By Luke Mathews
GREENVALE 7.11 (53) def. by ABERFELDIE 11.12 (78)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have given themselves a handy two game buffer over Greenvale, grounding the Jets with a 25-point win at Section Road.
The Jets missed a golden opportunity to move level on points with Abers and are still searching for the first win since May 18, shakily holding their spot in the top five.
The game was evenly poised for much of the opening half with Abers taking a slender five-point lead at the main break before piling on four goals to one in the third term which proved to be the difference.
Intercept marking machine Brodie Newman was thrust forward and stepped up in Karl Brown’s absence kicking three goals, while Ben Ronke kicked two in another strong performance.
Senior debutant Hayden Fraser was the only Jet to kick multiple goals with three, however Ryan Townsend and Jason Kenneth both put in serviceable performances for the Jets.
The Jets will be hoping to return to the winners list when they take on Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve next week', while Aberfeldie will be looking to test themselves when they take on Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve.
AIRPORT WEST 17.7 (109) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 14.12 (96)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have gained a crucial four points that will help their bid to stay in Premier Division, taking down Avondale Heights by 13 points at Hansen Reserve.
The win moves the Eagles in eighth spot, a game and percentage above last place while the Heights still sit last in desperate need of a win.
The match ebbed and flowed for much of the day with the Eagles taking a comfortable 27 point lead into the main break.
The lead was quickly diminished thanks to eight Avondale Heights goals in the third term that swung the game in their favour and meant they took a six-point lead into three quarter time.
The Heights kicked the first goal of the final term to give themselves a handy 11-point buffer, before the Eagles clicked into gear and kicked five of the next six goals to run over the top of Avondale and record their second victory for the year.
Anthony Aloi was pivotal for Airport West with four goals while Jesse Mcveigh and Luca Muratore both kicked two goals to help their side get over the line.
Thomas Gleeson did his best for the Heights with four goals while Danko Bzenic had another impressive game with three goals.
The Heights will next host Greenvale in a must-win clash while Airport West will play Strathmore at Hansen Reserve.
KEILOR 27.12 (174) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 4.3 (27)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor are continuing to dominate the 2024 season, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 147 points at Joe Brown Oval.
Saturday’s win is remarkably the side's fourth 100 point win in a row and are showing no signs of slowing down on their quest to their third perfect season in the last four completed seasons.
Coach Mick McGuane said his side struggled to move the ball during the opening half but moved the ball quicker in the second half allowing the Blues to kick 12 goals in a dynamic third term.
It was a special day for the club with father-son prodigy Thomas McGuane making his highly anticipated club debut.
The youngster didn’t disappoint kicking three goals and is definitely one to keep an eye over the next 18 months in his bid to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.
Oskar Smartt caught the eye of many spectators at Joe Brown Oval with five goals in his first game of senior EDFL footy while stars Kane Barbuto, Cody Brand, and Josh Honey continued their superb 2024 season.
Oskar Balta continues to show plenty of promise for the Stars and fought hard all day, while Michael Kiraly and Noah Smallacombe both fought hard on a difficult day.
Keilor will next play at home again when they take on Deer Park, while Douttas will be hoping to bounce back when they play East Keilor at home.
STRATHMORE 13.16 (94) def. DEER PARK 10.8 (68)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore have cruised to their seventh victory for the year beating Deer Park by 26 points at Windy Hill.
The win keeps the Mores in third spot, a game behind neighbours Pascoe Vale, while Deer Park sit in seventh spot, two games above last place.
Jamie Madigan’s side failed to take their opportunities early and were made to pay with Strathmore opening up a 27-point lead at half time.
They were unable to get the margin closer than 15 points for the rest of the game.
Vice-captain Mitch Purcell had a solid game with three goals while Callum Clinnick and Tom Sayers both kicked two.
Matthew Foley put in a solid performance on return from Essendon VFL with one goal.
Nicolas Aleksovski had his best game for the year for Deer Park with five goals while Anthony Daw and Luke Scicchitano showed plenty of positive signs with two goals each.
