By Joseph Ibic
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 8.16 (64) def. by GREENVALE 17.6 (108)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale claimed a comfortable win over Avondale Heights this weekend by 44 points.
The Jets were incredibly accurate in front of goal scoring 17 goals from their 23 scoring shots which was a big factor in their win.
The Jets were able to kick away from Avondale in the second half after a relatively even first half with Ben Bath leading the way booting six majors.
It was another disappointing loss for the struggling Avondale Heights who have lost nine matches in a row now and sit a game clear on the bottom of the ladder.
It was their inaccurate kicking that cost Avondale as despite the large margin, they actually had more scoring shots than Greenvale.
Avondale Heights next play Essendon Doutta Stars, while Greenvale will play Deer Park.
AIRPORT WEST 8.10 (58) def. by STRATHMORE 14.12 (96)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore completed a comfortable 38-point win over Airport West as they moved into second spot on the ladder.
Strathmore led at every break and extended their lead in every quarter as they kept Airport West at bay all game.
It was a valiant effort from Airport West especially early on as they kept pace with Strathmore for the first half, but just couldn't stick with them.
The focus for Airport West during the rest of the season will be to defeat the lower ranked teams to avoid relegation down to Division One as they are currently only four points above last place.
Airport West will face Aberfeldie next, while Strathmore play Pascoe Vale.
KEILOR 25.15 (165) def. DEER PARK 5.4 (34)
MATCH CENTRE
It was another one-sided domination by Keilor this week as they demolished Deer Park by 131 points.
The win was Keilor's fifth 100-point win in a row as they start to look more and more unbeatable each week.
One of the things that makes this Keilor team so great is their many avenues to goal.
From their 25 goals on the weekend they had 16 individual goal scorers demonstrating they don’t just rely on one or two key forwards like many other teams do.
Deer Park on the other hand were brought back down to earth after a few good showingin recent weeks.
However, Deer Park won’t dwell on the result too much as they would’ve known going into the game they aren’t at Keilor's level.
Instead they would’ve seen the match as where they want to be in a few years time.
Deer Park next takes on Greenvale, while Keilor plays East Keilor.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 9.5 (59) def. by EAST KEILOR 14.5 (89)
MATCH CENTRE
East Keilor recorded a huge win in the context of their season, defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 30 points.
It was their third win of the season and will come as a welcome relief to a side that had suffered three 90+ point drubbings in a row.
Lachlan Smart was impressive once again kicking four goals and taking his season tally to 29, the most in the division.
Smart wasn’t the only sharpshooter, with the team kicking 14 goals from 19 scoring shots showing great accuracy.
It was a very disappointing loss for Douttas who would’ve been confident heading into this match after defeating East Keilor already earlier in the season, now leaving them two games out of finals.
Douttas will next play Avondale Heights, while East Keilor face the rampant Keilor.
PASCOE VALE 7.10 (52) def. by ABERFELDIE 10.9 (69)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie defeated Pascoe Vale by 17 points in what was a big win for Abers moving forward.
Abers were able to flip the script on the last time these two sides met where Pascoe Vale came out victorious.
This time around Aberfeldie controlled the match from start to finish and always looked to be in a comfortable position despite Pascoe Vale's challenges.
It was a frustrating loss for Pascoe Vale who have now fallen two games behind Keilor and lost their second place position to Strathmore.
Pascoe Vale’s inaccuracy in front of goal in the final quarter did potentially cost them the win, but were out of the contest for more of the game.
Pascoe Vale will face Strathmore next, while Aberfeldie takes on Airport West.
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By Joseph Ibic
CRAIGIEBURN 7.10 (52) def. by ST ALBANS 18.13 (121)
MATCH CENTRE
St Albans recorded a huge win over Craigieburn surging them past Hillside into second place sitting just percentage out of first.
The Saints only led by 10 points going into the main break but were able to kick 11 goals to two in the second half to put the game to bed.
It was a tough loss for Craigieburn who still sit in fifth spot but look nowhere near as good as the four teams above them having lose their last four games.
They now sit in a race for fifth spot with Tullamarine and Roxburgh Park pushing their case.
Craigieburn next plays Marby Park, while St Albans face West Coburg.
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ROXBURGH PARK 13.12 (90) def. MOONEE VALLEY 11.10 (76)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park claimed a hard-fought win over Moonee Valley this weekend by 14 points.
Roxy started the match slowly and trailed at quarter time before kicking six goals to one in the second term which set up the win.
Roxy have now won four games this season and are currently sitting seventh but are only separated from fifth spot by percentage.
A strong last block of the season could potentially see them finishing in the top five.
