Caroline Springs George Cross will be back in the top flight after 15 years following a crazy end to the Victorian Premier League 1 season. The Georgies put on a show with an 8-0 win against Western United as things went their way to secure second on the ladder and promotion.
For more and plenty of finals action, turn to sport
By Laura Michell
Thornhill Park residents are calling for Alfred Road to be partially reopened to ease the suburb’s growing traffic chaos.
Alfred Road is closed between Buckingham Boulevard and Mount Cottrell Road for 15 weeks until Friday, December 5, for works to upgrade the road to an urban standard and significantly improve safety and the condition of the road for residents and other road users.
The upgrades are being completed
by a developer.
Melton council said it has worked with the developer to limit the length of the road closure,withdetoursinplaceviatheWestern Highway or Exford Road for the duration of the works. But Thornhill Park residents say the lengthy closure is increasing travel times and impacting school bus services and the suburb’s FlexiRide service.
Community advocate Matt Pearse said ThornhillPark’s11,200residentswerebeing forced onto already jammed roads as a result of the closure.
“The prolonged closure of Alfred Road will put more undue pressure on residents trying to go about their daily commute and put more pressure on the already over capacity Ferris-Leakes Road overpasses,”
Mr Pearse said.
A local Facebook group, Thornhill Park Residents, has been flooded by residents complaining about the impact of closure, with numerous reports of extensive traffic delays and cancelled bus services, while some comments spoke about the detours adding 45 minutes to a school run, trip to
the train station or visit to the supermarket.
Mr Pearse said residents were hopeful AlfredRoadcouldpartiallyreopentoensure residents could get around more easily.
StarWeekly understands that the works are being carried out by Land x Wise, the developer of Cobble Springs. The company was contacted for comment.
In a social media statement on Friday, Melton council said undertaking the works while the road remained open was not possible.
Continued page 5
By Laura Michell
Acollectionofphotographsofferinginsight into life in Bacchus Marsh in 1883 will be thefocusofnextmonth’sBacchChat.
The Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society (BMDHS) will present the BacchChat, titled Bacchus Marsh in 1883 - Through the lens of Stevenson and McNicoll, on Saturday, September 6, at the LederbergLibrary.
The presentation will centre around a collection of photographs taken by renowned 19th century photographers Stevenson and McNicoll who travelled around Victoria and New South Wales documentingpeople.
BMDHS member Margaret Simpson said an article in the Bacchus Marsh Express in September 1883 announced the photographers’arrivalinBacchusMarsh.
She said the pair remained in town until lateNovemberofthatyear.
A collection of about 40 of their photographs was donated to the historical society in 1973 and was recently revisited by Ms Simpson and BMDHS vice president TimHoganwhilecataloguingitemsforthe VictorianCollections.
“As we were going through them it became apparent it was an absolute treasure trove of historical information,” Ms Simpson said. “It is very uncommon to havesuchacollectionofphotographs.
“We are privileged and excited to have such a rare and unusual archive of the townatapointintime.
“It became such a fascinating project thatwedecidedtodoaBacchChat.”
Ms Simpson said about half of the collection would be shown by the BaccChat,providingasnapshotofBacchus Marshinthelate19thcentury.
“It was a time of great activity, business andpoliticaldiscussionandherewehavea
snapshot of what was going on in Bacchus Marsh,” she said. “It tell us so much about thewaypeoplewerelivingatthattime;the waysocietyarrangeditself.
“It is just a fascinating social record of thecommunity.”
Ms Simpson said while some of the buildings shown in the photographs have long been knocked down and replaced, othersremained.
“Todaywecanwalkthesamestreets,see the same buildings and walk through the samedoors,”shesaid.
The historical society is hopeful that BacchChat attendees will be able to provide insight into the people and places featured in some of the photographs that itsmembershavebeenunabletoidentify.
The BacchChat will run from 10-noon. Tickets:https://tinyurl.com/3munsfpp
Moorabool council has hit out at the state’s environment minister for not responding to a request for help covering the clean-up bill associated with the removal of toxic waste dumpedonCrownland.
An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) clean-up notice was issuedtocouncilrequiringittoremove atoxicwasteonthenaturestripof210 LerderdergParkRoad,Merrimu.
Council requested a stay on this order at a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as it was not the source of the illegally dumped waste or responsible for it or itsstorage.
CouncilarguedtheEPAshouldtake responsibility for the clean-up but the tribunalrefusedtherequest.
VCAT had suggested council and the EPA enter into a cost-sharing agreement, but the EPA said that was notpossible.
Council wrote to Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos to highlighttheissue.
In a August 12 Facebook post, council said it had not heard from the minister.
“Crickets - that’s what we’ve heard from the minister as we ask for help to pay the whopping $500,000 bill slapped on council to clean up trailer loadsoftoxicwastedumpedonpublic land on the EPA’s watch,“ council wrote.
A state government spokesperson did not answer questions from Star WeeklyaboutwhetherMrDimopoulos would respond to council and if the government would assist with the clean-upbill.
By Daryl Akers
On Saturday morning 16 August, Eynesbury Environment Group hosted a birdwalkinStrathtullohWoodland.
Eynesbury Environment Group hosts monthlybirdwalksinandaroundMelton.
Unfortunately only two Melton people participated due to the extremely grim weather forecast. The preceding Friday was particularly nasty, with intermittent icy winds and rains through the day. The weatherforecastforthefollowingSaturday was predicted to be even worse! However, when Saturday dawned the weather was relatively pleasant, especially when compared with the previous day! So two people, Denise and Daryl, quickly took advantage of the sudden change in weather. Such is life!
Strathtulloh Woodland is a small remnant grey box woodland at the very end of Toolern Creek, just before its confluence with the Werribee River at Exford.
It is a tiny reminder of the vast grey box woodland that once covered the country between Melton and Eynesbury. It provides valuable habitat for our rapidly declining wildlife. Toolern Creek also provides a valuable wildlifecorridorformigratorybirdspecies. Manybirdsmigratetoandfromourregion in accordance with the seasons, (some from as far away as New Guinea) using our
waterways as corridors astheymigratethrough the rapidly developing western region. It is vitally important that we keep these woodland remnants. Unfortunately, since we first began visiting Strathtulloh in 2013 we have lost three bird species; diamond firetails, brown treecreepersandJackywinters Eighty-two bird species have been recorded here. Despite the wintry conditions we saw 16 bird species. The
previousyear,wesaw18species.
We also saw a surprisingly large number of grey kangaroos. We noticed a large mob of about 20-30 kangaroos emerging from a small bush patch in the adjacent Toolern Creek Regional Park. These made their way into the woodland. These had been presumably displaced from their homes as their habitat is being rapidly subsumed by rapid development locally; to account for such a large number here. Sadly, their chances of survival here are slim as their grassland habitat is being quickly destroyed. Many will be hit by motor vehicles,sotakecareonthelocalroads. Wewerefurthersurprisedtoseeanother
dozen or so kangaroos on the opposite side of the woodland, sheltering from the wind in the Toolern Creek volcanic gorge. Possibly these are the original mob that lives here. So, we have two separate mobs here.
We were pleased to see that the grey box trees, protected by Melton Environment Group in 2014 are now five-six metres tall. The tree seedlings had previously been cut to ground cover height by grass cutting operations. After the group received permission to place brightly coloured stakes beside these, they have quickly grown to tree size. This is much simpler, and more successful than tree planting as theydonotneedtobewateredorotherwise taken care of. We noticed that there are still many tiny grey box seedlings trying to grow, despite being mowed down. The bushistryingtogrowback.
Perhaps these could be similarly protected by a local group as was done a decade ago, way back in 2014? Perhaps we could similarly stake these with brightly paintedstakes.
By Tara Murray
The local sporting community came together to make sure the Riddell District Football Netball League junior grand final day still went ahead despite “selfish behaviour”leavingMacPhersonParkwith no power.
Melton Junior Football Netball Club president Graeme Dreaver arrived at 4.30am on Sunday, August 17 to find that a power pole had been damaged and the whole Macpherson Park complex left in the dark.
Star Weekly understands there was damage to a transformer along with attempted copper theft.
Dreaver said he thinks he may have
interrupted those responsible for the damage. The Bloods were running the food and drink for the day.
“You don’t want it to happen on a day when you’re expecting 7000 people,” he said.
“We couldn’t run the main canteen and had to rely on cold food and drinks. The councilgotageneratortohelpusputafew pies on later.
“There were coffee vans that rely on power as well. We are all volunteers and giving our time and we find this.
“It’s just so disappointing.”
Dreaver said they had no power until 2.30pm.
He said they weren’t sure how it impacted the sales of food and drink, but
expected it to be a couple of $1000.
RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said it was disappointing for the league with 25 grand finals on the day.
“A lot of work goes into a day where over 6500spectatorsembarkontheonefacility to watch junior community sport,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we had to get by until 2.30pm without either electronic scoreboard, no sirens and a very limited PA for each oval. We had spent thousands of dollars on a few items that weren’t able to be utilised properly given the lack of power”
Both Dreaver and Doyle were full of praise for the council, Powercor, the other party and the people in attendance for
Burnside karter Milan Sami has made an instant impact on the track winning an Australiantitleatjustseven.
