By Eric Forman
KEILOR 26.10 (166) def. STRATHMORE 14.8 (92)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor made another statement with a 74-point win over Strathmore in the top-of-the-table clash at Joe Brown Oval.
The Blues now sit just one game behind the Mores in the race for top spot after a second loss in three week's for Matt Horne's side.
It was a tightly contested first half footy with both sides trading blows, as Keilor took a 12-point lead into the main break.
Keilor would dominate from that point on kicking 18 goals to Strathmore's eight to run away big winners.
It was the second consecutive game the Blues put 166 points on the board against quality opposition, Chris Kosmas a huge reason with seven goals.
Cody Brand, Kyle O'Connor, and Christian Olivieri each kicked three, while Jack Brown was huge with 32 disposals, 11 clearances, and nine tackles.
Corey Grindlay kicked four for the Mores, while Kade Mueller (18 disposals, two goals) and Brock Egglestone (27 disposals, seven clearances) were among the best.
Keilor will head to Clifton Park next week to take on Aberfeldie, while Strathmore will host Essendon Doutta Stars.
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DEER PARK 10.7 (67) def. ABERFELDIE 8.18 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has picked up its fifth win in a one-point nailbiter over Aberfeldie at John McLeod Reserve.
It is the second thriller played out between these sides with the Lions enjoying the win this time around.
The Lions got out to a strong start with the first three goals of the game, before Aberfeldie found a major late in the first term.
It was a role reversal in the second quarter with the first three goals going Aberfeldie's way, before Deer Park struck at the 28-minute mark.
Abers led by four points at the main break but struggled to contain the Lions in the third leaking four of the five goals for the quarter.
A 13-point lead for Deer Park left some work to do for the Two Blues and although they scored a few minutes into the quarter, the Lions stabilised and led by 14 points entering time-on.
Two late goals brought Aberfeldie to within a point at the 27-minute mark.
With the game on the line, Deer Park's Kwame McHarg stood tallest to take an intercept mark and see the game through to the final siren.
McHarg was immense for Deer Park with 46 disposals, 11 intercepts, and six tackles in a best-on-ground display.
Youngster Flynn Adams and Jackson Barling led the scoring with two goals each, while Anthony Anastasio found the footy a whopping 49 times.
Aberfeldie missed its chances in front of goals and will be left to rue those opportunities.
Jack Middleton was named the best for Abers with 20 disposals, 33 hit outs, and 10 intercepts, while Jhett Gaskett and Ethan Hunt each kicked two goals.
Deer Park will next head to Shark Park to play Hillside, while Aberfeldie will host Keilor.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 18.9 (117) def. GREENVALE 10.6 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park made it back-to-back victories with a 51-point win over Greenvale at Monk Oval.
The win keeps the Lions in touch with the top five, while the Jets remain in second last on percentage.
It was the second quarter that saw Maribyrnong Park take control of the game with six goals to one to lead by 37 points at half time.
The Lions built on the lead from there to run out comfortable winners in a strong display.
Rory Atkins had 36 disposals and four goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Brandon Ryan also slotted four majors.
Oliver Withers (30 disposals, seven clearances) and Rook Barry (35 disposals, eight rebound 50s) were also solid contributors.
Will Martyn was named the best for Greenvale with 28 disposals and seven clearances, while Riley Leedham, Ray Murphy, and Josh Porter each kicked two goals.
Maribyrnong Park will next head to Hansen Reserve to play Airport West, while Greenvale will host Pascoe Vale.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 15.13 (103) def. AIRPORT WEST 5.7 (37)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars enjoyed a 66-point win over Aiport West at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The win keeps Douttas a game clear in fifth, while the Eagles remain in last on percentage.
Douttas took a 24-point lead into half time but kicked six goals to two in the third quarter to push the margin out, and ultimately control the game.
Dylan Laurie starred for the home side with 34 disposals and 12 intercepts, while Tom Cappellari (33 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) and Declan Willmore (four goals) were important.
