant second half.
Nine goals to five in the second half saw the Burgers extend and run away as six-goal winners.
Ibby Taha once again hit the scoreboard with three goals to his name, and Liam Bowkett and Reed Cathcart also chipped in with three each as well.
St Albans vice-captain Jake Galea battled away hard all day in a stellar three-goal effort himself.
West Coburg is set for a mouthwatering clash with Oak Park next week, while St Albans hosts Taylors Lakes.
TAYLORS LAKES 5.8 (38) def. by TULLAMARINE 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine snapped its three-game losing streak with a comprehensive 72-point win against Taylors Lakes at Lionheart Reserve.
All signs from the opening quarter suggested that this bout was going to be close and exciting, with Taylors Lakes showing plenty of fight early to take a three-point lead into quarter time.
The game was completely flipped on its head after quarter time.
Tullamarine came out firing in the second quarter with a six-goal-to-one passage of footy.
After taking a 31-point lead into half time, they then proceeded to further dominate proceedings with a seven-goal-to-one second half which well and truly put the game to rest.
In their seventh win for the season, the result sees the Dees move a game clear of Avondale Heights in fifth position.
The returning Josh Covelli slotted five goals, while Sam Lazarevski was again named in the Dees' best players.
Tullamarine will look to build momentum when it hosts East Keilor next week, while Taylors Lakes will travel to Kings Park for its bout with St Albans.
EAST KEILOR 5.3 (33) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 15.25 (115)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley added to East Keilor’s woes with a dominant 82-point victory at Overland Reserve.
The Valley were on song early but couldn’t finish off all their great work in front of goal.
A developing theme throughout the game, the Valley’s yips in front goal kept the game within reach for East Keilor at half time, despite having 15 less scoring shots than the visitors.
Moonee Valley rectified this theme in the second half, correcting their goalkicking to kick 10 goals to three.
Despite having 40 shots on goal compared to East Keilor’s eight, the Valley will need to get to work on their goalkicking throughout the next few weeks.
Mitch Clarke producing another excellent showing with a bag of four goals, while Luke Denny and Callum Clinnick continued with their stellar seasons.
Moonee Valley will return to Ormond Park next week for an important clash against Rupertswood, while East Keilor faces Tullamarine.
RUPERTSWOOD 11.13 (79) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood dealt Avondale Heights a massive blow after coming from behind to steal victory by three points in the final minutes.
Lucas Guarracino bobbed up when it mattered most to be the hero for Rupertswood via a sensational snap goal from the pocket.
It’s a well-deserved third win of the season for Rupertswood which has been incredibly unlucky at times this year.
The game was on a pedestal for the entirety of the afternoon.
Rupo’s conversion was proving costly in the first half, and they trailed at the main break in play by three goals despite having more shots on goal.
A seesawing third quarter saw the Heights extend their lead out to four goals at the 18-minute mark, before the home side quickly cut it back down to just two kicks.
Consecutive goals from Rupo’s Luke Sultana to end the third term left the game poised for either side to take.
In the end, it was Rupertswood which made the most of its chances in the final quarter, kicking three out of the last four goals in the game to claim a thrilling victory.
Aaron West and Jackson Cardillo were terrific in the win, while Clayton Bonello did the damage on the scoreboard with three goals to his name.
For the Heights, usual performers Nathan Foster and Brad Robb were very good again, with Foster kicking a bag of five majors and Robb impacting all around the ground.
Rupo will look to bank consecutive wins together for the first time this season when they face Moonee Valley next week, while Avondale Heights need to bounce back against Craigieburn to stay in the hunt for a finals appearance.
By Noah Wallwork & Jake Reeves
COBURG DISTRICTS 1.5 (11) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 7.9 (51)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights took a big step toward getting a top-two finish, defeating Coburg Districts by 40 points at Cole Reserve.
It was a statement win for Burnside Heights as it interrupted the hot form of Coburg Districts which had won its last three games.
The Bears started strongly in the first quarter, jumping out of the blocks kicking 21 points unanswered.
The second quarter started in similar fashion, with Burnside adding another three goals and three behinds.
The Bears continued their momentum in the third quarter, adding another 15 points which went unanswered.
Olivia Antonello added another goal to her three-goal tally.
However, Coburg Districts responded in the fourth, hitting the scoreboard with one goal and five behinds.
Isabelle Young and captain Kiara Asani-Davis both kicked two goals to help a dominant Burnside Heights victory.
Burnside will hope to remain in second against Sunbury Lions next week at Clarke Oval, while Coburg Districts will face East Sunbury at John McMahon Reserve.
ROXBURGH PARK 5.11 (41) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 4.10 (34)
MATCH CENTRE
The ninth-placed Sunbury Kangaroos hosted the eighth-placed Roxburgh Park at Lakeside Reserve, with the Magpies proving too strong with a seven-point win.
The Magpies flew out of the blocks kicking three goals and six behinds. Haylea Cooke, Malake Hamdan and Tarlea Stafford each kicked goals in the first term.
