By Ashleigh Matosevic
Hillside have dominated for much of the 2025 campaign and will close the regular season at home against Essendon Doutta Stars.
The Sharks will be hoping to go back to back, after a comfortable 33-point performance last week saw them secure the win over Moonee Valley.
The Stars will be just as hungry for another win, with the side fresh off the back of a 78-point victory over Maribyrnong Park.
Round 3 was the last time the two sides met. The Sharks had the last laugh and toppled their opponents in the 103-point win.
Caitlin Sargent was a standout in the match. Her five-goal haul was crucial in helping the Sharks be victorious.
Emily Paterno also played a huge role, kicking four goals of her own.
Harmony Mitsos, meanwhile, was the lone goal scorer for the Stars.
The Sharks have held their own across the season and will be eager to refine things ahead of the finals.
For the Stars, they've got a chance to make a strong impression before finals rolls around, and get a look at their likely opponent for the following week.
Keilor has a chance to finish the season off with a bang when they take on Greenvale at Joe Brown Oval.
Last week, Keilor suffered a 72-point defeat at the hands of Oak Park. They'll be aiming to cap off their 2025 campaign with a high.
Likewise, Greenvale will be looking for a chance to finish off their season after forfeiting their game against Aberfeldie last week.
The last time the two sides met was back in Round 11 and it was Keilor that took away the eight-point win from Greenvale.
Ava Gerada led the charge, her two goals going a long way in her side's win.
Ruby Gibson also contributed nicely with two goals too.
Despite the loss, the Jets still saw Kiara Delia and Kayla Peake stand tall in the loss. The two talents kicking two goals each, and will certainly be ones to watch in the matchup.
Although Keilor won't feature in finals action, a competitive outing on Saturday could be the perfect way to bid farewell to their 2025 campaign.
After a tough season with unavailability, the Jets will be looking to finish strongly.
Oak Park will take on Maribyrnong Park this week at JP Fawkner Reserve.
The defending champions of Oak Park have enjoyed another good season including last week in their 72-point win over Keilor that saw them jump up the ladder to second.
For Maribyrnong Park, it's been a season of learning. Last week was no exception, with the side suffering their fifteenth straight loss against Essendon Doutta Stars.
These two sides last met in Round 12 when Oak Park put on a masterclass with their 103-point win, leaving their opponents scoreless.
Emily Taylor was a class above, kicking four goals against Maribyrnong.
Felicity Theodore also had a day out to remember with her three goals.
Hosting Maribyrnong gives them one last opportunity to finish the regular on a high, and set the tone for what will be a highly-anticipated finals campaign.
It'll be Marby's last game for season 2025.
Aberfeldie rounds out the final weekend of the regular season hoping to cement the minor premiership when they take on Moonee Valley at Clifton Park.
The side will be hungry to get back into the action, after last week's game was called off after a forfeit from Greenvale.
Moonee Valley were unlucky, coming off a 33-point loss against Hillside.
Round 3 was the last time the two sides played each other, with Aberfeldie taking out the win by 63 points.
Moana Hope was among the names best on ground. Her three goals were crucial in the win.
Briana Marino was also unstoppable, kicking three goals of her own.
With finals right around the corner, a win for Aberfeldie will be about maintaining momentum and avoiding a late slip up.
For Moonee Valley, they may be out of the finals race, but their progression this year can't be ignored. A good performance against Aberfeldie will be a great way to wrap up their 2025 campaign.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
Strathmore and Keilor Park will meet at Walter St Reserve for the first spot in the decider.
The minor premiers have dominated all season to conclude the regular season still remaining at the top of the ladder and undefeated.
With a deep midfield, plenty of scoring options, and a defensive unit that rarely gets broken down, the side heads into finals full of confidence.
While Strathmore consistently win across all four quarters, one concern is their occasional inaccuracies at goal.
Strathmore’s most significant was against Coburg Districts back in Round 3, where they secured the win with 14 goals and 20 behinds. The pattern continued throughout the back end of the season, with the side earning a win over Westmeadows with seven goals and 15 behinds.
The Mores consistently produce scoring opportunities but if Keilor Park's defence reduces those scoring shots, they'll want to capitalise when given the chance.
Talia Motta has been a prime mover for the side kicking 23 goals for Strathmore in the home and away season. Breaking lines and setting the tempo, Motta will be one to watch over the weekend if available for selection.
The skipper Clara Toperosa has been reliable for much of the season. Across her campaign, Toperosa has been named a best player for her side eight times.
For Keilor Park, they will relish the underdog tag as they head into this clash.
They've shown grit and resilience across the season, particularly in the back end to earn their spot in the qualifying final.
Their journey to the qualifying final has seen them bouncing back from early setbacks and stringing together gritty wins. They've made a habit of catching teams off guard, including fellow finalists Burnside Heights.
Keilor Park have that elite ball use when they're on the top of their game, and often burst out of the gate early which can prove pivotal for them in the qualifying final.
They do, however, have a tendency to struggle sustaining the momentum gained in the opening quarter which has proven costly in the past, particularly against Strathmore.
Round 6 and Round 11 saw Keilor Park possess the lead, often withholding Strathmore from scoring. But heading into the second half, they haven't been able to maintain their lead.
Caitlyn Crameri is Keilor Park's crafty goal scorer and the most prolific in the competition this year, often standing up when she's most needed. Across the home and away season, she kicked 27 in 14 games and will take some stopping.