Matt Hanson was named the best for the visitors with 25 disposals, seven tackles, and six clearances, while Giacomo Thomas kicked two goals against his former side.
Airport West will next host Maribyrnong Park, while Essendon Doutta Stars will head to Lebanon Reserve to play Strathmore.
PASCOE VALE 19.14 (128) def. HILLSIDE 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale has bounced back from consecutive losses with a 52-point win over Hillside at Shark Park.
Although the game was relocated, the Panthers were able to outlast a gallant Sharks outfit and run away comfortable winners in the end.
Hillside's five-point quarter-time lead was extinguished in the second as Pascoe Vale kicked six goals to one to lead by 26 points at the major break.
The Sharks worked back into the contest after trading blows to start the third with three quick goals to close out the quarter and come within eight points at the final break.
The Panthers kept the Sharks at bay and ended the game with the last six goals to blow the margin out.
Matthew Dennis was the best for Pascoe Vale with 26 disposals, 26 hit outs, and nine clearances, while Noah Hijazi kicked a season-high four goals.
Daniel Barker kicked four of his own for Hillside and was named in the best with Ryan Lojko, Fort Caruso, and Connor Leeflang.
The Sharks will stay at home to play Deer Park, while Pascoe Vale head to Section Road to play Greenvale.
By Ben Parker
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 20.13 (133) def. ST ALBANS 10.5 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights surged away from St Albans to bank a vital 68-point win at Canning Reserve.
It was an important result for the Heights.
With the ladder positionings tightening every week, they currently sit in equal fifth position on the ladder based off points, however they slide down to sixth when taking percentage into account.
Tullamarine lie in fifth position and then there’s a steep three-game gap up to Moonee Valley in fourth spot.
Evidently, the battle for that fifth and final position is starting to eventuate and look extremely competitive.
The Heights took control of this bout from the get-go.
With 13 first-half goals to the Saints' five, a 55-point lead at half time looked to be almost impossible the guests to overcome.
It proved to be this.
While the second half proved to be more competitive, Avondale were ultimately able to secure the four points in a significant win.
Vice-captain Jackson Robb led from the front per usual with four goals to his name, while Daniel Taberner also impressed with critical early momentum goals.
For the Saints, Jacob Hunt toiled away hard in what was ultimately a disappointing day for his side.
Avondale Heights will go to battle against Rupertswood next week out at Salesian College, while St Albans face West Coburg.
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TAYLORS LAKES 23.11 (149) def. EAST KEILOR 5.14 (44)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes have won its third game of 2026 with a 105-point romping of East Keilor.
There were ominous signs from the get-go, as the Lions looked to be rolling with 12 first-half goals to the Cougars' two.
While the Cougars squandered several opportunities in front of goal, they ultimately couldn’t match it with the Lions when the whips got cracking.
After taking a 59-point stranglehold into half time, the Lions were roaring with confidence as they bounded away.
Another 11-goal avalanche in the second half all but sealed the deal for the guests as they left Overland Reserve with an emphatic victory.
Daniel Younan was the star of the show, with a sensational 10-goal haul marking the day down as a day he and the Taylors Lakes football club will never forget.
Taylors Lakes will look to make it consecutive wins for the first time this season when it hosts Tullamarine next, while it gets no easier for East Keilor as it faces Moonee Valley.
MOONEE VALLEY 13.9 (87) def. by CRAIGIEBURN 14.11 (95)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn outlasted Moonee Valley in an epic battle at Ormond Park to steal a season-defining eight-point victory.
In what was built as a highly anticipated matchup, the Eagles were the ones who made the early break.
Conversion in front of goal was proving to be a factor in the game throughout the first half, with the Eagles making the most of their opportunities and the Valley not.
After trailing by 31 points at quarter-time, the Valley trimmed the margin up right away to get to within 10 points come the main break.
With neither side having any real control over the game, the margin remained within these one to three goal ranges for the remainder of play.
