BUNDOORA, VIC. (NFNL HQ). — What an exciting week of football we have on our hands, plenty of great games to look forward to.
We’ll be heading to Garvey Oval for an exciting clash between Old Paradians and Lower Plenty. Both sides are coming off impressive wins last week and will be eager to maintain their momentum.
The last time these two teams met was in Round 1, when Old Paradians claimed a 22-point victory at Lower Plenty Oval.
Currently sitting third and fourth on the ladder, this shapes as a crucial contest as both teams battle for a spot in the top three. With identical win-loss records, it’s Old Paradians who hold the edge thanks to their superior percentage of 103.26%.
With so much at stake, this match has all the ingredients of a finals preview and has been selected as the NFNL Match of the Day this Saturday. Catch all the action on Sportscast Australia and Plenty Valley FM (88.6MH FM) from 2pm.
The Fitzroy Stars will host ladder leaders Northcote Park this week in what promises to be an exciting contest.
The last time these sides met, Northcote Park emerged victorious by just eight points in a high-scoring thriller. With goals flowing freely that day, fans will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.
While the Cougars claimed the points in their previous encounter, the Stars have continued to build strongly in its first season back in Division 2. With the likes of Jai Burns and Alex Williamson leading the forward line, they can take confidence from their proven goal-scoring power.
Matt Perry, Samuel Amad and Leo Amad will be looking to help secure Northcote Park’s ninth win of the season and continue what has already been an outstanding campaign.
Macleod returns to their home ground this week as they prepare to take on St Mary’s for the second time this season.
After a disappointing loss last round, Macleod will be eager to bounce back and secure its fourth win in 2026. While restricted to just one goal last week, the Macleod faithful will be hoping Darcy Barden can return to his damaging best and make his mark inside the forward 50.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s are chasing their sixth win of the season as they continue the push for a top-four spot. Riding a strong winning streak, they’ll head to De Winton Park full of confidence after a dominant performance last week.
Ty Kitchell and Rory Hanlon will be looking to continue their excellent form through the midfield, providing plenty of opportunities for key forwards Jack Cicita and Harry Butterworth.
With both sides having plenty to play for, this shapes as an intriguing contest and an important four points for their respective seasons.
It’s a showdown at A.E. Cracknell Reserve this week as Panton Hill take on Thomastown in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash.
Fresh off an outstanding victory last round, the Redbacks will be full of confidence as they look to back it up against the Bears. The last time these sides met, it was the Bears who came away with a comfortable 17-point win, and they’ll be eager to repeat the result.
Anthony Capeci and Jackson Hayes were instrumental for Thomastown in that previous encounter, combining brilliantly to help lead their side to victory. For Panton Hill, Ben Donohue and Luke Oakley were among the standout performers and will once again be key figures if the Redbacks are to turn the tables this time around.
With both teams boasting plenty of talent and form, fans can expect a hard-fought battle under the lights as two determined sides go head-to-head.
South Morang return to their home turf this week as they prepare to take on Whittlesea in a crucial clash. Both sides are coming off losses, so they’ll be eager to bounce back and build momentum heading towards the finals.
Whittlesea claimed a 30-point victory in Round 1 in a high-scoring affair that produced 23 goals between the two sides. Fans will be hoping for another entertaining contest this time around.
The Eagles are chasing their fifth win of the season as they look to strengthen their hold on a finals position.
With the likes of Khaled El-Leissy, Bailey Robinson and Deakin Tennant providing plenty of class and confidence around the ground, Whittlesea have no shortage of firepower. Up forward, Caden Allen and Angus Smith will be looking to combine strongly and hit the scoreboard.
For South Morang, a top-three finish remains firmly in sight. Six wins on the board and a healthy percentage reflects an impressive campaign as the Lions shape as a genuine finals contender.
Exciting talents Nathan Stefanile and Carter McCall have been key contributors throughout the season and will be looking to lead the way once again.
With plenty on the line for both sides, this matchup could prove to be a significant stepping stone towards finals success.
