By Luke Mathews
STRATHMORE 20.13 (133) def. DEER PARK 7.5 (47)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has made it two wins in a row thrashing Deer Park by 86 points at Lebanon Reserve.
The win maintains the Mores' spot in second position on the ladder, while Deer Park has slipped to seventh with its third loss for the year.
Despite Strathmore opening up a 26-point quarter time lead, the Lions held firm and were down by just 23 points at the main break.
They couldn’t stage a spirited fightback conceding seven goals in the last quarter which meant the lead blew out to 86 points by the final siren.
Trent Dumont was at his brilliant best once again for the Mores kicking two goals, while Lucas Scerri and Isaac Brill were superb.
Despite being beaten comfortably, Luke Scicchitano put in another strong performance along with Hayden Gill and Mark Galea.
Strathmore will be hoping to make it three on the trot when it takes on Maribyrnong Park at Monk Oval, while Deer Park will face off with East Keilor at Overland Reserve.
KEILOR 36.31 (247) def. EAST KEILOR 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has maintained its perfect record to start 2025 thumping East Keilor by 233 points at Joe Brown Oval.
The win maintains the Blues' buffer on top of the ladder, while East Keilor are still without a win for 2025.
Although coach Mick McGuane said he’d take the win, he thought the reigning premiers were clunky with their ball use and their decision making which made it difficult for them against a spirited East Keilor outfit.
The Cougars did show plenty of fight early in the contest booting one goal in the opening term, however they were still out of their depth, trailing by 50 points at quarter time.
The Blues proceeded to pile on another 28 goals across the next three quarters to run away with another comfortable win.
Cody Brand had a day to remember booting 10 goals with eight of them coming in the second half, while Kyle O’Connor and Nick O’Kearney dominated once again.
There were plenty of positive signs for East Keilor with Tom Gleeson and Zak Malkoun both hitting the scoreboard, while Edwin Nyembo fought hard all day in defence.
Keilor will square off with Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve in a grand final rematch, while East Keilor will host Deer Park.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 14.16 (100) def. GREENVALE 7.10 (52)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars has recorded its second win for the year, defeating Greenvale by 48 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
After a frustrating opening month which saw Barry Prendergast’s men play plenty of good footy without being rewarded, the Stars finally broke through for their best win of the year.
Saturday’s win moves Douttas into sixth spot on the ladder, while the Jets sit in ninth with just the one win.
It looked set for an evenly poised match with the visitors taking a nine-point lead into quarter time, before Douttas led by three at the main break.
Neither side could break the game open in the third term with Liam Mercieca goaling late in the quarter to help maintain the home side's three-point advantage.
With the game hanging in the balance, Douttas took charge, booting nine goals in the final quarter to run away with the victory.
Superstars Michael Kiraly and Oscar Sasalu were dominant once again while Daniel Romero had his best game for the year.
For the Jets, Riley Leedham and Sam Zumbo fought hard all day and continued their strong start to 2025, although it wasn’t enough once again.
Douttas will travel to Airport West to take on the Eagles, while Greenvale will be back at Section Road against Aberfeldie.
AIRPORT WEST 16.15 (111) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 13.15 (93)
MATCH CENTRE
Airport West has recorded one of the wins of the year with an 18-point triumph over Maribyrnong Park.
The win moves Brent Taylor’s side into fifth spot on the ladder, while Marby are equal on points but sit in fourth spot.
It was a six-goal final quarter blitz from Airport West that sealed the memorable victory after trailing for much of the game.
The visitors took a six-point lead into quarter time before extending their advantage to 14 points at the main break.
The Lions opened up a 20-point lead at the 20-minute mark, however Matt Hanson got one back to reduce it to 14 points just before three quarter time.
Captain Ned Gentile stood up in the final term kicking two goals in the opening 10 minutes to put them in touching distance of the lead.
Ben Nelson gave the home side the lead at the 15-minute mark, and they didn’t look back kicking the final three goals to record a stirring victory.
Superstar Ned Gentile put in one of the performances of the year, kicking five goals in a best on ground display while Hanson and Max Rider stood up when it mattered.
For the Lions, Alex Barba was good again, while Sam Calleri and Jordan Anastasakis were solid despite going down.
Marby will be hoping to bounce back when they host Strathmore, while Airport West will be back at Hanson Reserve to take on Douttas.