Deer Park will face a tough test next week when they take on Keilor at Joe Brown Oval, while Strathmore will travel to Hansen Reserve to take on the in-form Airport West.
PASCOE VALE 26.18 (174) def. EAST KEILOR 10.4 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale remains in second spot after easily taking care of East Keilor by 110 points at Raeburn Reserve.
The win keeps the Panthers a game clear of Strathmore however are still one win and a significant amount of percentage behind Keilor.
Leigh Tudor’s side was clinical in front of the big sticks kicking 26 goals for the day, 15 of which came in the first half which helped set up the huge win.
Sunny Brazier played his best game since Round 1 kicking five goals, while Matthew Watson and Ahmed Saad made the most of their opportunities with four goals each.
Frank Campisi put in a strong performance for the Cougars despite the loss with three goals, while Lachlan Smart continues to be one of East Keilor's best with another two goals.
The Panthers will next take on Aberfeldie at home on NXP EDFL Match of the Day while East Keilor face Douttas at Nipper Jordan Oval in a must-win game.
Ahmed Saad enjoyed another strong return with four goals (Image: Moments by Shaun)
By Luke Mathews
CRAIGEIBURN 9.11 (65) def. by TULLAMARINE 13.9 (87)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine have given their finals chances a huge boost, defeating Craigieburn by 22 points at DS Aitken Reserve in the ground's first bit of action this season.
The win moves the demons into sixth spot on the ladder and one game outside the top five, however have a considerable amount of percentage to make up over the coming weeks if they want to feature in September action.
The sides could hardly be separated in the first half with Tulla taking a two-point lead into the main break before kicking six of the last eight goals of the match to record their third victory for the year.
Joel Flanigan had his best game for the year and kicked his first bag of five for the season while Matthew O’Dwyer and Tom Jackson both stepped up to help get their side over the line.
Jake Carlisle returned to form with two goals after a quiet fortnight in front of the big sticks before the weekend off, while Jesse Davies had a solid game with two goals in his return for the Eagles.
Tullamarine will be back at home next week when they take on Rupertswood while Craigieburn will host St Albans.
HILLSIDE 11.14 (80) def. ROXBURGH PARK 11.9 (75)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have fought off a late Roxburgh Park fightback to win their eighth game of the year by five points at Hillside Recreation Reserve.
Despite going into the game in first and sixth spot respectively, the Sharks were made to fight hard all day to overcome a gallant Roxburgh Park outfit.
The Magpies led at half time by nine points before Hillside piled on five straight goals to take a three-goal lead into the final change.
The game looked over when Jackson McMenamin put the Sharks 22 points up eight minutes into the final term however Roxburgh Park kicked the final three goals to give themselves a sniff with only a few minutes to play.
However it just wasn’t enough to cause a huge upset.
Josh Covelli was the main target for Hillside and kicked another four goals to take his season tally to 58 from only nine games, while Fort Caruso and Jeremy Hayes both had strong games that helped get Hillside over the line.
Cooper McPharlane had a solid outing for the Magpies with three goals, while Teronne Potter and Scott Poynter were handy with two goals each.
The Sharks will have their first bye for the season next week before travelling to Sunbury to take on Rupertswood, while Roxburgh park will be back at home against Moonee Valley.
OAK PARK 6.11 (47) def. WEST COBURG 22.7 (139)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg have continued their strong form defeating Oak Park by 92 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The damage was done in the second term with West Coburg piling on seven goals to take a 47-point lead into the main break.
Ibby Taha kicked a bag of seven goals while Ruari Cleary and Omar Saad continued their impressive 2024 seasons with four and three goals respectively.
Despite Oak Park only having two goal kickers, Kane O’Halloran had a day out despite the loss with five goals while Max Gleeson and Jedd Taylor both had solid games.
West Coburg will be looking to move to the top of the ladder when they travel to Keilor Park, while Oak Park will play Maribyrnong Park for the second time this year at Monk Oval.
MOONEE VALLEY 15.13 (103) def. by ST ALBANS 21.11 (137)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley and St Albans have played out one of the highest-scoring encounters of the year which saw the Saints come out 34-point victors.