The Kangaroos answered in the second quarter kicking three goals and five behinds, with the Magpies only kicking the solitary behind.
All even at half time, the Magpies stole the momentum in the third quarter, adding 16 points. Haylea Cooke added another to her tally and Katelyn Birmingham hit the scoreboard for her first.
The last quarter finished with the Kangaroos adding another 10 points, with the Magpies kicking a single behind.
Sunbury Kangaroos will host the third placed Cragieburn next week at Eric Boardman Reserve, while Roxburgh Park will play Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve.
WESTMEADOWS 8.5 (53) def. KEILOR PARK 3.5 (23)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows proved to be too strong for a competitive Keilor Park outfit at Willowbrook Reserve by 30 points.
The Tigers were challenged in the first half with the Devils well and truly in the contest, but a classy third term saw the Tigers up by 38 at the final change.
The Devils did not die wondering and held Westmeadows scoreless for a whole quarter of football, a feat that has not been done by any team this season.
Madison Shaw-Barton and Sophi Georgantonis were seen as the best for the Tigers across the afternoon.
Westmeadows will next meet with Taylors Lakes at Lionheart Reserve in a morning slot.
Keilor Park will travel to Gardiner Reserve to face Gisborne in a blockbuster clash.
GISBORNE 4.0 (24) def.by CRAIGIEBURN 5.8 (38)
MATCH CENTRE
Cragieburn proved too dominant against Gisborne, winning by 14 points in a hard-fought victory.
Craigieburn were firing early, kicking two goals and four behinds in the first term.
Both Maddison Albrecht and Sienna Gioupas found plenty of the ball in the first half.
Gisborne hit back quickly in the second quarter, with goals to Marie Napoli and Stephanie Brancatisano providing hope for the home team.
Craigieburn, however, stemmed the bleeding in the third term kicking two goals and two behinds. Gisborne could only answer with one goal to Shannon McFerran.
The game ended with Alice Higgs hitting the scoreboard for Gisborne, while Cragieburn added another eight points to secure a vital 14-point win.
The win proved crucial for Craigieburn's run into finals, as it now moves into third on the ladder. Gisborne meanwhile stay fifth on the ladder.
Gisborne will host Keilor Park next week at Gardiner Reserve, while Cragieburn will hope to defeat Sunbury Kangaroos.
TULLAMARINE 8.11 (59) def. TAYLORS LAKES 1.4 (10)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine has comfortably beaten Taylors Lakes by 49 points on another tough afternoon for the Lions at Leo Dineen Reserve.
The Demons had a powerful first half, nailing the first five goals of the game and holding the visitors scoreless in the first half.
The Lions won the third quarter, which is a positive takeaway for Taylors Lakes. Tullamarine kicked a couple of late goals in the final term to boost the winning margin.
Skipper Charlotte Jackson and Summer Blackburn were highly influential for the Demons, kicking two and four goals, respectively.
Lone goalscorer Charlie Goodwin was seen as the best for the Lions on Saturday afternoon.
Tullamarine will head back to their home ground when it faces Roxburgh Park next weekend.
Taylors Lakes will also be back at home after a few games on the road when it comes up against Westmeadows at Lionheart Reserve.
SUNBURY LIONS 1.2 (8) def. by EAST SUNBURY 1.4 (10)
MATCH CENTRE
East Sunbury defeated Sunbury Lions by two points at Clarke Oval in a nailbiter.
It was a twilight game with heavy downpours under the lights, where the captain Ashley McGregor kicked the first goal of the game.
East Sunbury quickly returned serve in the second term by the way of Rebecca Preece who kicked truly in tough conditions.
It was then decided by a matter of points, with the Lions adding three behinds to East Sunbury’s two behinds in the second half, securing a two-point victory.
Both Jacinta Lee and Charrouf Habib for East Sunbury continued their fine form of the season.
East Sunbury will face off against Coburg Districts next week, while Sunbury Lions will hope to get the four points against second-placed Burnside Heights at Clarke Oval.
By Evan Tudor & Jake Reeves
KEILOR PARK 7.10 (52) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 11.13 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
The Sunbury Kangaroos were 27-point winners over Keilor Park on the road.
After the Devils kept their horns ahead at the major break, the Kangaroos opened the floodgates from thereon and piled on 8.9 (57) to 3.5 (23) in the second half.
It marks a fourth-straight victory for the Kangaroos, with a 7-6 record holding them in fifth spot.
A narrow percentage is keeping the Roos below Hadfield’s fourth rung.
Keilor Park remains on the wrong side of the ledger yet again, with the side’s last victory dating back to Round 4.
The Kangaroos were an impactful bunch in front of the big sticks on Saturday.
Ryan Pretty earned best-on honours for the Roos after kicking three goals.
Shawn Bowden, Rhys Magin, and Joshua Nanninga all found two, while it was singles from Rhylee Lofts and Mitch Streiff.
Keilor Park’s early scoreboard dominance was a highlight in the contest, but unfortunately wasn’t something held for long beyond halftime.
Cameron Kennedy struck goal twice on Saturday for the Devils. Lindon Bektash, Luke and Nick Kilty, Mitchell Meredith, and Julian Piraina all found one.
