Check out all the NPL and VPL highlights from across the weekend

The NPL Victoria transfer window is open with some big moves being made. Plus, handball controversy, a costly red card on debut and Moreland City’s coaching change works.

Check out the NPL and VPL highlights below.

The mid-season transfer window is open and NPL and VPL clubs have been busy adding fresh talent for the business end of the season.

Some recruits made an instant impact on the weekend, while it was a time to forget for one unlucky fella.

The window closes on Wednesday, so we’ll update the full list when available.

There was also plenty of big results across the weekend.

There was a handball controversy, a stunning comeback and arguably the best 20 minutes of football played this year.

Check out all the highlights below.

TRANSFER MOVES

ZAHI ADDIS (Hume City)

Comes down to Melbourne from NPL Queensland club Gold Coast United. The 21-year-old is a left-back by trade and has come through the Brisbane Roar Academy, while also representing Gold Coast Knights. Made a start in Hume’s loss to South Melbourne on Friday night.

SHIFA AHMED (Green Gully)

Burst onto the scene last year as a teenager, scoring five goals for Gully. It caught the attention of Western United, earning him a mid-season move. Played out 2024 in VPL1 and VPL1 Under-23s. Scored one goal in eight senior VPL1 appearances for Western this year before returning to Gully Reserve. Made his first appearance against Altona Magic last week.

RAFFIE AKIEL (Heidelberg United)

The Aussie midfielder is back in his home country after representing a handful of clubs in the UK. Akiel spent time at Fleetwood Town, Bamber Bridge, Nantwich Town, Marine and Kendal Town. Also featured from Portuguese club Espinho. The 22-year-old is also the cousin of former New Zealand rugby and rugby league international Sonny Bill Williams.

TOM ALISANDRATOS (Oakleigh Cannons)

Oakleigh has pinched the talented forward from NPL rival Port Melbourne as it looks to make a deep finals run. Alisandratos joined the Sharks at the start of the season, coming across from VPL2 club Pascoe Vale. Had previously come through the ranks at Western United. Showcased his class with five goals in 16 appearances for Port before being lured across town. Made his Cannons debut in the win over Preston Lions last week.

NICK ANSELL (St Albans)

Arguably the biggest recruit of the transfer window. Ansell arrives from Thai outfit Nakhon Ratchasima but is best known for his time at Melbourne Victory. Played more than 100 A-League matches for the Victory and Adelaide United. Was a part of Victory’s 2014-15 double-winning campaign. Has also spent time overseas, playing for Portuguese club C.D. Tondela and Jeonnam Dragons and Gyeongnam in Korea. Represented Australia at underage level.

BRANDON CUMINAO (Green Gully)

A fine custodian while at Northcote City, helping the club reach the Australia Cup knockout phase in 2023. However, he made the move to State League club Yarraville Glory at the start of this season. Likely had little hesitation after getting a call from Green Gully. However, his Cavaliers debut turned into a nightmare after he copped a straight red card and was sent off just 29 minutes in.

MICHAEL DOMFEH (Dandenong Thunder)

Crosses to George Andrews Reserve from NPL rival Hume City. Won the VPL1 Golden Boot last season with Northcote City before stepping up to the NPL with Hume. Had struggled this season, scoring twice in 19 matches. Hopefully a change of scenary can spark his goalscoring form. Made his Thunder debut in last week’s draw with Avondale.

LUKE FRANCIS (Preston Lions)

A big addition to an already formidable Preston attack. Francis came through the ranks at Sheffield Wednesday and spent time at Sheffield, Handsworth Parramore, Belper Town and Rotherham United. Since making the move to Australia, he has made a name for himself as a dangerous striker at NPL Queensland club Wynnum Wolves, where he won the Golden Boot and was named in the Team of the Year last year.

WILL GILLINGHAM (Port Melbourne)

The Kiwi defender arrives from Scottish club Cove Rangers. Gillingham just missed out on New Zealand’s Under-23 squad for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics before heading to the USA to play college footballer. Played four seasons with University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a handful of appearances for USL League Two club South Georgia Tormenta 2.

DONI GRDIC (Dandenong City)

The Croatian born defender has represented Australia at under-17 and under-20 level. Came through the ranks at Croatian club Sibenik before making the move out to Australia and spending one season with Western Sydney Wanderers. Comes down to Frank Holohan Reserve from NPL NSW power Sydney Olympic.