The Eagles managed to take a three-goal buffer into the final quarter but were made to earn the four points after the Valley came steaming back in the last term.
Despite booting three the last three goals of the game, it was ultimately too great of a deficit to overcome for the Valley as they fell to the Eagles by eight points.
Craigieburn’s young gun Harry Albon was back to his brilliant best, booting through four goals in what was a sublime performance.
On the other side of the ledger, Zayas Leonedas produced another stellar performance for Moonee Valley with four goals to his name as well.
Craigieburn will look to claim another scalp next week when it clashes with Oak Park, while Moonee Valley will be seeking to bounce back against East Keilor.
WEST COBURG 28.16 (184) def. RUPERTSWOOD 6.3 (39)
MATCH CENTRE
It was business as usual for West Coburg which made a mess of Rupertswood with a dominant 145-point road win at Salesian College.
In what quickly turned into a showcasing, the Burgers kept Rupertswood scoreless in the opening quarter while kicking six goals of their own.
The second quarter was played out in vastly similar fashion, and the Burgers took an overwhelming 58-point buffer into the main break in play.
While there was a mountain to climb, onlookers would have been hoping to see some fight and grit from the hosts, however any possibility of this was quickly put to bed after a 10-goal-to-one third quarter from the Burgers.
It was easy pickings for the Burgers in the end as they ran away as 145-point winners.
The goal-kicking procession from Ibrahim Taha and Jesse Martini rolled on, with Taha booting through a sack of seven goals and Martini logging six of his own.
West Coburg will travel again next week for its clash with St Albans, while Rupertswood remains at home to host Avondale Heights.
OAK PARK 9.9 (63) def. TULLAMARINE 9.7 (61)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park survived a major scare at JP Fawkner Reserve to secure a critical two-point win over Tullamarine.
After trailing at every break in play, the Roos peaked when it mattered most to overrun what was an extremely gallant Tullamarine outfit.
A game-winning goal from Adam Del Busso in the final seconds saved the day for the Roos as they banked their tenth win of the season.
In a see-sawing contest for the entirety of the day, Tullamarine were well and truly up for the fight as it took a marginal three-point lead into half time.
Another fierce battle in the third quarter saw their lead extended by only two points, and with the game hanging firmly in the balance, onlookers were in for a thrilling finish.
A thrilling finished is what delivered, and after going down by a game-high deficit of 16 points at the 13-minute mark of the final term, the Roos stormed home to claim victory after kicking the last three goals of the game.
In a low-scoring affair, Kane O’Halloran was instrumental for the Roos with three critical goals, while Lachy Stredwick produced one of the defensive performances of the season.
For the Dees, young gun Sam Lazarevski produced his best performance of the season in an excellent outing.
Oak Park will hit the road next week for their mouth-watering clash with Craigieburn at DS Aitken Reserve, while Tullamarine will be looking to snap its three-game losing streak when it takes on Taylors Lakes.
By Jake Reeves & Evan Tudor
NORTHERN SAINTS 17.12 (114) def. KEILOR PARK 12.16 (88)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints enjoyed an incredible come-from-behind win over Keilor Park by 26 points at Charles Mutton Reserve.
The Devils led by as many as 27 points late in third term, and the result looked like it was going one way, but a spirited Saints outfit stood up in an almighty fightback in the final term and cruised to victory.
The spearhead up forward for the Devils in Luke Kilty started the game on fire and nailed four goals across the afternoon.
Hisham Kerbatieh and Taner Can were both highly influential for the Saints, kicking five and three goals, respectively.
Next weekend, the Saints will meet ladder leaders Coburg Districts at Cole Reserve.
While Keilor Park will host the Sunbury Kangaroos at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
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HADFIELD 6.9 (45) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
A fourth-quarter blitz from Roxburgh Park was what it took to send the Magpies over Hadfield by 31 points at Martin Reserve.
In what was a very tight contest, Roxy led each change by four, one, and five points, with the game in the balance heading into the final quarter.
