Following a well-earned break, round nine of the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 season brings a pair of top-five matchups and some intriguing battles elsewhere.
The reigning undefeated premiers in Heidelberg are set to host third-placed Hurstbridge in a highly anticipated encounter at Warringal Park.
Vin Dattoli’s men remain firmly atop the ladder following a huge 149-point victory over Bundoora, led by reigning Frank Rosbrook Medallist, Tom Keys, who earned a perfect 10 coaches votes in Round 8.
The Tiger’s Zane Barzen continues to dominate as the Division 1 leading goalkicker, while emerging talent Sam Wright has made an immediate impact, kicking seven goals across Round 7 and 8, his first two senior appearances of 2025.
After a disappointing defeat to Montmorency in Round 8, Hurstbridge will strive to get back on the winners list.
The Bridges utilized their forward momentum in the first half of the match, driven by the rapid development of midfielder Mitchell Moschetti, who has collected 18 of his 22 season votes in his last three games.
Key forward Bailey Jordan has also impressed, registering three goals since making his debut in Round 5.
However, Hurstbridge’s momentum slowed in the second half, forcing key defenders Mitchell Hymus and standout performer Lachlan East to work tirelessly in containing Montmorency’s attack.
In the 2024 season, their first face off saw the Tigers attain a 100-point victory, yet Hurstbridge came close with only a 35-point difference later on in Round 18.
Hurstbridge is determined to reduce the margin even further this time around and challenge the undefeated side.
This weekend’s clash between North Heidelberg and Banyule at Shelley Street Reserve will generate plenty of excitement, with North trailing the Bears by only a few wins.
North had several standout performers in their hard-fought win over Eltham last round, with Jesse Tardio scoring a perfect 10 coaches votes, placing him comfortably in third for the Coaches MVP.
Lachlan Smith provided plenty of presence in attack, kicking five goals, while reliable defender Hamish Murphy combined effectively with Mitch Dillon and Thomas Rivis to anchor North’s backline.
North are keen to put their foot down and secure this extremely important win over the Bears.
Banyule will look to build on their significant improvements coming off the 2024 season, striving for continued growth and consistent progression.
The Bears impressive victory over South Morang elevated them to 2nd place, bolstered by standout performances from Thomas Howard, who earned nine coaches MVP votes, and 100-gamer Riley Loton, who scored seven.
Devin McDonald continues to impress, while James Kayrooz, currently the second-leading goalkicker with 28 goals in seven games, will be a key threat North must keep a close eye on.
North claimed a dominant 64-point victory over Banyule in the final round of the 2024 season, however the narrative has seemed to shift this year and this match promises a close game.
JE Moore Park will set the stage for a fierce showdown between West Preston-Lakeside and Montmorency.
West Preston’s most recent game against Greensborough was a tough fought battle, only losing by a close six point margin.
Emerging talent Felix Dreher achieved six coaches MVP votes last round. The Roosters are eager to see him continue to rise, alongside a strong performance from Liam McVeigh, kicking two goals on the day.
They face a Montmorency outfit coming off two promising back-to-back wins, driven by outstanding performer Marcus Lentini, who continues to shine as the club’s leading goalkicker.
After gaining a perfect 10 coaches MVP votes against Hurstbridge, Lentini has now accumulated 40 votes overall, placing him second in the standings.
Carlton VFL-listed ruckman, Flynn Riley, is also expected to play a key role in guiding the Magpies to victory alongside Ben Paterson.
Their last meeting saw Montmorency secured a convincing 62-point victory, making it a tough ask for the Roosters.
South Morang return home to Mill Park Lakes Reserve to face Eltham for the first time in an eagerly unpredictable showdown.
South Morang continue to face challenges in Division 1 but are steadily gaining experience and developing with each game.
Kobe van Zwienen has stepped up with securing 8 coaches MVP votes in the last two rounds, in company with Tyrone Leonardis and Joshua Lansfield who continue to grow and develop with the rest of the team
After facing a 21-point loss against North Heidelberg, Eltham need to regroup and rebuild momentum as the season reaches its midpoint in their push up the ladder.
With a potential injury arised, David Evans could be a significant loss for the Panther’s forward line. Yet, after a breakout game last round, Jameson Wood could step up as a key target in the forward half.
Both Jason McCormick and Alex Bellchambers will bring some midfield pressure, building on their impactful second-half performance against North Heidelberg last round.
It’s been just under two years since the Lions and Panthers last met, which was in MC Labour Division 2 at Saturday’s venue.
That day the Panthers secured a 33-point victory in a low scoring affair, with Panthers coach Tim Bongetti kicking four goals that day and Wood also kicking three.
Bundoora welcome Greensborough to Yulong Reserve in hopes to have some more success for their 2025 season.
With just one win on the board, the Bulls are determined to come out firing against Greensborough and make the most of their home advantage.
They will rely on key players, including standout defender Isacc McMillian and the reliable Luke Lo Valvo to take charge in securing a key win.
Their opponents in the Borough are just sitting outside the 5 after their hard-fought win over West Preston.
Facing their former side, it will be an exciting game for Jackson Davies and Nathan Howard. Davies has collected an impressive 15 coaches MVP votes across his last two games and is eager to showcase his talents with his new team.
Former Richmond VFL-listed player and Best and Fairest winner, Thomas Brindley, will be a crucial utility for the Borough and will be one the Bulls need to contain.
The Boro and the Bulls last met in Round 11 of last season, with Greensborough emerging victorious. As 2024 Preliminary Finalists, Greensborough are looking to make a stronger impact this year.