NATHAN HANCOCK (Melbourne Knights)

Continues to bounce around NPL clubs having been at South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and the first half of this season with Dandenong City. Played 16 games for Hadjuk before making the move to Somers Street. Made his debut in Sunday’s clash with St Albans.

ATA INIA (Melbourne Knights)

Came through the ranks at Werribee City and made his senior debut for Melbourne Knights in 2018. Returns to Knights Stadium after bouncing around Thailand in recent years, most recent at second-tier club Sisaket United.

RYAN INMAN (Green Gully)

Steps up to NPL football and potentially avoids a relegation with VPL1 club Kingston City. Joined Kingston from UK club Redditch United. Had scored three goals in 16 appearances before making the move. Made his debut - and scored his debut goal - in the loss to Altona Magic last week and played 90 minutes against Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

YUZO IWAKAMI (South Melbourne)

A long-time player in Japan’s top leagues. The versatile midfield-defender arrives in Australia to test himself at South Melbourne. Officially arrives from Sperio Johoku and previously played for Sagamihara in the Japanese third tier.

KEEGAN JELACIC (Melbourne Victory)

The Brisbane Roar product has joined Melbourne Victory’s A-League team but will be available for the NPL outfit in the A-League off-season. The midfielder was on the books at Belgian club Gent but was most recently back in Australia on loan with the Roar. A New Zealand Under-17 and Australia Under-23 international and still only 22.

DOR JOK (Green Gully)

The former Central Coast Mariners prospect and returns to Australia after a stint in Germany with fifth-tier club SpVg Frechen 20. The striker has also represented Melbourne Knights and Port Melbourne previously. Made his Cavaliers debut in the loss to Altona Magic last week and scored his first goal in Friday night’s big win over Melbourne Victory.

NICK KOEK (St Albans)

The youngster arrives from Western United’s academy. The attacker played 11 games and scored one goal for Western’s academy side in VPL1 this season before making the move to test himself as the next level. Made his St Albans debut as a 66th minute substitute in the win over Port Melbourne on Friday.

AGUER MANYIEL (Dandenong Thunder)

Has seemingly passed up a shot at a premiership to play with the Thunder. However, Manyiel is a strong addition to the Dandy attack, stepping up from VPL2 ladder-leaders North Geelong where he had scored seven goals in 18 appearances. Continues his upward trajectory after playing at Western Suburbs in 2024.

GEORGE MELLS (Port Melbourne)

The former Australia and Greece youth international returns to Murphy Reserve to try and help the Sharks avoid relegation. Mells made more than 50 appearances for Port before trying his luck at Avondale, winning the double in 2023, and then South Melbourne. Had played 15 games and scored two goals for Hellas before making the move. Played his first game on Friday night in the 2-0 loss to St Albans.

ALEX MENELAOU (South Melbourne)

The talent young midfielder comes out of the Melbourne Victory system, having helped the club earn back-to-back promotions in 2023 and 2024, winning the VPL1 premiership last year. Was awarded the Victory Medal in 2023 as the academy’s best player. However, didn’t crack the A-League squad.

REN NAGAMATSU (South Melbourne)

Hellas’ raid of VPL1 club Eastern Lions for the Japanese forward paid immediate dividends as he scored on debut in South’s 2-1 win over Hume City. Nagamatsu was in red-hot form before making the move, scoring 11 times in 18 appearances for the Lions. Arrived in Victoria with a reputation having won the NPL SA Golden Boot last year with MetroStars.

FRANCO OSURU (Melbourne Victory)

The Victory youth prospect returns to his roots after a stint overseas with Viking in Norway. The defender is back on the Victoy’s A-League books but will suit up for the NPL team for the rest of the season.

FRANK ROSS (Heidelberg United)

A significant addition as the Warriors chase the premiership and more. Ross made his Scottish Premiership debut at 17 and represented Scotland at various underage levels. The forward spent time at Aberdeen, Ayr United and Dutch Eredivisie club Go Ahead Eagles. Arrives at Olympic Village from American outfit One Knoxville. Came on as a 67th minute substitute in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Dandenong City

SHAUN RUZVIDZO (St Albans)

The Englishman joins Dinamo from VPL1 club Eastern Lions. A product of Peterborough United, Ruzvidzo talent, Shaun joins us from Eastern Lions FC and brings creativity and experience to our midfield. Made his Saints debut as a 66th minute substitute in the win over Port Melbourne on Friday.

