Round 11 delivered another fascinating chapter in the Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 season, with several clubs making important statements as the race for finals continues to tighten.
West Preston-Lakeside finally broke through for its first win of 2026 in one of the upsets of the season; Diamond Creek extended its remarkable winning streak with another comeback victory, while Bundoora and Greensborough produced dominant performances.
With Heidelberg and Montmorency sitting out the opening weekend of the split round, the remaining sides made the most of the opportunity to gain valuable premiership points.
Bundoora produced one of its most complete performances of the season, powering away in the second half to record a 101-point victory over North Heidelberg.
While the opening stages were relatively competitive, the Bulls gradually asserted their authority before completely taking over after half time. Their pressure around the contest and efficiency going forward proved too much for the Dogs, who endured another difficult afternoon as Bundoora piled on goals throughout the second half.
The Bulls’ forward line proved almost impossible to contain. Jesse King finished with seven goals in a dominant display inside 50, while Liam Mallia continued his excellent season by adding another six majors. The pair consistently capitalised on Bundoora’s midfield dominance and gave North Heidelberg minimal opportunities to halt their momentum.
Through the middle of the ground, Hugo Crawford continued his consistent campaign with 34 disposals, while O’Neill Moncrieff gathered 26 of his own and Isaac McMillan finished with 25 in another polished team performance.
Despite the result, North Heidelberg still found contributors. Jamison Shea battled tirelessly throughout the afternoon to finish with a game-high 37 disposals, while Brock Chircop collected 33 possessions. Nash Ramage also continued to compete strongly in the ruck, recording 20 disposals and 31 hit outs despite the difficult circumstances.
The victory keeps Bundoora firmly in the finals conversation, while North Heidelberg will be looking to quickly regroup following another heavy defeat.
Diamond Creek has continued to build its case as one of the competition’s genuine premiership contenders, overcoming Hurstbridge after once again producing a stirring comeback.
For the third consecutive week, the Creekers found themselves trailing during the contest before responding when it mattered most. Having already come from behind to defeat Heidelberg and Montmorency in recent weeks, Diamond Creek once again showed composure under pressure to extend one of the competition’s hottest winning streaks.
Hurstbridge produced one of its strongest performances in recent weeks and challenged the Creekers throughout the afternoon. The Bridges controlled periods of the contest and looked capable of ending Diamond Creek’s momentum before the home side found another gear late.
Bronson Hill provided a constant threat inside 50 for the Creekers, finishing with four goals, while the midfield pairing of Darcy MacPherson and Dale Marshall once again drove the victory. Both collected 36 disposals, combining for an outstanding 23 clearances as they repeatedly gave their forwards quality opportunities.
Hurstbridge’s midfield stars were equally impressive. Blake Fitzgerald delivered one of the standout individual performances of the round, collecting 41 disposals, 16 clearances and a goal in a tireless display. Cam Wild also continued his outstanding season with 26 disposals and a goal.
Up forward, Cooper Perrin matched Hill’s output by kicking four goals of his own, but despite several impressive individual performances, the Bridges were unable to prevent Diamond Creek from extending its winning run.
Greensborough strengthened its push towards the top five with an impressive 47-point victory over Banyule.
The Boro laid the foundation for the result with a dominant opening half, restricting the Bears to just one goal before the main break while controlling territory and possession for long periods. Although Greensborough created enough opportunities to record an even bigger victory, they remained in control throughout the afternoon.
The return of Tom Mitchell proved a significant boost, with the midfielder making an immediate impact with 38 disposals and 11 clearances. Jack Johnston was influential across half back with 30 disposals, providing plenty of rebound and drive from defence.
Raydan Garrard was a major beneficiary of Greensborough’s dominance, finishing with five goals in an outstanding performance inside 50 as the Boro’s forward line consistently capitalised on repeat entries.
For Banyule, Max Jones fought hard and finished with five goals despite limited opportunities, while Oliver Poole continued to work tirelessly around the contest, collecting 21 disposals.
The victory keeps Greensborough within striking distance of the top five, while Banyule will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing afternoon.
West Preston-Lakeside produced one of the biggest upsets of the Division 1 season, defeating fourth-placed Eltham to secure its long-awaited first victory of 2026.
After several weeks of pushing quality oppositions deep into matches without reward, the Roosters finally converted their improved form into four premiership points. They showed composure throughout the afternoon before producing a superb final quarter to hold off Eltham and celebrate a memorable breakthrough win.
The result was a fitting reward for a side that has shown steady improvement throughout the second half of the season. Despite sitting at the bottom of the ladder entering the round, West Preston-Lakeside had challenged both Banyule and Hurstbridge in recent weeks, suggesting a first victory wasn’t far away.
Ayden Dani was instrumental in the win, combining 20 disposals with three goals in an influential performance across half forward. Aleksandr D’Arro also starred through the midfield, finishing with 26 disposals, nine clearances and a goal as the Roosters consistently matched Eltham around the stoppages.
The Panthers were unable to find the consistency that had seen them climb into the top four in recent weeks. Kai Turner continued his impressive campaign with 19 disposals across half back, while Declan Ayres battled hard with 16 disposals.
For West Preston-Lakeside, however, the final siren marked a significant milestone. After months of perseverance and several near misses, the Roosters finally secured the victory their recent form had deserved, providing a major confidence boost heading into the remainder of the season.