It was more disappointment for Moonee Valley who have struggled this season having recorded just the two wins so far.
The Valley will be kicking themselves over that second term as they outscored Roxy in the other three quarters, but not by a big enough margin.
Moonee Valley faces Oak Park next, while Roxburgh Park has the week off due to the bye.
TULLAMARINE 13.8 (86) def. RUPERTSWOOD 5.8 (38)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine completed a convincing win over Rupertswood on the weekend by 48 points moving up to sixth on the ladder only percentage behind Craigieburn.
It was a defensive masterclass from Tulla who only let in five goals for the match including none in the last quarter.
They will need to keep their strong defence going when they face tougher opposition over the next few weeks if they are to win those matches.
It was a difficult day at the office for Rupertswood who were thoroughly outclassed.
Rupertswood struggled badly to hit the scoreboard again with Fraser Phelan-Smith kicking three of their five goals.
Rupertswood takes on Hillside next, and Tullamarine faces Keilor Park.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 19.19 (133) def. OAK PARK 5.7 (37)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park claimed an easy victory over Oak Park by 96 points dominating from start to finish.
Their early inaccuracy kept the scores reasonably close at half time, before Marby booted 14 goals to just two in the second half to cement the demolition.
James Kayrooz (six goals) and Lachie Plowman (five goals) enjoyed a good day in front of goals and were huge factors in the win as Marby’s forward line once again proved elite.
It wasn’t such an enjoyable day for Oak Park who managed just the five goals for the match.
Kane O’Halloran however, continued his good form in front of goal booting three majors which takes his season tally to 31 goals.
Oak Park next plays Moonee Valley, while Marby plays Craigieburn.
KEILOR PARK 6.9 (45) def. by WEST COBURG 24.15 (159)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg recorded another massive win defeating Keilor Park by 114 points.
Muhammad Saad and Ibrahim Taha were huge in the victory, scoring six goals each in a great attacking performance that saw West Coburg boot 24 majors.
It was another thrashing in an increasingly growing list for West Coburg who are proving themselves to be the team to beat this year as they continue to hunt for redemption from back-to-back losses in the final game of the year.
It was a similar story for Keilor Park who are still yet to win a game after nine matches, with relegation certainly within sight.
Keilor Park faces Tullamarine next week as West Coburg play St Albans.
By Joseph Ibic
NORTHERN SAINTS 18.7 (115) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 7.7 (49)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints recorded a huge win in the context of their season defeating Sunbury Kangaroos by 66 points and moving into fifth spot on the ladder, just outside the top four by percentage.
The Saints were accurate in front of goal scoring 18 goals from 25 scoring shots, with Khoder Taleb (seven goals) and Nick Bruno (five goals) immense up forward.
It was a disappointing loss for Sunbury Kangaroos who have now dropped out of the top four after losing four of their last five games.
Sunbury Kangaroos next face local rivals East Sunbury, while Northern Saints play Westmeadows.
EAST SUNBURY 7.4 (46) def. by GLENROY 18.10 (118)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy claimed their second win of the season with an easy 72-point victory over East Sunbury on the weekend.
Both their victories have been over East Sunbury as Glenroy now appear safe from the wooden spoon.
There were 11 individual goal scorers for Glenroy on the weekend and they will need to continue to find many pathways to goals if they are to win more games across the rest of the season.
It was another tough match for East Sunbury and while it was a better showing against Glenroy this time compared to last, it was still nowhere near good enough to compete for the win.
East Sunbury next faces Sunbury Kangaroos, while Glenroy has the week off with the bye.
TAYLORS LAKES 15.14 (104) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 17.10 (112)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts won a thriller over Taylors Lakes by eight points handing them their first loss off the season and entering the top four in the process.
The Districts had a 25-point lead at half time and despite that lead being narrowed to just six points by the final break, they did just enough to hold on for an important victory in the end.
Kougar Mackertich and Jack McNamara kicked four goals each while Rusi Komaitai was important in the ruck.
It was Taylors Lakes' first defeat of the season so far and it came in frustrating circumstances as the Lakers inaccurate kicking early on hurt them.
There were definitely still positives for the Lakers who played very well, while Luke Nappi was skilful up forward booting five goals.
Taylors Lakes next play Burnside Heights, while Coburg Districts play Hadfield.
WESTMEADOWS 13.10 (88) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 11.6 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows claimed an important win over Burnside Heights this weekend handing the Bears their first loss of the year and showing the competition that they can defeat the best teams in the division.
The Tigers led by 10 points going into the last term and were able to not only hold onto that advantage, but extend to 16 points by the end of the match.