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ABERFELDIE 16.8 (104) def. PASCOE VALE 15.9 (99)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has got the job done in another close one, defeating Pascoe Vale by five points.
Saturday’s win is the Rillas' second single digit victory for the year and now sit in third spot with four wins for the year.
After a much better performance, the Panthers still have just the one win for the year and are currently eighth on the ladder.
The lead changed hands three times in the opening half before the Panthers took a slender two-point lead into the main break.
The home side were able to get on top during the third term but could only muster an eight-point three quarter time lead.
The Panthers got back in front with three of the first four goals of the final quarter, before superstar Sam Paea goaled to put Abers back in front.
The lead didn’t last long with Pascoe Vale hitting back at the 26 minute mark, before Jhett Gasket tied the scores with a goal at the 29 minute mark.
The Panthers got back in front through a behind but it wasn’t enough in the end, with a Sam Medland goal 32 minutes into the last deciding the game by five points.
Karl Brown was dominant once again with three goals, while Konrad Karner and Josh Kemp stepped up with two goals each.
Despite going down in a close one, Carled El Khodr and Ahmed Saad were back to their best with three goals each, while Matt Dennis had his best game in red and black.
It doesn’t get any easier for Pascoe Vale when they face off with Keilor in a grand final rematch at Raeburn Reserve, while Abers travel to Section Road to take on Greenvale.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
ABERFELDIE 27.10 (172) def. GREENVALE 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has made a triumphant return to the winner's circle with a decadent 164-point victory at home.
The win comes after its Round 4 loss to Hillside which ended its undefeated streak in 2025.
Aberfeldie's resurgence was led by a stunning performance from Moana Hope, who dominated with seven goals to make it 700 career goals for the former AFLW superstar.
Emily Smith was equally impressive, lighting up the scoreboard with six goals of her own.
Aberfeldie set the tone early, kicking eight goals in the first term and extending the margin to 54 points by quarter time.
Greenvale attempted to provide some scoreboard relief in the second half, with Haylea Cooke sneaking in a late goal in the fourth term.
But a flurry of goals from the home side saw them cruise towards a solid win.
Aberfeldie will be eager to continue their winning ways when they take on Keilor, while Greenvale faces a tough challenge against Hillside at Shark Park.
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MARIBYRNONG PARK 0.1 (1) def. by HILLSIDE 14.17 (101)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has recorded its fifth consecutive win, dismantling Maribyrnong Park by 100 points.
The ladder leaders were in complete control, keeping their opponents scoreless for three quarters.
Kiara Rigg opened the scoring blitz with the first goal, before a trio of goals pushed the margin to 23 points. By halftime, a behind extended Hillside's lead to 55.
Makaylah Brne was sensational, with her lone goal in the final term tipping Hillside's score into the triple digits.
Beejay Johnson led the charge with three majors on the afternoon, while Ashlee Thorneycroft made a major impact with two goals.
Hillside takes on Greenvale at Shark Park this week.
Maribyrnong Park is now on a five-game losing streak and will look to bounce back against Essendon Doutta Stars at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Hillside will next take on Greenvale at Shark Park.
MOONEE VALLEY 2.4 (16) def. by KEILOR 7.8 (50)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor delighted fans with a classy 34-point win over Moonee Valley.
They came out strong, keeping their opponents scoreless in the first term.
Kate Maxwell’s goal in the second term sparked a glimmer of hope for Moonee Valley, but missed opportunities prevented a full comeback.
Keilor's Chelsea McDermott led the scoring with three goals. She was supported by standout performances from Ava Gerada and Tegan Matthews.
For Moonee Valley, vice-captain Maxwell stood tall, with Nadia Valenti, Eva Downie, and Jamison Ahrens also among the Valley's best.
Keilor face Aberfeldie next at Clifton Park, while Moonee Valley will meet Oak Park at JP Fawkner Reserve.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 0.2 (2) def. by OAK PARK 10.13 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has handed Essendon Doutta Stars a devastating loss after toppling them by 71 points.
They dominated the game early on, kicking 10 unanswered goals to claim the victory at Buckley Park.
Douttas were kept scoreless for most of the contest, only registering two behinds in the final quarter.
Tamsyn Kirk was instrumental in the huge win, booting six goals on the afternoon.
Ashlee Atkins, Felicity Theodore, Stephanie Normington-Dickens, and Emily Taylor were also among the goal scorers.
