By Luke Mathews
ABERFELDIE 10.16 (76) def. by AIRPORT WEST 13.5 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West have caused a big upset taking down Aberfeldie by seven points at Clifton Park.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for Brent Taylor’s side who sat in tenth spot on the ladder just weeks ago and have now won three of their last four including knocking off one the powerhouses of the competition.
Aberfeldie on the other hand have missed a golden opportunity to move equal on points with rivals Strathmore and maintain a two-game buffer on Greenvale, however they still sit in fourth spot on seven wins for the year.
It was the home side that came out firing from the first bounce opening up an 11-point lead before quarter time despite missing several opportunities.
They were able to extend that lead to 22 points by the main break.
Airport West turned the game on its head after half time piling on eight goals to Aberfeldie’s one to ensure they took a three-goal lead heading into the last quarter.
Abers did get the margin back to within three points with minutes to play however it wasn’t enough with the Eagles kicking the last goal to cement their third win for the year.
Luca Muratore did the damage for the Eagles on the scoreboard with three goals while Matthew Hanson and Tyson Young had solid games with two goals each that helped set up the victory.
Jordan Lombardo had his best game at senior level for Aberfeldie with the youngster kicking his first two goals of the season and showing plenty of positive signs.
Ben Ronke and Heath Ollington were among Abers' best with two goals each.
After the break, Aberfeldie will have a great opportunity to test themselves when they take on Keilor at home while Airport West will be hoping to keep the momentum going when they host East Keilor.
DEER PARK 9.10 (64) def. by GREENVALE 19.8 (122)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have made it two wins from two meetings with Deer Park defeating the Lions by 58 points at John McLeod Reserve.
Saturday’s win keeps the Jets in the hunt for a finals berth, with the men from Section Road sitting in fifth spot only one win behind Aberfeldie.
The game hung in the balance for three quarters with the visitors taking a 16-point lead into the final change before booting nine last-quarter goals to ensure a comfortable victory.
Baker Smith was the most damaging threat up forward for Greenvale with four goals while Judd Brewster and Dylan Watts both hit the scoreboard with two goals each.
Majak Daw made a successful return for Deer Park booting another four goals while Tom Mundy had a solid game with two goals.
In two weeks’ time Greenvale will be back at home to take on Essendon Doutta Stars while Deer Park will face off with Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve.
A final-quarter domination saw the Jets soar away from Deer Park (Image: Moments by Shaun)
STRATHMORE 4.8 (32) def. by PASCOE VALE 13.14 (92)
MATCH CENTRE
Pascoe Vale have made up for last weekend’s disappointment defeating Strathmore by 60 points at Lebanon Reserve.
The win solidifies last year’s preliminary finalists second spot on the ladder and a game clear of Strathmore in third while the Mores still have a four-point buffer on Aberfeldie.
Strathmore looked the better of the two sides early and made the most of the difficult conditions kicking the first two goals of the game and holding their opponents goalless in the opening term.
From then on it was all Pascoe Vale, with the Panthers kicking 13 of the next 15 goals including a six goal to zero second term to cruise to their ninth win for the year.
Jayden Ranno and Rhys Ritchie did the damage for Pascoe Vale on the scoreboard with both men kicking three goals while Matthew Watson and Mahmoud Taha were impressive in Saturday’s victory.
Trent Dumont showed his experience and stood up for the home side in defeat while Mitch Purcell and Cooper Keogh both had strong games for the second week running.
Pascoe Vale will return to Raeburn Reserve in two weeks’ time to face Deer Park while Strathmore will square off against Avondale Heights at Lebanon Reserve.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 10.10 (70) def. AVONDALE HEIGHTS 3.10 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Doutta Stars have overcome horrific weather to record their fourth victory for the year defeating Avondale Heights by 42 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
The win keeps the Stars above Airport West and Deer Park on the ladder in sixth spot on the ladder but still three games behind the top four.
Douttas got the jump on Avondale Heights early to help set up the win, booting six goals in the opening term.
The game was evenly poised from then on with both sides struggling to find the big sticks combining for only six more goals for the rest of the match.
Bailey Ryan and Declan Willmore did the damage on the scoreboard with three goals each for the Stars whilst Darcy Runting and Dylan Laurie had solid games to help their team come away with the victory.
