By Luke Mathews
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 7.4 (46) def. by EAST KEILOR 18.12 (120)
MATCH CENTRE
East Keilor have made up for last week’s disappointment, defeating Avondale Heights by 74 points at Canning Reserve.
The win moves the Cougars above Essendon Doutta Stars on the ladder while Avondale Heights, who parted ways with Paddy Byrne through the week, still sit in tenth spot with only the one win for the year.
An upset appeared to be on the cards early with the Heights opening up a two-goal lead at quarter time, but any hope was short lived with East Keilor kicking 17 goals after the change to cruise to a comfortable victory.
Malik Elfakahani stood out at Canning Reserve with five goals while Lachlan Smart and George Nabbout had solid games with four goals each for the visitors.
Despite going down, Tom Gleeson fought hard all day for the Heights and finished with two goals, while Jackson Robb and Myles Gollant continue their strong seasons with impressive performances.
The Cougars will be hoping to back up Saturday’s win when they take on Deer Park at Overland Reserve while Avondale Heights will be back at home against Airport West.
GREENVALE 3.4 (22) def. by STRATHMORE 5.12 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore have come out on top in a low-scoring affair defeating Greenvale by 20 points at Section Road.
The win sees Strathmore move into second spot on the ladder and above Pascoe Vale, while the Jets still sit inside the top five but have lost ground on Aberfeldie.
The Jets took their opportunities early and went into the main break with a four-goal lead, while Strathmore struggled to adapt to the difficult conditions.
The Mores were able to get their noses in front after the break and held the Jets to just one point after half time which helped ensure their tenth victory of the year.
Veterans Adam Iacobucci and Trent Dumont stood up for Strathmore when their team needed them most, while Brock Egglestone had a strong second game back from injury.
Despite going down, Baker Smith had a solid game and was the only man on the ground to kick multiple goals, while Ben Bath continued his impressive form with another solid performance.
The Jets will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve while Strathmore will play Keilor at home in a blockbuster clash.
KEILOR 14.10 (94) def. PASCOE VALE 7.11 (53)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor have all but ensured that they’ll finish on top of the ladder for the second year running after they defeated Pascoe Vale by 41 points at Joe Brown Oval.
The win gives the Blue a three game and percentage buffer on top of the ladder with only five rounds left to play, while Pascoe Vale have slipped to third spot on the ladder behind Strathmore.
Coach Mick McGuane said he was pleased with his side’s efforts early in the game and lauded their hardness at the contest and ability to win territory against the breeze which allowed them to control the match for much of its duration.
Despite the game being much more even than their last encounter and their closest result this season, the reigning premiers still dominated for much of the day.
The Blues piled on four goals in the first term and never looked back winning every quarter and cruising to victory 13 for the season.
Captain Kane Barbuto backed up last weekend’s impressive performance with another three goals, while Jermarl Daly and Mason Thomas bobbed up with three and two goals respectively.
Ahmed Saad proved to be a damaging threat forward of the ball with another three goals for the Panthers while Jake Moorhead and Sebastian Carta showed plenty of positive signs.
Next up, Keilor will travel to Lebanon Reserve for a highly anticipated Grand Final rematch against Strathmore while Pascoe Vale will be back at home against Greenvale.
DEER PARK 6.9 (45) def. by ABERFELDIE 10.12 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have returned to the winner's list, defeating Deer Park by 27 points at John McLeod Reserve.
The win sees Abers move four points ahead of Greenvale on the ladder while Deer Park remain in ninth spot on the ladder with just three wins for the year.
The visitors struggled to adapt to the difficult conditions and were made to pay kicking only two goals in the first half and trailing by six points at the main break.
They were able to break the game open after half time with four goals to none in the third term, with two of them coming from Matt Williamson.
Jamie Madigan’s side weren't able to stage a last quarter fight back with Abers running out 27-point winners.
Ben Ronke starred once again with four goals for Abers and Williamson stepped up when his side needed him most with another three goals, meanwhile veteran Luke Davis led from the front with another solid performance.