The match looked almost over a half time when St Albans took a comfortable 25-point lead into half time, however Moonee Valley made the most of the strong breeze during the third term to kick seven goals to level the scores heading into the final change.
It wasn’t enough with St Albans kicking eight goals in the final term to run over the top of the Valley to record their seventh victory for the year.
Mason Dipetta continued his fine form with another five goals while Josh Carter kicked three for the Saints.
Atu Bosenavulagi put in another strong showing along with the skipper Jack Sims.
Captain Bevan Newell continues to lead from the front for the Valley with another three goals while Ben Ryan and Costa Detsikas also kicked three goals and showed plenty of positive signs.
The Valley will next travel to Roxburgh Park to take on the Magpies while St Albans will travel to Craigieburn.
RUPERTSWOOD 8.7 (55) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 31.15 (201)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has sent a warning to the rest of the competition with one of the most dominant performances of the year defeating Rupertswood by 146 points at Salesian College.
Saturday’s win is Marby’s fourth 100-point victory for the year and their first score over 200 points for the season as they now sit in fourth spot with the best percentage in the competition at 252.
The match was over by quarter time with Marby kicking 11 goals to zero to take a 68 point lead into the first change.
Rupertswood did put up a solid fight in the second quarter to make it five goals to one, however it was all in vain with Marby kicking 19 of the last 22 goals to win by 24 goals.
Will Ryan had his best game for the year with six goals, while Scott Clarke and Brodie Romensky made the most of their opportunities with four goals each.
Fraser Phelan-Smith was one of Rupertswood’s best once again with two goals while Matt Castle and Patrick Ervin had solid games despite the loss.
Marby will be looking to continue this dominant form when they host Oak Park, while Rupertswood will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Tullamarine to take on the Demons.
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By Eli Duxson
COBURG DISTRICTS 24.10 (154) def. EAST SUNBURY 5.5 (35)
MATCH CENTRE
It took until Round 9 but Coburg Districts have enjoyed their first game decided by more than 13 points with their 119-point demolition over East Sunbury.
The scoreboard pressure was applied immediately as the Lions kicked nine unanswered in the first quarter and would continue to extend the margin as the game progressed.
Jack McNamara enjoyed his day in front of the big sticks booting nine majors, while William Banks, Jack Gusman, and Jasper Lynch each kicked three goals.
It wasn't all doom and gloom for East Sunbury who would take some confidence from an even third quarter, as well as the performances from David Morrice, Cody Holden, and Josh Lupa.
Coburg Districts will face a rampant Taylors Lakes next week, while East Sunbury face Glenroy.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 7.9 (51) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 13.13 (91)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes make it two wins against Sunbury Kangaroos following their 40-point triumph at Eric Boardman Reserve.
The Lions were more efficient in front of goal taking a 16-point lead into the first break, before the Kangaroos kicked into gear and threatened to pull ahead.
It was a five-point margin at the main change but with Taylors Lakes kicking away in their first meeting and the Kangaroos undermanned, you felt the Lions could pull away at any stage.
They did just that kicking five goals in the third quarter while restricting the Kangaroos to just one behind, carrying a 40-point lead through to the final siren.
Luke Nappi was lively in Taylors Lakes' forward half and was especially dangerous in the first half when the game was even, while Christian Petersen was consistently a likely marking option ending up with two goals.
Aaron Vendramini was sublime through the midfield with Chris Vulic, as Darby Lalor was a standout in a tight defensive unit.
Nathan Thomas was a strong contributor for the Kangaroos limiting Vulic at stoppage while finding his own footy, with Brandon Smith and Jackson Treweek forming a serviceable ruck combination.
Taylors Lakes will next face Coburg Districts while Sunbury Kangaroos will prepare for Northern Saints.
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HADFIELD 10.7 (67) def. by WESTMEADOWS 13.12 (90)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows outlasted a valiant Hadfield outfit winning by 23 points on the back of a strong final quarter.
The Hawks continue to prove they're a markedly improved side being competitive against every team bar the top two, sides their opponents in Westy have also struggled against.
The game ebbed and flowed throughout the first three quarters with just one point separating the two sides at the final change.