RYAN SCOTT (Preston Lions)

The boy from Gembrook was a star at Bentleigh Greens, helping the club win three NPL championships and a pair of Dockerty Cups. Such was his impressive performances, he took home two Jimmy Rooney Medals as best on ground in the NPL Victoria grand final. It earnt him a call-up to Western United, where he spent four years, winning an A-League championship in 2022. Then played a further two years at Newcastle United.

TOMMY SEMMY (Melbourne Knights)

A huge boost to the club’s hopes of avoiding relegation. Semmy, a Papua New Guinea international, returns to the Knights after spending the early parts of this season with VPL2 club Geelong. Scored four goals in 17 appearances in the state’s third tier before making his Knights debut in last week’s critical win over Melbourne Victory, playing 87 minutes.

OWEN SHEPPARD (Altona Magic)

The Canadian forward steps up from State League 1 club Corio. Had seven goals in 11 appearances in the state’s fourth tier. Made an instant impact on Friday night, scoring on debut to spark Altona’s come-from-behind win over Green Gully.

BRAYDEN SPINK (South Melbourne)

Arrives from NPL Queensland club Gold Coast United, where he played across the defence or midfield. Earned a contract at Newcastle Jets but couldn’t crack it for an A-League appearance and returned to Queensland this season before heading south.

MASON TATAFU (Hume City)

The 23-year-old defender has plenty of experience. Came through the Perth juniors and Perth Glory Academy. His performances with Perth Glory in the NPL WA earned him an Asian Champions League debut in 2020 against Ulsan Hyundai before making his A-League debut later that season against Adelaide United. Jetted off overseas and spent three years in the US with Hofstra University. Replaced fellow mid-season signing Zahi Addis in the 78th minute of Hume’s loss to South Melbourne on Friday.

WILLIAM THOMASON (Altona Magic)

Became a Sri Lanka international earlier this season and now returns to NPL football after a couple of seasons with VPL2 club Essendon Royals. Has previously spent time in Melbourne Victory and Western United’s academies. Made his Magic debut in Saturday’s loss to Heidelberg United.

JERRAD TYSON (Green Gully)

The experience goalkeeper travels down to Melbourne from NPL Queensland club Beerwah Glasshouse United. The 35-year-old represented Australia at under-20 and under-23 level in his youth and spent time at Gold Coast United, North Queensland Fury, Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory. Previously played for Green Gully from 2019 to 2021.

ADRIAN VALENTI (Melbourne Knights)

Struggled to break into the strong Preston Lions line-up after joining the club from NPL NSW club Blacktown City. Was part of the Western Sydney Wanderers academy, winning a NYL championship, and represented Australia at both the under-17 and under-20 level. Made his Knights debut in the critical win over Melbourne Knights last week.

JACK WARSHAWSKY (Oakleigh Cannons)

A significant get for Oakleigh, securing the under-20 and under-23 Australian representative goalkeeper, a member of the Under-20 Asian Cup squad and No.1 in the quarter-final loss to eventual champion Uzbekistan. Arrives from Central Coast Mariners where he erved as Danny Vukovic’s No.2 in the club’s treble-winning 2023-24 season.

LACHLAN WEIER (St Albans)

The experienced defender steps up from VPL1 club Caroline Springs George Cross. Only managed three games for the Georgies but was a key member of Hume City’s line-up last year that made a pair of semi-finals and an Australia Cup quarter-final. Came on as a 70th minute substitute in Friday night’s win over Port Melbourne.

