The final round of the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 home-and-away season has arrived, with the top five all but locked in for September action.
Heidelberg has already secured the minor premiership, but there is still plenty to play for among the finals sides, with Diamond Creek, Montmorency, Bundoora and Greensborough all capable of changing positions before the home-and-away season comes to an end.
For the sides outside the top five, Round 18 is about finishing the season strongly, while the finals contenders will be looking to build momentum heading into September.
Montmorency vs North Heidelberg
Montmorency will be looking to bounce back when it hosts North Heidelberg in the final round.
The Magpies currently sit third and will be keen to respond after suffering a narrow defeat to Bundoora last weekend. Nash Holmes has been one of Montmorency’s most important players throughout the season, consistently providing drive through the midfield and helping the Magpies control the contest. Marcus Lentini has also been influential around the stoppages, while Stefan Uzelac gives Montmorency a strong presence at the source.
North Heidelberg will be hoping to finish its season on a high. Jamison Shea has been a consistent ball-winner for the Bulldogs and will be important in helping them compete around the contest. Angus McLennan has also provided plenty of experience and has shown his ability to influence games through the midfield.
Montmorency will enter as favourite, but North Heidelberg will have nothing to lose as it looks to produce a strong finish to the season.
Banyule vs West Preston-Lakeside
Banyule will host West Preston-Lakeside in a clash between sixth and 10th.
While Banyule will not feature in September, the Bears have shown in recent weeks that they can match it with the competition’s best. Their upset victory over Diamond Creek highlighted the quality within the side, with Jack Langford leading the way through the midfield and providing plenty of drive around the ground.
Jean-Luc Velissaris has also been one of Banyule’s most consistent performers, giving the Bears plenty of strength around stoppages and helping them win possession when games become contested. Kye Yodgee has provided another dangerous option in attack and will be important in giving Banyule a focal point inside forward 50.
West Preston-Lakeside will be looking to finish a difficult season on a positive note. Arben Dani has consistently found plenty of the football and has been one of the Roosters’ key contributors, while Aleksandr D’Arro has shown his ability to take control around the contest and provide drive from defence.
Banyule will start warm favourites at home but West Preston-Lakeside will be determined to make the Bears earn the four points.
Hurstbridge vs Eltham
Hurstbridge and Eltham will meet in a battle between seventh and eighth, with both sides looking to finish their seasons strongly.
Hurstbridge has been competitive throughout the season, with Liam Middleton providing plenty of influence through the midfield and helping the Bridges win the ball around the contest. Lachlan East has also been an important contributor, offering composure and an ability to link up play around the ground.
Cooper Perrin has been another key figure for Hurstbridge, providing an important avenue towards goal, while Cam Wild has shown his ability to impact the game both through the midfield and inside forward 50.
Eltham will be looking to respond after a difficult couple of weeks. Kai Turner has been one of the Panthers’ most prominent midfielders and will be important in helping Eltham gain control around the contest.
Alexander Bellchambers has also been a consistent performer, providing plenty of contested work and helping drive the Panthers forward. His ability to influence the game around stoppages will be important if Eltham is to finish the season with a victory.
With only one position separating the sides, this should be a competitive contest to finish the season.
Greensborough vs Bundoora
Greensborough and Bundoora meet in one of the most intriguing games of the final round, with both sides already guaranteed a place in the finals.
The Boro currently sit fifth, while Bundoora is fourth, but the positions of the top five can still change. That makes this an important opportunity for both sides to head into September with momentum.
Greensborough has been led by Jack Johnston throughout the season, with the backman providing plenty of control and drive off half back. Blake Watson has also been an important contributor, capable of influencing games through the midfield while providing an attacking threat.
Brody Glenn has added another dimension to the Boro’s forward line, providing scoreboard impact and giving the side a dangerous option around goal.
Bundoora comes into the contest full of confidence after defeating Montmorency last weekend.
Liam Mallia has been one of the Bulls’ standout performers throughout the season, consistently providing drive through the midfield and helping Bundoora move the ball forward. Isaac McMillan has also been among their best players but his absence this week will leave a hole in the Bulls’ midfield brigade.
Up forward, Keegan Downie and Jesse King have formed a dangerous combination, with both capable of turning limited opportunities into scoreboard pressure.
With both sides preparing for September and a possible elimination final match up the very next week, will they show all their cards to one another in this fixture?
Heidelberg vs Diamond Creek
First vs second.
The final game of the home-and-away season brings together two of Division 1’s best sides, with minor premier Heidelberg hosting second-placed Diamond Creek.
Heidelberg has been virtually unstoppable throughout 2026 and has already secured the minor premiership, but the Tigers will want to finish their home-and-away campaign in style before turning their attention towards September.
Luke Bunker has been one of the competition’s standout midfielders, consistently taking control around the contest and providing Heidelberg with plenty of drive. Dylan Clarke has also been an important contributor, giving the Tigers another strong ball-winning option through the midfield.
Up forward, Jordan Smith and Zane Barzen have provided Heidelberg with enormous firepower. Smith has been a dangerous target around goal, while Barzen has shown his ability to take over games and put enormous pressure on opposition defences.
Diamond Creek will be looking to finish the season strongly and make another statement against the minor premiers. The Creekers have already shown they can match Heidelberg, having ended the Tigers’ remarkable unbeaten run earlier in the season.
Nathan Searl has been a key figure for Diamond Creek, providing leadership and drive from behind the ball while helping the Creekers transition into attack. Dale Marshall has been influential around stoppages, while Jacob Booth brings plenty of pressure and defensive intent.
Diamond Creek will enter the clash knowing a strong finish could be crucial for its final position, while Heidelberg will be looking to remind the competition why it enters September as the team to beat.
First against second is the perfect way to close out the home-and-away season, with both sides looking to enter September with plenty of confidence.