Sami claimed the Australian Karting Championship green plate with the trophy andplatetobeawardedinearlySeptember.
“Icouldonlydreamofwinningthegreen plate which is the ultimate-coloured plate anydrivercanhave,”hesaid.
“I know how much training and effort hasgoneintogettingheretoday.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family and best mechanic trainer Damian Brasher. Everyone has put in a lot of time and effort to make this happen for me, so I amreallygratefulandhumbled.”
Milan claimed the title after the fourth round of the event, which he didn’t know wasachance.
“It was only after the race finished when I pulled into the pits that I heard everyone celebrating that I realised I had won it,” he said. “At that point I was extremely excited andoverthemoon.
“The year before I could only wish to win. After I had won the first round in Port Melbourne I gained momentum and confidence leading into the proceeding rounds.
“I then won the second round in Adelaide and that made me feel pretty lucky,followedbywinningthethirdround in Newcastle and now the fourth round in Ipswich.”
Milan said he loves the fast past of the karts and that every race meet is different.
Milan, whose racing idol is Lewis Hamilton, one day dreams of aspiring to be like him. His family are working on organising some overseas races later this year.
“My ultimate dream would be to make it toFormula1,butIwouldequallylovetobe inNascarsorSupercars.
From page 1
Council said it understood the works were causing a great deal of frustration to thecommunityanditwasworkingwiththe developertominimisetheimpacts.
Council said it would install temporary traffic lights at the Exford Road and Griegs Road intersection, reduce the speed limit to 40km/h at both sides of Exford Road, Weir Views, and reduce the speed limit to 40km/h approaching the intersection of GreigsRoad,WeirViews,inabidtoimprove safetyandtrafficflow.
“Council staff will continue to be on-site monitoringtheroadworktoassessimpacton safetyandtraveltimes,”thestatementsaid.
According to council, the Alfred Road works have been scheduled to avoid future closures of Ferris Road, which is expected laterthisyearaspartoftheprojecttoremove
thelevelcrossing.
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the Flexride service remains available but is impacted by the closure.
Flexiride services operating between ThornhillParkandCobblebankStationwill detour via the Western Freeway during the works,addingtraveltimetojourneys.
“Flexiride passengers in the Thornhill Park area can continue to access the service during the Alfred Road works,” the Department of Transport and Planning spokespersonsaid.
“Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while Alfred Roadisclosedtotraffic.”
To stay up-to-date with news related to the Alfred Road closure, visit: melton.vic.gov. au/roadworks
making the best out of the day. Dreaversaidtheywouldusemuchofthe leftover food at a Bunnings barbecue and club presentation day.
He said the league and other clubs had offered to help with ensuring the stock was used.
Star Weekly understands similar incidents have resulted in repair costs in excess of $200,000, with Melton council still assessing the damage.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi was disappointed that the reserve was vandalised in that way.
“It is selfish behaviour that impacts our community and wastes resources that could be better used elsewhere.”
The push for traffic lights to be installed at an accident-prone intersection in Rockbank will make its way to federal parliament, with Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird to raisetheissue.
A community campaign, Leakes Needs Lights, began earlier this year to lobby for the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Leakes RoadandWesternHighway.
Theintersectionisaknownhotspot foraccidents.
Ms Jordan-Baird, who was elected as Gorton MP at May’s federal election, visited the intersection last Tuesday, August 19, with campaign members.
Leakes Needs Lights facilitator Donna Southern said Ms Jordan-Baird planned to raise the campaign in federal parliament this week.
“Alicehasbeenagreatadvocatefor thecampaign,”shesaid.
Ms Southern said the community wascallingfortemporarytrafficlights to be installed at the intersection ahead of works on the Western Freeway.
As reported by Star Weekly, the federal government has committed $1.1 billion upgrade the Western Highway between Caroline Springs andMelton.
“The number of accidents is increasing,”MsSouthernsaid.
“People are getting really, really frustratedaboutthisnow.”
Victoria’s
By Tara Murray
Josh Giddey is set to light up Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association and give some of the next generation a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Australian NBA star will hold two clinics and be part of a VIP event at Bacchus Marsh on August 31.
Bacchus Marsh president Tenielle Brown said it was pretty exciting for the association.
“It is insane,” she said. “The last couple of months for us have been pretty cool.
“Jeff Van Groningen had helped us with getting Brian Goorjian and Luke Travers.
“He said that Josh was doing one more clinic in Australia and he asked us if we wanted him to come here.
“It’s massive for the kids who don’t often get an opportunity to meet someone like Josh.”
Both clinics with Giddey have sold out, with 300 children to go through the clinics.
It comes after clinics with former Australian coach Brian Goorjian and Australian player Luke Travers were also sold out.
NBA skills trainer Jordan Lawley also
Construction has commenced on the new community services building in Cobblebank, which will mean City of Melton residents can access critical support services closer to home.
On August 21, mayor Steve Abboushi toured the site with federal Hawke MP Same Rae and state Melton MP Steve McGhie and councillors to view progress on the project.
The state-of-the-art, six-level building, which is targeting a Green Star Building rating, will provide important health and support services to the fast-growing Melton community and opportunities for local employment in the community services area, council said.
Key services are likely to include mental health support, disability services, ref-
ugee and family support services.
Works will include the installation of in-ground services and pouring of the slab, followed by the installation of precast columns which will see the structure start to take shape.
The project received $15 million through the federal government’s Thriving Suburbs Program and $4.6 million from the state government’s Growing Suburb Fund, with council contributing about $53 million.
The new building is scheduled to open in early 2027. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/CCSH.
Hawke MP Sam Rae, Melton MP Steve McGhie and Melton mayor Steve Abboushi during a visit to the Cobblebank Services Hub site. (Supplied)
AgroupofMeltonstudentshavehelpedraise more than $67,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation (RCHF).
Students from OneSchool Global’s seven Victorian campuses, including Melton, were involved in the charitable initiative and initially set themselves a target of raising $50,000.
OneSchool Global principal Simon Beaumont said the school raises money for RCHF annually.
“it is so inspiring to see [students] using their own initiative to rally the support of the school community,” he said.
“This year, the OSG Victorian campuses
hosted a couple of sessions for local coaches.
Brown said they wanted the local basketball community to see what they could be.
“We want them to see there is a pathway at Bacchus Marsh and you don’t have to go to Ballarat, Sunbury, Wyndham or Melton,” she said.
“It shows the kids they can achieve anything. Josh can talk to them about not being the best player at 10 and building over time.
“They can see how people in Australia can make it in basketball.”
Brown said the association had grown by 50 per cent in the past two years.
After moving into the new stadium in Bacchus Marsh, the association is looking at having to run additional games at local schools.
“We are having 72 games every week,” she said. “For Bacchus Marsh that is pretty big.
“It’s nice to have that growth, but we weren’t ready for it.
“We’re now preparing to build a Big V program in the next couple of years.
“Hopefully we’ll have a Big V team in 2027. We’ve had CBL [Country Basketball League] for a number of years and we’ve had a record amount of players try out.”
MelbourneAirportisgrowingtoserveVictoria’s expandingpopulationandeconomy.Ourthird runwayhasbeenapprovedandwillopenin2031.
have far exceeded their $50,000 target, raising an incredible $67,671 for sick kids.”
Melton students took a trip through time with their Market of the Millennium, with treat-laden stalls themed to different eras from the past as part of the fundraiser.
Royal Children’s Hospital fundraising co-ordinator Georgia Gribble said OneSchool Global students have raised more than $200,000 for the foundation in recent years.
“These funds have gone towards the hospital’s specialist care wards and intensive care unit, and we are very thankful for the support of OSG students,” she said.
We’reworkingonaplantohelpreducethe impactsofaircraftnoiseinhomesintheHume andBrimbankcommunitiesclosesttothe airport.Ifyouliveintheseareas,we’dliketo hearfromyou.Learnmoreandhaveyoursay byscanningtheQRcode.
Youth crimes involving edged weapons have been on the rise in Melbourne, with a state government ban on the sales and possession of machetes coming into full force next month. A youth services organisation in Melbourne’s west is addressing the issue through an early intervention program. Sam Porter spoke to The Youth Junction program manager Eamon, whose last name has been omitted for security reasons, to learn more.
Anew educational program aimed at reducing youth weapon offending has officially begun in Melbourne’s westernsuburbs.
The ‘sharp choices – bladed weapon diversion program’ is designed to address underlying risk factors for offending youth and empower young people to make safer, informed choices through educational modulesandongoingcasemanagement.
The Youth Junction program manager, Eamon, helped develop the program and saidtheorganisationwantedtobemindful of the experiences of young people when identifyingtheneedforintervention.
“We didn’t want to come at it through a punitive, telling-off almost, disparaging young people for carrying weapons. They mighthaveverysincereandveryrealfears, andsothatmightbeamotivatingfactorfor them,”Eamonsaid.
He said the reasons why young people carry weapons differ from person to person.
“I’d be hesitant to contribute it all to one or even two specific factors because in our ownexperience–supportingyoungpeople thatweknowandwhohavedisclosedtous thatthey’recarryingweapons–thereasons theydosovarysomuchfromyoungperson toyoungperson.”