SOUTH EYEING MIRACLE FINALS RUN

South Melbourne looked down and out mid-season, facing a relegation battle. However, new coach Sinisa Cohadzic has got the club back up and firing. The latest result, a 2-1 win over fifth-placed Hume City to revive the club’s NPL finals hopes. Hellas is 4-1-1 in its past six and is now seven points clear of the bottom three, so there’s still work to be done there too. Making an instant impact, mid-season signing Ren Nagamatsu found the breakthrough in the 38th minute. With just eight minutes left in regulation Hume equalised as Birkan Kirdar converted from the penalty spot. However, South responded immediately and Nahuel Bonada restored the lead just two minutes later to send the Lakeside Stadium faithful into raptures. Hellas is ninth, now seven points behind sixth-placed Preston Lions. Hume City remains fifth but is only three points ahead of seventh-placed Dandenong City

COMEBACK MAGIC

A new boy and the young fella. What a come-from-behind win for Altona Magic. What a missed opportunity for Green Gully. For the second time in as many weeks, Alex Gust thrashed a long-range volley into the back of the net, this time to secure a stunning 3-2 win over the Cavaliers at Green Gully Reserve. Ryan Inman had given the home team an 11th minute lead. However, Magic mid-season addition Owen Sheppard equalised in the 24th to immediately repay the faith. Gully skipper Josh Hope restored his club’s lead just six minutes later. Things went pear-shaped for Gully just before half-time as debutant goalkeeper Brandon Cuminao was given a straight red in the 40th minute. Captain Maurice Nugent left him up the proverbial creek with a short backpass and the mid-season signing brought down Bilal Habib. A man up, the second half was all Altona, Anthony Frangie continued his strong season with a 55th minute equaliser and Gust smashed in a winner in the 96th with basically the last kick of the game. The win sees Altona sit 10th, now eight points outside the top-six and six points clear of the bottom three. Gully is eighth, still three points off sixth-placed Preston Lions.

HANDBALL CONTROVERSY AS LEADERS HELD

Heidelberg United and Avondale are cursing the city of Dandenong. Heidelberg was held 2-2 by Dandenong City, in a controversial clash at Olympic Village. League-leading goalscorer Bul Juach was at the centre of the drama. His 60th minute goal – his second of the match – was awarded despite what looked a clear handball in the lead-up. The Warriors star stole the ball from Pierce Clark but he appeared the control the rebound with his arm before putting the ball in an empty net. City’s protests were ignored by the referee. He had earlier scored the opener in the 33rd minute. Heidelberg great Kenny Athui found the first equaliser in the 52nd minute and Yagoub Mustafa finished a lightning quick counter-attack to level the scores again in the 79th minute. Meanwhile, the Avengers were held 1-1 by Dandenong Thunder in a blockbuster 2 v 3 clash at Avengers Park. Luca Tevere had given the hosts the lead in the 37th minute but Yuki Uchida continued his brilliant campaign with a 65th minute equaliser. Heidelberg remains on top with a three-point lead over Avondale. The Thunder is a further five points back.

SAINTS SAFE

There’s still a bit of work to do but St Albans is on track to play NPL football in 2026. The Saints were too good for Port Melbourne at Murphy Reserve on Friday night, taking a 2-0 win and the three points home. First-half strikes from Joseph Colina (28th minute) and Josh Divin (30) continued Dinamo’s recent good form, the club recording back-to-back wins and are five games unbeaten. The result sees it sit 11th, now five points clear of the bottom three – although Melbourne Victory play on Monday night. And that was without boom mid-season recruit Nick Ansell, who is expected to make his club debut against Melbourne Knights on Sunday.

CANNONS EXPLODE

It was eerily quiet at Jack Edwards Reserve but it certainly seemed to work for Oakleigh. Football Victoria had declared the match would be played behind closed doors due to crowd safety fears. The club’s Greek and Macedonian backgrounds needing segregation. After last week’s shock loss to St Albans, the Cannons came out firing against potential finals rival Preston Lions. In a stunning blitz, the reigning champions scored a four goals in the opening 18 minutes to blow the Lions out of the water. Matt Dench got the party started in the fifth minute and Adem Duratovic doubled the lead just two minutes later. Asad Kasumovic then scored twice in 10 minutes to all but end the match before the 20-minute mark. The result sees Oakleigh close back to within three points of third-placed Dandenong Thunder, while Preston is hanging on desperately to sixth, now just two points ahead of Dandenong City.

