Suns star Bailey Humphrey admits he felt “anxiety and stress” when Docker Luke Jackson kicked the goal to put Fremantle in front with just minutes to play in Saturday night’s elimination final.

But when Mac Andrew headed forward hot on the heels of opponent Josh Treacy, marked and goaled to level scores before retiring Sun David Swallow scored a point with nine seconds to play, Gold Coast made history with their first AFL finals win.

Watch every match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

“I think everyone underestimates what it means to the footy club,” Humphrey told foxfooty.com.au

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

“It means a lot. Our main goal was to make finals, but inside the four walls, we didn’t want to just make it – we wanted to win finals.

“To tick that off our first final is pretty special.

“We wanted to throw the first punch – we did that.”

RELATED

PLAYER RATINGS: Freo duo do everything possible, young guns’ stocks rise in heartbreaker

‘POETIC’: AFL world loses it over Sun’s ‘legacy moment’

PLAYER RATINGS: Quartet of eights, shock No.1 Sun and ‘Dusty 2.0’

Bailey Humphrey was elated at full time.Source: Getty Images

The thrilling one-point win over Fremantle ensures the Suns stay alive in season 2025 – and sets up a mouth-watering QClash with rivals Brisbane in next week’s semi final.

Humphrey, who kicked three goals in a stunning second-quarter blitz, said he had complete faith in both Andrew and Swallow, who sealed the victory.

“Nah, not nervous (for Mac) … Back him in. He’s kicked a goal after the siren against Essendon last year – he’s done it again this year,” he said.

“When I’m in front of goals I’m shaking! (But) he’s got no worry in the world, Mac.

“Someone who deserves it the most is Dave (Swallow) – we wouldn’t be in the position we are today as a football club without him. So he’s a very special person to us – we love him.

“He’s been wanting to do this for 15 years and he’s finally got that. For me personally, I just didn’t want to take it for granted because of the people like Dave.”

There were scenes of pure elation in the rooms post-match as players embraced family, friends, fans, Suns staff and VFL teammates who made the trip west.

David Swallow celebrates with family in the rooms.Source: Getty Images

Coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to his players, who showed tremendous growth more than 12 months on from his famous claim that they needed to “grow the f**k up”.

“It was quite a special win – I’ve never won an elimination final actually! That’s one of the things I ticked off my little list,” he laughed.

“It’s more what (the win has) given our group, our club our fans.

“They’ve changed the narrative this playing group which is so important.

“At the end of the day, we’ve been a club that’s been, I don’t want to say ridiculed, but stomped on, forgotten, and all of a sudden the narrative has changed.

“We’re very proud of what they’ve done thus far.”

Laughing as he spoke of the “world’s longest flight” to Perth, Hardwick said he was proud of the way his players withstood Freo’s late surge.

The Suns celebrate the win with supporters.Source: Getty Images

“We could have quite easily rolled over – but that’s not what this group is about,” he said.

“We were one in eight previously, now we’re one in six chance of winning something pretty special.

“To come away with a one-point victory when we got headed, I thought it speaks volumes of the playing group and how far the club has come.

“It’s been 15 years of hard work.

“To have our first victory in a final is incredibly rewarding – now we get the great challenge of trying to beat Brisbane on their home patch; probably the biggest game in Queensland history I would imagine. Looking forward to it.”