BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — Round 17 delivered another important weekend of action in NFNL Division 1, with the top five now all but set heading into the last week of home and away games.
Bundoora strengthened its position as a genuine premiership contender with a 10-point victory over second-placed Montmorency, a result that saw the Bulls secure their return to finals while the Magpies slipped to third. Diamond Creek took advantage of Montmorency’s defeat, returning to second spot after an eight-point win over Eltham.
Heidelberg continued its dominant season with another emphatic victory, this time dismantling Hurstbridge by 104 points, while Greensborough produced the biggest win of the round with a 128-point demolition of West Preston-Lakeside. At the other end of the scale, Banyule held on for a thrilling three-point victory over North Heidelberg in the round’s closest contest.
Bundoora 7.12 (54) def. Montmorency 6.8 (44)
Bundoora produced an impressive 10-point victory over Montmorency to further establish itself as a genuine premiership contender. The Bulls controlled large periods of the contest and held off a determined Montmorency outfit to secure an important win.
Liam Mallia was outstanding for Bundoora, collecting 28 disposals and 11 rebound 50s, while Isaac McMillan continued his strong form with 23 disposals, 12 tackles and eight clearances. Ben McCarthy was also influential around the contest, finishing with 22 disposals and 15 tackles.
Montmorency was led by Marcus Lentini, who gathered 26 disposals and 10 clearances, while Stefan Uzelac was a constant threat with 26 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals.
Diamond Creek 9.10 (64) def. Eltham 7.14 (56)
Diamond Creek returned to second place on the ladder after holding off Eltham by eight points in an entertaining contest. The Creekers were able to do enough across four quarters to secure the important victory and move back into the top two with the finals race heating up.
Nathan Searl was instrumental in the win, finishing with 32 disposals and 13 rebound 50s, while Jacob Booth provided plenty of drive through the midfield with 25 disposals and eight clearances. Nicholas Barro was the difference in front of goal, finishing with six goals from 14 disposals.
For Eltham, Alexander Bellchambers was prominent around the stoppages with 28 disposals and 10 clearances, while Jason McCormick collected 23 disposals and six inside 50s.
Heidelberg 23.16 (154) def. Hurstbridge 7.8 (50)
Heidelberg once again showed why it remains one of the competition’s premier sides, producing a dominant 104-point victory over Hurstbridge. The Tigers controlled the contest from the outset and continued their impressive run of form with another commanding performance.
Luke Bunker was one of the standout performers, racking up 42 disposals, 12 clearances and two goals, while Dylan Clarke was equally influential with 37 disposals, six clearances and two goals. Zane Barzen and Jordan Smith provided plenty of scoreboard impact, finishing with four goals apiece.
Hurstbridge’s Joel Naylor was a bright spot for the home side with three goals, while Liam Middleton collected 27 disposals and Lachlan East finished with 26 disposals, 11 marks and 11 inside 50s.
Banyule 9.15 (69) def. North Heidelberg 8.18 (66)
Banyule secured one of the closest wins of the round, holding off North Heidelberg by just three points in a contest that featured plenty of momentum swings. Both sides had opportunities throughout the game but were unable to consistently capitalise in front of goal, with the Bears eventually doing enough to claim the narrow victory.
Jean-Luc Velissaris was outstanding for Banyule, producing a huge performance with 43 disposals, 14 clearances and a goal. Kye Yodgee was also influential through the midfield with 33 disposals and six clearances, while Max Jones provided a major target inside 50 with five goals from 20 disposals.
North Heidelberg was led by Jamison Shea, who collected 26 disposals and six marks, while Parker Heatley finished with 25 disposals and seven marks.
Greensborough 21.20 (146) def. West Preston-Lakeside 2.6 (18)
Greensborough delivered the biggest performance of Round 17, overpowering West Preston-Lakeside by 128 points in a one-sided contest. The Borough dominated proceedings and kept the Roosters to just two goals for the afternoon as they continued to build momentum heading towards the final stages of the season.
Jackson Hasler was a standout performer for Greensborough, collecting 34 disposals, eight clearances and three goals. Marty Fitzgerald was also prominent with 29 disposals and two goals, while Jack Johnston finished with 28 disposals and two goals. Tom Mitchell added 28 disposals, seven clearances and a goal to complete a strong midfield performance.
For West Preston-Lakeside, Aleksandr D’Arro battled hard with 30 disposals and nine clearances, while Arben Dani collected 29 disposals, 10 rebound 50s and a goal.