The season is on the line for Burnside Heights and Westmeadows as they face off in an elimination final at Cole Reserve
Burnside Heights have quietly built an impressive campaign to help them finish in the finals for the third season in a row since coming back to Division One.
The Bears have built their playing style around pressure, discipline, and a rock-solid defensive structure with multiple contributors stepping up each week.
Heading into finals, the Bears will no doubt be eager to prove they can hold their form under finals pressure.
While the Bears have flexed their muscles against lower-ranked teams, heading into finals the question remains – can they do it against the best?
They have been inconsistent this season but have won the last two of their matchups with Westmeadows after dropping the first contest.
Holly McGregor has had herself a campaign to remember.
If her performances in recent weeks are anything to go by, that see her as her team's leading goal scorer, it'll give Westmeadows a headache trying to outplay her with her versatility swapping between forward and ruck.
Payton-Ani Ozols is one can fill in gaps and stand tall when she's needed depending on the match up.
Westmeadows have crawled their way into finals off the back of a gritty back half of the season.
While they've been inconsistent (7-7), their best footy is explosive and high pressure. They'll come into the clash as underdogs, but have developed enough momentum in their regular season to bring into the elimination final.
Overall, the side has shown glimpses of top-tier form that includes dangerous forward pressure and resilience.
Westmeadows have struggled to get big scores on the board with the least amount of points scored in the top four.
This could become costly if the Bears capitalise on opportunities early.
Danielle Linton has proven to be dangerous for opposition defenders, often slotting in goals when they matter the most.
Gemma Wright thrives in the contest and often wins the ball. Her seven selections in best players across 14 games could prove to be a gem on the weekend for Westmeadows.
By Evan Tudor
The 2025 Airport Toyota Division Two finals series kicks off this weekend with two mouth-watering match ups set to light up the premiership race.
After finishing the season in the top two, Gisborne and Taylors Lakes will contest the qualifying final at Ascot Vale’s Walter Street Reserve, with the winner earning a spot in the premiership decider.
It’ll be a battle between the best two teams all season, with Gisborne recording a perfect 14-0 record and a whopping 859 per cent, while Taylors Lakes were strong with nine wins and five losses at an impressive 256 per cent.
Gisborne is looking to make a strong statement this finals series after an early exit in 2023 and a hiatus in 2024.
Taylors Lakes is out for redemption after narrowly missing the 2024 finals by just nine per cent.
The Dogs enter this one following a 97-point victory over Sunbury Lions, highlighted by Emma Williams’ season-best bag of five.
Taylors Lakes took ahold of East Sunbury by 26 points in a comfortable victory when Stefania Valerio also booted her equal season-best of five.
After both outfits produced a dominant home and away season, it’s no surprise that their stars have ranked high in division-leading stats.
Four Dogs and two Lions rank in the top six of the division's goal kicking ladder.
Most notably, Bulldog Alexia Todorovic took out the season honours with 35 goals from 11 games, while Lions’ Valerio finished second with 33 from 13 games.
The top five of best-on-ground listings sees two players from each club rank high on the ladder.
Taylors Lakes' Rebecca Foggie and Valerio picked up a respective 13 and 12. Teammate Mia Bondar and opponent Belinda Hateley both hold 10.
So, as another finals series kicks off, expect this one to be one of the games of the season.
The winner will stride straight into the grand final while it's off to the prelim for the loser.
Last week they set out to grab four points, this week they’re looking to put one hand on the premiership cup.
It’s the Sunbury Kangaroos taking on Roxburgh Park in the elimination final at Cole Reserve.
These two sides know each other well. They’ve already taken to the field three times this year, with Roxy winning all three match ups. Two of which were won by four, the other by 31.
But Saturday brings a different game to the table, and so do the Sunbury Kangaroos, as it hopes to finally get the upper hand on the Pies and move onto the preliminary final.
To make the finals you have to be the best, and these two teams have the best.
Jameson Best certainly has brought her best this season with 15 goals leading the record at Roxburgh Park’s camp, while Tylah Bell is a force to be reckoned with at the Kangaroos.
While only booting nine goals this year, Bell has been one of best players all season, boasting 11 best-on-ground listings, ranking her third in the division overall.
Summer Pazsa has also been a key asset to the Kangas’ list, with seven goals and nine best-on namings.
Looking back to last weekend, Roxburgh Park was able to get up in their meeting, winning by four away from home.
A crucial goal kicked by the Kangaroos against a goalless fourth-quarter Roxy proves that nothing will faze the Pies, who have shown strong ability in defence.
Only one can move on to next week, who will it be?
Both have the talent and determination, so this one should be good.
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
KEILOR v GREENVALE
Saturday 1:50pm at Joe Brown Oval
OAK PARK v MARIBYRNONG PARK
Saturday 1:50pm at JP Fawkner Reserve
HILLSIDE v ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
Saturday 1:50pm at Hillside Recreation Reserve
ABERFELDIE v MOONEE VALLEY
Saturday 1:50pm at Clifton Park
STRATHMORE v KEILOR PARK
Saturday 1:50pm at Walter St Reserve
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS v WESTMEADOWS
🎥 Streamer
Saturday 1:50pm at Cole Reserve
GISBORNE v TAYLORS LAKES
Saturday 11:50am at Walter St Reserve
SUNBURY KANGAROOS v ROXBURGH PARK
Saturday 11:50am at Cole Reserve