Despite the heavy loss, Harmony Mitsos, Ruby Aitken, and Aleesha Hobbs were standouts for the Stars.
Oak Park will look to make it four straight wins when they take on Moonee Valley at JP Fawkner Reserve.
Essendon Doutta Stars will be looking to bounce back at Nipper Jordan Oval, with Maribyrnong Park its next challenge.
By Ben Parker
ST ALBANS 11.9 (75) def. by West Coburg 12.13 (85)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg has stamped an end to St Albans' undefeated start to the season with a thrilling 10-point win.
A clash between the competition's top two sides was anticipated to be a cracking contest, and that was certainly delivered.
Away from home and facing their toughest test so far, the Burgers pulled out all the stops to put away a gallant St Albans outfit.
In a see-sawing contest, the pace was rapid early.
The Burgers skipped away to a three-goal lead at quarter time before a four-goal-to-one second term by the Saints put the hosts in front at the main break.
However, West Coburg came charging back thanks to a six-goal third quarter and managed to hold on for a gritty 10-point win.
Reed Cathcart and Jesse Martini slotted three each, and Emilio Rinaudo was at his brilliant best in a sensational individual performance.
Meanwhile for the Saints, Bill Sam and Luke McManus battled hard all day.
West Coburg will host Craigieburn next week, while St Albans will look to bounce back when they travel to Ormond Park to take on Moonee Valley.
CRAIGIEBURN 7.10 (52) def. by TAYLORS LAKES 6.19 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes took home the win on Nelson Alexander EDFL Match of the Day in an epic three-point win over Craigieburn.
The margin was single digits at every break during the game, which speaks to the competitiveness of both sides.
Separated by just the one point at three quarter time with the Eagles taking the slightest of leads, the Lions ultimately fought and scrapped and came out on top.
The Lions peppered away at the goals with eight scoring shots on goal in the fourth quarter and put paid to a very brave Craigieburn outfit.
Lachlan Rayner was emphatic in the ruck for the Lions with a dominant display that earned him the Mt Alexander Hotel player of the match.
Meanwhile for the Eagles, Harry Albon and Jai Robinson were up to their usual bests with robust individual performances that almost tipped Craigieburn over the line.
Taylors Lakes will host Oak Park next week, while Craigieburn make the trip to Shore Reserve to take on West Coburg.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 15.12 (102) def. MOONEE VALLEY 7.14 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights has taken care of business at home with a comfortable 46-point win over Moonee Valley.
The Heights' lead blew out to 60 points at three quarter time, and they simply outclassed what will be a disappointed Moonee Valley.
The win moves the Heights into fourth and sees them sitting at three wins and two losses.
Vice-captain Jackson Robb did the damage on the scoreboard for the Heights with four goals.
They also had nine individual goal kickers on the day in what was a positive team performance.
It’s another loss for Moonee Valley as its struggles continue. Sitting on just the one win, the Fog desperately needs to make some adjustments if they want to salvage a season that is slowly slipping away from them.
In positive news, they are back at home this week in an exciting clash with St Albans. How long will they be able to stay with one of the competition’s best?
Avondale Heights will look to register another win next week when they take on Tullamarine.
OAK PARK 20.8 (128) def. ROXBURGH PARK 10.10 (70)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has responded to last week’s dismaying loss with a cruisy 58-point win over Roxburgh Park at home.
The Kangaroos took control of the contest from the start and never looked like losing. They skipped out to a 34-point lead at quarter-time and added to it, taking a 52-point lead into the main break.
Their accuracy in front of goals was a key positive for Oak Park, as they converted at 71 per cent in front of goals with 20 goals from 28 scoring shots.
Joseph Townsend-Booth starred in his second game for year, along with Bradley Cox and Anthony Delorenzi.
On the other side of the ledger, Roxburgh Park remain winless as they move to 0-5 to start the season.
They were ultimately no match for the speed and skill of the Roos, and must get on the board soon to avoid the relegation battle come the year’s end.
Roxy managed to win the third quarter by kicking six goals to Oak Park’s five, in one of the only positives for the day.
James Tasiyan and Teronne Potter each kicked three for Roxy in solid performances.
Oak Park will next travel to the Lion’s den to take on Taylors Lakes in a highly anticipated matchup, while Roxburgh Park will host Hillside.
