By Luke Mathews
STRATHMORE 20.11 (131) def. AIRPORT WEST 16.10 (106)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has beaten Airport West in a high scoring affair, defeating the Eagles by 25 points at Lebanon Reserve.
Saturday’s win is the Mores' fifth for the season, while Airport West have slipped to seventh spot after back-to-back losses.
The home side piled on six goals in the opening quarter to help open up an 18-point advantage, but it was cut to just 10 by half time.
The Eagles got within four points at the start of the third, however Strathmore were able to kick four of the next five to give themselves a bit of breathing space heading into the last.
Four quick goals just after three quarter time was enough to help seal another comfortable victory for Nick Ash’s side.
Athan Tsialtas was back to his best booting five goals to help set up the win, while Andrew Vavra and Liam Cavanagh were superb once again.
Matthew Hanson had another day out for the Eagles collecting 45 disposals and 27 clearances, while Jacob Bygate and Isaac Cullen were solid in the ruck.
Next up, Strathmore will be back at Lebanon Reserve to take on Essendon Doutta Stars, while Airport West will face off with Pascoe Vale.
ABERFELDIE 48.29 (317) def. EAST KEILOR 2.1 (13)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has moved into second spot on the ladder thumping East Keilor by 304 points at Clifton Park.
The Rillas now leapfrog rivals Strathmore on the ladder after boasting a percentage of 196.
It was clear that it was going to be another long day for the Cougars, with the home side booting 10 first quarter goals to go into quarter time with a 66-point lead.
Abers proceeded to pile on the pain in the second half, kicking 14 goals in the third term before finishing strong with another 15 majors.
Sam Paea had a day to remember, kicking an EDFL Premier Division record of 17 goals while collecting 38 disposals in one of the best performances in recent memory.
Callum Moore didn’t miss out, finishing with 10 goals.
William Vasiliadis was the shining light for the Cougars booting one of their two majors on a really difficult day.
Abers will travel to John McLeod Reserve next week to take on Deer Park, while East Keilor will face off with Greenvale at Section Road.
KEILOR 19.18 (132) def. GREENVALE 3.2 (20)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor has recorded another three-figure victory, defeating Greenvale by 112 points at Joe Brown Oval.
The win extends Keilor’s winning streak to nine matches dating back to last year’s preliminary final victory against Strathmore, while Greenvale has lost its last four.
Coach Mick McGuane was disappointed with his sides’ fundamentals in the first half, however he was pleased with how his side got their game going after half time which allowed them to kick 13 goals.
It was a ruthless defensive performance from the reigning premier that got the job done, restricting the visitors to just three goals for the game and held them to just two points in the second half.
The Blues were still able to hit the scoreboard and managed to kick seven goals in the third term before finishing with six goals in the final quarter to help run away with the victory.
James Bailey had one of his best games for the year collecting 27 touches and a goal, while Jermarl Daly and Darcy Weeks stepped up for the home side.
For Greenvale, Liam Podhajski’s stellar season continued, finishing with 37 disposals and 65 hit outs, while Jarryd Bonello and Corey Baker fought hard all day.
Greenvale will be looking to record its second win for the year when they take on East Keilor at home, while Keilor will face Maribyrnong Park at Monk Oval.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 7.8 (50) def. by MARIBYRNONG PARK 12.8 (80)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has broken the run of back-to-back losses after defeating Essendon Doutta Stars by 30 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
Saturday’s win is crucial for Brodie Holland’s men as it sees them move back into fourth spot on the ladder, while Douttas have slipped to sixth.
The Stars took a slender three-point lead into the first change with both sides kicking two goals each, however the home side did squander several chances in front of goal.
Marby were able to kick clear in the second term with a four-goal-to-one quarter before an even third term meant the Lions led by 13 points heading into the last quarter.
With the game still hanging in the balance, Marby kicked the first four goals to open a 36-point lead which was too much for Douttas to come back from.
Jack Gerardi was pivotal in the victory, collecting 33 disposals and eight clearances while veterans Sean Heatherington and Scott Clarke stood up once again.
Ben Thompson had one of his best games for Douttas, picking up 37 disposals and 15 contested possessions, while Liam Mercieca and Declan Willmore were impressive again.
Marby will face their toughest test yet when they host Keilor, while Douttas will take on Strathmore at Lebanon Reserve.
DEER PARK 13.7 (85) def. PASCOE VALE 11.13 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Deer Park has recorded another stunning victory at home defeating Pascoe Vale by six points at John McLeod Reserve.
The win bumps the Lions up to fifth spot on the ladder, while Pascoe Vale is left languishing in eighth spot having not won since Round 1.
