Anthony Anastasio of the Borough celebrates a goal during the 2025 VFL Round 21 match between Port Melbourne and Collingwood at ETU Stadium. Picture: Rob Lawson\/AFL Photos<\/p>\n
A recap and highlights of all the Smithy\u2019s VFL 21 action.<\/p>\n
SOUTHPORT SHARKS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.1\u00a0\u00a0 5.3\u00a0\u00a0 10.5\u00a0\u00a0 15.13 (103)
NORTH MELBOURNE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5.3\u00a0\u00a0 6.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11.8\u00a0\u00a0 12.9 (81)<\/p>\n
Southport surged late to clinch third spot on the Smithy\u2019s VFL ladder and enter the finals with back-to-back wins courtesy of a 22-point victory over North Melbourne at Fankhauser Reserve.<\/p>\n
The Roos looked capable of causing an upset after a five-goal opening term and held the lead throughout the first three quarters. After both sides produced five-goal third quarters, the visitors\u2019 lead still stood at eight points at the final break.<\/p>\n
But the hosts tied the scores inside the first five minutes of the last quarter before proceeding to kick four of the final five majors of the match to claim the four points.<\/p>\n
A season-high four goals from Josh Gore, all of which came from the goal square, helped the Sharks get over the line while 36 disposals, eight clearances and six inside 50s from Boyd Woodcock also played an important role in the win.<\/p>\n
North Melbourne\u2019s Darcy MacPherson ended his season with his most prolific game of 2025 in his return to warm Queensland conditions, racking up 36 disposals, seven inside 50s, six tackles, six clearances and two goals.<\/p>\n
BEST
Southport: Michael Manteit, Zac Foot, Boyd Woodcock, Jesse Joyce, Joshua Gore, Jackson Edwards
North Melbourne: Darcy Macpherson, Robert Hansen, Adam Tomlinson, Ben Huggard, Matthew Clarkson, Tyson Scoble<\/p>\n
GOALS
Southport: \u00a0Josh Gore 4, Hewago Oea, Max Pescud, Jack Sexton 2, Wylie Buzza, Hugh Dixon, Jackson Edwards, Campbell Lake, Michael Manteit
North Melbourne: Tyson Scoble 3, Robert Hansen Jnr, Darcy Macpherson, Finnbar Maley 2, Matthew Clarkson, Oli Lowe, James Tarrant<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Southport: Boyd Woodcock 36, Zac Foot 34, Michael Manteit 31, Jesse Joyce 30, Jacob Dawson 28
North Melbourne: Darcy Macpherson 36, Matthew Clarkson 23, Adam Tomlinson 20, Luke Urquhart 20, Eddie Ford 19, Matthew Keast 19<\/p>\n
NORTHERN BULLANTS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.3\u00a0\u00a0 3.5\u00a0\u00a0 3.6\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5.11 (41)
WERRIBEE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.4\u00a0\u00a0 5.7\u00a0\u00a0 8.12\u00a0\u00a0 12.13 (85)<\/p>\n
Werribee broke away after half time to end a difficult premiership defence on a high with a 44-point win over the Northern Bullants at Genis Steel Oval.<\/p>\n
The game was in the balance at the main break with the Tigers holding a 14-point advantage, before booting seven goals to two in the second half to secure their seventh win of the season.<\/p>\n
There were a host of contributors from the reigning premiers, including Jack Riding (36 disposals, 11 clearances), Jake Smith (34 disposals, 10 marks), Sam Conway (62 hitouts, 12 clearances) and Hudson Garoni (four goals).<\/p>\n
Patrick Fairlie put together another impressive performance for the home side after having 27 disposals, eight tackles and seven clearances, youngsters Dane Whitnall and Chris Scerri were shining lights and Will Elliott kicked three goals, all of which came in the first half.<\/p>\n
BEST
Northern Bullants: Dane Whitnall, Chris Scerri, Jean-Luc Velissaris, Liam Mackie, Sam Donegan, Will Elliott
Werribee: Mace Cousins, Brady Wright, Dom Brew, Daly Andrews, Jack Riding, Jaelen Pavlidis<\/p>\n
GOALS
Northern Bullants: Will Elliott 3, Charlie Faubel, Jean-Luc Velissaris