KNIGHTS BACK ON WINNERS’ LIST

Can the Melbourne Knights dig themselves out of the relegation hole? That journey started on Monday night with a critical come-from-behind win over Melbourne Victory at the Home of the Matildas. The Knights entered the game last on the NPL ladder and 10 points away from safety. They ended the night, still last and seven points behind 11th placed St Albans, but with hope. The historic club’s season truly goes on the line on Sunday when they travel to Dinamo. Last night’s clash with Victory started poorly. Patrick Wall put the A-League academy side in front after just five minutes. While the Knights have struggled to find the back of the net this season – scoring just 18 goals in 18 matches before kick off – they fought back superbly. Stephen Lawless found a vital equaliser in the 70th minute and then Ciaran Bramwell scored a 93rd minute winner from the penalty spot to spark wild celebrations. A long ball over the top caused panic among the Victory defence and young keeper Kasper Fonsboel needlessly brought Bramwell down inside the box. Victory is also fighting to avoid the drop and is 12th, now five points away from safety.

COACHING CHANGE WORKS

Zivko Kolevski fell on his sword last week, resigning as coach of Moreland City. As so often happens, the side responded on the field. And what a response it was, stunning VPL1 promotion contender Western United 2-1 at Ironbark Fields. Tomi Buljubasic took the coaching reins and made the perfect start. Luke Agius gave the bottom-placed City the perfect start, opening the scoring in the 20th minute. With 10 minutes remaining, Besian Kutleshi found an equaliser and it looked like Moreland’s brave performance would be rewarded with a point. But the visitors made one last push and Ali Al Sheikh, enjoying a super season in a struggling team, found a winner in the 83rd minute. The result moves City off the bottom of the ladder but it will still need a miracle to survive relegation. There is an eight-point gap to Manningham United in 11th and safety.

BENTLEIGH’S BEST

It wouldn’t be a hard argument to make that Saturday’s 1-0 win over Caroline Springs George Cross – at City Vista – was Bentleigh’s best win since its 2022 Dockerty Cup triumph. It was a second v third clash with an automatic promotion spot on the line. An unfortunate own goal by Georgies’ Matt Sporle in the 19th minute proved decisive. In a tight arm-wrestle with few chances, Bentleigh had just three shots with one on target, while Caroline Springs had four with two on target. There was late drama too with Greens midfielder Edward Mitrevski shown a straight red card in the dying minutes for an ugly challenge. The result sees Bentleigh move back up to second on goal difference, level on points with ladder-leader Melbourne City after it was held to a 1-1 draw with FC Melbourne. George Cross drops to third, three points behind.

LANGY HIGH FIVE

How’s the Langwarrin turnaround? Langy is now five games undefeated after a stunning 5-2 thrashing of VPL1 playoff hopeful Northcote City at Lawton Park on Saturday. The club has won four of its past five with a draw against promotion fancy Bentleigh Greens. It’s seen Langwarrin charge clear of the relegation battle, sitting 10th and now six points clear of the bottom three. Brad Blumenthal got the party started in just the fifth minute of the match and Ryo Takahashi doubled the lead in the 42nd. Sam Warde got Northcote back in the match with a key goal just before half-time. However, Takahashi restored the two goal buffer on the hour mark. Seven minutes later it was Devin O’Hea who made it a 3-2 game. There would be no City comeback as club stars Archie Macphee and Tom Youngs scored with seven minutes of each other late on to seal an invaluable three points. On the flip side, it’s a dagger blow for Northcote, which slips to eighth and is now two points outside the top-six.

EAGLES DO IT AGAIN

North Sunshine is in the top-six. The Eagles have made the most of back-to-back clashes with strugglers Eastern Lions and Kingston City, scoring five goals in each. North bagged a 5-1 win over the Lions at Larissa Reserve on Saturday. Mid-season recruit Aymane Sordo made an instant impact. The Moroccan forward joined from Marshall University in the US and bagged a brace. Ndue Mujeci, Kaan Elibol and Aidan Olds also all found the back of the net. Tyreke Johnson scored a consolation goal for Eastern, which also had goalkeeper George Tzamouranis given his marching orders in just the 28th minute. The 10 goals in the past fortnight have proven critical as the Eagles jump up to sixth on goal difference ahead of Bulleen Lions. They are two points clear of Northcote City in eighth.

BULLEEN KEEP PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE

A comfortable 3-1 win over Manningham United has kept Bulleen Lions in the hunt for the VPL1 playoffs. The Lions might feel a tad unlucky, despite the win they were leap-frogged into sixth as North Sunshine scored five goals for the second week in a row to move ahead of goal difference. Zach Cianci kicked off the scoring with a 30th-minute opener. George Karvounis doubled the lead on the hour mark and Ivan Grgic sealed the three points in the 75th. Bulleen is five goals behind North Sunshine in the race for sixth but is only two points behind Western United and Brunswick City in fourth and fifth in a razor-tight competition.