Once again, the fast-starting Lions kicked six first-quarter goals to go into the break with a 28-point advantage, and an even second term meant it was still 25 points at half time.
The Panthers still couldn’t claw their way back in the third quarter and the margin was 18 points with a quarter to play.
The game looked over when Lachie Smart goaled to put Deer Park 27 points up, however the Panthers didn’t die wondering, kicking four goals in 16 minutes to reduce the margin to eight points.
With the game on its terms, Pascoe Vale missed two chances late that could’ve seen them snatch victory, however they were left to rue plenty of missed opportunities again.
Billy Cannolo stood up in defence collecting 34 disposals and five marks, while Josh Chatfield and Jack Noonan were integral in Saturday’s victory.
Matthew Dennis continues to dominate in the ruck finishing with 27 disposals and 58 hit outs, while Noah Scott and Matt Stillman fought hard all day.
The Panthers will be hoping to turn their season around at Raeburn Reserve against Airport West, while Deer Park will be back at home against Aberfeldie.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
MOONEE VALLEY 9.7 (61) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 4.4 (28)
MATCH CENTRE
Moonee Valley has climbed to sixth following a 33-point win against Maribyrnong Park.
In their second meeting this season, it was Moonee Valley who took out bragging rights once again at Ormond Park.
Seven consecutive goals in the opening term set the tone for what would be an important win for the side.
Charlotte D’Ambrosio and Kate Maxwell were the stars of the afternoon, with the dynamic duo lighting up the scoreboard and contributing six goals between them in the win.
Maribyrnong Park were kept scoreless in the first term, but started to slowly crawl back in the second half with a late push that hinted at a potential comeback.
Elise Korteman provided some scoreboard relief with two goals, as did lone goals from Montana Kerr and Caelan Lowry.
But Moonee Valley never let go of the lead, maintaining composure throughout all four quarters to secure the victory.
With a return to the winner’s circle, Moonee Valley will be aiming for a second win when they go up against Greenvale this week at Ormond Park.
Maribyrnong Park continues to search for its first win in 2025, with its next opponent being Oak Park at Walsh Oval.
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GREENVALE 0.0 (0) def. by ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 16.16 (112)
MATCH CENTRE
Section Road saw Greenvale go down in a 112-point masterclass from Essendon Doutta Stars.
By the final siren, 16 goals (and 16 behinds) saw the Stars to run away with the win, keeping their opponents scoreless across all four quarters.
Adalita Pizzinga unleashed five majors to help propel the Stars to back-to-back wins, while Georgia Sampson also made her presence felt on the scoreboard with three goals in her return to the club.
Stephanie Mitchell and Jaya Rutley chipped in with two goals apiece to round out a goalscoring blitz.
While the scoreboard told a clear story by the final term, Greenvale showed glimpses of resistance. Kayla Peake, Jii Williams, Summer Sionetali, and Kira Kenny added spark around the ground, earning spots among the side’s best.
Still, it was less about what the home side lacked and more about the relentless, full-ground defensive pressure Douttas maintained throughout the match.
With a second consecutive win, and their second win over Greenvale this season, the Stars now shift focus to their round eight clash with Keilor at Nipper Jordan Oval.
For Greenvale, it was a tough afternoon, but no doubt one they’ll use as a learning opportunity heading into their meeting with Moonee Valley over at Ormond Park.
KEILOR 2.5 (17) def. by HILLSIDE 5.14 (44)
MATCH CENTRE
Flexing their ladder-leading form, Hillside secured their seventh consecutive win with a 27-point win over Keilor, but it was far from a walkover at Green Gully Reserve.
While the win may have followed the script, Hillside asserted its dominance early in the game and set the tone with its strong forward pressure.
But accuracy proved a test for both sides, with Hillside kicking just five goals and Keilor with two.
It was missed chances that shaped the contest in the gritty affair.
Emma Picone was a standout with her two-goal performance in what was a ground-out win for the Sharks.
A trio of Sharks supported Picone on the scoreboard with Beejay Johnson, Lisa Parisi, and Nicolette Paschalis all kicking a goal each.
After a quiet start, Keilor lifted its intensity midway through the match, threatening a comeback as the scores narrowed to just 13-19 going Hillside’s way.
But their spark of scoreboard pressure wasn’t enough with Hillside responding quickly, regaining control, and stretching the margin out until the final siren.
Keilor’s Natalie Dunne and Olivia Manfre kicked a goal apiece, with Dunne’s impact on show for the side.
Both sides now turn their attention to Round 8, with Hillside to take on the second-placed Aberfeldie, while Keilor will face Essendon Doutta Stars.