It was a brilliant team performance which showed Westmeadows are capable of winning the flag, with 10 different goal scorers compared to the Bears' four.
The Bears remain in first place but will know the last part of the season will be crucial if they are to hold onto top spot.
Burnside next play Taylors Lakes as Westmeadows plays Northern Saints.
It was a 75-point turnaround for Westmeadows who ended Burnside Heights' unbeaten streak (Image: Moments by Shaun)
By Luke Mathews
OAK PARK 8.9 (57) def. ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park have recorded their eighth win for the season defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 15 points at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The win solidifies their spot in the top two and almost guarantees the reigning premiers will feature heavily in finals footy.
Oak Park got out to an early lead and led all day with Douttas struggling to peg back the early lead.
Alex Quigley continued her impressive 2024 season with another four goals to take her season tally to 24, while Mikayla Barnes and Emma Findlay all had strong games.
Yasmin Welsford was one of Douttas' best with two goals while Captain Meg Runting and vice captain Harmony Mitsos led from the front with one goal each.
Douttas will next host rivals Aberfeldie at Buckley Park while Oak Park will take on Hillside in what could be the grand final preview at Shark Park.
Mikayla Barnes led the way for Oak Park in their 15-point win over Essendon Doutta Stars (Image: Moments by Shaun)
MOONEE VALLEY 10.7 (67) def. WESTMEADOWS 5.2 (32)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley have given their finals hopes a significant boost, defeating Westmeadows by 35 points at Ormond Park.
Saturday’s win is the Valley’s fourth for the year and now sit equal on points with fourth place Essendon Doutta Stars, but still have a considerable amount of percentage to make up if they have any chance of playing a part in the finals.
The game was almost over at quarter time when the Valley kicked eight goals inside the first half to Westmeadows' four, however the Tigers did fight back in the third term to reduce the margin to three goals at the final change.
It was as close as they'd get with the Fog adding a couple of more goals.
Georgia Marsland was prolific up forward for the Valley with four goals while Bronwyn Peddley chipped in with three goals to help her side get over the line.
Despite the loss, the Tigers did have plenty of contibutors.
Tahlia Plant had one of her best games for the year while Ruby Smith also had a strong game.
Moonee Valley will be looking to back up this week’s win when they take on Maribyrnong Park at home while Westmeadows will face Keilor at Willowbrook Reserve.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 5.4 (34) def. by ABERFELDIE 5.15 (45)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have recorded one of their best wins for the year, defeating Maribyrnong Park by 11 points at Walsh Oval.
The win moves Aberfeldie into third and two games clear of the chasing pack while Marby sit in fifth spot, equal on points with Douttas and Moonee Valley.
Scores were level at half time with both teams kicking four goals before the main break before Aberfeldie blew the game open in the third term with two unanswered goals.
Abers would hold on firmly in the last quarter to register their sixth win for the year.
Sienna Rocci came up from the Under 18s and was one of Abers' best while Erica Markesich had a good day in front of the sticks with three goals and Jasmie Ferbrache chipped in with two goals.
Tegan Matthews continued her strong 2024 season with three goals for Marby while Amelia Hetherington and Caitlin O’Reilly both hit the scoreboard with one goal each.
Marby will next take on Moonee Valley in a must-win clash for both sides if they want to feature in finals action, while Abers will take on Essendon Doutta Stars at Buckley Park.
Hillside won by forfeit against Keilor
By Luke Mathews
KEILOR PARK 5.1 (31) def. STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 3.3 (21)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park have overcome an early deficit to down Strathmore/Pascoe Vale by 10 points at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Devils' third for the year and are now sitting inside the top four and firming for a finals berth.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale got the jump on the Devils and led by seven points at quarter time, before Keilor Park clawed their way back in the second and third with two goals in both quarters to set up a 10-point victory.
The Devils had five individual goal kickers in the win but it was Sarah Poni, Erin Robinson, and Mia Tournas who stood out as the Devils' best.
Despite going down, Andrea Erdogan, Maeve Langston, and Georgie Richardson all hit the scoreboard for Strathmore/Pascoe Vale to help give their side a chance of coming away with a victory.
Keilor Park will next take on Airport West at Hansen Reserve while Strathmore/Pascoe Vale will travel to Tullamarine to take on the Demons.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 11.4 (70) def. AIRPORT WEST 1.3 (9)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights have continued their excellent 2024 form defeating Airport West by 61 points at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
The win keeps Burnside in top spot on the ladder and equal on points with Greenvale, with the two sides only suffering one defeat each this season.