Peter Barbopoulos was named Keilor Park’s best.
The Devils will hit the road next weekend for a clash with East Sunbury.
The Kangaroos will return home to face off with Burnside Heights.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 19.19 (133) def. EAST SUNBURY 6.10 (46)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights has put East Sunbury to the sword in a huge win by 87 points at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
The Bears were comfortably beaten in their last outing against the Thunder, going down by 33 points in their Round 4 clash.
Burnside were on top all day but an eight-goal third term put the nail in the coffin and gave the Bears something to smile about after an underwhelming season to date.
Nicholas Cugliari's six goals was the standout performance on the afternoon, playing his best game so far this season for the Bears.
Corey Hall and Wade Lees never gave in and fought hard for the Thunder on a tough afternoon.
The Bears next meet with the Sunbury Kangaroos at Eric Boardman Reserve in what will be part of the club’s late season push into the finals.
East Sunbury will be back at home to face Keilor Park in a must-win game at John McMahon Reserve.
ROXBURGH PARK 8.10 (58) def. by WESTMEADOWS 13.13 (91)
MATCH CENTRE
A dominant Westmeadows outfit took the chocolates in Saturday’s contest with Roxburgh Park, with the Tigers running away victorious to the tune of 33 points at Lakeside Reserve.
The Tigers opened the weekend’s proceedings on fire, with a 6.4 (40) opening term keeping them well above Roxy’s 1.0 (6).
It would eventuate to be the Tigers’ highest scoring quarter of the match, with Westy remaining firmly ahead in the contest while Roxy trickled its way back into contention.
The Pies won the second term 4.3 (27) to 3.1 (19) but were held goalless in the third.
After some outstanding Roxburgh Park defence, Westmeadows was held scoreless in the final quarter while the Pies kept their heads above the water with 3.5 (23).
Shaun O’Grady finished the match with a game-leading three goals for Westmeadows.
Jack Bullock and Ryan Stingel both scored doubles, while it was singles from Will Adams, Jordan Kosteas, and Mason Mineo.
Ryan Capron and Nick Mathewes were named two of Westmeadows’ best.
Seven magpies wrote their names in the afternoon’s scoresheet for Roxburgh Park, with Zein Omar leading charge with two.
Ryan Micallef and Dylan Exposto were named as the Pies’ best alongside Thomas Baker, who was one of the Magpies to score goal once.
Next weekend will see Westmeadows host Hadfield in a battle between third and fourth.
Roxburgh Park will look to sing the song once again when it meets the Northern Saints at Charles Mutton Reserve.
COBURG DISTRICTS 13.13 (91) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 14.6 (90)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts has survived a huge scare in a one-point classic over the Northern Saints at Cole Reserve.
In a game that was set to be the lock of the weekend, Districts barely found their way over the line against a spirited Saints outfit off the back of a huge comeback win over Keilor Park.
The game looked to be settled at quarter time with Districts coming out of the blocks with a comfortable 21-point lead at the first change.
A remarkable second term from the Saints saw them lead after kicking an incredible six goals to two at half time.
A goal-for-goal second half kept the game close throughout but a late behind from Pasquale Curcio gave Districts the lead and then the win in a ripping game of football.
Just like his last performance in the Round 4 clash against Districts, Nick Bruno hit the scoreboard again, kicking four goals on the afternoon, to go along with his six-goal return from earlier in the season.
Curtis Rawlings' seven goals across the match gave the home fans confidence that their undefeated streak will continue.
Coburg Districts now face Glenroy in a blockbuster top-two clash at Cole Reserve.
The Saints are back at home to face Roxburgh Park at Charles Mutton Reserve.
GLENROY 24.17 (161) def. HADFIELD 5.7 (37)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy made a statement at Sewell Reserve in a contest between second and fourth, getting over Hadfield by 124 points.
It was all Roy-action from the moment the ball was tossed into the air, with a seven-goal opening quarter setting the tone for the match.
It’s the Roys’ largest win of the season so far, with the percentage-boosting result seeing Glenroy strengthen its grip on second spot, withtop spot in its sight.
Daniel Riley led Saturday’s goalscoring with five for the red and white.
Mark Sabatino trailed close behind with four, while it was three from Jonathan Roccuzzo and Mahmoud Taleb.
Those were just some of the 11 names that featured on Glenroy’s goal sheet.
Sabatino was named the Roy’s best-on, along with Daniel Trifunovic and Riley.
The Hawks have now encountered a third-straight defeat, which sees them now holding onto fourth spot on the ladder by less than five per cent.
Getting back on the winners list as soon as possible will be at the top of their objectives.
Kicking one goal on Saturday, Nick Gooch was named the Hawks’ best.
Zein Taleb also sent through one accurate kick, while Stephen Mihelakos-James continued fine form in front of the big sticks with two.
On Saturday, Hadfield will meet with Westmeadows in a crucial contest.
The top of the table will battle it out at Cole Reserve as Glenroy meets with Coburg Districts.