OAK PARK 1.9 (15) def. ABERFELDIE 0.8 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
In a stunning turnaround, Oak Park flipped the script in the highly anticipated twilight clash, edging out Aberfeldie in a statement seven point win.
The low-scoring thriller saw two of the competition’s top premiership contenders go head to head in a fierce contest under lights at JP Fawkner Reserve.
Oak Park was held scoreless in the first term, but by the second, it shifted gears to lock down the game and limit Aberfeldie’s usual scoring threats in the process.
With both teams kicking more behinds than goals, accuracy was a clear challenge under pressure and in the windy conditions that marred Saturday.
But it was Oak Park who made their chances count just enough to seal the win, including a goal from Sasha Nelson.
Aberfeldie showed flashes of fight throughout key moments from Ashleigh Gunn, Amelia Wright, and Olivia Madden, but couldn’t quite get over the line.
Ultimately, it was the accumulation of behinds that separated the two sides in a match defined by defensive heat and missed opportunities.
Although Aberfeldie still holds onto second spot via percentage, Oak Park’s win has certainly put the competition on notice.
The Kangaroos will look to keep up that momentum in Round 8 when they take on Maribyrnong Park at Walsh Oval.
Aberfeldie's next challenge will be a top-of-the-table clash against Hillside at Clifton Park.
By Ben Parker
ST ALBANS 6.13 (49) def. by OAK PARK 11.17 (83)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park has pinched a huge win on the road with a sensational 34-point win over St Albans.
In a highly anticipated matchup, it was the Kangaroos who got the upper hand in the second half to run away as comprehensive winners.
The Kangaroos jumped out to a four-goal lead at the first break, before the Saints came charging back to cut the deficit to just the five points at half time.
It was all Oak Park after that with a five-goal-to-one second half, although quite innaccurate, proving too much for the Saints to handle.
Lachie Ronaldson was the Roos' best with three goals to his name, while Joey Townsend-Booth and Finn Dolan also performed strongly.
After they were kept goalless in the third quarter, the Saints have been left searching for answers with their third loss in a row here.
Their 4-0 start to the season now seems like a distant memory as they’ve been shuffled down to fifth on the ladder.
Jack Sims put forward another strong performance in what was ultimately another disappointing day for St Albans.
Oak Park will host West Coburg next week in a top-of-the-table blockbuster, while St Albans will travel to Canning Reserve to take on Avondale Heights.
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WEST COBURG 17.13 (115) def. TAYLORS LAKES 14.7 (91)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg has held off a gallant Taylors Lakes to put another win on the board and move to 6-1 for the season.
The Burgers flew out of the blocks and stormed to a seven-goal lead at quarter time.
It was smooth sailing through the second and third, before a rejuvenated Taylors Lakes managed to produce an eight-goal-to-one last quarter.
This reduced the margin, which was 64 points at three-quarter time, all the way down to 24 points.
In spite of the loss, the Lions will be satisfied with their last quarter efforts here, and can build on this momentum going into next week.
Patrick McCallum was at his usual best for the Burgers with another instrumental performance, alongside Jesse Martini who produced another four-goal haul this week.
Meanwhile, the Lions had quite an even contribution across the board, but Jake Hobbs and Christian Peterson were the two who stood out.
West Coburg faces off against Oak Park next week in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash, while Taylors Lakes hit the road to take on Tullamarine.
HILLSIDE 16.12 (108) def. MOONEE VALLEY 6.7 (43)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside has cruised to a 65-point win over Moonee Valley to make it four wins in a row.
The Sharks dominated from the get go and have well and truly placed themselves back into the premiership conversation.
They skipped out to seven-goal lead at the main break and the Fog could not peg the margin back.
Josh Covelli was back to his brilliant best with a haul of seven goals, and Tristan Rudic and Khalil Kaakour were scintillating all day.
Meanwhile for Moonee Valley, it’s another loss in a season that has been largely disappointing so far.
Unable to replicate their performance of last week, they’ll be looking to bounce back in a major way against Roxburgh Park.
Moreover, Hillside will host Craigieburn in an intriguing Round 8 clash.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS 17.11 (113) def. ROXBURGH PARK 9.12 (66)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights has responded to last week’s loss with a comfortable 47-point win over Roxburgh Park.
The win came with a scare though. Roxy were dominant in the first quarter, registering eight scoring shots to the Heights' two, but could not convert these opportunities into goals.
After owning territory and possession, Roxy only led by 11 points at quarter time with a scoreline of 2.6.
Avondale came out firing in the second quarter, and piled on eight unanswered goals that all but sealed the outcome of the game.