The black and white would then dominate from there, ousting the Hawks after scoring 4.4 (28) to a solitary behind.
Eyad Hegazy was the game’s only multiple-goal scorer, with the key Magpie finding five majors to make it 11 goals in two weeks.
Hegazy was named as one of Roxy’s best alongside Thomas Baker, Jack Brooks, Andrew Capuana, and Ryan Micallef - all of whom kicked one goal on Saturday.
The result sees a second-consecutive loss for Hadfield after its strong six-game winning streak.
The Hawks were well and truly in Saturday's contest but were unable to fire away in the fourth quarter.
Badr Moustafa, Daniel Simpson (one goal), Sam Godden (one goal), and Samir Mohamad (one goal) were named as some of the Hawks’ best, while Polizzi brothers Zac and Jacob also were strong in defeat.
The Hawks will be hoping they can get back on the right side of the scoreboard when Hadfield meets Glenroy at Sewell Reserve.
Roxburgh Park will look to make it a hattrick of wins when it faces Westmeadows at home.
COBURG DISTRICTS 17.15 (117) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 8.10 (58)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts has made light work of Burnside Heights in a cruisy 59-point win at Cole Reserve.
It was an even game throughout the opening half with both sides going back and forth and only 18 points separating the Districts and Bears at half time.
But an eight-goal-to-two second half proved why the Districts are clearly the best team in the competition, as they cruise to their 12th consecutive victory.
Ruckman Lachlan Evans had another big afternoon for the bears on a tough day for the visitors.
Ali Saad and Patrick Logan bagged four goals each for Districts to put the cherry on top of an emphatic afternoon.
Coburg Districts is next set to host the Northern Saints at Cole Reserve.
Burnside Heights will also host when it plays East Sunbury at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
WESTMEADOWS 8.13 (61) def. by GLENROY 10.14 (74)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows and Glenroy played in another memorable contest, with the Roys combining for victory at Kalkallo Reserve.
The Roys’ scoring was distributed evenly, with 10 individuals lining up for the side’s 10 goals.
Captain Tanner Nilsson and vice-captain Daniel Ferraro were part of the scoring party.
Cody Wight, Daniel Trifunovic, and Julian Hemala were named some of Glenroy’s best.
The match’s only multiple-goalscorer was Westmeadows’ Ryan Stingel, who found four majors in what was his second senior appearance for 2026.
Stingel was named as one of Westy’s best alongside Rhys Gleisner, Will Adams, and Michael Portelli.
Westy’s scoring was also found through Adrian Alfonsi, Harley Gleeson, Jordan Hollow, and Daniel Spencer.
After leading by five points at the main break, Glenroy lit the fuse in the third term scoring 5.2 (32) to Westy’s one-goal-straight.
The 31-point margin put Glenroy firmly in charge at the three-quarter-time huddle and would go on to survive a 2.8 (20) Westy run, with the Roys putting on just two behinds.
If Westmeadows converted more shots into majors, the result could’ve been very different to what we were left with on Saturday.
The Tigers will look to get back on the winners list when it travels to face Roxburgh Park.
Glenroy will meet Hadfield at Sewell Reserve in a top-five battle.
EAST SUNBURY 9.7 (61) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos has redeemed the side's Round 3 defeat to East Sunbury by knocking their cross-town rivals off by 12 points at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
The Kangaroos had the edge for most of the afternoon and held off a last quarter fightback from the Thunder, who kicked three out of the last four goals of the match.
Despite the defeat, Daniel Paulete and John Bonnici were both highly influential across the afternoon for the Thunder, with Bonnici even nailing two goals on top of his already impressive performance.
It was a well-rounded performance from the Kangaroos with there being eight individual goalscorers for the visitors, with Sebastian Sanderson and Joshua Nanninga, racking up their fifth and ninth best player of the season, respectively.
The Sunbury Kangaroos are set to travel out to face the last-placed Keilor Park at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
East Sunbury will also travel when they face a hungry Burnside Heights outfit at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
