Round 8 of the NFNL Division 1 season is shaping as one of the biggest rounds so far, with several important matchups set to have a major impact on the ladder.
From grand final rematches to huge battles around the top five, there is plenty on the line across the competition this weekend.
Greensborough will be looking to return to the winners list for the first time since Round 5 when they host West Preston-Lakeside, who are still searching for their first victory of the season.
The Borough were impressive for large parts of last week’s clash against North Heidelberg and controlled the game for three quarters before fading late in the final term. Despite the loss, there were still positive signs for Greensborough as they continue to remain competitive against quality opposition.
West Preston-Lakeside also showed some strong signs last week despite losing to the red-hot Bundoora Bulls. The Roosters competed hard throughout the afternoon and will take confidence into this week’s clash as they continue to chase that elusive first win.
Greensborough’s midfield will be boosted by the return of Tom Mitchell but lose Harrison Andronaco for Saturday’s game. Captain Jack Johnston has continued to lead from the front and the men in green will need big games from the likes of Ned Rosenbrock and Brody Glenn if they’re to get the points.
For West Preston-Lakeside, Arden Dani and Kristian Lawson have both been standouts across half-back. The pair are each averaging 27 and 23 disposals a game respectively and have been consistently among the Roosters’ best players week to week. They’ll be desperate to get the club’s first win of the season and put some pressure on the teams above them.
One of the biggest games of the round sees Heidelberg host Hurstbridge in a rematch of last year’s grand final.
Hurstbridge will be eager for revenge after last season’s decider, but faces a massive challenge against the undefeated Tigers, who have been the benchmark side of the competition so far in 2026.
The Bridges will also be looking to respond after suffering a heavy defeat to the in-form Montmorency last weekend. They will need to improve quickly against the Heidelberg side that has continued its dominance this season.
There will be plenty of attention on the key forwards in this contest. Hurstbridge spearhead Joel Naylor has been outstanding this year, booting 21 goals from seven games although he was well held last weekend against Montmorency. For Heidelberg, Zane Barzen leads the competition goal-kicking with 24 goals from seven appearances and has been nearly impossible for opposition defenders to stop.
The midfield battle could decide the game. Hurstbridge’s Blake Fitzgerald has arguably been the best player in the competition this season, averaging an incredible 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 10 clearances and 6 score involvements a game.
For Heidelberg, the strength comes through balance and depth. Luke Bunker has averaged 27 disposals a game, while Dylan Clarke has also been superb with 25 disposals a match. Their ability to spread the load through the midfield has been a major reason behind Heidelberg’s unbeaten start.
Banyule enters its clash with North Heidelberg desperate for a victory after going without a win since Round 2, while the Dogs will be aiming to keep in touch with the top five.
The Bears have struggled in recent weeks but still have players capable of making an impact. Jean-Luc Velissaris has been one of the competition’s standout midfielders this season, averaging 27 disposals, eight clearances and three goal involvements a game. However, Banyule will need stronger support from the rest of the side if it is to return to the winners list.
North Heidelberg will head into the game full of confidence after their comeback win over Greensborough last weekend. The Bulldogs have continued to improve throughout the season and know a win here could further strengthen their finals hopes.
A player to watch will be North Heidelberg forward Angus McLennan, who is coming off a dominant eight-goal performance against Greensborough. McLennan will again be a major target inside 50 and could prove difficult for the Banyule defence to contain if he gets good supply.
One of the matches of the round sees third-placed Bundoora travel to Montmorency to take on the in-form Magpies in a massive top five clash.
Both sides are coming off huge wins and enter the contest with plenty of momentum. Montmorency has been in outstanding form, winning its last four matches by an average of nearly 90 points.
The Magpies’ midfield has been one of the best in the competition this season. Marcus Lentini has been dominant averaging 32 disposals a game, while Nash Holmes continues to have a huge impact with 28 disposals per match. Kamdyn McIntosh has also been ultra-impressive on the wing, providing plenty of run, class and experience at this level.
Bundoora also has plenty of weapons across the ground. Jesse King sits second in the league goal-kicking with 23 goals for the season and continues to be a major threat inside forward 50.
Montmorency forward Matthew Clark will also be one to watch after kicking 24 goals so far this season, equal with Heidelberg’s Zane Barzen at the top of the competition goal-kicking table.
The Bulls’ midfield duo of O’Neill Moncrieff and Isaac McMillan has been important all year, with both averaging 25 disposals a game and playing a key role in Bundoora’s strong start to the season. Bundoora captain Peter McEvoy and ruckman Liam Kolar have been a formidable presence for opposition teams to control around the ground.
Eltham and Diamond Creek will have the weekend off before meeting on King’s Birthday weekend.