Roxburgh Park were never able to effectively put scoreboard pressure back onto the Heights.
Bailey Williamson was sensational again for the heights and is putting together an impressive season so far. Young gun Jesse Lafauci was also among the best with three goals to his name.
After what promised so much at quarter time, Roxburgh Park has been left scrambling for answers again.
Their winless season continues on, but recent performances, particularly last week against Hillside, have produced some real positives.
Andrew Capuana battled hard all day and was clearly Roxy’s best on another disappointing day.
CRAIGIEBURN 7.4 (46) def. by TULLAMARINE 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
Tullamarine has beaten Craigieburn by nine points in a low-scoring affair out at DS Aitken Reserve.
The Dees have won two on the bounce and now find themselves just one game short of that competitive fifth ladder position.
After a largely even first term, it was Craigieburn who took a six-point lead into the second.
However, the Dees battled hard and managed to put three unanswered goals on the board to take a 14-point lead into half time.
In what was a back and forth affair in the second half, with neither side registering any real scoreboard pressure, it was the Dees who came out on top.
They outlasted a valiant Eagles side to come away with a mere nine-point win.
Nicholas Owens and Ivan Pavlovic were the two for the Dees who stood up when it mattered most, and were instrumental pieces of the win.
Meanwhile for the Eagles, Jai Robinson toiled away all day in another positive game.
Next week, Craigieburn travels to Shark Park to take on a flying Hillside outfit, while Tullamarine will host Taylors Lakes in what’s a fascinating matchup at Leo Dineen Reserve.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
KEILOR PARK 4.4 (28) def. by STRATHMORE 8.7 (55)
MATCH CENTRE
With the top spot on the line, Strathmore made sure it stayed in its possession with another composed showing against Keilor Park.
Talia Motta shone on the ground, bagging three for the Mores on the scoreboard, while Georgie Richardson added more scoreboard pressure with her two goals.
Keilor Park went into the game and made an early statement, pushing ahead in the first term and keeping the pressure on throughout the second and third quarters.
But Strathmore remained defiant, breaking the game open in the final term.
Despite the best efforts from the Devils' goal scorers, Georgia O’Donovan, Caitlyn Crameri, Krystyn Raymundo, and Kyiesha Taylor, it didn’t deter Strathmore from taking out the win by the final siren.
With a seventh consecutive win, Strathmore heads into a new week where they’ll face Burnside Heights at Boeing Reserve.
For Keilor Park, Coburg Districts will be waiting for them at Cole Reserve.
WESTMEADOWS 1.1 (7) def. by BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 7.14 (56)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights claimed a stunning 49-point win against Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve.
The win marks the Bears’ second straight victory, continuing to build nicely into the season.
Despite inaccuracy in front of goal, Burnside’s persistence helped seal the deal for the side and made sure to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Holly McGregor once again was critical in the win, bagging two goals under the lights.
She was joined on the scoresheet by five other goalkickers, Jacklyn Caruana, Taylia Iglesias, Sina Mason, Krissy Trang, and Isabelle Young who chipped in with a goal each.
Meanwhile, it was a third consecutive loss for Westmeadows.
With Round 7 on the horizon, both teams will be turning their focus to the new week ahead.
The Bears will take on Strathmore at Boeing Reserve, while Westmeadows will be eager to bounce back against Tullamarine at Leo Dineen Reserve.
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By Eliza Duncan
WESTMEADOWS 17.10 (112) def. BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 11.3 (69)
MATCH CENTRE
Westmeadows has won consecutive games for the first time this season after a 43-point win over Burnside Heights.
The win keeps the Tigers secure in the top five for the time being with Burnside Heights remaining in ninth spot.
Both sides utilised the scoring end in the first half with Westmeadows skipping out to a 27-point lead at the first change, before Burnside Heights reduced the deficit to four at the main break.
The third quarter would be where the game blew open as the Tigers kicked nine goals to two to push the margin back out to what would be an unassailable lead.
Aaron Evans continued his incredible season with a bag of five, marking this contest his fourth game with four goals or more.
The veteran Mitch Church was also strong up front with four goals, three of which came in the first half.
Michael Portelli and Riley Hearne were also pivotal in the win.
Greg Constantinou, Jacob Elia, and Jordan Hughes again kicked two goals each for the Bears with Anthony Petrarca named their best.
Westy will look for its first win on the road next week against Hadfield, while Burnside Heights will host East Sunbury.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 12.8 (80) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 9.18 (72)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos has outlasted Coburg Districts by eight points to remain in the top five.
Districts missed many opportunities to move a game closer to the Kangaroos with 18 behinds proving costly.