The Eagles didn’t take their opportunities early in the contest and were made to pay the price, with Burnside establishing a comfortable four-goal lead by half time.
Airport West hardly fired a shot after that kicking only one goal with the Bears piling on the pain with seven second half goals to record another comfortable victory.
Captain Kayla Ravanello led from the front for Burnside with four goals while Holly McGregor, Ebony Stevens, and Krissy Trang all put in strong performances with two goals each.
Edyn Grubisic was the only Eagle to hit the scoreboard but Kasey McDonnell, Leesa Wilson, and Alana Wenban all had solid games despite the loss.
Burnside Heights will be looking to move a game clear on top of the ladder when they take on Greenvale at Section Road while Airport West will take on Keilor Park at home.
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GREENVALE 6.4 (40) def. TULLAMARINE 3.2 (20)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have cruised to their ninth victory for the year defeating Tullamarine by 20 points at Section Road.
The win means Greenvale sit equal top with Burnside on the ladder with only four games to play before the finals.
The contest was evenly poised at quarter time, however the Demons failed to hit the scoreboard in the second and third quarters which left them with a 32-point deficit at the final change.
Tullamarine did restore some pride in the last quarter with two goals to none but it wasn’t enough to make up the deficit.
Alisa Magri was the only Jet to kick multiple goals with two while Sophie Pettman, Amy Hakim, and Jessie Clarke all had good games for the home side.
Despite kicking only three goals for the day, Tricia Devine put in a strong performance with two goals while Amy Warden also did her bit with one goal.
Greenvale will next take on Burnside Heights in a blockbuster top-of-the-ladder clash at Section Road while Tullamarine will host Strathmore/Pascoe Vale.
By Luke Mathews
EAST SUNBURY 1.3 (9) def. by ROXBURGH PARK 17.9 (111)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park have held their spot in the top four on the ladder defeating East Sunbury by 102 points at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Magpies' fifth for the year and crucially, they are still above Taylors Lakes on the ladder and are firming for a finals birth with only four matches left to play.
The game was almost over by quarter time with Roxy opening up a 37-point lead at the first change and continued to pile on the pain with another 11 goals across the next three quarters compared to the Thunder’s one.
Jameson Best kicked her second bag of goals for the year with five, while Natalie Tull-Boyle capitalised on her opportunities with four goals.
Even though they were comprehensively beaten, Tess Carroll, Chantelle Harding, and Steph Pontonio all showed positive signs and put in strong performances.
Roxburgh Park will play in Sunbury for the second consecutive week when they take on the Kangaroos at Eric Boardman Reserve, while East Sunbury will play Glenroy at Sewell Reserve.
COBURG DISTRICTS 3.4 (22) def. by SUNBURY LIONS 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts are closing in on top spot on the ladder defeating Sunbury Lions by 14 points at Cole Reserve.
The win moves Coburg Districts up to second on the ladder and one win and percentage behind the Lions, having one game in hand on the ladder leaders.
Neither team troubled the scorers in the opening quarter with both sides held scoreless, before the districts opened up a 14-point buffer before the main break thanks to a rock solid defence that held the Lions scoreless for the second quarter running.
The Lions failed to make back any ground in the third and fourth quarter which allowed the home side to run away with their sixth victory for the year.
Coburg Districts had three different goal kickers with Maria Carbone, Helena Katsios, and Olivia Woods all hitting the scoreboard for the home side while Natachia Abela kicked the only major score for Sunbury.
Districts will be hoping to move to equal top when they play Taylors Lakes at Lionheart Reserve while Sunbury will sit out next week before playing East Sunbury in two weeks time.
Coburg Districts handed Sunbury Lions their second loss of the season (Image: Moments by Shaun)
GLENROY 4.2 (26) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 9.8 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes have had to fight hard but did overcome a gallant Glenroy outfit, winning by 36 points at Sewell Reserve.
Despite going into the game in sixth spot on the ladder, it was Glenroy who came out firing and set up an 11 point-lead at the first change.
Taylors Lakes did fight back but were still trailing by four points at the main break before piling on six goals to none in the second half to record a six-goal victory.
Remarkably, Glenroy only had the one goalkicker with Mystical Hair kicking all of her side's four goals.
Jackie Vella and Kiara Croxford both had solid games despite going down.
Hair was matched by Amelia Alexander who also kicked four goals for her side to take her season tally to 19.
Natalie Collett and Chloe Clarke-Cain were pivotal in helping their team get over the line.
Glenroy will be hoping to register their second win for the year when they take on East Sunbury at Sewell Reserve while Taylors Lakes will play Coburg Districts at home.
