AFL Round 23 Scores & Results: Adelaide Oval Coverage
Hawthorn Soar,Brisbane Roar: finals Picture Heats Up
Hawthorn’s dominant victory over Melbourne has injected fresh excitement into the AFL finals race,while Brisbane secured their spot with a commanding win over Fremantle. With the final round looming, the ladder remains delicately poised, promising a thrilling conclusion to the home-and-away season.
Hawthorn’s Percentage Boost and gunston’s Brilliance
Alastair Clarkson’s Hawthorn delivered a stunning performance,crushing Melbourne and boosting their percentage by a notable 36 points. Veteran forward Jack Gunston was the star of the show,bagging seven goals in a display of accurate finishing and smart positioning.This marks the second time this season Gunston has reached the seven-goal mark, mirroring his performance against North Melbourne earlier in the year. He was unlucky not to have an eighth, with a review controversially ruling his shot had hit the post.
Sam Mitchell‘s unconventional forward structure, featuring four tall targets in Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Mabior chol, and Calsher dear, continues to raise eyebrows. Whether it’s a stroke of genius or a risky gamble remains to be seen, but it’s undeniably contributing to Hawthorn’s late-season surge. The Hawks are now in a strong position to make their second consecutive finals appearance under Mitchell’s guidance.
The Hawks face Brisbane on Sunday in a crucial match that will have significant implications for the final ladder standings. Their dominant win over Melbourne gives them a valuable percentage advantage over Fremantle, should both teams lose in the final round.Bulldogs’ Finals Hopes Hang in the Balance
The Western Bulldogs’ finals aspirations are on a knife-edge. they face Fremantle in a must-win clash at Marvel Stadium. A loss would see them miss out on the finals altogether.
Injury Concerns for Hawthorn and Brisbane
Despite the impressive win, Hawthorn isn’t without concerns. The loss of Will Day to injury in Round 21 and Josh Weddle’s ongoing battle with bone stress are significant blows.
Brisbane, while celebrating their finals berth, suffered a major setback with a dislocated shoulder to midfielder jarrod Berry. the injury occurred in the final quarter of their win over Fremantle, and the severity remains unknown. Scans will determine the extent of the damage and whether Berry can play any further part this season.
Brisbane Secure Finals berth with Fremantle Victory
Brisbane secured their place in the finals with a complete 57-point victory over Fremantle in Perth. Coach Chris Fagan expressed his relief after the game, acknowledging the pressure of potentially missing finals after a strong season.
“It’s a big relief,” Fagan said. “I was sitting in my hotel room today thinking, ‘if we lose tonight and we lose next week, we coudl miss finals having 14 wins and a draw – that’s unheard of’.”
Fagan highlighted the club’s consistent finals appearances,marking their seventh consecutive year in the top eight. He also emphasized the importance of striving for a top-four finish to enhance their chances of premiership success.
Brisbane’s Impressive Away Record
Brisbane boasts an impressive record away from home, having won 17 of their past 21 games. this resilience on the road will be crucial as they navigate the finals series.
Ladder Scenarios and the Race to the Top Four
The final round promises a multitude of possible ladder outcomes. Brisbane, however, control their own destiny and will be aiming for a strong finish to secure a coveted top-four spot. The Lions won the premiership from fifth position last year, proving anything is absolutely possible.
“I’m sure it’ll drive the group – that desire to finish top-four,” Fagan said. “I mean, there’s probably 1001 different ways the ladder could end up next week, but we’re in control of our own destiny.”