AFL 2024 Finals Series - Week Two Review

Despite some sizeable margins in last week's games, both semi-finals ended in exhilarating fashion. With the preliminary final matchups now decided, four teams remain in the race for a chance to compete on the final Saturday in September.

Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn

Port Adelaide (75) defeated Hawthorn (72)

Rundown

In the previous two finals games that these teams played against each other, the margin was just three points, and this game was no different, in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

The Power dominated the inside 50s in the opening quarter, scoring two goals while keeping the Hawks goalless in the first term. 

Halfway through the second quarter, the Hawks broke their drought and capitalised on some contentious, dangerous tackle free kicks on their way to scoring three goals in a row, ensuring that the game didn’t get away from them early. But the Power lifted; any pre-match doubts that surrounded Zak Butters’ ribs were quickly taken care of, as he led clearances at half-time and laid some crunching tackles.

After the main break, Hawthorn scored two early goals, which was countered by the Power as they wrestled back control of the game during the third. But with goals on either side of the three-quarter time siren, the Hawks were able to draw the scores level.

In a thrilling passage, the Power were ruthless, scoring three goals in a four-minute spurt, while the Hawks were yet to lay a single tackle for the quarter. Willie Rioli was pivotal in the forward half for Port Adelaide, scoring two goals and linking play expertly with three goal assists and eight score involvements.

In an attempt to shake things up, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell decided to move his captain from defence to attack, an inspiring move that immediately rewarded his team with a goal. The Hawks scored two goals and three behinds for the rest of the quarter, hitting the post twice through set shots for Sicily and Moore before the Power were able to valiantly defend the rest of the game.

The action didn't end after the final siren as Ken Hinkley reminded Jack Ginnivan that he "won't be flying anywhere", at the cost of a $20,000 fine. The youngster had publicly messaged former teammate Brodie Grundy on social media earlier in the week that he'll see him in the preliminary final, overlooking the game against Port Adelaide – something that Hinkley admitted he used to fuel his players.

Star youngsters

With Charlie Dixon being a late out, 23-year-old Mitch Georgiades stood up for the Power, taking five marks and scoring two of his three goals in the final term.

Jase Burgouyne, 21, has shown how silky he can be at his best, collecting a team-high 25 disposals, weaving between half-back and the wing. He led the Power with nine marks, easing pressure for his teammates, and pushed up forward scoring a critical goal when Port were surging early in the final term.

It was ironic that a Burgoyne and a Rioli proved to be an issue for Hawthorn, given the history of those two names with the Hawks.

Drafted during the mid-season, 18-year-old Logan Evans helped aid the load of the suspended Dan Houston, leading the game with six one-percenters and rebounding off of half-back with 22 disposals.

Although they weren’t able to get the job done, Jai Newcombe continued to lead from the middle with a game-high 32 possessions, although,24 of those were handballs so he wasn’t able to be as damaging.

Nick Watson continued his great form to impact the scoreboard, leading the Hawks with three goals.

Looking ahead

The Hawks will be disappointed they couldn’t capitalise on their momentum over the last month and their opportunities in the dying stages, however, their progress in the last year has been immense, and simply making the finals was already indicative of a successful season.

While Ken Hinkley can be proud of what his team accomplished against the rambunctious Hawks, it'll have to be all business to stand a chance against the minor premiers, Sydney.

GWS vs Brisbane

GWS (100) were defeated by Brisbane (105)

Rundown

The Giants started well and were able to respond quickly to the Lions’ first goal, ensuring momentum stayed with the home side. However, the Lions put together two goals at the end of the quarter to stay within 10 points.

Aaron Cadman stood out early, taking three strong contested marks and scoring an early goal. The reigning Brownlow medal winner Lachie Neale, was held to only four disposals, while Zorko’s influence was muted by James Peatling, who was able to capitalise on his defensive work and hit the scoreboard with two goals.

The Giants were able to pull away to a 21-point lead at half-time, thanks to Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan taking six marks and scoring three goals in the first half. The Lions were left regretting their inaccuracies, scoring just one goal and five behinds in the second quarter.

The Giants looked to have created enough separation on the scoreboard, scoring the first four goals of the opening term, opening up a lead of 44 points. But just as the game was slipping out of sight, Lions coach Chris Fagan pushed Will Ashcroft and Cam Rayner into the middle of the ground, turning the midfield battle around. 

The Lions found a spark, kicking five goals in a row, putting them right back into the contest and within 13 points of the lead. With goals coming in waves for each team, the orange tsunami had the final say in the quarter, scoring the final two goals and holding a substantive 25-point lead into the final quarter. After all their hard work in the quarter, the Lions couldn’t outscore the Giants, and it looked as though any comeback was a distant possibility.

With his fourth score assist of the game, Brent Daniels found Toby Greene early in the quarter, which looked to spell the beginning of the end for Brisbane. But with a quick response, they negated the early goal, and Charlie Cameron quickly scored his second of the game, reducing the lead to just 18 points before the quarter was halfway done.

Dayne Zorko pushed forward with more haste and scored two goals, which had the Lions chasing down a manageable 14-point lead with eight minutes to go in the game.

After a Jaspa Fletcher goal reduced the margin to eight, Joe Daniher stepped up and slotted a left-foot banana from 40 metres out, taking advantage of an insufficient intent free kick. It took just over 30 seconds after the ball was bounced again before Daniher got the better of Sam Taylor, and secured the second biggest finals comeback ever for the Lions.

AFL fans across the country reminisced about how similar this was to a certain miraculous event on grass 11 years ago.

Star youngsters

23-year-old Tom Green continues to cement himself as a premier inside midfielder in the competition, and his performance this week was no different. Mustering a game-high 33 disposals and scoring a goal from the middle wasn’t enough, as he was held to just 45 per cent efficiency given the frantic nature of the game.

Finn Callaghan, 21, has continued to be a valuable asset for the Giants while being such an exciting prospect for the future. He gathered another 19 disposals on the wing, with four score involvements and 19 pressure acts, remaining a reliable outlet for GWS.

Will Ashcroft led the Lions with 27 disposals, particularly shining in the second half when he was given more licence to attend centre bounces and play ahead of the ball. The 20-year-old was unable to hit the scoreboard but reminded Chris Fagan what a weapon he can be when trusted to move up the ground.

Jaspa Fletcher enjoyed a tidy game of 13 disposals with 100 per cent efficiency and popped up to kick a goal in the fourth to set up Daniher’s takeover of the game.

Looking ahead

The Giants will be shell shocked, having been pipped at the last moment of both games and losing in straight sets. It doesn’t tell the story of the quality of their list, but September is ruthless and the scoreboard matters more than ever in the finals.

The Lions will be counting themselves lucky that they’ve gotten away with playing a single great half in each of their two opening games, as they move towards a preliminary final.

Inaccuracies remain a problem for them, and it shouldn’t be overlooked, simply because of a Hollywood finish to this game.

Brisbane will be heading to the MCG to face Geelong, who have been the September professionals for over a decade. They’ll have to put together more than two quality quarters of football to make sure they can return to the Grand Final and attempt to avenge last year's loss.