Werribee: Hudson Garoni 4, Brady Wright 3, Harry Grintell 2, Jay Dahlhaus, Angus Hicks, Harrison Mille<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Northern Bullants: Liam Coghlan 27, Patrick Fairlie 27, Liam Mackie 23, Jean-Luc Velissaris 20, Sam Donegan 16, Kane Emery 16
Werribee: Jack Riding 36, Jake Smith 34, Daly Andrews 29, Bior Malual 29, Dom Brew 27<\/p>\n
PORT MELBOURNE\u00a0\u00a0 3.2\u00a0\u00a0 6.5\u00a0\u00a0 7.10\u00a0\u00a0 11.12 (78)
COLLINGWOOD\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5.4\u00a0\u00a0 7.9\u00a0\u00a0 8.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10.10 (70)<\/p>\n
Port Melbourne pulled off a stirring comeback to consign Collingwood to a Wildcard final with an eight-point upset triumph at ETU Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Pies led for the majority of the match, but the Borough we\u2019re always within touching distance, never letting the deficit surpass 15 points.<\/p>\n
The home side then struck with five of the last seven goals of the match, including an Anthony Anastasio sealer from the boundary line in the final minutes, to secure a brilliant win.<\/p>\n
There were some monumental individual efforts that helped Port Melbourne over the line.<\/p>\n
Charlie Lazzaro stuffed the stat sheet with 45 disposals, eight score involvements, seven tackles and six clearances. Dyson Heppell wound back the clock with 38 touches at 94% disposal efficiency and Dom Bedendo produced a brilliant five-goal, 28 disposal performance that was highlighted by a mark of the year contender.<\/p>\n
Collingwood was led by two of its AFL mid-season recruits, with Roan Steele continuing his good form with 32 disposals and a goal, while Noah Howes booted three majors.<\/p>\n
BEST
Port Melbourne: Dom Bedendo, Dyson Heppell, Charlie Lazzaro, Tom Hird, Harvey Hooper, Anthony Anastasio
Collingwood: Roan Steele, Mason Cox, Finlay Macrae, Noah Howes, Christian Algeri, Brady Grey<\/p>\n
GOALS
Port Melbourne: Dom Bedendo 5, Anthony Anastasio 3, Roy George, Drew Lloyd, Archi Manton
Collingwood: Noah Howes 3, Harry Mahoney 2, Mason Cox, Brady Grey, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Liam Hude, Roan Steele<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Port Melbourne: Charlie Lazzaro 45, Dyson Heppell 38, Tom Hird 30, Dom Bedendo 28, Harvey Hooper 28
Collingwood: Roan Steele 32, Finlay Macrae 29, Christian Algeri 20, Mason Cox 20, Tom Wilson 20<\/p>\n
SANDRINGHAM\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.3\u00a0\u00a0 4.4\u00a0\u00a0 4.8\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7.12 (54)
ESSENDON\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6.3\u00a0\u00a0 9.5\u00a0\u00a0 14.7\u00a0\u00a0 17.13 (115)<\/p>\n
Essendon ended an 11-game losing streak to finish the Smithy\u2019s VFL season with arguably its best performance of the year in 61-point thrashing of Sandringham at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.<\/p>\n
A six-goal to one opening quarter and a five-goal to nil third term were the difference makers in the result, as the Bombers recorded their highest score since Round 19, 2024.<\/p>\n
The scoring was led by Tyler Sellers, who booted a season-high four goals, while potential number one draft pick Cooper Duff-Tytler showed his full potential by contributing three majors.<\/p>\n
34 disposals and two goals from skipper Xavier O\u2019Neill also helped lead the way in an impressive Essendon performance.<\/p>\n
For Sandringham it was a disappointing end in its final match in alliance with St Kilda, despite the best efforts of Jack Carroll (29 disposals, seven clearances) and Ethan Williams (25 disposals, nine intercepts).<\/p>\n
Saints NGA prospect also showed some fantastic signs in his VFL debut and racked up 26 disposals, six tackles and four clearances.<\/p>\n
BEST
Sandringham: Kye Fincher, Liam O’Connell, Charlie Orchard, Ned Maginness, Ethan Williams, Mitchell Ryan