ZEBRAS, ROYALS ALL SQUARE

Essendon Royals was staring down the barrel of five consecutive losses on Friday night. However, Takumi Niwa popped up with a late equaliser to secure a draw against promotion-chasing Brunswick Juventus at CB Smith Reserve. The Japanese’s scored in the 85th minute to cancel out Luca Lovic’s ninth minute opener and snap the club’s losing streak. The result sees Brunswick Juventus drop to third but the Zebras are only a point behind second-placed Eltham Redbacks in the race for automatic promotion and three points back of North Geelong in the premiership race. Meanwhile, Essendon is fifth, three points clear of seventh-placed Altona City in the playoff race.

REDBACKS SURVIVE

Eltham Redbacks are back in the VPL2 top-two after a nail-biting come-from-behind 3-2 win over Werribee City at North Eltham Reserve on Friday night. Star striker Nicky Edwards was the hero, scoring a brace, to take his season tally to 10 – third most in the competition. Edwards gave Eltham the lead in the 30th minute but in five minutes of madness, Werribee was in front. Mid-season signing Josh Markovski, crossing from Port Melbourne, equalised in the 33rd minute and Jordan Pisak put the Bees up in the 38th. Eltham went hunting in the second half and it was Edwards who made the break through in the 68th minute and less than 60 seconds later the home team was back in front thanks to Jimin Dooley. The victory sees Eltham in second, two points off ladder-leader North Geelong and one point clear of Brunswick Juventus in third. The Redbacks host the Warriors in a top-of-the-table blockbuster on Saturday night.

WHITTLESEA EYES SAFETY

It was a critical clash for both club’s relegation survival hopes and it was Whittlesea United that came out on top with a 2-1 over Pascoe Vale. The Rams had been on a recent tear, looking to save themselves, while United had lost five straight. However, the form lines reversed at Epping Stadium on Friday night. In a bitter blow for Pacco, league-leading goalscorer Tom Barforosh was shown a straight red card in just the 29th minute and could miss further matches. Corey Thomas then gave the home team the lead in the 49th minute and Cole Lonsdale doubled the lead in the 81st. Rams skipper Aydin Mustedanagic got a late consolation goal. Whittlesea is now 12th on goal difference, level on points with Geelong but still in the relegation zone, and one point off Werribee City in 10th. Pascoe Vale returns to the bottom of the ladder and is three points from safety. The Rams face 13th-placed Boroondara-Carey on Saturday.

EAGLES TIGHTEN RACE

Boroondara-Carey Eagles picked a good time to explode offensively on Saturday. Sitting on the bottom of the ladder and winless in its past seven outings, the Eagles scored four goals to smash Nunawading City 4-0 at Wilcox Field. In a devastating early burst, Jacob Colosimo opened the scoring in just the fourth minute of the match and Apai Ukuno doubled the lead two minutes later. When Colosimo scored his second – and 11th of the season, second most in the competition – it was 3-0 in just the 14th minute. Cameron Di Ciocco made it four just past the half-hour mark to wrap up a critical three points. The result sees the Eagles jump off the bottom of the ladder but remain in the relegation zone, sitting 13th, but just one point from safety behind Geelong. Boroondara-Carey faces Pascoe Vale in a bottom-of-the-ladder clash on Saturday in what could decide both team’s fate.

WARRIORS CLOSE ON TITLE

North Geelong took another step closer to the VPL2 premiership on Saturday, securing a 4-2 victory over Altona City at Elcho Park. The visitors wasted no time as Nick Georgopoulos scored in the opening minute of the match. However, the Warriors were almost immediately level as Lochlann McGrath scored just seven minutes later in a whirlwind opening. Sonny Brimmer gave the hosts the lead in the 25th and George Elliss added another just three minutes later to put them firmly in control. When Angus Chapman scored his league-leading 12th goal of the campaign in the 66th minute the match was all but over. Ben Bowler added a second-half injury-time consolation goal for Altona. The result sees North Geelong move two points clear at the top of the ladder ahead of a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash against second-placed Eltham Redbacks on Saturday.