These programs empower individuals to make positive changes and reduce the likelihood of reoffending - Eamon
Eamon said for some young people, carrying a weapon was about feeling a sense of bravado and machismo, and for others, a weapon helped make them feel saferwhentheywerescared.
The presence of edged weapons in a young person’s peer group is also a contributing factor in determining whetheranindividualmightcarryone.
“The research shows that even just the perception that someone in a peer group is carrying a weapon makes it exceedingly more likely that another young person in that group will as well. The social proliferation of weapon carrying is tremendous,”Eamonsaid.
‘Sharp choices’ benefited from a $35,000 grant from Wyndham council, which helpedtoexpandtheprogram.
Participants enter the ‘sharp choices’ program through a referral process and begin by attending one-on-one sessions withacasemanager.
After focussing on the individual’s risk factors and supporting the young person on their own for a period of time, case managers bring the participant into group sessions consisting of four to six young people.
In these group sessions, participants work through various modules, some of which focus on building communication skillsandempathy.
In an introductory module, facilitators assist in creating social cohesion within the group and work with participants to help them each identify their personal strengths.
“A big risk factor is [individuals] not being aware of their personal strengths … how can we use those personal strengths inourlives,”Eamonsaid.
One particular module led by West Justice, an organisation that offers free legal services in Melbourne’s west, focuses on increasing legal awareness around the possessionofweapons.
“[A weapons possession charge] affects travel, future employment, educational opportunities, all those things. So we really wanted to have a session set aside with a legal representative where they can gothroughthatwithyoungpeople…really trying to make those abstract concepts of impacts in the future approachable and digestible and understandable to young people,”Eamonsaid.
Another major component in the program is the inclusion of virtual reality (VR)immersiveexperiences.
In these VR POV (point of view) experiences, participants make decisions in realistic scenarios they may encounter intheirdailylives.
The VR experiences are the works of Virtual Decisions, a creative arts and educational technology company based in Birmingham,England.
Virtual Decisions has created a range of VR programs designed to address issues such as reintegration into society after prison, alcohol and illegal drug usage, youth violence, coercion and child
criminalexploitation,amongothers.
The program about knives explores why young people carry edged weapons and theconsequencesofcarryingknives.
Eamon highlighted the VR simulation does not show weapons or violence to participants.
Virtual Decisions chief executive Claire Downes said the company’s immersive VR programs allow individuals to experience the consequences of their actions in a safe environment.
“The effectiveness of Virtual Decisions’ immersive programs in reducing reoffending rates stems from their ability to engage participants emotionally, develop essential life skills, and provide personalised, supportive learning environments,”Clairesaid.
“By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behaviour, these programs empower individuals to make positive changes and reduce the likelihoodofreoffending.
“Overall, the response from participants after completing the Virtual Decisions programs has been overwhelmingly positive. They report increased self-awareness, enhanced skills, and a strong motivation to change their behaviours,contributingtotheirlong-term
commitmenttoreintegrationintosociety.”
Eamon said the length of time a young person spends in the ‘sharp choices’ programdependsontheirspecificneeds.
“We don’t want to create a situation where a young person really learns they can depend on us for support, and then we kind of yank the rug out from under them at the end of, say, three months,” Eamon said.
“We really want to empower young people and not cut them off before they’re ready to be a bit more independent with themselves and how they approach supportservicesandthingslikethat.We’re prettyflexiblewiththat.”
‘Sharp choices’ will be evaluated by Victoria University (VU), which has assessed other programs run by The Youth Junction.
“We’re really excited that we’re going to be able to get VU to help us unpack the program,seewhatworked,seewhatwecan improve on, and then build the evidence baseforourprogramsandhowwesupport youngpeople,”Eamonsaid.
“We’re hoping to keep expanding it and growing it, and really get into more of an early intervention space where [individuals] may not have existing links withthejusticesystemyet.”
Diggers Rest Primary School came alive this week as students and staff celebrated the magic of reading during the annual Book Week Parade and activities.
The much-loved parade saw every class dressupastheirfavouritebookcharacters, filling the basketball court with colour, creativity, and plenty of excitement.
From the Wiggles and superheroes to classic storybook figures, the costumes reflected the wide range of books students love to read.
Following the parade, students joined in special multi-aged activities designed to bring the whole school together and promotethejoyofreadingandstorytelling, with the prep students teaming up with their grade 6 buddies.
The younger students delighted in the support and encouragement of their older peers, while the grade 6 students showed leadership and care as they guided their buddies through reading-based activities.
The school’s literacy learning specialist BenPaytonsaidtheeventwasawonderful way to showcase the school’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading.
“Book Week is about more than just dressing up – it’s about celebrating the stories that inspire us and sharing the joy of reading together as a whole school.”
Werribee Open Range Zoo has welcomed a littleantelopewhohasabigfuture.Tshepo, the one-year-old eland calf – the largest antelope species – is a new arrival from MonartoSafariParkinSouthAustralia.
Joining a herd of 19, he is poised to one daybecometheherd’sbreedingbull.
However, savannah keeper Sharlina Burns said Tshepo will need to grow into his clicky knees before building his future legacy.
“As eland get older, there is a tendon in their knees that starts to click, so you can hear the eland clicking as they’re walking,” MsBurnssaid.
“It acts as a form of communication so they can tell one another who is older, biggerandmoredominantintheherd.
“Tshepo was the first new eland to join the herd in more than six years, so we
weren’tsurewhattoexpect,butitwasreally nice to see him walk out and be totally fine amongsttheherd.”
Tshepo, a name of Southern African origin meaning ‘hope’ or ‘faith’ in Sotho, was chosen by the zoo’s keepers who have every hope he’ll grow into his role as leader oftheherd.
Eland are native to the grasslands and savannahs of southern and eastern Africa withupto110,000inthewild.
Their population is currently stable, howeverhabitatdestructionforagricultural expansionandillegalhuntinghaveresulted in considerable reductions of their range andpopulations.
VisitorstothezoocanseeTshepoandthe herd on a safari bus tour of the savannah, which runs throughout the day and is includedwithentry.
Two killed at Toolern Vale
Two people have died in a head-on collision in Toolern Vale. Police were conducting an unrelated intercept on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road when they observed a Holden Cruise travelling at high speed on Sunday, August 24. Police said the speeding vehicle continued along Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road before it collided head-on with a second car travelling the opposite direction about 9.50am. The drivers of both vehicles died at the scene. A passenger of the Holden was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police revealed the Holden was stolen from Werribee South sometime after 4.30pm on Saturday, August 23. An investigation is ongoing.
Hillside house fire
A fire that tore through a Hillside house on Thursday, August 21, will be investigated by the Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) specialists. FRV and CFA crews were called to the house fire on Bedingham Drive shortly after 11pm, and arrived on scene to find a garage well alight. The fire quickly spread to the attached single-storey house. The fire was declared under control at 11:46pm. The house sustained significant damage in the fire and a local council building surveyor will attend the scene to assess the safety of the structure.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show
Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of October, 25 and 26. Flowers, Produce, Crafts, Photo Competitions, Plant Sales, Children’s Activities and more!
Lights of wisdom
The Bahá’ís of Moorabool warmly invite you to “Lights of Wisdom”, a monthly event providing an opportunity to relax in a tranquil environment and reflect on inspiring themes. First Friday of every month, 7.30-8.30pm, at Lederberg Library, Bacchus Marsh. This is a free community event open to all.
MYOB Business beginners course
Discover how to set up and use a cloud-based accounting system in Melton South Community Centre’s eight-week MYOB Business-Beginners course. This eight-week course – 12.15-3pm or 6-8.45pm from Monday, August 4 to Monday, September 15 – will teach you all the fundamentals of online accounting in a friendly and encouraging environment. The cost is $45 or $30 concession.
9747 8576
Craft workshop
Melton South Community Centre is offering hands-on craft workshops for kids aged five and older on August 30. There is the choice of candle making or acrylic pouring. Kids will be able to express themselves creatively in a safe and supervised environment, with parents invited to stay.
9747 8576
Sustainable garden
If you’re looking to create or revamp your garden and would like some inspiration, sign up for Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming sustainable garden design workshop and get tips from a qualified horticulturalist. Bring along photos of your current garden setup and discover how to make your yard appealing and friendly for children, pets and local wildlife. Event is on August 30 between 9.30-11am.
9747 8576
Probus Club of Melton Ladies
The Probus Club of Melton Ladies meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. It is a social club where all ladies are welcome.
Glenda, 0418 504 616
Grief Education Group
Described as “a group of people grieving the death of a loved one,” the Grief Education Group provides grief education, discussion and support at Melton Health on Wednesdays for six weeks from August 6 to September 10. If interested, please call Melton Health Intakes.
9747 7609
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.
9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au
Over-50s Sunday games
Melton Connect 50-plus runs a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. Join this friendly group and make new friends over games and a cuppa.
Denise, 0403 840 241 or Sharon, 0407 461 069
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other
women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.
Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
Melton Over 50s Social Group
Join a friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.
