Ultimate finals guide: The key factors that will decide every final
Who’s racing the clock, who needs to lift and what weaknesses could be exposed in week one of AFL finals? ED BOURKE runs the rule over each match in our ultimate finals guide.
Hawthorn
Hawks suffer finals blow as star ruled out
Despite joining his teammates on the track for a session under lights on Friday, Hawthorn has made a call on star midfielder Will Day ahead of the elimination final.
Revealed: Saints’ $6m last-ditch bid to keep Battle
St Kilda’s last-ditch attempt to keep Josh Battle at Moorabbin has been revealed as the defender explained why he chose Hawthorn after months after haggling from both clubs.
Saints star makes call despite last-ditch $6m bid
St Kilda interceptor Josh Battle has made a call on his AFL future, with a huge compensation question emerging from his near $6 million contract.
Hawks skipper’s Barrass warning, cryptic response to Battle talk
Hawthorn have won the race for Tom Barrass, but James Sicily has warned there’s a long way to go before an official deal is done. Plus the Hawks captain chimes in on Josh Battle.
Hawks excited but cautious over star’s request
Hawthorn captain James Sicily has answered questions about the prospect of being joined by two rival defenders next season.
Why everyone should fear September Hawks
It’s been all about Hok-ball – Hawthorn’s swarming, ruthless offence. But on Saturday, as they booked their finals spot, the Hawks proved they have much more than that.
Records tumble as Hawks lock in finals berth
Hawthorn has capped off a stunning turnaround, booking its place in September after brushing aside the Kangaroos.
AFL scrambles to save round 24 game amid strike threat
The Hawks have it all to play for when they take on the Kangaroos in Launceston, and possible industrial action has forced the AFL to make a major change to the clash.
Compensation fight brewing in Saints’ final Battle pitch
St Kilda is preparing a bumper final offer to Josh Battle, but the deal isn’t entirely about keeping the defender in red, white, and black, write JON RALPH and JAY CLARK.
Hawk’s desperate measures to play
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is prepared to roll the dice on an important defender to secure a return to finals action.
‘Absolutely no hope’: Great’s brutal call on Hawks star’s finals hopes
Hawthorn and St Kilda great Peter Everitt knows all about collarbone injuries causing finals heartbreak, and Everitt has some news that could be hard to take for Hawks fans.
How ‘those celebrations’ have become part of Hawthorn’s DNA
Hawthorn has been dubbed the ‘Hollywood Hawks’ on its way to being the AFL’s most watchable team. But what you’re seeing now is no different to when they started 0-5. Blake Hardwick reveals why.
The brutal reality of life as one of footy’s fringe dwellers
It’s one of the toughest conversations in footy — and one Harry Morrison knows all too well. He opens up to JOSH BARNES about the yo-yo life on the fringes of Hawthorn’s team.
Day ruled out of Rd 24 as Hawks sweat on September availability
Hawthorn star Will Day will miss the club’s final round clash with North Melbourne, but should the Hawks play finals he is a chance to feature in week one. JOSH BARNES has the latest
‘Good spirits’: Key news on star Hawks
A revealing update on an injured key Hawk came with a hilarious story about a rising star’s evolution this year.
Truth about horror Hawks scenes revealed
Hawthorn’s Will Day left the ground in the first quarter of the side’s clash against Richmond with the coaches fearing the worst.
No Day, no way? What star’s injury means for Hawks’ finals
Hawthorn mauled the Tigers at the MCG with a first-term blitz, but will they be left counting the cost as star Will Day and key swingman Jack Scrimshaw’s seasons hang in the balance?
Ex-Hawk reveals ‘cherry on top’ Mitchell needed in coaching career
Xavier Ellis always knew Sam Mitchell had the brain to become an AFL coach. There was just one string he needed to add to his bow.
Robbo: The rebuild secrets behind Baby Bombers-like Hawks
The Hawks still have a long way to go, but the similarities to the ‘93 Bombers are obvious. MARK ROBINSON looks at the making of Sam Mitchell’s Hawthorn – on and off the field.
Inside the rise of Hawthorn’s new main man
It took seven years and two clubs for Lloyd Meek to finally break through. Even his belief wavered at times along the way. But now the Hawks tall is firmly among the top tap rucks in the game.
No rest for sore Hawks, says coach
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says he’s keeping an “elimination final” mentality in place for games against the bottom-two sides.
Hawks’ finals surge leaves Barrass move in limbo
Hawthorn’s incredible rise to the AFL top eight could have a disastrous impact on its hopes of landing West Coast defender Tom Barrass. MARK DUFFIELD explains why.
AFL great’s son admits $140k golf theft
The son of AFL legend Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico has admitted to stealing more than $140,000 from his golf-store employer.
‘Dismantled’: Bloodbath flips AFL on its head
Hawthorn are promising to be the AFL’s darkhorse after annihilating one of the season’s early hot favourites in ruthless fashion.