The Tigers accelerated in the final term and kicked five goals to one to give themselves the victory.
Shaun O'Grady led the way for Westy with three goals, while Rex Hickman and Nathan Sparks kicked two goals each in best-on-ground performances.
With Hadfield's leading goalkicker in Jack Wallace absent, the Hawks enjoyed three-goal efforts from Josh Trembearth and Ayden Woodward, with Jake Polizzi named their best.
Westy will be looking they can match with the top sides when they meet Burnside Heights again, while Hadfield will have the bye.
GLENROY 11.13 (79) def. by NORTHERN SAINTS 13.8 (86)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints continue their season resurgence with a seven-point win over Glenroy making it three wins from their last four games.
It was a tale of two halves for Glenroy who couldn't buy a goal to half time kicking 2.10 to trail by 32 points.
The Roys would kick 9.3 in the second half to breathe life into the contest but ultimately fell just short to a Saints outfit carrying a wave of momentum as they turn their season around.
The result makes it four losses in a row by 10 points or less for Glenroy with three of those within a kick.
Nick Bruno (five goals) and Khoder Taleb (four goals) have been at the forefront of the resurgence while Bronell Kako chipped in with three goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Mark Sabatino led the way for Glenroy kicking five goals, with Daniel Ferraro, Jake Young, and George Abdallah continuing strong seasons.
Glenroy will look to secure a much-needed victory against East Sunbury next week, while Northern Saints will have a chance to move into the top four when they take on Sunbury Kangaroos.
By Joseph Ibic
KEILOR 1.3 (9) def. by MOONEE VALLEY 6.11 (47)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley defeated Keilor by 38 points to win their third game of the season.
It was an important win for the Valley who now move 12 points clear of last and eight points clear of Keilor in second last to give them security from relegation.
The game was relatively close in the first half before Moonee Valley kicked away in the second half scoring three goals to none.
It was a valiant effort from Keilor early on who were able to match Moonee Valley’s intensity in the first half before falling away in the second.
Olivia Lacy was once again one of Keilor's best as they continue their fight to avoid relegation.
Keilor will next face Hillside, while Moonee Valley will play Westmeadows.
ABERFELDIE 6.3 (39) def. by OAK PARK 8.3 (51)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have once again won the grand final rematch defeating Aberfeldie by two goals in another thrilling encounter between the two sides.
The match was close all day but Oak Park took a two-goal buffer into three quarter time and managed to keep that margin when the final siren sounded.
Alex Quigley was the star for Oak Park kicking five goals in what was a huge victory in the context of Oak Park's season.
For Aberfeldie, it was a disappointing result but also one that had many positives and will know they're not far off returning to winning ways against the Kangaroos.
Aberfeldie next play Marby Park and Oak Park take on Essendon Doutta Stars.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.2 (38) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 7.5 (47)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park claimed an important win over Essendon Doutta Stars this weekend by nine points.
It was a reversal of the first time these teams met this season back in Round 1 when Douttas came out on top by 54 points.
The win has shown just how much Marby Park has improved since the start of the year.
The game was close all day with just three points separating the sides at half time, but Marby proved to be the better team on the day holding on to a narrow lead for the rest of the match.
It was a tough loss for Douttas who remain above Marby but only by percentage as the race for finals begins to heat up.
Douttas next plays Oak Park, while Marby takes on Aberfeldie.
WESTMEADOWS 0.0 (0) def. by HILLSIDE 16.14 (110)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside recorded a huge 110-point victory over the winless Westmeadows to keep their unbeaten streak alive for another week.
The Sharks have now won eight from eight as they continue to charge towards finals.
It was an especially massive second half from Hillside who kicked 10 goals.
Caitlin Sargent booted eight goals which brings her back to the top of the goal kicking leaderboard having scored 31 majors in just the eight games.
It was disappointment once again for Westmeadows who failed to score a single point for the second consecutive round.
They will be hoping to regroup in the final stages of the season as they still look for their first win of the season.
Westmeadows will play Moonee Valley next, while Hillside will line up against Keilor.