Marlene, 0498 329 290
Rose carers of Maddingley Park
The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .
Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
Ann, 0425 705 150
Sewing in Melton
If you love sewing, head on down to the Melton South Community Centre! Bring along your machine and materials and make new friends as you swap tips and work on your own projects. 9.30am–3pm each Tuesday. Each session costs five dollars.
9747 8576
Melton South Community Singers
Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The
group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month and no bookings are required.
Sue, 0400 082 413
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available.
www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390
Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens
The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens look forward to meeting up with new members at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh.
hopem@optusnet.com.au
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome.
Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
Melton Concert Band
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.
0401 474 582
Cancer Support Group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment
of this cancer are given in this group.
Grenville, 0412 741 865
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess.
Trevor, 0404 494 649 or https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. meltonmensgroup.home.blog
A special art exhibition will be on display next month at the Sunbury Library exploring themes of identity, strength and healing.
The Art of Connection is a powerful collection of work created by women whose lives have been shaped by resilience, strengthandthepursuitofconnection.
The artists are women with lived experience of the legal system and are participants in the innovative Women And Mentoring(WAM)program.
WAM is a community organisation that supports women, trans women and gender diverse people with justice system involvement by linking them with a volunteermentor.
Whatunitestheartistsisasharedjourney ofgrowth,healing,andcreativeexpression. Somepieceswerecreatedbywomenpicking
up a paintbrush, pen or camera for the very first time. Others were made by those rediscoveringlong-lostcreativepractices.
WAM chief executive Tricia Ciampa said “Too often, the voices of women in contact withthejusticesystemareoverlooked.”
“This exhibition ensures their stories, talents and achievements are seen and recognisedbythecommunity.
“The artworks reflect not just the challenges women face, but also their creativity, strength and achievements. By providing this platform, we celebrate the whole person – not just one part of their journey.
“Every piece in the exhibition is a reminder that change begins when voices are valued. This is about more than art –it’s about recognition, empowerment and justice.”
The exhibition includes a special Library AfterDarkeventonThursdaySeptember4.
Ms Ciampa said people can expect an evening that goes beyond the artworks themselves.
“It’s an opportunity to understand the deeper issues that can lead to women’s offending, to hear about the power of mentoring and the solidarity it creates, and to see how connection can change the course of someone’s life. We’ll also be sharing ways the community can get involved and stand alongside us in this work.”
HearmoreaboutWAMataLibraries After Dark event from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday 4 September. Book online or by phone on 93566970.
The Art of Connection is on display from 1until15September.
Leonie Collins as Sybil Fawlty.
(Ljubica Vrankovic) 496123_02
Everything will go wrong in a way that feels oh so right when the interactive performance of Fawlty Towers lands at SanctuaryLakesGolfClub.
The television cult classic that came straight from the mind of John Cleese will dazzleanaudienceoverdinneratthevenue that came straight from the mind of Greg Norman.
Leonie Collins, or Sybil Fawlty for the night, will no doubt run around like a headless chicken keeping up with her fictionalhusbandBasil.
“We brought this series alive with a team
of professional actors and whatever could gowrongdoesgowrong,”MsCollinssaid.
“Weoverserviceourpeopleastheevening goeson,sorememberitisanightofhilarity, disasterandallsortsofotherthings.”
While it is an act in the purest sense, there is an element of art replicating life, replicatingarttoitall.
“She [Sybil Fawlty] is a bit of a bossy beaver like me– I like bossing my husband around and I cannot believe all the mess he getsmeinto.”
You won’t know exactly what you are in for, but there are still things you can
bankon.
“The best thing about it is the laughter, I am talking about belly laughs– it’s a laugh a minute.”
Flying solo should be no reason to miss out on a calamitous comedy that has been producing laughs for more than four decades.
“We have special tables for people to meet new people, and Sybil is really good at matchmaking,”MsCollinssaid.
The show is on September 6. For tickets go to www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1445498
Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre will mark two decades in existence with a celebration event on Thursday, August 28.
Held at LJAC on the old Altona Hospital siteinSargoodStreet,theeventwillfeature local artists and creatives, the very thing the centre has become renowned for since it first opened its doors in 2005.
“We’rehavingperformancesfrom(youth theatre group) Dramaworks, a ukulele group is performing a song for LJAC, there will be poetry and a silent auction on some stunning artwork by local artists,” said
centre manager Karen Ingram describing some of the performances that will take place on the night.
A short film looking back on the centre’s 20-year history and featuring members of the local community sharing what they love about LJAC and why it’s so important, will also be shown.
Ms Ingram said LJAC’s 20 year anniversary was more than just an ordinary birthday.
“The milestone is significant because there’s been a lot of challenges in the community sector,” she said. “We punch
An award-winning comedy about the neighbours you know and love to hate is making its way to Brimbank this month.
Stickybeak, supported by Creative Brimbank, is a dynamic, quick-change character show that catches the loudness in even the quietest of neighbourly interactions.
This troupe of mischief makers use character comedy to dig into the stories of fenced off lives and ask: who are these loveable yet revolting characters? Can their fences stop their worlds from tumbling out all over each other?
Performer, devisor and co-creator of Stickybeak Kimberley Twiner said the show is a loving mockery of the characters we share this world with.
“We all play multiple characters, as well as the animals of suburbia — dogs, cats, magpies, chickens, even snails. The show celebrates humans and creatures in all their weirdness and wildness,” Kimberley said, who also proudly performs as the lead snail in Stickybeak.
The laugh-out-loud show was the winner of the best comedy award at Melbourne Fringe in 2023.
The team behind the show — Kimberley Twiner, Laura Trenerry, Patrick Dwyer and Jessie Ngaio — are award-winning and award-nominated artists too.
Director Lily Fish said the show is sure to leave audience members laughing.
“It’s like Kath and Kim and the castle live onstage… utterly hilarious,” Lily said.
Stickybeak will be showing at the Bowery Theatre on Friday, August 29 at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $15 to $20 with further discounts available for groups of four or more.
Details: creativebrimbank.com.au
above our wait and it’s not always easy, especially in the last couple of years.”
Toensurethecentrelastsforanothertwo decades, the celebration night will also act as a fundraising and promotional event.
“We need to remind the community what we do and bring people on board and tojoinusinwhatthenexttwentyyearswill be,” said Ms Ingram.
LJAC’s 20-year celebration is a ticketed event.
To book : https://shorturl.at/F8SCS TodonatetoLJAC:https://www.givenow. com.au/organisation/public/6171
1. What did tennis player Emma Raducanu notably complain to the umpire about during her recent match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Cincinnati Open?
2. Diamonds netballer Donnell Wallam will return to Super Netball for the 2026 season, having signed with which team?
3. Which NBA player was spotted training with Shaolin monks in China during the current offseason?
4. Which country did Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur move to at the age of five in order to advance his tennis training?
5. Which US rapper was recently announced as the headliner for this year’s AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment?
Mirroring the result of the first ever AFLW game 10 seasons ago, which team won the first game of the 2025 season?
And which former Brisbane Lions player kicked the first goal of the 2025 season?
8. Which NFL duo hosts the New Heights podcast?
9. Rugby star Payne Haas has defected from Australia’s Kangaroos, opting to instead represent which country internationally?
10. Name the AFLWplaying sister of AFL players Xavier and Zane Duursma.
11. Which South African batsman scored a record 125 not out in a T20 international against Australia?
12. Which Fremantle player, a two-time Brownlow medallist, has announced his retirement from playing AFL?
13. Which French soccer club won the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout?
14. In which two sports is the term ‘goaltender’ more commonly used, as opposed to ‘goalkeeper’?
15. Which Essendon player was recently banned for one week for inadvertently injuring his own teammate during an on-field contest?
16. Which famous European motor racing circuit includes corners named the Curva Grande and the Parabolica?
17. Which former boxer’s five sons all share the same first name as their father?
18. English driver George Russell competes for which Formula 1 team?
19. Which A-League club’s competition licence has been stripped by Football Australia?
20. The 2025 edition of which major cycling event started in Turin and will conclude in Madrid in mid-September?
21. In what year will Papua New Guinea join the NRL?
22. What will stadiums be allowed to have for the first time at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
23. The Boomers defeated which country by one point in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup final?
24. Which Ashes series was England’s most recent win in Australia?
25. The Aussie rules Legends Game was originally named in tribute to which legendary player?
26. How many teams are competing in the 2025–26 English Premier League?
27. Which AFL team was recently criticised for an online article about the league's Rising Star award?
28. Harry Grant is the captain of which NRL team?
29. True or false: no tropical nation has ever won a Winter Olympic medal?
30. Ange Postecoglou has managed which two A-League teams?
LOOKING for a refined lady companion. I reside in a retirement village, male in early 90's with a good sense of humour andquitehealthy.I'malso a JP. It would be nice if you believed in church. I believe in loyalty and honesty. If you are interested, please contact me on 0451 593 660 at any time with a view to meeting. All the best, Michael(Mike).
Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.
Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.
The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.
Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.
Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Sudden divergence (7)
5 Strong emotion (7)
9 Tempting (9)
10 Coronet (5)
11 Hark! (6)
12 Representative (8)
14 Rue (6)
15 New information (4)
19 Atop (4)
20 Taken illegally (6)
24 Situation (8)
25 Traduce (6)
27 Circular (5)
28 Evening entertainment (9)
29 Go before (7)
30 Follow (7)
DOWN
1 Rough struggle (6)
2 Naturist (6)
3 Abstained from (8)
4 Slender shoot (4)
5 Avoidance (10)
6 Disgust (6)
7 Solitary (8)
8 Rubbish (8)
13 Forethought (10)
16 Move faster and then overtake (8)
17 Water is one (8)
18 Fussy (8)
21 Dilly-dally (6)
22 Resembling instance (6)
23 Aim (6)
26 Ova (4)
Using
1 If you are born on December 13th, which star sign are you?
2 Which Greek poet was known as the ‘Tenth Muse’ and ‘The Poetess’?
3 Which singer was Mia Farrow (pictured) married to from 1966–1968?
4 Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island in which country?
5 Alyson ‘Aly’ Michalka is half of a musical duo with who?
6 In which year was the graphic design platform Canva founded?
7 And in which country was it founded?
8 The ‘Pale Mountains’ is another name for which Italian mountain range?
9 Saint George’s is the capital of which Caribbean island?
10 The Swimmers is a 2022 film about two young sisters from which country?
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Kia continues its journey into full vehicle electrification with the introduction of the EV5 mid-size SUV with sharp looks, state-of-the-art automotive technology and prices aimed at taking the wind out of rivals’sails(andsales).
The EV5 comes in three trim levels –Air, Earth and GT-Line – with a choice of standardorlong-rangebatteriesandfrontorall-wheeldrive.
Prices start at $56,770 drive-away for the Standard Range FWD and signs off at $71,770, plus on road costs, or drive-away at$75,990fortheGT-LineAWDvariant.On testwastheEV5AirFWDStandardRange.
Bringing standard and long-range electric power to mid-range SUVs, the Air is powered by either a standard range 64.2kWh battery, or long-range 88.1kWh battery, while Earth and GT-Line models comesolelywiththelong-rangebattery.
The universal Kia warranty of seven years, unlimited kilometres, applies to the new EV5, with the battery limited to 150,000kilometres.
Styling
Taking cues from Kia’s Opposites United designlanguage,theEV5standsitsground with a unique SUV silhouette, starting with the front end, which includes a wide bonnet and solid nose, robust lower skid plate and constellation-like Star Map signaturelighting.
Star Map LED lighting extends to the reartoo,whichalsotakesinaruggedlower skidplateandanaerodynamicrearspoiler. From the side, the SUV is distinguished by doorhandles,whichfitflush,roofrailsand designeralloywheels.
The EV5 is available with a mix of colour options, including two-tone colour exclusive to the GT-Line. The Air features cloth and synthetic leather seating, the Earth grade’s full artificial leather is
offered in Smokey Black or Nougat Beige onselectedexteriorcolours.
Interior
The cabin sets a high standard of fit-and-finish through touches of the award-winning EV9 across the range. Comfort and convenience features include Kia Connect, over-the-air updates and steering column shift-by-wire. Sadly, a smart power tailgate is ‘off the Air’ making an appearance on the upper Earth and GT-Linevariantsonly.
The base Air even gets powered driver’s seatadjustmentandheatedfrontseats.
However,thefrontseatingdoesthrowup a quirk or two: under the floating armrest there appears to be a third front-row seat inthecentre.
Itis,infact,partofthepassengerseatand takesawayfromcentreconsolestorage.
Luckily,thelatterisfunctional.
The steering wheel is slightly flattened top and bottom and snuggles nicely in the hand.
Behind it are traditional stalks for the lights and wipers, a twist gear selector (not a favourite), plus paddle shifters for the regenerativebrakingrange.
The rear seat also folds in one double movement (base and backrest together) to deliver a fully flat load area – expanding thealreadygenerous513-litreboot–which is also flat. Kia even offers an inflatable mattresstocoverthewholearea.
There are removable sections in the rear floor to expand the depth when carrying taller objects, or spillables. And there’s a fully sealed 67-litre front compartment which is opened by pressing a button on thekeyfob.
All grades are fitted with twin 12.3-inch instrument displays separated by a 5-inch segment, the product of Kia’s updated Graphical User Interface, integrating
climate monitoring. Unfortunately, vital sections of the latter can be obscured by thesteeringwheelspokesandrim.
Rather than rely heavily on the touchscreen, Kia has retained some physical controls for vehicle systems and givenotherseasilyaccessibledisplays.
The entry-level Air gets a 160kW/310Nm single-motor powertrain, with a 64.2kWh battery giving the base variant 400km WLTP range and a larger 88.1kWh battery givingtheLongRangeaboostto555km.
Muchattentionhasbeenpaidtoactiveand passive safety, with all variants including Highway Driving Assist 2 and centre side airbag.
The Air features autonomous emergency braking (including car, bicycle, pedestrian andjunctiondetection),lane-keepingassist with lane centring, blind-spot monitoring and avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, speed limit warning and a driver attention monitoring camera.
Driving TheEV5isapleasingcartodrive.Roadand wind noise are well shut out of the cabin, the latter more so given the car’s square stance.
The steering feel is light and direct and changes depending on the drive mode. Pressthebuttonatthebottomofthewheel to switch to Sport or Eco modes. In Sport mode, the steering becomes noticeably heavier. Sport also adjusts throttle response to be more aggressive. The car is surprisingly capable of holding its own on corners,too.
Given it’s a relatively heavy SUV/ battery, it’s surprisingly far from cumbersome. Fuel consumption is put by the maker at 20.1kWh per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle recorded 17.5kWh per 100 kilometres on a run, mainly on the open road.
The EV5 did not exactly ‘float on air’ but the test Air, like much of Kia’s product, came under the influence of local suspension engineers to make sure the SUV could handle Australia’s less-than welcomingroadconditions. Lane-keepassistcanbeintrusivebutnot dangerously so. This, and other systems, can be easily turned off too with the single pressofabutton.
Summary
With a comfortable ride, easy-going performanceandimpressivefueleconomy, the Kia EV5 adds further polish to the mid-sizeSUVsegment.
Don’t you love AFL football? What a weekend - quality games, mostly expected wins,andnowthestageissetforSeptember. Here’smyviewontheup-and-comingfinal series.
The lay of the land (before Suns–Essendon play Wednesday)
Qualifying Finals locked: Adelaide (1) v Collingwood(4);Geelong(2)vBrisbane(3).
Freo surge, Dogs wobble: Fremantle’s must-win over the Bulldogs flipped momentum heading into finals.
Crows curveball: Izak Rankine’s four-game ban forces Adelaide to re-shape their forward mix - he will only be back if they reach the grand final.
Dimma’s challenge - accountability or bust Gold Coast Suns’ coach Damien Hardwick nailed the message: own the moment. He framed the run-in as a two-game season and hammered home the need to lift their standards. If you can’t get yourself up this week, the leadership group must set the tone, or history will simply pass you by. That’s the Suns’ mindset going into Wednesday night and, if they get the job done,theirintotheirfirsteliminationfinal.
Form heading into finals
Collingwood, despite losing five of their
(AAP Image Rob Prezioso)
last six before beating Melbourne, remain finals-hardened but must sharpen late-game execution and cut turnovers. Adelaide’s ball movement has been elite, but without Izak Rankine (suspended) they’ll need scoreboard impact from their mids and smalls.
Geelong v Brisbane shapes as a heavyweight qualifying final - the Cats’ system against the Lions’ stoppage power. Fremantle arrive with real momentum after toppling the Dogs, with contest strength and Jye Amiss’ timing crucial. GWS’ pressure has consistently stood up, though Hawthorn remains a threat if their mark-and-control game gets rolling.
Bulldogs or Suns?
Dogsin: Talentisthere,butdefensiveisthe big question at finals level.
Sunsin: Hardwick’saccountabilitymantra meets finals heat - a first-ever finals berth would mark a cultural turning point.
Match lenses I’d use in the box
AdelaidevCollingwood(QF)
Keys: Crows’ ground-ball strike vs Pies’ intercepts.
Watch: Adelaide’s forward-half time — Collingwood must keep it under 50 per cent.
GeelongvBrisbane(QF)
Keys: Clearance differential v territory control.
Watch: Lions’ inside-50 depth v Cats’
intercept denial.
GWSvHawthorn(EF)
Keys: Giants’ pressure v Hawks’ mark game.
Watch: GWS tackles + turnover scores; Hawks must break clean.
FremantlevBulldogs/Suns(EF)
If Dogs: Freo test the Dogs’ corridor defence.
If Suns: Hardwick’s responsibility mantra collides with finals heat.
What wins September (2025 edition)
Front-halffooty: Time in forward half and repeat entries — critical when games get strangled.
Pressure that sticks: Turnover goals are gold when stoppages stalemate. Leaders who absorb heat: Standards matter more than slogans.