It was a 25-point lead the Kangaroos enjoyed at the main break before the Lions took a three-point lead into the final change.
Sunbury Kangaroos had one more scoring shot than the Lions in the final quarter, but were more effective kicking four goals to two to take the win.
Mitch Streiff bounced back with five goals after going goalless for the only game this season last week.
Tyson Sparkes (three goals) and John Corso (two goals) were important for the Roos, with Jackson Treweek named their best.
Patrick Logan and Romy Noureddine each kicked two goals for Coburg Districts as they attempt to cover Jack McNamara's absence.
Riley Bentley, Luke Viska, and Daniel Mifsud were named the Lions' best alongside Aaron Aquilina.
Sunbury Kangaroos will next play Keilor Park, while Coburg Districts will play Northern Saints.
HADFIELD 4.6 (30) def. by GLENROY 12.10 (82)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy was dominant in the local derby beating Hadfield by 52 points.
The Roys led by 35 points at the first change and extended the lead at each break to remain undefeated.
Mark Sabatino moved into first in the leading goal kickers tally with a bag of eight goals making it four games with four goals or more this season.
Sabatino was named Glenroy's best with Nasir Kodi (two goals) and Jonathan Roccuzzo also enjoying good days out.
Michael Pell was Hadfield's best in a tough day with Mitch Sciberras' two goals leading the way.
The Hawks will look to respond against Westmeadows, while Glenroy will play Rupertswood.
EAST SUNBURY 4.14 (38) def. by KEILOR PARK 18.11 (119)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park was emphatic at John McMahon Recreation Reserve defeating East Sunbury by 81 points.
The Devils kicked nine goals in the opening term while holding the Thunder scoreless, setting up the big win.
Daylan Kempster returned with three goals, with Josh Bistisi-Nguyen, Luke Kilty, and Jarod Pontin all kicking three as well.
Ben Chisholm and Sam Pontin were named their best continuing an impressive run of form.
The Thunder were inaccurate kicking just four goals from 18 scores, and will look to bounce back against Burnside Heights.
Keilor Park will next face Sunbury Kangaroos at Eric Boardman Reserve.
NORTHERN SAINTS 10.18 (78) def. RUPERTSWOOD 8.14 (62)
MATCH CENTRE
Northern Saints has taken another impressive victory on its way to three in a row, toppling Rupertswood by 16 points.
The win pushes the Saints up to just one game out of the five, while Rupo sits two points clear in third.
It was a tense battle all afternoon with the margin not exceeding 13 points until the last few minutes where the Saints pushed the margin out with behinds.
Tamer Abdallah's men squandered opportunities throughout the contest kicking 10 goals from 28 scores, allowing an also inaccurate Rupo to take advantage at various points.
Two goals in time on in the third quarter gave Rupo the lead at three quarter time, but three unanswered Northern Saints goals in the last gave the home side the win.
Khoder Taleb and Nick Bruno kicked four goals each with Mahmoud Taleb and Hamze Atik named their best.
Clayton Bonello played a lone hand up forward with five of the Sharks' eight goals in a best-on-ground performance.
The Saints will look to make it four in a row when they next play Coburg Districts, while Rupertswood will next play Glenroy.
By Eric Forman
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 11.8 (74) def. EAST SUNBURY 1.0 (6)
MATCH CENTRE
Friday night footy saw a comfortable 68-point win for Sunbury Kangaroos over East Sunbury.
The Thunder kicked the first goal of the game, but it would be their last score with the Kangaroos returning to the winner's list after consecutive losses.
Georgia Marinier and Breannan Mason kicked three goals each and were the Kangaroos' best, with Sophie Dunne instrumental as well with a goal.
Sophia Iosifidis kicked East Sunbury's goal with Sarah Hunt named the Thunder's best.
The Kangaroos will next head to Clarke Oval to take on Sunbury Lions, while East Sunbury will play Gisborne.
TAYLORS LAKES 16.12 (108) def. SUNBURY LIONS 0.1 (1)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes continues to take care of business defeating Sunbury Lions by 107 points at Lionheart Reserve.
It was a four-quarter performance from Taylors Lakes which was bolstered by another bag of six goals from Charlie Goodwin.
The sharpshooter moves clear on top of the goal kicking tally with teammate Stef Valerio in second following another four-goal haul.
Taylah Egan and Cathy Liberatore were other key contributors for Taylors Lakes, as well as Sarah Jamieson (two goals).
Sunbury Lions leaders Kirsty Baker and Taylah Brady worked hard all day to be named their side's best.
Taylors Lakes will next play Roxburgh Park, while Sunbury will play Sunbury Kangaroos.