Despite only kicking three goals for the match, Lachlan O’Hara, Bailey Williamson and Ned Timms did show plenty of fight for the visitors that they will be hoping to build upon for the rest of the year.
Douttas will next prepare for Greenvale after the bye while Avondale Heights will take on Strathmore.
EAST KEILOR 9.6 (60) def. by KEILOR 27.16 (178)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor’s dominant 2024 season has continued easily accounting for East Keilor by 118 points at Overland Reserve.
Despite the difficult conditions, Saturday was Keilor’s sixth win by over 100 points and the eleventh time they have kicked over 100 points in a game this season.
Last year’s premiers still sit two wins and a considerable amount of percentage clear of second place Pascoe Vale while East Keilor’s disappointing season continues having picked up only three wins for the year and are currently ninth on the ladder.
The game was almost over by quarter time and a repeat of the Round 7 game between these two sides looming with Mick McGuane’s men jumping out to a 37-point lead by the first change.
The home side did show some fight in the second term with three goals but couldn’t stop Keilor’s dynamic forward line with the reigning premiers kicking another six goals to open up a 54-point lead at the main break.
There was no slowing down in the second half with Keilor kicking 15 goals to the Cougars' five to ensure another three-figure victory.
Nathan Colenso had a day out for Keilor kicking six goals for the first time this year while Kane Barbuto and Corey Ellis were at their destructive best for the Blues.
Malik Elfakahani was the bright spark on a difficult day for East Keilor, with the forward kicking three goals while Carlo Riccardi was able to hit the scoreboard with two goals.
Keilor will face their toughest test in a number of weeks when they take on rivals Aberfeldie at Clifton Park while East Keilor will take on Airport West at Hansen Reserve.
By Joseph Ibic
OAK PARK 12.12 (84) def. MOONEE VALLEY 8.10 (58)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park proved too strong for Moonee Valley defeating them by 26 points to maintain their spot in the finals race.
The Oakers led at every change and were able to hold off Moonee Valley in the last quarter as they attempted to make a late charge.
It was a revenge game for Oak Park who managed to make amends for their first-round loss to Moonee Valley showing that they have improved vastly across the season.
Zachary Graham was among Oak Park’s best getting plenty of the ball and slotting two goals, while Kane O’Halloran was great in front of goals once again kicking three.
The loss makes it three on the trot as the Fog continue to fight relegation.
Moonee Valley have the bye next weekend, while Oak Park face Craigieburn.
KEILOR PARK 4.12 (36) def. by TULLAMARINE 13.12 (90)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine recorded a comfortable 54-point victory over Keilor Park moving them into the top five with their third win in a row.
Tulla’s defence proved too strong again as for the second week in a row their opposition has been unable to exceed the 40-point mark.
Austin Warden and Tim Matson were among their best with Dom Micallef and Matthew O'Dwyer solid as well.
It was another disappointing week for Keilor Park who remain winless and on the bottom of the ladder as relegation looms.
Keilor Park takes on Roxburgh Park next weekend. While Tullamarine has the bye.
Tullamarine are into the top five with a strong win against Keilor Park (Image: Moments by Shaun)
ST ALBANS 8.11 (59) def. by WEST COBURG 10.21 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg claimed a massive advantage winning the top-of-the-table clash by 22 points.
West Coburg were able to pull away in the final quarter after an inaccurate showing in the wet that allowed St Albans to remain in the contest.
Omar Saad starred again up forward with four goals while Mahmoud El Hawli chipped in with two, his first goals in the senior side.
Liam Bowkett, Dane Lucas, and Patrick McCallum were reliable in defence with Tom Baravi and Dinny cleary strong out of the middle.
It was a gutsy performance from St Albans who were able to keep pace with West Coburg for majority of the game but failed to register a goal in the last.
Mason Dipetta and Andre Srour each kicked two goals for St Albans with Zach McCasker continuing a run of good form named in the best alongside Bill Sam.
St Albans next play Hillside in another big game at Kings Park as West Coburg have the week off with the bye.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 14.22 (106) def. CRAIGIEBURN 4.5 (29)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park recorded a huge victory over Craigieburn by 77 points in a dominant performance that saw Marby move up to third place on the ladder.
The margin was only eight points at half time but a huge second half by Marby saw them boot 11 goals to just one and run away with an easy four points.