Final word
I love Damien Hardwick’s message –it’s about owning the moment. If you need a coach to motivate you in finals, you’re already in trouble. This is when accountabilityandleadershipmattermost. From my view as a past player, footy is 90 per cent above the shoulders. Finals are won on mindset and resiliencefinding that extra effort when the contest is at its fiercest. This is when leaders earn their stripes, and when mental toughness decides who moves on and who bows out.
As anticipation builds for the first round of the 2025 AFL finals, former North Melbourne premiership player Anthony Stevens writes what it is like for players as they face the biggest test of their careers on that one day in September.
There is no feeling in football like September. I can still hear the roar of the MCG crowd, smell the liniment in the rooms, and remember the nerves that made it hard to sleep the night before a final. For every kid who grew up dreaming of playing AFL, that one day in September was the pinnacle - and I was lucky enough to live it, three times in grand finals, with two premiership medals to show for it.
The journey to get there was brutal. In the 1990s, there was no pre-finals bye, no pause to catch your breath. You came off 22 weeks of bruising football and rolled straight into
the heat of finals. The only chance for a rest was if you earned a spot in the Grand Final and won the right to freshen up with a week off before the biggest game of all. That was thecarrot-theultimateprize,andthedream thatdroveusthroughpre-seasontortureand everypunishingsessionalongtheway.
Finals brought pressure like no other. Coachesdemandeddisciplineandflawless structures. Teammates looked each other in the eye, knowing any lapse could end the dream. And the supporters - they were everything. Their belief, their passion, and their noise lifted us higher, but it
also reminded us of the responsibility we carried every time we pulled on the jumper. Playing finals wasn’t just about us as players. It was about repaying the faith of every North Melbourne person who lived and breathed the club.
Winningwaseuphoric.TwiceItastedthe pure joy of a premiership - the siren, the hugs,thetears,therealisationyou’detched yourself into history. But I also felt the devastationofdefeat.ThatGrandFinalloss cut deep, left scars, and fuelled the fire to comebackstronger.Finalsfootballiscruel, but that’s what makes it the ultimate test.
Today’s players have more science, psychology, and support, but the emotions haven’t changed. What has changed is the glare. In the ’90s, scrutiny was sharp but manageable.Today,it’ssuffocating.Players can’t sneeze without a headline. Social media magnifies every slip-up, making finals even more mentally draining.
Yetthroughalleras,theessenceremains. Finals football strips the game back to its core: belief, resilience, and courage. And whether it’s 1996 or 2025, that one day in September will always be the dream that defines our game.
Caroline Springs incredible run in the Western Football League women’s competition has continued with the side through to a sixth straight grand final.
The Lakers, who are undefeated this season, booked the first spot in the decider with a hard fought win against Parkside SpursonSaturday.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea said it was pretty special to be back in the grand final again.
“Ihadtocounthowmanyinarowitwas,” shesaid.“Itisexciting.
“You obviously play the whole season to get to finals and get to the end, the grand finalinparticular.
“We’ve worked hard all year, as have other teams. It’s a credit to our program at CarolineSprings.
“There’s girls coming through from juniors and we’ve got new recruits. I’m proud of what we are achieving and it’s a good reflection of the work we are doing.”
The Lakers hadn’t faced the Spurs since
round three. That was the only game the Spurshavelostfortheseason.
O’Shea said they knew it would be a challenge.
It was the Spurs that started the better of the two sides and led by 13 points at quartertime.
The Lakers then led by one point at half time and the Spurs by three points at the finalbreak.
Three goals to none in the final quarter sealed the 6.11 (47)-4.5 (29) win for the Lakers.
“It was a competitive game for four quarters and we needed to lift our structures and the way we wanted to move theball,”O’Sheasaid.
“We kept persisting and I’m proud of the girls.”
O’Shea said their defence stood strong early when the Spurs were attacking and allowedthemtostayinthegame.
When their chances came late, they madethemostofthem.
“In the fourth quarter we got the break,” O’Shea said. “At three quarter time the
message was keep playing our way and the waywehaveplayedallday.
“The break opened up and we were able to move the ball well and hit targets and makethemostofouropportunities.”
Jacinta Kondis kicked three goals for the Lakers.
Taylah Lea, Jordin Williamson and CaitlinPrettywerenamedtheirbest.
The Lakers now get a week off before the grand final where they will either face the SpursorYarravilleSeddon.
The Eagles beat Werribee Centrals in the eliminationfinal.
O’Sheasaidthefocuswastotryandkeep thingsasnormalaspossible.
They will be going for their second premiershipfromthesixgrandfinals.
“We’ll treat it like any other game,” she said.
By Peter Howe
Don Deeble nominee Thomas McGuane grew up in the change rooms of Keilor FootballClub.
His earliest memories are being among the senior players watching and learning fromthem.
“I just love the mateship, the culture and the enjoyment I get from being part of a team,”McGuanereflected.
“I tried all sports from athletics to swimming to cricket and soccer, but I always came back to footy. My dad, mum and family never interfered in my sporting choices.”
McGuane had the typical start to his football journey, Auskick into the Keilor under-8’s and then progressing through thegrades.
He played in the Essendon District Football League premier division premiership last year as a 17-year-old, under his father and former Collingwood champion, Mick McGuane who has coachedKeilorsince2008.
“Ilovedbeingthewaterboyforthesenior team because it got me into the rooms and ontothefieldongameday,”hesaid.
Thomas played his early underage footy in the forward line developing his football IQandhisskills.
Itwasallaboutfootball.
“Ineverhitthegym,mydevelopmentwas all around improving the fundamentals of footy. I always had a football in my hands. Ithasheldmeingoodstead.”
McGuane’s underage teams won three premierships in a row from under-14s through to under-16s and he won a league and three club best and fairest awards in thoseyears.
That put him clearly on the Western Jets radarintheCoatesTalentLeague.
“Those years coincided with my introduction into the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, the value they added to my football, and still cannot be discounted,” hesaid.
“Strength and conditioning sessions, running technique, plyometrics, touch craft, flexibility sessions are just some of the sessions MSA introduced me to, that are now part of my weekly routine at Collingwood VFL [Victorian Football League]training.”
Collingwood added McGuane to their Peter Daicos Academy squad the year before Covid struck having an eye on him forthefuture.
“It is a squad that includes potential father-son and NGA players,” he said. “We meet and train together once a fortnight at Collingwood.
“Ithasbeenaneyeopener.”
McGuane played three games in the Collingwood VFL team, with his dad presentinghisjumper.
“I played on the wing and as a high half forward, with time in the midfield with the Jets,” he said. “They have given me added exposure in those roles to add to my versatility.
“In the Vic Metro under-18 team, I was played primarily as a winger with stints on ball.
“It was a great learning experience for me. I learned most about the importance ofgettingyourrunningpatternsright.
“You can have a 30-possession game but be more effective and influence a game more with better running patterns and 15 possessions.”
McGuane’sweekisjampackedwithyear 12studiesandfootytraining.
Training sessions at Collingwood, Western Jets, Keilor and at MSA means he can train five nights a week, playing on a SaturdayorSunday.
Football
Several locals have been invited to the AFLW national draft combine and state combines to be held in October Selection to attend the combines was based on nominations provided by AFLW clubs. Western Jets’ Alex McBride-Loane has been invited to the state combine.
Netball Victoria has reduced its under-19 and under-17 state squads to 25 players. Western Warriors’ Kiara Boyd and Eva Ryan have been named in the under-19 squad, while the Warriors’ Payton Simeki and Haleina Tanoi have been named in the under-17 squad and Melton Centrals Manon Muir and Imogen Sexton.
Western United has lost star striker Jaiden Kucharski before he has even played a game at the club. Western announced that the club and player had mutually agreed to part ways. With consideration for the current FIFA registration ban, both parties have respectfully agreed to a termination. The club said while it’s disappointed with this outcome, it respects the player’s decision to pursue his career elsewhere. “Jaiden has been exceptional during his short tenure with the Club, and we wish him the best in his football future,” the club said.
Then there’s plenty of recovery along withcoachingreviews.
At the Jets this season, McGuane is ranked first overall for total disposals, leads the competition in handballs and finishedfifthfortotalkicks.
McGuane said he has had some great mentors at Keilor while his heroes are Nick Daicos,ZachMerrettandErrolGulden.
He could join Dacios at the Pies later this yearasanotherfather-sonpick.
“Finishing year 12 is important to me,” hesaid.
“I have always barracked for the Pies but obviously being drafted into the AFL system overrides what club might pick me up. I can’t control any of that, my mantra has always been to control the controllables.
“There is nothing wrong with daring to dream.”
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and TrophiesandStarWeeklyNewspapers.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.comor0408556631.
Western United has officially lodged an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence. As reported by Star Weekly, the club’s current ownership have been unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and had seven days to appeal the decision to strip the club of its licence. After releasing a statement on Monday saying it had been granted more time, United released another statement on Wednesday confirming the status of its appeal. “Western United Football Club confirms it has today lodged an appeal of Football Australia’s decision to withdraw its A-League licence,” the statement said. “As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Hillside didn’t panic as it came from behind to win through to its first Essendon District Football League women’s premier divisiongrandfinal.
The Sharks found themselves trailing in thepreliminaryfinalagainstAberfeldiefor asecondstraightyear.