HILLSIDE 20.14 (134) def. TULLAMARINE 7.6 (48)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has dismantled Tullamarine to the tune of 86 points to make it back-to-back wins, proving that they’re not to be counted out yet.
The Sharks were simply too good for Tulla on the day, with a 10-goal second half from the Sharks ensuring the four points.
Gabe Cristiano produced his best game for the year so far. Having come across from Aberfeldie this year to play for the sharks, Cristiano is starting to find his straps.
It was business as usual for Josh Covelli as he booted through six goals, while youngster Nick Fluke also impressed.
Tullamarine would be disappointed with their lack of scoreboard pressure. Having only managed to kick seven goals for the game, the Dees will be eager to respond next week.
Hillside will look to make it three in a row when they face Roxburgh Park next week, and Tullamarine will look to bounce back against Avondale Heights.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 7.14 (56) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights has secured its first win since Round 1 with a dominant 56-point shutout of Coburg Districts.
Their early opening dominance paved the way for a strong display.
The one-sided affair delivered plenty of highlights, including a standout performance from Holly McGregor who kicked three goals.
Teammates Kiara Asani-Davis (two goals) and Krissy Trang (one goal) also made significant contributions, joining McGregor among the best on ground for the Bears.
Despite the loss, Coburg Districts saw solid efforts from Laura Hammer, Bridgette Aparo, and Karli Kulbars.
Unfortunately for Districts, the result marks their fifth consecutive loss and leaves them as the only team without a win in 2025.
Burnside Heights will aim to build on its momentum when it faces Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve after the split round
Coburg Districts will look to turn things around in their clash against Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve, also after a week off.
WESTMEADOWS 3.3 (21) def. by KEILOR PARK 9.10 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park produced a commanding performance at Willowbrook Reserve, overcoming a fiery Westmeadows outfit to record a 43-point win.
The contest began strong with Westmeadows opening the scoring and holding the Devils scoreless.
Both sides put on a strong fight by the end of the first term but Keilor Park responded quickly, and by halftime, a gritty fightback had pushed the game 15 points in their favour.
Despite a few late goals in the second half, Westmeadows couldn’t hold back the growing pressure, especially with Keilor Park capitalising on scoring opportunities late in the match.
Georgia O’Donovan was critical in her side’s win with three goals, helping steer her side to victory. She was well supported by Maddison Cooper, Kaitlin Bojarowski, Krystal Lilomaiava, Kyiesha Taylor, and Mia Tournas, all of whom made valuable contributions during the game.
Despite the loss, Westmeadows still had some shining moments. Danielle Linton was key with two goals, while Courteney Munn, Nikayla Jones, and Madison Shaw-Barton were among their best.
With the round still in progress as it’s a split round, Keilor Park will have to wait until May 24 to take on ladder leaders Strathmore at Keilor Park Reserve.
Westmeadows are set for a twilight clash with Burnside Heights at Willowbrook Reserve, also on May 24.
By Eliza Duncan
RUPERTSWOOD 16.12 (108) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 11.7 (73)
MATCH CENTRE
Rupertswood has bounced back with a 35-point win over Coburg Districts at Salesian College.
It was Rupo's first home game since Round 1 and they gave the locals plenty to be excited about as they move to second on the ladder.
The Sharks kept the Lions at a comfortable distance throughout the first half leading by 19 and 21 points at the first two breaks.
Coburg Districts kicked three unanswered in the third term to reduce the margin to two points heading into the last.
Both sides were poor in their respective final quarters in Round 4 and would have been keen to restore their confidence in their finishing ability.
It was Rupertswood who shone brightest in the last kicking eight goals to three to run out comfortable victors.
Aaron West again proved his ability to produce at both ends of the ground kicking five goals in his second game for the season.
Mitchell Johnston, Clayton Bonello, Ned Crotty, and Fraser Phelan-Smith all chipped in for multiples with Tom Markey and Jackson Pranauskas named Rupo's best.
Pasquale Curcio led the scoring for the Lions with three goals, as Damien Cavka, Zachary Kuret, and Daniel Mifsud kicked two each.
Jett Ryder produced his best game for the season, named the Lions' best.
Rupertswood will remain home in its next clash against Burnside Heights, while Coburg Districts will play Glenroy at Cole Reserve.
HADFIELD 25.13 (163) def. EAST SUNBURY 9.10 (64)
MATCH CENTRE
Hadfield has won its first game since Round 1 with a 99-point domination over East Sunbury.