It could’ve been an even bigger win for Marby who scored 22 behinds but they won’t dwell on that too much as they look to keep pushing as the season heads towards finals.
It was a really tough match for Craigieburn who fell away completely in the second half after being competitive in the first.
The Eagles ended the match with just four goals kicked and with many questions to address over the next few weeks.
Craigieburn next faces Oak Park while Marby Park has the bye.
RUPERTSWOOD 10.5 (65) def. by HILLSIDE 22.9 (141)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside destroyed Rupertswood on the weekend by 76 points as the Sharks moved into second spot on the ladder.
Josh Covelli booted six goals in the match for the Sharks taking his season tally to 64 goals in 10 matches with 100 goals seeming like a real possibility at this point.
Hillside was incredibly accurate in front of goal scoring 22 goals from their 31 scoring shots as their forward line continues to be their strength as the year progresses.
It was another tough weekend for Rupertswood who conceded at least 140 points for the third time in four weeks as defending continues to be an issue for them.
Clayton Bonello was one positive for Rupertswood as he kicked four goals while Matt Castle was also one of the best on ground getting plenty of the ball.
Rupertswood has the bye next week, while Hillside takes on St Albans.
By Liv Douglas
COBURG DISTRICTS 16.7 (103) def. HADFIELD 11.6 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts have secured a strong win over Hadfield with a 31 point margin at Cole Reserve.
This win helped to maintain Districts in fourth position on the ladder while Hadfield still struggle to make it out of the bottom three despite some competitive performances.
Hadfield got away early taking a 26-point lead into the first change as Districts tried to stage a comeback in the second quarter, but still struggled to get ahead with Hadfield leading by 14 points at half time.
The Lions flicked the switch in the third quarter with Jack McNamara scoring four of eight goals in the third term and suddenly led by 29 points heading into the final term.
Districts stayed consistent in the final quarter maintaining the lead to end the game, the score 103 to 72.
McNamara was pivotal and led his team to victory with seven goals to move into fifth in the overall leading goal kickers competition, as his teammates Jack Gusman and Rusi Komaitai both kicked two goals each.
Michael Pell, Jake Polizzi, and Joshua Trembearth kicked two goals each for the Hawks but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Coburg Districts will next face off against Burnside, and Hadfield will play Glenroy.
EAST SUNBURY 7.5 (47) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 14.15 (99)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos have taken the win over East Sunbury by 52 points at John McMahon Recreation Reserve.
The Kangaroos had a strong start by kicking the first three goals of the game, resulting in an 11-point difference at quarter time.
The Thunder tried to come back in the second quarter, however the Kangaroos were too dominant and had seven scoring shots to extend their lead to 31 points.
The third quarter would see the Kangaroos continue their streak and extended the lead to 52 points the difference at the final change.
Although the Kangaroos accuracy waned, the gap was too big to close for East Sunbury with the deficit maintaining until the final siren.
Sunbury Kangaroos captain Mitch Streiff was key in securing the win scoring five goals, followed by vice captain John Corso and Michael Treweek with two each.
Sunbury Kangaroos will next face off against Westmeadows, while East Sunbury will play Taylors Lakes.
NORTHERN SAINTS 14.10 (94) def. WESTMEADOWS 10.10 (70)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints defeated Westmeadows by 24 points at Charles Mutton Reserve as their resurgence continues.
Northern Saints started strong with Westmeadows capitalising on minimal opportunities to see the quarter-time margin at 16 points in favour of the Saints.
Westmeadows tried to make a comeback in the second quarter scoring eight out of 11 scores for the quarter and with only a goal the difference at half time, it could've been either team's game.
Tamer Abdallah's men would accelerate from there adjusting better to the conditions and maintain a comfortable distance on the scoreboard.
Earlier in the season Westy took the win, however Northern Saints forwards Nick Bruno (five goals) and Khoder Taleb (three goals) proved too strong for a repeated win.
Westmeadows next face Sunbury Kangaroos at Eric Boardman Reserve, while Northern Saints have a bye before challenging Hadfield the week after.
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BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 10.7 (67) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 11.5 (71)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes had a nailbiting win over Burnside Heights in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
Burnside dominated the first quarter by scoring the first five goals, before Taylors Lakes followed with the next five goals to make it a four-point ball game at half time.
The second half remained competitive with the margin remaining the same until the final siren, in favour of the Lions.