There would be no repeat of 12 months ago as the Sharks kicked four last quarter goalstocomeawaywitha5.1(31)-3.5(23).
Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said it was a prettyspecialfeelingforthegroup.
“It was a little nerve wracking at some pointsthere,”headmitted.
“It’s a huge result for the girls after being knockedoutinstraightsetslastyear.We’ve hadthreedefeatstothetopteam[including lastyear].
“Tobounceback,itisrewardforeffort.”
The progress of the Sharks saw them not give up. They also had the breeze in the finalquarter.
Ferraro said they had plenty of confidence in the group at three quarter timetogetthejobdone.
“There was a slight breeze,” he said. “We managed our players throughout the game asweknowtheyhavesomebignames.
Wilkie and [Hannah] Ibrahim, people you wouldexpecttostandup,didthat.”
Sargent was the only multiple goalkicker fortheSharkswithtwogoals.
Itwasthemidfielderswholedthewayfor theSharks.
Ferraro said the return of Thorneycroft from the Victorian Football League women’s competition had been a massive inclusion.
He said having her in the team provided leadership and gave the other midfielders moreofachancetogetfree.
The Sharks will now face Oak Park on Saturday in the grand final at Windy Hill. The Kangaroos are going from a third straightpremiership.
The two teams have played each other twice,withonewinapiece.
“Wesaidwehadnothingtolose,wewere onlytwogoalsdown.
“We knew talking to the girls they would putusinfront.”
The Sharks grand final hopes looked a long way off after Mo Hope kicked the first
“We didn’t rush it and took our time. We didn’t panic early despite Simone Ruedin killingusallday.
goalofthefinalquarterforAberstoleadby 18points.
Ferraro said the group had to regroup as it was now or never if they wanted to taste thefinaldayfortheseasonatWindyHill.
“Sarge [Caitlin Sargent] kicked two important goals from the boundary,” he said. “[Ash] Thorneycroft, [Annalise]
By Tara Murray
George Cross had one of the more remarkable victories to send the clubbackintotheNationalPremierLeague forthefirsttimein15years.
TheGeorgieshavebeenoneofthestories of the Victorian soccer scene in recent years as it’s risen up from state league 1 backintheVictorianPremierLeague1.
There were absolute scenes on Sunday afternoon as an 8-0 win against Western United gave them automatic promotion backupintothetopflightfornextseason.
Georgies’ coach Eric Vassiliadis said it wasjustanamazingfeeling.
“There’s an incredible sense of pride,” he said.“Fortheclub,thecommunityandthe sponsorsit’sbeenalong,longjourney.
“Whatthisgrouphasachievedisnothing short of amazing. The willingness, the desireandthesacrifice.
“The support staff, the board that funds it and the fans, we’ve all going to celebrate tonight[Sunday].”
Vassiliadissaidtherewasalotofambition inthegroupanditwasaboutexecutingthe planandstayingcalminthechaos.
The Georgies knew that they needed to get the win in the final round and hope that other results went their way to get automaticpromotion.
The Georgies entered the round in third spot one point behind Bentleigh Greens and goal difference behind Melbourne City.
The top two teams earned automatic promotion, while the side that finished third would play off in finals for the last promotionspot.
Melbourne City suffered a final round loss but the Georgies victory put them aheadongoaldifferenceaswell.
Vassiliadis said when the dust settled they would look back at that final round result.
“We were so determined and people believed in us,” he said. “We had to make sure all those hard days meant something.
“We had to focus on ourselves and hope the results went our way. We delivered whatwehadtoandwon8-0.
“Itwassoamazingandwassynonymous of the whole season. We went on the front footanditwasarewardforeffort.”
The Georgies led 2-0 at half time before pilingonthegoalsinthesecondhalf.
Joshua Whiteley and Michael Tzoutzidis scoredtwogoalseach.
Vassiliadis said they defended brilliantly and could have easily put a few more goals inthebackofthenet.
With all the final round games being played at the same time, there were plenty ofpeopleontheedgeoftheirseats.
Vassiliadis said how he found they were goingupwasprettyspecial.
“I didn’t want to know the other scores [while the game was going],” he said. “There were supporters around the bench and they started celebrating nothing, which meant that Brunswick City [which was playing Melbourne City] had scored a secondgoal.
“The supporters told me and it was a specialfeeling.”
The promotion is the Georgies third in fouryears.
Vassiliadis, who has led all three promotions, said they would let this one settleandstartthinkingaboutnextyear.
“We want to enjoy this,” he said. “We don’twanttosetanylimits.
“The grand final is a completely different task,” Ferraro said. “Oak Park is similar to us.
“They are even across the board and it will be a physical challenge. We have not played them at full strength, every time therehasbeenplayersout.”
TheSharksreservesarealsointhegrand final.
Tara Murray
Diggers Rest will have to find a way to bounce back, while Melton South’s finals run is over in the Riddell DistrictFootballLeague.
The Burras finals campaign got off to the worst possible start with a massive loss to Riddell in the qualifyingfinalonSaturday.
The minor premiers entered the match on the back of its only two losses for the year and the tough run continuedagainsttheBombers.
Riddell jumped out of the blocks early and led by 42 points at quarter time.
Thegamewasoverathalftimewith themarginoutto64points.
Riddell continued the momentum heading in the second half to come awaywitha19.12(126)-6.7(43)win.
Any injury to insult, the Burras ended the day with no bench after severalinjuries.
James Waters and William Rousch werenamedtheirbest.
TheBurraswillnowfaceKynetonin aknockoutsemifinal,aftertheTigers upset Wallan in an elimination final onSunday.
MeltonSouth’sfirstfinalscampaign in years ended at the first hurdle as it lost to Macedon in an elimination finalonSunday.
The Cats jumped out to an early 20 point lead at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve and were able to maintain that margin heading into the main break.
The Panthers were able to stick around in the third quarter and wouldn’t allow the Cats to run away withit.
The margin was 25 points after the Panthers kicked two goals to one in thethirdquarter.
It was again an arm wrestle in the final quarter with neither side able to breakopenthegame.
Macedon got the first goal of the quarter through Jason Cooke to put allthepressurebackonthePanthers. Broden Colling and Jye Baters were thebestforthePanthers.
Macedon will now face Riddell for a spot in the grand final in the other semifinal.
By Tara Murray
Darley’s Lilli Condon has kept her title of the Ballarat Football League’s best female player, claiming a second straight league best and fairest award.
Condon,whohasbeenakeyintheDevils fourth straight grand final appearance, claimed the best and fairest award with 33 votes on Wednesday.
Bacchus Marsh’s Melanie Freeman finished second on 27 votes.
Condon was named best on ground for the Devils in each of their first six matches. After 10 rounds, Condon and Freeman were level on 21 votes.
Neither polled in round 11 before Condon had four straight best on ground performances to have an unassailable lead heading into the final round.
“It’s really exciting,” Condon said. “I didn’t expect anything and there were a lot of people recognised, which was great.
“After the first few rounds me and Mel Freeman both had a good start to the seasonandtherewerestillsomanyrounds to go.
“I didn’t know what would happen. I did feel proud [with six best on grounds in a row], that is pretty awesome.”
Condon, who missed last year’s award
ceremony, only realised that she had won when one of her teammates picked up that she couldn’t be caught.
It then left Condon scrambling to figure out what to say on stage.
“I had pride in myself and also my teammates around me as I couldn’t do it without them,” she said.
Condon said both her best and fairest seasonshadbeenenjoyableandsuccessful
for the Devils.
“I was more excited to go to training and games and everything was really positive,” she said.
“I’ve enjoyed this season a little more with a brand new group of girls. It’s been fantastic to be part of it.
“There’s some very special friendships that have made the success of the team.”
Condon said what the team had been able to do this season was amazing.
The side will play off in a fourth grand final this year.
Condon said each of the four seasons have been different, but this one has been the toughest in making the final game of the year.
“At the start of the season we had 12 to 15 new players and only a few players remained,” she said.
“We’ve made new friendships and teammates.Therewasalotofteambonding to make that happen.
“It could have gone one of two ways. We didn’t know if we would make the grand final
“I’m super grateful for the last four amazing years for the club and women’s footy.”
TheleaduptothegrandfinalforCondon hasn’t been ideal after hurting her ankle in
the side’s qualifying loss. She missed the preliminary final win.
It comes after Condon pulled out of the grand final last year with illness. She ended up playing and kicking three goals.
“With the help of the club physio, hopefully I’ll be out there,” she said.
Condon was named captain of team of the year.
Teammates Charli Parsons-Jones, Madalyn Clarke and Kim Bessell were also named in the side.
Parsons-Jones, who is just 15, finished fifth in the best and fairest award.
Condon said Parson-Jones is someone she has enjoyed working really close with.
“The talent she has is insane,” she said. “She’s very humble.
“IhopeIcanstayconnectedwithherand that we can learn off each other.”
Freeman, Jacinta Reid, Amy Garofalo, Isabelle Faralla and Chloe Walker were the Cobras named in the team of the year.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Bradbury claimed the under-19 most valuable player award and best and fairest award.