Despite going down, Jackson Barling and Jamieson House did their best with two goals each for the home side while Spiros Amarantidis was good as always.
Abers will be hoping to make it two wins in a row when they take on Essendon Doutta Stars at home, while Deer Park will travel to Overland Reserve to take on the Cougars.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 2.11 (23) def. by AIRPORT WEST 5.11 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have recorded their fourth win of the year in a scrappy affair, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 18 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The win sees the Eagles leapfrog Douttas into sixth spot on the ladder and now making a late push for finals with only 10 points separating them and fifth place Greenvale.
The game was won in the second term with the Eagles kicking three goals to open up a 13-point advantage at the main break and only one goal being kicked for the rest of the match which saw them win by three goals.
Ned Gentile suited the difficult conditions with the inside midfielder finding plenty of the footy, while Brendan Gooden made the most of his opportunities with two goals.
Lewis Downie and Giacomo Thomas provided the major highlights for Douttas with both men hitting the scoreboard on a day when the hosts struggled in front of goals.
It doesn’t get any easier for Douttas when they take on Aberfeldie at Clifton Park, while Airport West will play Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve.
By Joseph Ibic
ABERFELDIE 14.11 (95) def. WESTMEADOWS 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie recorded a massive win on the weekend defeating Westmeadows by 89 points and cementing a top three finish for themselves as they continue to build momentum for finals.
Abers had eight different goalkickers for their 14 goals with Erica Markesich (four goals) and (Emily Smith) three goals the main contributors upfront in what was a dominant and almost flawless display by Aberfeldie.
It was another tough afternoon for the Tigers with Courteney Munn their lone goal scorer.
Westmeadows will face Oak Park next, while Aberfeldie come up against the undefeated Hillside.
KEILOR 1.2 (8) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 8.11 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars claimed a convincing victory over Keilor on the weekend by 51 points moving them into the top four.
Harmony Mitsos was once again among the best players for Douttas continuing the excellent form she has found in the second half of this season.
Jasmine Arezzolo was also prominent, scoring two goals and having a big influence around the ground.
Keilor’s tough season continued for another week as they were once again unable to compete with their opponents, something that has been all too common this season.
Melda Tumerci’s goal in the second quarter was one positive for Keilor, while Olivia Lacy was once again among their best on ground.
Essendon Doutta Stars next plays Moonee Valley, while Keilor faces Marby Park.
HILLSIDE 7.11 (53) def. MOONEE VALLEY 0.7 (7)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have kept their unbeaten streak alive defeating Moonee Valley by 52 points as they show no signs of slowing down or losing their form before the finals arrive.
Hillside had a relatively slow start having only scored 18 points at half time, but a strong second half allowed them to cruise to an easy victory in which they held the Valley goalless and kicked seven goals of their own.
Forward Caitlin Sargent was important, kicking four goals and reclaiming the goal kicking tally lead with 38 goals.
The loss sees the Valley sit in sixth position on the ladder making their finals chances a lot harder.
Moonee Valley have a must win clash next week against Essendon Doutta Stars while Hillside faces off against Aberfeldie.
OAK PARK 11.4 (70) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 2.3 (15)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park recorded a huge win over Marby Park this weekend by 55 points at JP Fawkner Reserve
Despite the rainy conditions, the Oakers were clinical in front of goal kicking remarkably straight with 11 goals from 15 scoring shots.
Stephanie Normington-Dickens, Alex Quigley, and Leah Spargo were all impressive in the wet conditions, kicking three majors each as Oak Park secured the victory.
Marby Park were uncompetitive for the majority of the match but there were a couple of positives in the form of goals scored by Tegan Matthews (her 37th of the season) and by Saskia Williams who was playing her first senior game of the year.
Marby Park next faces Keilor, while Oak Park comes up against the winless Westmeadows.
By Luke Mathews
CRAIGIEBURN 4.2 (26) def. by HILLSIDE 14.14 (98)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have made up for last weekend’s loss defeating Craigieburn by 72 points at DS Aitken Reserve.
The win keeps the Sharks level on points with West Coburg but are still 57 per cent behind last year's grand finalists, while Craigieburn’s finals chances are diminishing quickly with the Eagles two games outside of the top five with only four games left to play.
