The opening week of the 2025 AFL Finals series saw Collingwood and Geelong advance straight into the preliminary finals, while the season has come to a close for the Fremantle Dockers and GWS Giants.
Collingwood, Geelong straight into the prelims
The Collingwood Magpies and Geelong Cats are one victory away from reaching the 2025 AFL Grand Final after commanding wins over the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions in the opening week of the finals series.
Despite playing away from home in South Australia, the Magpies were able to rekindle their form after losing five of their last seven matches to round out the regular home-and-away season.
Led by veteran Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, the duo helped guide them to a comfortable 24-point win with fellow veteran teammate Jamie Elliott kicking four goals.
Twenty-four hours later, Geelong also booked themselves into the preliminary final. Continuing their stunning finals consistency with a 38-point win over the Lions, it was back to the drawing board for the reigning premiers.
To make matters worse, the Lions will be sweating on the availability of two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale, who suffered a “serious” calf injury which could see him ruled out for the remainder of the season.
OLLIE DEMPSEY THAT IS INCREDIBLE 🤩 pic.twitter.com/U6mpKJMcG7
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) September 5, 2025
Hawks cruise into second week of finals amid late scare
The Hawthorn Hawks have cruised into the second week of the 2025 AFL Finals series amid a late scare, which saw the GWS Giants produce a late comeback in a thrilling final fourth term.
Dominating proceedings for most of the match, midfielders Jai Newcombe (32 disposals, 12 clearances) and Jarman Impey (28 possessions) took control of the clash, which saw the margin exceed 40 points late into the third quarter.
Without Darcy Jones, who sustained an ACL injury early into the clash, the Giants were aiming to produce a late comeback led by Lachie Whitfeld (36 disposals, three tackles) and Tom Green (34 disposals). However, they left it a little too late and ended up running out of gas.
Ginnivan's back to back goals! ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/OGR4mFUawA
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 6, 2025
Suns make it 1/1 in finals with one-point win
In their first-ever AFL Finals appearance, the Gold Coast Suns have advanced to the following week with a late behind from David Swallow, seeing them win by one point against the Fremantle Dockers.
An event that was fifteen years in the making, Swallow – a one-club player who will retire at the end of the season – proved the difference at the end of the final quarter in front of over 57,000 opposition fans at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Down by six with less than 75 seconds on the clock, defender Mac Andrew levelled the scoreline before Swallow scored a free kick in the final minute within the 50-metre line.
Only needing a behind, the 248-game veteran put the Suns ahead and into the second week of the finals series.
Jy Farrar at the drop and he threads it from the pocket!#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/4vSM48z55W
— AFL (@AFL) September 6, 2025