The Hawks were out by 40 points at the first change, extending to the lead at each break.
Sam Godden was at his usual best with six goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Mathew Cornwall kicked multiple goals for the first time since Round 2 last year, ending the day with five majors.
Zac Polizzi and Ahmed Elbaba were also named among the best in a day with a number of contributors adding to the 25 goals kicked.
Todd Elton kicked four goals for East Sunbury, with Brendan Fevola and Aaron Flavel adding two each.
Flavel was named the best for the Thunder in his second senior game since returning to the club.
Hadfield will look to carry the momentum of this game into a big clash against Keilor Park, while East Sunbury will play Northern Saints.
GLENROY 16.16 (112) def. KEILOR PARK 10.5 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy made it five from five in a statement win over Keilor Park.
The Roys won by 47 points with six unanswered goals in the second term opening up what would be an unassailable margin.
Mark Sabatino backed up his four-goal effort last week with six goals, as Jake Young bagged four majors himself.
Jonathan Roccuzzo and Joel Grace were named the best for Glenroy, alongside Sabatino and Daniel Riley (two goals) who continues his stellar season.
Nicholas Kilty was the best for the Devils and kicked two goals, as did Mark Jamar who has kicked multiples in each of his three games this season.
The Roys remain on top and will prepare for Coburg Districts next week, while Keilor Park sit third and will face Hadfield.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 7.7 (49) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos made it three wins in a row with a six-point victory over Burnside Heights.
The Kangaroos move to fourth on the ladder and have been going about their business quietly.
It was a low-scoring affair at Tenterfield Drive which the Kangaroos led all day, but they couldn't quite put the Bears away.
A Shawn Bowden goal to start the third quarter pushed the margin out to a game-high 18 points, but there was no quit in the Bears.
Back to back Zack Williams goals tied proceedings 11 minutes into the final term as a tense 10 minutes followed.
The Kangaroos goaled as the quarter ticked into time on with that goal proving to be the final blow.
Williams' two goals was supported by two goals each from Nicholas Cugliari and Greg Constantinou, with the latter playing his first senior game since 2023.
Mitch Streiff led the scoring for the Kangaroos with two goals, while John Corso hit the scoreboard in a best-on-ground performance.
Cuffe brothers Braydan and Tierone were also named in the best alongside William Direen, who has out together a string of good performances.
The Bears will next play Rupertswood, while Sunbury Kangaroos will take on Westmeadows.
NORTHERN SAINTS 13.8 (86) def. WESTMEADOWS 12.5 (77)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints has survived a late scare to win its first game of the season in a stunning upset over Westmeadows.
Tamer Abdallah's men dominated the second quarter kicking six goals to one to open up a 32-point lead at the main break.
The difference at the final change was 39 points with the Saints poised to take a commanding win home.
But it was all Westy in the final quarter doing their best to produce a stunning comeback, kicking six goals to one themselves, but fell nine points short.
Nick Bruno kicked five goals with Abdallah, Adam Hussein, and Khoder Taleb each kicking two goals.
Daniel Trikilis and Mark Merlino were among the best in their breakthrough win.
Hugo Jenkins continued his strong form for Westy kicking three goals, supported by Mitch Church, Aaron Evans, and Shaun O'Grady with two each.
Northern Saints will look to build its season further in its next game against East Sunbury, while Westmeadows will look to bounce back against Sunbury Kangaroos.
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By Eric Forman
GISBORNE 11.19 (85) def. SUNBURY KANGAROOS 0.2 (2)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne's dominant return to senior footy in the EDFL continued on Saturday with an 83-point win under lights against Sunbury Kangaroos.
The Dogs were on from the outset kicking four unanswered in the first quarter.
They held the Kangaroos to just two behinds in that opening term and held them scoreless from that point on.
Kareena Jacobsen-Logan moved to outright first as the competition's leading goal kicker with another three goals making it 13 on the season.
Amy O'Kelly kicked two goals in their second senior game alongside Alexia Todorovic who returned this week, with the pair named best afield.
Brooke Cowan kicked a goal for the fourth consecutive game and was another standout contributor for Gisborne.
Kangaroos captain Lisa Kirby was named their best as well as Kat Haifa and Lauren Kirby.
Both sides will enjoy next weekend off with the split round, before Gisborne plays Roxburgh Park and the Kangaroos play East Sunbury.
