The Anzac Day weekend shapes as the biggest of the season so far as the ladder starts to take shape in Division 1.
Headlining the round is an unbeaten Heidelberg outfit travelling to face a fast-rising Banyule, while multiple clubs remain in search of their first win in what already feels like a pivotal stage of the year.
Banyule faces arguably the biggest test in local footy as it hosts reigning premiers Heidelberg at Beverley Road Reserve.
The Bears enter the clash full of confidence after an impressive win over Greensborough, showcasing a balanced mix of midfield strength and defensive intercepting. However, this presents a significant step up against a Heidelberg outfit that has set the early benchmark across the competition.
Jack Langford has been central to Banyule’s strong start, particularly with his ability to read the play and intercept opposition ball movement, highlighted by his 26 disposals and nine intercept marks last round. Jean-Luc Velissaris continues to provide drive and scoreboard impact through the midfield, while Oliver Poole’s clearance work adds another layer to their on-ball strength.
Heidelberg, meanwhile, brings proven consistency and composure. Keenan Posar has been instrumental in their undefeated run, averaging 28.5 disposals and helping dictate the Tigers’ ball movement. Their ability to control territory and punish turnovers makes them a difficult side to contain, especially if they gain ascendancy around the contest.
Eltham and Montmorency looms as a must-win game for both sides if they want to push their way up the ladder.
Eltham will take enormous heart from a gutsy one-point win over West Preston-Lakeside last weekend and a second-consecutive home game provides an opportunity to build that momentum into this clash.
The Magpies are yet to properly get off the mark in season 2026 after a draw with Diamond Creek and then a performance they certainly wouldn’t have been happy with against Heidelberg last weekend. Their focus would be on how they can translate possession of the footy into more reward on the scoreboard, with currently the second-lowest percentage of any team in Division 1. If they can get the four points here, they would jump to at least seventh and possibly higher depending on results.
North Heidelberg and West Preston-Lakeside are still in search of their first premiership points in 2026 and the loser of this fixture will be feeling the early season heat at the bottom of the table.
The Roosters would have been hugely disappointed to give up an 16-point lead to Eltham in the final minutes last week, but would know that they also played some excellent footy to put themselves in the driver’s seat up to that point.
West Preston-Lakeside’s midfield has been a standout, led by Arben Dani, who is averaging 30 disposals and seven inside 50s. His ability to win the ball and drive attacking entries makes him a key figure in shaping the contest.
North Heidelberg has shown encouraging signs despite its results, particularly through Hamish Murphy, whose rebound from defence has been important in transition. Expect a high-pressure contest, with both sides desperate to get on board.
Greensborough and Hurstbridge enter their clash both with a point to prove after being on the wrong end of narrow losses last week. A second-straight loss here would be an early-season setback for either side.
Greensborough were in control last week against Banyule and couldn’t quite finish the job, but with captain Jack Johnston leading strongly across half back and Tom Mitchell returning to the line up, they will be confident about their prospects at home.
Hurstbridge will take confidence from its ability to remain in the contest, with Joel Naylor a constant threat in attack and in hot form after a bag of five goals last week.
Given both sides’ recent form, another tight encounter appears likely.
Two of the early surprise packets in Diamond Creek and Bundoora meet in what shapes as one of the most intriguing matchups of the round in a night fixture at Coventry Oval.
The Creekers have impressed in their return to Division 1, already demonstrating the ability to match it with top sides. Jacob Booth has been a consistent performer, along with Ewan Macpherson who’s been in the best players in both games so far.
Bundoora also enters undefeated, with Jesse King providing a strong presence up forward and Isaac McMillan and O’Neill Moncrieff playing key roles through the midfield.
With both sides building momentum, this clash presents an opportunity to further establish themselves and continue their strong starts to the season. If Diamond Creek can get through the first three rounds without a loss, they’ll be well placed to ensure their move up to Division 1 is a long-term one.
