Some fantastic match ups await in Round 2, with several sides already under pressure to respond after mixed results in the opening round.
The NFNL Match of the Round sees Hurstbridge play host to Diamond Creek. The Creekers turned heads last week with a draw against premiership fancy Montmorency, while Hurstbridge picked up where they left off in 2025 with a strong 29-point win over West Preston Lakeside. This is a huge game for both sides, who haven’t met since the 2016 preliminary final.
The Glenn Fleming Memorial Challenge Shield is up for grabs on Saturday and marks the 30th anniversary of Glenn’s passing. In 25 memorial games, Diamond Creek lead the ledger 18-7 in these memorial games, but Hurstbridge will be keen to turn the tables at home.
The outs on both sides are significant, with Joel Fitzgerald missing for the Bridges and Taj Logan and Darcy Macpherson among the outs for the Demons. In saying that, both sides are still filled with quality – Blake Fitzgerald was huge for Hurstbridge last week with 35 disposals and Diamond Creek big man Bailey Griffiths was dominant for his side around the stoppages.
All the action will be shown live on Sportscast Australia from 2.10pm.
Greensborough will aim to make it two wins from two to start the season, while Banyule will be desperate to respond after a one-point loss to Bundoora last week.
Former Collingwood AFL midfielder Tom Mitchell is a big out for the Borough after collecting 27 disposals in the Good Friday fixture, but brother Will Mitchell will be aiming to continue his good form.
Banyule faces a challenge with key recruit Liam Mackie sidelined due to a hamstring injury, placing extra responsibility on players like Jack Langford, who impressed with 23 disposals last week.
SEE THE ALL THE NFNL ROUND 2 INS AND OUTS HERE
Montmorency faces one of the toughest assignments in local footy, taking on reigning premiers Heidelberg at Warringal Park. After their draw with Diamond Creek, the Magpies are out to cause an early season upset, while the Tigers will be keen to consolidate a position atop the Division 1 ladder.
Marcus Lentini was a standout for Montmorency with 33 disposals last week, supported well by Jordan Steele (29). For Heidelberg, Dylan Clarke and Tom Keys will again be pivotal players to keep an eye on.
Bundoora heads to Shelley Park full looking to build on their thrilling Round 1 win, while North Heidelberg will be eager to bounce back from a heavy defeat at the hands of Heidelberg.
The Bulls were well led last week by Hugo Crawford (28 disposals), Ben McCarthy (27), and Jesse King, who will need close marking by North Heidelberg after kicking three goals against Banyule.
The Dogs will be looking for a strong response after being well beaten against Heidelberg, with Jordan Hamilton (27 disposals) among their better performers last week and likely to play a key role again as they chase their first win of the season.
Both Eltham and West Preston Lakeside enter this clash searching for their first win of the 2026 season after Round 1 defeats. Eltham showed promising signs despite the loss, with Kai Turner (29 disposals) controlling play across half-back and Lachie Swaney (25 disposals) influential through the midfield.
The Roosters, however, boast plenty of firepower of their own. Felix Dreher was outstanding with 31 disposals, while Arben Dani matched that tally through the middle. With both sides eager to get on the board, on paper this looks like a high-quality, hard-fought contest.
