The two ladder leaders remain undefeated as a couple more top five teams produced statement wins in Round 6.
Kilmore was the big winner on the day climbing several places in a week to move into the top five after defeating Epping by 25 points at Epping Recreational Reserve.
Corey McCall’s team, continuing the momentum from the previous week’s win, flew out of the blocks to lead by 47 points at quarter time and it looked all over at that stage. But a two goal to nil third term gave Epping a tiny chance to pull off a huge comeback win, reducing the deficit to 26 points. Sadly, for the local fans, the task was too great, and Kilmore steadied to hold off the Blues for the remainder of the day.
Caleb Newport kicked four for the victors, while Jared Crosbie and Campbell White also impressed.
Daniel Rakhlin kicked three goals for Epping and remained in second place on the goal-kicking ladder, just a solitary goal ahead of Reservoir’s Aaron Edwards. Kieren Jaksic and Louis Circosta were also highly productive.
Epping finished the week in seventh spot on the table and a game outside the top five.
Ivanhoe continued its remarkable start to the season and made it five triple figure wins from five outings with a whopping 149-point win over Old Eltham Collegians at Ivanhoe Park. The 100-point margin looked to be a 50/50 proposition at half time with a 54-point buffer, but a 14 goal to nil second half put it beyond doubt.
Patrik Della Rocca booted seven majors for the winners, while Lachlan Turner chipped in with five. Riley Loton continued his outstanding season and Kane Veliou was also in the best.
Daniel Hallett and Bailey Dillon continued their good form from last weekend for the Turtles, while Sam Warren also applied himself well.
Reservoir came off the bye to host Laurimar at Crispe Park, with the visiting team prevailing by 42 points. With leading goal-kicker Patrick Fitzgerald missing, a trio of Power players kicked three goals apiece in Matt Keys, Zac McMahon and Hayden Trim.
A four goal to two third term was the main separator in the game, as the Power extended a 30-point lead to 46 at the final change.
Aaron Edwards kicked three goals for the Mustangs, with James Tadd and Levi Greenwood being among the best. The loss drops Reservoir down to sixth spot.
Mernda strengthened its grip on third place with a 66-point victory over Lalor at Waterview Reserve. Kyle Green was the stand-out forward with a bag of eight, while Josh Mazzarella and Lincoln Coffey continue to impress.
The Bloods gave a good account of themselves in the first half and only trailed by 18 points at half time, showing signs that can challenge some teams lower on the ladder than the Demons. Jamison Vearing, Hayden Hunt and Shannon Smith performed admirably for Lance Whitnall’s side.
The Demons have laid a good platform for their season, with a ten-point loss to Laurimar their only blemish so far in 2026.
Watsonia maintained fourth spot on the ladder with an 82-point win over Kinglake at Binnak Park. The Lakers were close enough if good enough when 15 points down at quarter time, but a five goal to one second term set the Saints on their way. Luke Stone was the best goal-kicker of the entire round with nine for Watsonia while Cameron Cloke returned to the line up and kicked six. Nathan Hallyburton continues to impress and Ned Harvey was productive across the day.
Dylan Hoysted booted four majors for the Lakers, with Liam Lucas kicking three and Michael Florance excelling. The Kinglake get its chance to get off the mark when they host Epping this week.
Laurimar and Epping remain undefeated at the top of the table, while Kinglake and Lalor are still to record a victory. Four clubs In Reservoir, Epping, Old Eltham Collegians and Heidelberg West all sit a game outside the top five on two wins. Those four teams will have chances to ascend into the top five in coming weeks if they can notch up some wins.