It was Taylors Lakes' Luke Nappi who was the most effective in front of goal with three majors, complemented by two from Mitch Jones.
Daniel Klonowski was named their best in just his second senior game this season, alongside Jack Burns who continues to star since returning to the side.
Nick Gregson and Daniel Hovey kicked two goals each while Nicholas Cugliari also chipped in with two.
Antonio Vitalone and Tyson Iglesias were named their best in the second consecutive loss for the Bears.
Taylors Lakes will next take on East Sunbury, while Burnside will look to get back on the winner's list against Coburg Districts.
By Luke Mathews
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.6 (12) def. by ABERFELDIE 6.6 (42)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie have moved two games clear of fourth spot defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 30 points in difficult conditions at Buckley Park.
Saturday’s loss means Douttas now sit outside the top four and a game behind fourth place Moonee Valley with four rounds left to play.
In a low-scoring contest, it was Aberfeldie who were cleaner and took their opportunities to set up a five-goal victory only conceding the one goal for the entire match.
Charlie Calleia was the best forward on the ground with two goals for the visitors while Erica Markesich and Taylor Moss both hit the scoreboard once again with one goal each.
Leyla Corkill was the only Star to hit the scoreboard however both Candice Dyson and Stephanie Mitchell both had solid games despite going down.
Abers will be back at home in two weeks’ time to face Moonee Valley while Douttas will take on top of the ladder Hillside at Nipper Jordan Oval.
HILLSIDE 3.1 (19) def. OAK PARK 2.4 (16)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside have given themselves a two-game buffer on top of the ladder defeating Oak Park by three points in a top of the table clash at Shark Park.
The win almost ensures the Sharks will finish the season on top of the ladder with Hillside now sitting two games and percentage above Oak Park on the ladder with only four games left to play.
Both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard with neither side troubling the scorers in the opening term in tough conditions.
It was Hillside who kicked the first major score which came three minutes into the second quarter.
The home side extended their lead in the third quarter to take a nine-point lead into the final change before Oak Park came home with a rush kicking two of the final three goals to reduce the margin to three points with nine minutes to play.
It wasn’t enough with Hillside continuing their perfect record in 2024.
Despite star Caitlin Sargent being well held, Hannah Ibrahim, Jasmine Kincaid, and Kiara Rigg stepped up to kick one goal each and help their side get over the line.
Emily Findlay was one of Oak Park’s best with the forward keeping her side in it with two late goals while Mikayla Barnes led from the front with another solid performance.
After the break Hillside will travel to Essendon to take on Doutta Stars while Oak Park will be hoping to bounce back against Keilor at Joe Brown Oval.
MOONEE VALLEY 4.3 (27) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 3.4 (22)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley have given their finals chances a huge boost defeating Maribyrnong Park by five points in one of the games of the year at Ormond Park.
The Fog’s win moves them into fourth spot and a game clear of Douttas in fifth, while Maribyrnong Park missed a golden opportunity to cement their spot inside the top four and are now up against it in the quest for a finals berth.
Marby led for much of the match with the visitors taking a two-goal lead into the main break.
The margin was cut to six points at the final change after Marby failed to kick a goal in the third quarter.
With the game hanging in the balance for the majority of the last quarter, Moonee Valley hit the front for the first time all day with two goals in the dying minutes to snatch victory.
Charlotte D’Ambrosio was able to hit the scoreboard for the Valley with two crucial goals to help get her side over the line while Kerri Magee and Siena Rumoro were instrumental in the five-point victory.
Tegan Matthews continued her superb 2024 season with another two goals while vice captains Madeline Convery and Lucy Bray did their bit despite going down.
Next up Marby will face Westmeadows at home in a must-win clash if they want to keep their season alive while Moonee Valley will be hoping to continue their strong form when they take on Aberfeldie at Aberfeldie Park West.
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WESTMEADOWS 1.0 (6) def. by KEILOR 7.8 (50)
MATCH CENTRE
After a difficult year, Keilor has showed some promising signs defeating Westmeadows by 44 points at Willowbrook Reserve.
It looked like it was going to be an even contest early with both sides kicking early goals but from then on it was all Keilor, with the visitors kicking every goal from then on to ensure they would come away with a comfortable victory.
Kiera Leare caught the eye of many spectators at Willowbrook Reserve kicking five goals on return from VFLW action while Olivia Evans, Matilda Connell, and Madeline Barton chipped in with one goal each.