The game was set up in the second term with the Sharks piling on five goals while the hosts failed to trouble the scorers.
Craigieburn only kicked a futher two goals in the second half while the Sharks extended their advantage with another five goals after the main break.
The difficult conditions couldn’t stop Josh Covelli with the full forward kicking another seven goals, while Hudson Shaw and co-captain Anthony Prestia both had a decent outing.
Jamie Gorgievski had another strong game with the midfielder kicking another two goals, while Riley Gaylard and Jacob Aquilina fought hard all day.
The Sharks will now turn their attention to next week when they travel to Tullamarine to take on the Demons, while Craigieburn are back at home to host Moonee Valley.
KEILOR PARK 4.2 (26) def. by ST ALBANS 11.17 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans have kept in touch with the double chance, defeating Keilor Park by 57 points at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
The win almost ensure the Saints will feature in the finals and are only one game off top spot, while Keilor Park still sit in eleventh spot and is looking extremely likely they’ll be returning to Division Two.
The Devils got the jump on the Saints and looked like causing an upset when they went into the quarter time break with a 10-point lead, however it was one way traffic for the rest of the game with St Albans kicking 10 of the next 11 goals on the way to their tenth win for the year.
Mason Dipetta and Andrew Papazoglou continued their fine form with both men kicking three goals on a wet day, while Bailee Revell chipped in with two goals.
Despite the difficult year, James Mifsud continues to fight hard and was rewarded with another two goals, while brother Daniel Mifsud and Jarod Pontin showed plenty of promise with one goal each.
St Albans will re-group next week before taking on Maribyrnong Park at home in two week’s time, while Keilor Park will travel to Oak Park to take on the Kangaroos.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 23.14 (152) def. TULLAMARINE 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park have continued their blistering form, defeating Tullamarine by 110 points at Monk Oval.
Saturday’s win is Marby’s eighth win in a row and are still closing in on the top two with only one win separating them and top spot on the ladder, while Tullamarine have missed a crucial opportunity to embed themselves inside the top five.
The match appeared to be one sided from very early on when the Lions jumped out to a 15-point lead at quarter time and piled on the pain with another six goals in the second term to almost put the result beyond doubt.
The onslaught didn’t stop there with Marby kicking another 13 goals in the second half while only conceding a further three to ensure another comfortable victory.
James Kayrooz starred for the home side once again with the forward kicking nine goals for the second week running to take his season tally to 46 from just 12 games, while Brodie Romensky and Darcy Griffin stepped up once again to help their team record a huge victory.
Despite going down, Matthew O’Dwyer and Jarrod Stephens were able to make the most of their opportunities and kicked two goals apiece.
Marby will be hoping to make it nine wins in a row when they come up against Roxburgh Park at Lakeside Oval, while Tullamarine will travel to Shark Park to take on Hillside.
MOONEE VALLEY 8.14 (62) def. RUPERTSWOOD 7.11 (53)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley have picked up a season-defining four points, defeating Rupertswood by nine points at Ormond Park.
The win moves the Valley out of the relegation zone and ahead of Rupertswood on the ladder but are still equal on points with Brad Fox’s men.
The match was a tight tussle for the whole day with the Valley taking a two-point lead into every change before opening up a 16-point advantage 12 minutes into the final term.
Rupertswood did hit back with two of the final three goals, but it wasn’t enough to get them over the line.
Ben Ryan and Adam Zanevra both played pivotal roles in the win with two goals each, while captain Bevan Newell stood tall all day in the ruck to will his side over the line.
Despite the tough loss, Mitchell Johnston continued his superb 2024 season with another two goals, while James Fox and Matt Castle fought hard all day.
WEST COBURG 18.13 (131) def. ROXBURGH PARK 9.5 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have kept a hold of their spot on top of the ladder after defeating Roxburgh Park by 62 points at Shore Reserve.
The win keeps the Burgers on top of the ladder, while Roxburgh Park's faint finals hopes are fading fast with a ninth loss for the year which sees them two games and percentage out of the top five.
