The eighth round of the 2025 AFL season saw multiple highlights, including the Geelong Cats pull off a remarkable win, the Swans emerge victorious in the Sydney Derby and Brisbane Lions defeat inner-state rivals Gold Coast Suns.
Jack Crisp misses after the siren
In his record-setting 245th consecutive match, all eyes were on Collingwood star Jack Crisp after the siren when he had the opportunity to win the game for the Magpies and nab victory from the hands of Geelong.
45-metres from goal, Crisp kicked the ball with precision, but it, unfortunately, drifted right and even confused fans of both sides at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, allowing the Cats to win 90 (13.12) to 87 (12.15).
Although Jeremy Cameron could only kick one goal, recruit Bailey Smith was the best on the ground, with 34 possessions, one goal, six marks, and two tackles.
“We just celebrated [his] incredible 245 games in a row in the rooms with his family, gave him the match ball and spoke glowingly that his contribution to this footy club is amazing,” Collingwood coach Craig McRae said.
“I’ve said this before – sometimes when you lose, you want to be winners. I reckon sometimes when you win, you can be a loser.
“I’ve said that for many years now. When he misses that kick, just look at the response of our team. It’s testament to the character and culture we have, that they get around Jack straight away.
“I think we looked like winners regardless of what the score said.”
Patrick Dangerfield’s class on full display — straight to Jack Crisp after the siren ❤️#afl 🎥 – @thekickingconsultant pic.twitter.com/wdB2JaCKFC
— Cench (@cenchfooty) May 3, 2025
Swans emerge victorious in Sydney Derby
With both the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants needing a much-needed victory, it was the Swans who emerged victorious on Sunday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground – 87 (12.15) to 73 (10.13).
Seen as one of the best rivalries in the AFL, the clash lived up to expectations with Swans midfielder Chad Warner having a game to remember after previously committing to the club for another few seasons.
Securing 24 disposals, two marks and four tackles – before being subbed out of the match after sustaining an eye injury due to an incident involving Lewis Melican – the midfielder-forward was named the Brett Kirk medalist.
“I think in every game you’ve got to get to the line and test it,” Swans coach Dean Cox said.
“We’re in such a ruthless, competitive environment, or game that we’re playing, that you have to get to (the line) as often as you possibly can.
“We went away from that last week, so the players wanted to redeem that.
Starring on the big stage ⭐️#AFLSwansGiants pic.twitter.com/D60QCdT3in
— AFL (@AFL) May 4, 2025
Brisbane defeat inner-state rivals
The Brisbane Lions have emerged victorious in the QClash, defeating the Gold Coast Suns by 17 points – 66 (9.12) to 49 (7.7) – as midfielder Will Ashcroft was handed the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for a man-of-the-match performance.
Defeating the Suns for the 12th time in 13 matches between the two sides, Brisbane won the game with ease which move thems to a 7-1 record ahead of easy matches against the North Melbourne Kangaroos and Melbourne Demons in the coming weeks.
Awarded the medal named in his father’s honour, Will Ashcroft had 34 disposals, nine clearances, six marks and three tackles, while forward duo Charlie Cameron and Callum Ah Chee both had three goals a piece.
“I feel like the past two weeks we’re getting back to somewhere near what we look like when we play our best footy,” Brisbane Lions Chris Fagan said.
“The boys have embraced the pressure stuff and team defence side of things, and we’ve got good results on the back of that.”
QClash 28 winners 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wALpCaPgl6
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) May 4, 2025