‘Knows what he’s doing’: AFL furore erupts
Hawthorn are suddenly within reach of finals but an absolute gift of a free kick in their latest win had commentators scratching their heads.
Contract latest: Young Dog set for huge payday, Pendles to go on
The Western Bulldogs are working towards locking away for key players, including a young gun who is set for an eye-watering pay rise. Plus, the latest on Scott Pendlebury’s future.
Buddy on the move after listing $9 mansion
The glamour couple are ready for a big move with their young family after putting their Greek-style mansion up for sale.
Independent report says First Nations Hawks suffered racism
An independent report, prepared by a Deakin professor, says the treatment of First Nations players and their families when at Hawthorn constituted racism.
‘Disgusting’: AFL icon drops explosive claim
AFL icon Leigh Matthews has become embroiled in a heated war of words after dropping bombshell details surrounding a coach.
Cornes slams ‘pathetic’ move from AFL club
Combative media personality Kane Cornes had an AFL battler squarely in his sights after a ‘pathetic’ gesture at the MCG.
‘Hate each other’: Ginnivan post causes stir
Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan has raised eyebrows with a public message to his teammate after a wild incident.
Nicks gives Crows ‘no excuse’ after MCG bashing from Hawks
The Crows’ MCG hoodoo lives on, but despite the loss of Taylor Walker, coach Matthew Nicks is giving his team no excuses for an effort he said he hadn’t seen all year.
Mitchell blasts ‘absolutely ridiculous’ racist attack
Sam Mitchell should have been enjoying Hawthorn’s big win over Adelaide on Saturday afternoon. Instead, he used his post-match press conference to call out more racial abuse on social media.
‘It was the sliding doors moment’: AFL’s critical error in Hawks probe
Exactly one year ago, on May 30, 2023, the AFL’s Hawthorn racism investigation was shut down. Today, MICHAEL WARNER reveals what really happened with Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.
Gunston exclusive: Why I needed bombshell Hawks trade
In his first interview since being traded back to Hawthorn, Jack Gunston opens up to JON RALPH about the toughest milestone of his career and the honest conversations that led to his Hawks return.
Inside plans to create new second home for Hawthorn
Powerbrokers from one of Queensland’s most fruitful footy nurseries will launch a bold bid to become Hawthorn’s new second home from 2026 in a move that already has the support of the AFL’s CEO. Full details here.
Secret texts set to be exposed as Hawks racism talks break down
The Hawthorn racism saga appears headed to the Federal Court after mediation talks broke down, paving the way for secret text messages to be disclosed in court, reports MARK ROBINSON.
‘Frustrating’ decisions irking struggling Lions
As the Lions struggle to save their season, a Brisbane star has joined a chorus of AFL identities in questioning why holding-the-ball offences aren’t being punished by umpires.
Fagan: Lions’ season ‘hanging well and truly in the balance’
Lions coach Chris Fagan has admitted his side’s season is on the brink after another loss against the Hawks, with Brisbane now two and a half games adrift of the top eight.
Remember me? Lions to debut ex-Hawk against former side
Nine months after his last game as a Hawk, Brisbane will unleash Brandon Ryan on his old side in his first game as a Lion — will he put pressure on the suspended Eric Hipwood?
Hawks’ final quarter woes in spotlight
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is trying to unravel a concerning trend for his side as a veteran looks set to remain in the sub vest.
Lions plan to take down bogey team
Failing to beat Hawthorn since 2019 is an annoying run of losses the Brisbane Lions are intent on ending on Sunday.
Robbo: Hawthorn racism talks on verge of collapse
As the AFL prepares for grandest celebration of the Indigenous contribution to the game, MARK ROBINSON writes racism peace talks between Hawthorn and former players are on the verge of collapse.
Furore over 19 seconds that stung Hawthorn
The AFL has responded to the late drama in Port Adelaide’s comeback win over Hawthorn with footage showing a controversial umpire call.
Did timekeeping error rob Hawks of win over Power?
In a game decided by a goal with eight seconds on the clock, JON RALPH writes a missing 19 seconds after an umpire failed to call time on after a free kick has Hawks fans wondering if they were robbed of a win.
‘The Hawks are home’: Inside Port’s Sunday miracle
With 60 seconds left, Port Adelaide looked gone for all money – with a Hawthorn great even declaring the game on TV. What happened next resulted in one of the most remarkable comeback victories ever seen.
AFL greats rip coach to shreds in shock loss
Hawthorn appeared certain winners on Sunday, but two footy greats believe some questionable tactics allowed Port to roar home.
Hawk’s solutions to AFL’s ‘concerning’ Indigenous decline
The number of Indigenous players in the AFL has seen a considerable drop in the last few years. Hawk Karl Amon has a few ways the league could turn the decline around.
AFL teams: Senior Saints out as Ross swings axe
St Kilda has made six changes as coach Ross Lyon looks to turn his side’s fortunes, while a coveted Essendon draft pick could debut.
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