Tahlia Plant provided the major highlight for Westmeadows kicking their only goal for the day but Ruby Smith and Ava Gerada show plenty of promise despite playing in a side that was well beaten.
After the break, Westmeadows will travel to Maribyrnong Park to take on the Lions while Keilor will face Oak Park at home.
By Joseph Ibic
AIRPORT WEST 4.3 (27) drew KEILOR PARK 4.3 (27)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West and Keilor Park couldn’t be split at the end of their contest with both teams scoring 27 points.
The match was particularly disappointing for Airport West who beat Keilor Park easily the previous two times these sides had met earlier in the year, but is also indication of the improvement Keilor Park has shown across the season.
Keilor Park would be the happier side seeing as they are now two points clear of Tulla who are second last and were able to gain points against a top-three side.
Caitlyn Crameri led the way for the visitors with three goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Emily Gipp slotted two goals up the other end.
Keilor Park next play Strathmore/Pascoe Vale, while Airport West faces Greenvale.
GREENVALE 3.1 (19) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.8 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights came out victorious against their main rival this season in Greenvale by 43 points.
It was the Bears' second victory over Greenvale this season although Greenvale did win their last matchup.
Skipper Kayla Ravanello led from the front kicking two goals and finding plenty of the ball while Holly McGregor, Ebony Stevens, and Bella Negri were also impressive scoring two majors each.
The Jets struggled to hit the scoreboard with singles to Alisa Magri, Talia Motta, and Jii Williams their only three goals.
Greenvale next faces Airport West, while Burnside comes up against Tullamarine.
TULLAMARINE 3.3 (21) def. STRATHMORE/PASCOE VALE 1.3 (9)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine recorded a hard-fought 12 point victory over Strathmore/Pascoe Vale on the weekend.
Tulla’s defence was key to the win as they managed to keep the opposition to just one goal for the game and only let them score a single point after quarter time.
The victory sees Tulla move eight points clear of last place which will no doubt give them great confidence that they will avoid relegation.
It was a heartbreaking loss for Strathmore/Pascoe Vale who now look more likely to finish last.
Despite a great start being up by seven points at quarter time, the combined team went missing after the first break with them only registering a solitary point for the rest of the match as Tulla ran away with the four points.
Strathmore/Pascoe Vale plays Keilor Park next, while Tullamarine plays Burnside Heights.
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By Liv Douglas
ROXBURGH PARK 8.8 (56) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 0.3 (3)
MATCH CENTRE
Roxburgh Park have held their spot in the top four after defeating Sunbury Kangaroos by 53 points at Eric Boardman Reserve.
This win moves Roxy up the ladder to third spot only one win and percentage below Coburg Districts and Sunbury Lions.
Roxy stamped their authority early and took an early 27-point lead into the first change holding the Kangaroos scoreless.
As the Kangaroos didn't take the opportunity early in the game, they struggled to score as Roxy went ahead and scored a further four goals after the half time break, three goals being in the final quarter.
Roxy had five individual goal kickers, however Natasha Fama (three goals) and Katelyn Birmingham (two goals) stood out alongside Dakotta Liddy who was named their best.
The Kangaroos couldn't kick a major but were led by Sophie Dunne and Mackenzie Michielin.
Roxy will aim to continue their winning streak and push up the ladder when they play Coburg Districts, while Sunbury Kangaroos will sit the next round out before they play Taylors Lakes.
Roxburgh Park continue to push up the ladder with five wins in a row (Image: Moments by Shaun)
TAYLORS LAKES 0.1 (1) def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 8.3 (51)
MATCH CENTRE
Coburg Districts have continued their winning streak after defeating Taylors Lakes by 50 points at Lionheart Reserve.
Districts are now one win and percentage clear above Taylors Lakes on the ladder securing second spot in a logjam.
Districts had a dominant first quarter scoring five goals and keeping Taylors Lakes scoreless.
This set them up nicely for their second quarter scoring two more goals while restricting Taylors Lakes to their only score of the game, a behind.
Despite limiting the damage on the scoreboard, Taylors Lakes couldn't claw their way back into the contest.
Coburg Districts take on Roxburgh Park for second spot on the ladder next round, while Taylors Lakes will aim to make it into the top four after their game against Glenroy.