Despite a mini second quarter fight back by the Magpies, it was all one way traffic for the ladder leaders with five goals in the first quarter followed up by 11 second half goals to help them cruise to a comfortable victory.
West Coburg’s dynamic forward line was too much for the Roxburgh Park defenders with Omar Saad, Ibby Taha, and Muhammad Saad combining for 12 goals between them in another dominant display.
Even though they went down, Cooper McPharlane and Andrew Capuana stood out for Roxburgh Park kicking three and two goals respectively.
West Coburg will be hoping to strengthen their grip on top spot when they take on Rupertswood at home, while Roxburgh Park will be back at Lakeside Oval to take on Maribyrnong Park.
By Joseph Ibic
KEILOR PARK 0.1 (1) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 8.9 (57)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights have recorded another comfortable victory, this time defeating Keilor Park by 56 points to cement the Bears as the minor premiers
Bella Negri was prominent up forward for Burnside booting four majors, while Holly McGregor continued her good form this season by kicking two goals for the sixth week in a row.
It was a tough day out for Keilor Park who managed just the one behind in a match where they were completely outclassed.
Keilor Park will play Tullamarine next week, while Burnside come up against Airport West.
TULLAMARINE 1.0 (6) def. by GREENVALE 5.15 (45)
MATCH CENTRE
It was a comfortable 39-point win for Greenvale who would be relieved to get back on the winner's list after consecutive losses.
The Jets controlled the game for the full four quarters and should’ve won by more if it wasn’t for their inaccurate kicking in front of goal.
Skipper Amy Hakim was among the best for Greenvale as she led her side to an important victory.
It was a disappointing game for Tullamarine who were lucky not to lose by more as they were only able to have one scoring shot which resulted in a goal.
They will however, be relieved that results fell their way and they are now safe from last place.
Tullamarine plays Keilor Park next week, while Greenvale takes on Strathmore/Pascoe Vale
STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 2.2 (14) drew AIRPORT WEST 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West recorded their second draw of the season this week against Strathmore/Pascoe Vale as the two sides couldn’t be separated at the final siren.
Airport West would be disappointed by the result as they would’ve no doubt expected to win this week against the last place side.
Alana Wenban was the star of the show for Airport West as she scored the Eagles' two goals and did her best to try and lead her team to victory.
It was a heartbreaking result for Strathmore/Pascoe Vale who are now confirmed to finish in last place regardless of next week's results.
They will however, be proud of their efforts today and over the last few weeks as they have pushed some good sides to their limits in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale faces Greenvale next week, while Airport West will come up against top-of-the-table Burnside Heights.
By Eric Forman
COBURG DISTRICTS 9.9 (63) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 5.12 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts are back in the four following a 21-point victory over Sunbury Kangaroos.
While inaccurate, the Kangaroos were kept at bay all day couldn't buy a goal in tough conditions with Districts kicking majors from half their scoring shots.
Jack Gusman continues his strong season kicking three goals, while Luke Viska (two goals) and Pasquale Curcio (one goal) were welcome returns.
Gusman saw heavier reliance with power forward Jack McNamara rotating with Seb Jansen in the ruck following Rusi Komaitai's shoulder injury last week, both of whom excelled against undersized, yet athletic rucks in Michael Treweek and Dean Halliwell.
The Kangaroos have five individual goal scorers kicking their five goals, but lacked efficiency with Chris Lucas and the Treweek trio named their best.
Coburg Districts will look to retain their spot in the four when they travel to Hadfield, while Sunbury Kangaroos will head to Glenroy.
TAYLORS LAKES 10.13 (73) def. HADFIELD 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes staved off an early Hadfield challenge to win their third on the trot.
A strong second half proved the difference with the Lions kicking five goals to one to open up the margin.
Jaxon Holliday was the only one who found continuity in front of goal as the only multiple goal scorer with four majors in a best-on-ground performance.
Aaron Vendramini and Stephen Tieppo were also important for the Lions, while Jack Wallace returned with a goal for the visitors alongside more strong performances from Jake Polizzi and Sam Godden.