Westmeadows hosted their third annual Pride Cup fixture (Image: Moments by Shaun)
By Joseph Ibic
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 17.25 (127) def. KEILOR PARK 0.1 (1)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights recorded another massive win over Keilor Park by 126 points.
The win boosted Burnsides' percentage up to 550 percent keeping above Greenvale in first place as the race for the minor premiership heats up.
Skipper Kayla Ravanello led from the front booting six goals which took her season tally to 24.
The only slight cause for concern was the Bears’ wayward kicking as they scored 25 behinds.
However, given the margin they won’t stress over that too much.
It was a tough day at the office for Keilor Park who were simply no match for Burnside Heights.
The fight against relegation is on as only four points separate the bottom three teams as they all look to avoid last place.
Keilor Park next face Strathmore/Pascoe Vale in an important clash, while Burnside Heights will play Airport West.
STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 4.2 (26) def. by GREENVALE 15.7 (97)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale claimed another comfortable win this week defeating Strathmore/Pascoe Vale by 71 points.
The win keeps Greenvale equal on points for first place, but they will need to improve their percentage if they want to take the top spot.
Alisa Magri was once again impressive scoring four majors and extending her lead on the goal kicking leaderboard by taking her season tally to 31 goals.
Amy Hakim was also potent upfront kicking three goals.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale started the game really well scoring three goals in the first quarter but then ran out of gas for the remaining quarters as they only scored one more goal for the rest of the game.
Alexsis Ryan was their best player on the day as she scored three of their four goals.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale next face off against Keilor Park, while Greenvale will play Tullamarine.
TULLAMARINE 2.7 (19) def. by AIRPORT WEST 3.3 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have won an absolute thriller defeating Tullamarine by just two points.
The match was close all day with Airport West taking a three-point lead into the final break, as Tullamarine were only able to cut the margin down by a single point in the final term as Airport West ran away victorious in the end.
While the win all but assures Airport West of a top three finish, they would be a bit disappointed with how close the game remained.
It was heartbreak for Tullamarine who will feel they lost a game they should have won.
Tulla had three more scoring shots than Airport West but simply couldn’t capitalise on their chances.
However, there were still plenty of positives to take out from the win and they will be confident they can avoid relegation now.
Tullamarine next face Greenvale, while Airport West will play Burnside Heights.
Neither team gave an inch at Leo Dineen Reserve (Image: Moments by Shaun)
By Joseph Ibic
EAST SUNBURY 0.1 (1) def by. COBURG DISTRICTS 12.15 (87)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts recorded a massive win over East Sunbury by 86 points.
The Districts dominated from start to finish with Jacinta Brew kicking four goals and Olivia Woods booting three goals being massive up forward.
The win now moves the Districts into third place with two games in hand on second place and a top two finish remains firmly on the cards.
It was another tough week for East Sunbury who were once again no match for their opposition.
East Sunbury next faces Roxburgh Park as Coburg Districts come up against Sunbury Lions.
SUNBURY LIONS 9.12 (66) def. GLENROY 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Lions won a comfortable 58-point game against Glenroy this weekend.
Sunbury Lions are right back on the winner’s board after their first loss of the season last round, dominating the game all day and never giving Glenroy a chance to get back into it.
It was a hard game for Glenroy who struggled to find any momentum and have still only won one game this season.
They will be hoping for better performances across the last few games of the season.
Glenroy will play Taylors Lakes next, while Sunbury Lions will face Coburg Districts.
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SUNBURY KANGAROOS 6.8 (44) def. TAYLORS LAKES 6.4 (40)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos have defeated Taylors Lakes in a thriller by four points.
The Kangaroos led for the majority of the game including going into the last quarter. Despite a late fightback from Taylors Lakes, in the end the Kangaroos held on.
The win keeps the Kangaroos in second place, a position they will be hoping to cement in the run home.
It was heartbreaking for Taylors Lakes who just fell short of a comeback win. Their captain Sarah McNally led from the front booting four of their six goals, but it just wasn’t enough in the end.
Taylors Lakes will line up against Glenroy next week, while Sunbury Kangaroos will have the week off with a bye.
