Catch up on all the action from AFL 2025 Finals Week 1. Visit BettingPro.com.au for expert tips, predictions, and in-depth analysis.
AFL 2025: Finals Week 1 in Focus
Magpies Too Strong for Crows in Qualifying Final
Adelaide 8.7 (55) defeated by Collingwood 11.13 (79)
Collingwood rediscovered their September best with a 24-point qualifying final victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. The contest was tight early, but the Magpies broke the game open with a stunning run of seven consecutive goals either side of half-time. Jamie Elliott was the finisher with four majors, while Steele Sidebottom wound back the clock with three in a vintage display.
At the other end, captain Darcy Moore anchored the backline with 13 intercept possessions, repeatedly shutting down Adelaide’s forward thrusts. The Crows rallied late through Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe but left themselves facing knockout football ahead of next week’s semi-final. For Collingwood, the result delivers a home preliminary final and a chance to chase that elusive 17th premiership, proving once again that timing your run for September is all that really matters.
Cats Cruise Past Lions to Secure Prelim Spot
Geelong 16.16 (112) def. Brisbane 11.8 (74)
Geelong’s remarkable September record continued with a 38-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night, booking yet another preliminary final. The Cats set the tone through Coleman Medal winner Jeremy Cameron, who dominated the opening quarter despite wayward finishing. Rising star Ollie Dempsey delivered the highlight reel, finishing with three goals, 25 touches, and a brilliant volley that capped a night to remember.
Complementing Dempsey’s brilliance, Max Holmes’ pace through midfield and Tom Stewart’s steadying influence added to Geelong’s edge as Chris Scott’s side kept their opponents at arm’s length. Brisbane threatened in patches, sparked by Cam Rayner’s lively three-goal display, but couldn’t match the Cats’ depth. To make matters worse, dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale limped off late with a calf injury, casting doubt over the Lions’ campaign. For Geelong, the win underlined their status as genuine flag favourites with another finals statement.
Hawks Hold Off Giants in Finals Thriller
GWS 13.10 (88) defeated by Hawthorn 16.11 (107)
Hawthorn booked a semi-final berth with a dramatic 19-point win over GWS at Engie Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a game that swung wildly in momentum. The Hawks looked home and dry after a blistering seven-goal opening quarter and a 42-point lead midway through the third, with Jai Newcombe starring in his 100th game and Jarman Impey providing drive from defence.
The Giants, however, stormed back into contention, booting six unanswered majors late in the third term, inspired by substitute Josh Kelly’s two-goal burst. Jesse Hogan added three of his own as the margin was slashed to single digits, setting up a tense final quarter. Hawthorn held firm when challenged, with Sam Butler and Mabior Chol producing clutch goals to break GWS resistance. The victory sends Sam Mitchell’s side into a semi-final clash with Adelaide, while the Giants are left to rue missed chances after a brave but ultimately fruitless comeback.
Suns Break Through with Historic Finals Win
Fremantle 12.7 (79) defeated by Gold Coast 11.14 (80)
Gold Coast claimed a first-ever AFL finals victory in dramatic fashion, edging Fremantle by a single point at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. Inaugural Sun David Swallow provided the decisive moment, his late behind nudging his side ahead with only seconds remaining. The Suns had built a 25-point buffer at half-time on the back of Bailey Humphrey’s second-term hat-trick, only to see Fremantle surge with four straight goals in the last quarter.
Luke Jackson’s contested mark and goal appeared to complete the Dockers’ comeback, but late composure from Mac Andrew and Swallow sealed a famous result. Noah Anderson (32 disposals) and Matt Rowell (34) drove Gold Coast through midfield, while Jarrod Witts controlled the ruck. For Fremantle, Caleb Serong fought tirelessly with 35 touches and 13 clearances, but the night ended in heartbreak as Nat Fyfe’s glittering career closed without the premiership medal he long chased.
Looking for the best Bookmakers to bet on the AFL?
Looking for the best online betting sites in Australia for the 2025 AFL Season? Here at BettingPro.com.au, we provide the most up-to-date information on which bookmakers are the best in Australia.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Exclusive 365AUCODE referral code: bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers.18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au