Taylors Lakes will next play Northern Saints, while Hadfield will host Coburg Districts.
WESTMEADOWS 11.7 (73) def. by GLENROY 13.9 (87)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy have found themselves on the right side of a tight result in their 14-point win over Westmeadows.
It was an 86-point turnaround from the last time they played with the loss putting Westy two games out of double chance territory.
The Tigers led for most of the first half in an even battle, before stretching out to a game-high 21-point lead approaching half time.
After a late Glenroy goal to close out the first half, the Tigers would strike first in second half through Luke Smith to again put it out to 21 points.
The Roys would continue to push on after some back and forth action to kick three of the last four goals to lead bytwo points at the final change.
Westmeadows peppered the goal face and eventually broke the stalemate with a goal 15 minutes into the final quarter, but Glenroy closed the game out superbly with a further three goals.
Mark Sabatino was damaging with four goals, while Aaron Kite kicked two with Dean Young's men boast a further seven individual goal scorers.
Ryan Stingel led the way for Westy with eight other Tigers hitting the scoreboard, but it wasn't enough.
Glenroy next host Sunbury Kangaroos as Westmeadows have the bye.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 13.12 (90) def. NORTHERN SAINTS 5.9 (39)
MATCH CENTRE
Twilight footy at Tenterfield Drive saw the Bears make a statement with a 51-point win over the in-form Northern Saints.
The Bears took a 13-point lead into the first change before both sides started hitting the scoreboard in the second, the halftime margin five points in favour of the Bears.
It'd be all Burnside from there with the Bears kicking eight goals to one in the second half to take a strong win.
Conditions were never going to be conducive to dominance from key forwards and it was Jacob Elia leading the way with three goals, followed by skipper Jordan Hughes with two.
Ben Ryan and Anthony Petrarca were superb for the Bears alongside veteran Dion Lawson.
Riley Houston kicked two goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Saints, with Nick Bruno kicking just the one goal and Khoder Taleb held goalless.
Northern Saints will be looking to turn it around next week when they play Taylors Lakes, while Burnside Heights will stay under lights when they travel to East Sunbury.
By Joseph Ibic
GLENROY 0.2 (2) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 5.11 (41)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts recorded a comfortable 39-point victory over Glenroy on the weekend, their sixth win in a row as they appear to be peaking at the right part of the season.
Olivia Woods was once again one of Districts' best on ground continuing her outstanding form this season, while Giuseppina Tarantello was also impressive and scored two goals in the win.
Glenroy’s season has now come to an end seeing as they have a bye next weekend but will be happy with how they managed to push through the season.
Coburg Districts will play East Sunbury in their final home and away game.
ROXBURGH PARK 5.6 (36) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park have continued their strong end of season form defeating the Sunbury Kangaroos by 28 points as they cement a third place finish.
Roxy have now won six of their last seven games and loom as potential dark horses in this year's finals.
Captain Megan Allan once again led from the front with another best on ground performance and Madison Baynes was also significant, scoring two goals.
On the other hand it was a tough day at the office for the Kangaroos who managed just the one goal in the contest which came in the fourth quarter when the result of the match was almost over.
The Kangaroos now sit in fourth place and will need results to go their way to hold their spot.
Sunbury Kangaroos next faces Sunbury Lions, while Roxburgh Park plays Taylor Lakes.
SUNBURY LIONS 6.9 (45) def. TAYLORS LAKES 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Top of the table Sunbury Lions completed a convincing 45-point victory over Taylors Lakes on the weekend.
The Sunbury Lions defence was at its best as they kept Taylors Lakes scoreless for the entire match.
Forward Natachia Abela booted three majors in the victory taking her season tally to 30 goals as she now leads the goal kicking tally by 10 goals.
It was a really difficult day for Taylors Lakes who failed to score across the four quarters.
The Lakers currently sit in fifth position on the ladder and will require a big win in the last match of the season if they wish to move up higher.
Taylors Lakes takes on Roxburgh Park next week, while Sunbury Lions face cross town rivals Sunbury Kangaroos.
