Round 9 delivered one of the biggest results of the season, with Heidelberg’s unbeaten run coming to an end. Elsewhere, Montmorency continued its charge towards the top of the ladder, Banyule dug deep to claim a hard-fought victory and Greensborough produced an impressive upset on the road.
Diamond Creek became the first side to defeat Heidelberg in 2026, producing a stirring final-quarter comeback to secure an eight-point victory.
The Creekers trailed at every change but saved their best football for when it mattered most, kicking four goaals in the final term to overrun the previously unbeaten Tigers.
Returning from Carlton duties, Liam Ferrar made an immediate impact with six goals, including three in the decisive last quarter. Jacob Booth was outstanding through the midfield, collecting 33 disposals, nine tackles and eight clearances, while Ewan Macpherson provided plenty of drive with 26 disposals and two goals.
Heidelberg looked dangerous early with Zane Barzen kicking three first-quarter goals and threatening to take control of the contest. However, Diamond Creek tightened up defensively and restricted him to just one goal after quarter time.
Dylan Clarke amassed a game-high 35 disposals for the Tigers, while Tom Keys produced a dominant midfield performance with 17 clearances, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Heidelberg’s first loss of the season.
Montmorency continued its impressive run of form with a commanding victory over North Heidelberg in challenging conditions at Ford Park.
The Magpies led early from start to finish and adapted best to the wet and blustery weather, showcasing why they’ve become one of the competition’s in-form teams.
Nash Holmes contiued his outstanfing season with34 disposals and seven clearances, while Sam Binion provided plenty of rebound from defence with 21 disposals and eight rebound 50s. Isaac Baldwin’s work on the wing was also influential while Matthew Clark capitalised on his opportunities in front of goal with five majors.
For North Heidelberg, Cooper Bugeja battled hard wth 28 disposals and nine inside 50s. Max Yeoland provided a highlight with a goal-of-the-year contender among his three goals, while Parker Heatley finished with four goals in a strong individual performance.
Banyule was forced to earn every bit of its seven-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside, producing a gritty final-quarter comeback to escape with the points.
The Roosters looked set to claim its first win of the season before the Bears lifted when it mattered most, kicking six goals to two in the final term. Ethan Boy’s late goal sealed the victory as Banyule found a way to get the job done in a hard-fought contest.
Jean-Luc Velissaris was once again dominant for the Bears, finishing with 43 disposals, 29 contested possessions, 12 clearances and eight inside 50s. Kye Yodgee also made an important contribution with 25 disposals and eight clearances.
Kristian Lawson was outstanding for West Preston-Lakeside, collecting 31 disposals and 12 clearances. While the Roosters fell short, they produced one of their most competitive performances of the season and pushed the Bears all the way.
Eltham moved into the top five after a 19-point win over Hurstbridge in a contest that remained competitive throughout the afternoon.
The Panthers led at every change, but neither side was able to create significant separation, with the biggest margin of the day reaching 28 points.
Jason McCormick continued his strong season with 30 disposals, nine clearances and two goals, while Alexander Bellchambers played an important role through the midfield with 22 disposals and 11 clearances.
Cam wild was outstanding for Hurstbridge, recording 30 disposals and 12 clearances. Cooper Perrin also worked tirelessly in attack, finishing with three goals, but the Bridges slipped into a third consecutive defeat.
Greensborough produced one of the surprises of the round, defeating Bundoora by 10 points away from home to move to within one of the top five.
A strong opening quarter laid the foundation for the Borough, who controlled large periods of the contest and held off the Bulls whenever they threatened to close the gap.
Daniel Costanzo was among Bundoora’s best with 37 disposals across half-back, while Hugo Crawford continued his consistent season with 24 disposals.
For Greensborough, Jackson Hasler was instrumental with 26 disposals, including 15 contested possessions and seven inside 50s. Will Mitchell made a successful return from injury, finishing with 23 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles as the Borough secured an important victory.