Inthebestandfairestaward,shefinished on 21 votes, 12 votes clear of East Point’s Keisha Darroch in second spot.
By Tara Murray
Darley left its best for the right time of the year as it claimed a remarkable third straight Ballarat Football League women’s premiership.
It was grand final number four in a row between the Devils and Redan in what has become the women’s competition’s greatest rivalry.
While the Lions claimed the first premiership, it has been the Devils who have tasted victory the past two years.
Afterayearofupsanddowns,theymade it a hat-trick of wins as they claimed the premiership, 7.2 (44)-2.11 (23).
Devils co-coach Brett Faulkhead said it was a pretty special moment for everyone involved.
“It’s an outstanding achievement and full credit to all the players in the team, the support crew and all the helpers throughout the year.
“Emmerson [Hitch] has been co-coach this year and the captains Lilli [Condon] [ and Chloe [Oughtred] through their leadership.
“We’ve had new girls bought in and we’vehaddifferentleadersandallthelittle things. We’ve put a jigsaw together.”
Faulkhead said there had been some challenges throughout the year with injuries, with two players missing out on the grand final through them.
They started with eight wins in a row before multiple losses to Redan and Darley in the lead up to the grand final.
Faulkhead said they knew it would be a challenge to get to the grand final but once they were there, they were ready.
With perfect weather, the Devils had a plan which came to fruition.
“We got the weather we were after and were really pleased and hoped that our running game and chipping it around game would outlast them,” Faulkhead said.
“Getting the first goal early in the game set the tone in a way. We knew they had not played for four weeks.
“We came out strong and rode that for the first quarter and got the reward the
next couple of quarters.
“We thought how would they go if we were leading into half time.”
TheDevilsledbyninepointsathalftime.
While the Lions peppered the goals, they weren’t able to convert. They kicked just nine behinds after quarter time.
The Devils meanwhile made the most of their opportunities and it was the difference in the end.
The two best on ground medals were awarded to Lilli Condon and Charli Parsons-Jones, who kicked five goals between them.
The performance of Condon, who won her second league best and fairest award last week, was special after missing the preliminary final with an ankle injury.
“We were pretty confident she would play after missing last year’s grand final,”
Faulkhead said.
“The physio did a lot of work on her. The tactic was that we weren’t going to play her in the middle as they would tag her.
“We played her at full forward and in the first quarter she got two goals.”
Parsons-Jones is just 15.
Faulkhead said she is a pretty special player with a bright future.
They had four players in their grand final team who were either 15 or 16 which is great signs for the club.
With the club seeking to field an under-19s team next season, that pathway will get even stronger.
“The juniors have come up and had an impact,” he said.”It’s just an outstanding achievement for the club.
Faulkhead said each of the premierships were different and it got harder each year
to win.
He said it was pretty special to share the coaching moment with Hitch who stepped up to co-coach this season.
Faulkhead said this was the most challenging of the three.
“Each year we’ve turned over girls and had new players come in,” he said. “It’s a new identity and new ideas.
“We had some injuries that have kept girls out of the team. There’s been so many emotionsandwe’veriddenthebumpswith the girls.
“We’ve had some laughs and some tears and hurdles a couple of times throughout the year.
“We worked them out.
“Emmerson did some googling and it’s just one point something per cent throughout sports wins three in a row.”
Hillside is firing at the right time of the EssendonDistrictFootballLeaguedivision 1 season and has earned itself two shots at the grand final.
After securing third spot in the final round, the Sharks played West Coburg in the qualifying final on Saturday.
It was West Coburg that led at quarter time by three points, before the Sharks led by 16 points at the main break.
That margin extended to four goals heading into the final change.
WhileWestCoburgcamelate,theSharks were able to do enough to hold on to win, 13.14 (92)-12.8 (80).
Sharks coach Mo Kaakour said while there were some nerves late they were happy with the win.
“Itwasnicetoplayagoodconsistentfour quarters,” he said. “We put our best footy
together yesterday [Saturday].
“The last couple of weeks for us has been really good and we’ve had some strong
performances late in the season.”
Kaakour said they studied the match between Oak Park and West Coburg to see how they could get an advantage.
He said the start was crucial.
“Welookedtocomeoutoftheblocksand get the momentum going,” he said. “We were hoping to stay in the game for as long as we could and in front at the final siren.”
Kaakour said West Coburg had some good patches of footy especially late in the game.
He said their ability to pressure the ball carrier and defensive running patterns were the key to setting up the lead.
“Theygaveusascarelateinthegame,that isforsure,”hesaid.“Alltheinstructionsgot louder.”
Josh Covelli kicked four goals for the Sharks, with Kaakour thinking he was
By Tara Murray
Burnside Heights produced its best but it still wasn’t enough to get over the line against Strathmore in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 grand final.
The Bears went in as underdogs against a Mores side looking to complete the perfect season on Saturday.
Burnside Heights had built throughout the season and had produced its best two matches of the year to win through to a second straight decider.
Neither side kicked a goal in the first quarter before the Bears kicked the first two goals of the second quarter.
TheMoresgotoneontheboardlate,with the margin 12 points at half time.
It increased to 18 points early in the third quarter after skipper Kayla Ravanello converted a 50 metre penalty.
YasminWelsfordthendidthesamething at the other end.
The More took the lead late in the third quarter with the Bears leveling the scores heading into the final break.
The ball spent most of the last quarter in
theMoresforwardbuttheystruggledtoget the all important scores on the board.
Talia Motta, who has been the source of several Bears nightmares in finals before, kicked her third to put her side seven points up.
TaylaIglesiashadashotlatetogetitback to the Bears but it fell short and was rushed over the line.
That would be the ball game with the Mores winning, 5.5 (35)-4.5 (29).
Bears coach Michael Davis said he was so proud of his playing group.
“They were the better side on the day,” he said. “I’ve said multiple times we were coming and we couldn’t have planned this any better.
“The buy-in from the girls, they were sensational. It was their best game of footy for the year.”
Davis said while they knew they had a good lead early in the third quarter that it was far from over.
He said a good side like Strathmore wouldn’t give up.
“They were always going to come,” he said. “You don’t finish 15-0 after a final, you’re not going to stop coming.”
their best as he proved a key target.
Robbie Castello and Noah Asciak were other standouts for the Sharks.
The Sharks now face Oak Park for a spot in the grand final.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I thought we were thereabouts round one and they pipped us and we weren’t playing our best footy.
“Round10wewastedsomeopportunities going inside 50. Their connection with mids and forwards was the difference.”
“We’re looking forward to it.”
The Sharks reserves will play Taylors Lakes for a spot in the grand final as well. West Coburg will now face Craigieburn in the knock out semi final after the Eagles beat Avondale Heights in an elimination final on Sunday.
Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh is back in Ballarat Football League finals after a final round thriller against Sebastopol on Saturday.
ThetaskwassimplefortheCobras, beat Sebastopol and play finals. Lose, they would have to rely on other results.
The Cobras were able to stick to their end of the deal to ensure they finished in sixth spot.
There wasn’t much in the game at quarter time, with the Cobras then extending the lead to 13 points at the main break.
Three goals to two in the third quarter extended it out to 21 points and put the Cobras one foot into finals.
The game opened up in the final quarter with both sides hitting the scoreboard.
Bacchus Marsh was able to do enough to come away with a 17.12 (114)-14.10 (94) win.
Former skipper Jake Owen, in his return from injury, and Jake McCreery kicked six goals apiece for the Cobras.
Rye Penny, Tyson Shea and Owen were named the Cobras best.
Thewinnowsetsupanelimination final with Melton.
Melton had a tough loss in the final round against the Sunbury Lions.
Davis said the final quarter they lost structureinthefinalquarterandtheMores were able to bury the ball and lock it in.
He said they were able to do what good sides do.
While the Bears suffered the same outcome as 12 months ago, losing a close grand final, the side and club were in a much better position this year.
Davissaidtheythinkeveryonewillcome back next year with the grand final side having six under-18s in good signs for the future.
He said they would enjoy this year as it had been a really special year.
“We were better this year,” he said. “Last year we were relying on individuals.
“I could name half a dozen girls who were outstanding this year that didn’t get a kick last year.
“Extremely proud of where we’ve come from and the girls.
“It’s been a whole team effort this year and been exceptional to be apart of.
“We will go out and reassess and work out what we need to do and have another crack next year.”
Both sides were almost set in third and fourth so outside of the mental battle, it didn’t mean much in the scheme of things.
The Lions dominated all day on the way to a 15.10 (100)-6.4 (40) win.
Meanwhile, minor premiers Darley finished the regular season with a hard-fought win against North Ballarat.
Scores were locked at 67 a piece at three quarter time.
The Devils kicked straight in the final quarter to get across the line, 15.7 (97)-14.10 (94).
Will Johnson kicked five goals for the Devils
Brady Wright, Nicholas Hind and Luther Baker were named the Devils best.
Darley faces East Point in a qualifying final in the first week of finals.
There were plenty of highs and lows as seasons came to an end on the weekend. Burnside Heights suffered grand final heartache for a second straight season, while Caroline Springs George Cross earned promotion into the National Premier League. Check out the action.
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