Essendon: Xavier O\u2019Neill, Tyler Sellers, Zak Johnson, Solomon McKay, Jackson Hately, Will Hoare<\/p>\n
GOALS
Sandringham: Angus Hastie, Liam Henry 2, Bailey McKenzie, Charlie Orchard, Billy Richardson
Essendon: Tyler Sellers 4, Cooper Duff-Tytler 3, Zak Johnson, Xavier O\u2019Neill, Noah Scott 2, Archer Day-Wicks, Lachlan Monteath, Cameron Nyko, Oskar Smartt<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Sandringham: Jack Carroll 29, Kye Fincher 26, Ethan Williams 25, Isaac Keeler 22, Liam O\u2019Connell 22, Blake Watson 22
Essendon: Xavier O\u2019Neill 34, Jackson Hately 25, Jordan Busuttil 24, Zak Johnson 24, Kayle Gerreyn 21<\/p>\n
GOLD COAST SUNS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.4\u00a0\u00a0 5.8\u00a0\u00a0 8.9\u00a0\u00a0 14.10 (94)
GWS GIANTS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4.4\u00a0\u00a0 5.7\u00a0\u00a0 9.9\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9.10 (64)<\/p>\n
The Gold Coast Suns inflicted more pain on the GWS Giants ahead of their inaugural VFL finals campaign, with the Suns\u2019 scoring a runaway 30-point victory at People\u2019s First Stadium.<\/p>\n
Needing to win to push back into the top six and avoid a Wildcard Final, the Giants started well and led by 18 points at the first break.<\/p>\n
But the Suns fought back in the second term to take the most slender lead into half time, before the Giants took back the advantage during the third quarter to hold a six-point advantage at three quarter time.<\/p>\n
But with the match hanging in the balance, it was the Gold Coast who surged home with six unanswered goals to end a difficult campaign on the winners list.<\/p>\n
Tom Berry had the ball on a strong for the Suns and exploded to produce 43 disposals to go along with eight inside 50s and seven tackles. Star ruck Ned Moyle was again dominant with 46 hitouts and 23 disposals<\/p>\n
The Giants were led by youngsters Harry Oliver (34 disposals, seven marks) and Billy McGee Galimberti (27 disposals, eight marks), while skipper Ryan Hebron kicked three goals.<\/p>\n
The result means the Giants will play Richmond in the second wildcard final at ETU Stadium on Saturday in its maiden VFL finals appearance.<\/p>\n
BEST
Gold Coast Suns: Tom Berry, Ned Moyle, Nelson Beikoff-Smart, Dylan Patterson, Sean Lemmens, Leo Lombard
GWS Giants: Harrison Oliver, Ryan Hebron, James Leake, Harper Montgomery, Lachlan Keeffe, Jesse Hart<\/p>\n
GOALS
Gold Coast Suns: Lachlan Gulbin 4, Jed Walter 3, Lloyd Johnston, Caleb Lewis, Leo Lombard, Zeke Uwland, Nelson Beikoff-Smart, Koby Coulson, Cooper Collins
GWS Giants: Ryan Hebron 3, James Lugsdin, Izaac Hughes, James Leake, Taine Moraschi, Logan Smith<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Gold Coast Suns: Tom Berry 42, Sean Lemmens 25, Leo Lombard 25, Beau Addinall 24, Koby Coulson 23, Dylan Patterson 23
GWS Giants: Harrison Oliver 34, Billy McGee-Galimberti 25, James Leake 23, Josh Fahey 22, Harper Montgomery 18<\/p>\n
SYDNEY SWANS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.0\u00a0\u00a0 5.0\u00a0\u00a0 7.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10.6 (66)
GEELONG CATS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6.4\u00a0\u00a0 9.6\u00a0\u00a0 12.9\u00a0\u00a0 16.15 (111)<\/p>\n
Geelong made it three straight victories to end the 2025 campaign after recording a comfortable 45-point win over Sydney at Tramway Oval on Sunday.<\/p>\n
A six-goal to two opening term set the tone for the visiting Cats, who needed to win by 120 points to have any chance of pushing into tenth spot to secure a finals berth.<\/p>\n
Despite holding a healthy lead throughout, the Cats never looked like seriously reaching the required margin and they went on to ultimately finish one game and percentage short of a top 10 finish.<\/p>\n
Jhye Clark (33 disposals), George Stevens (31 disposals) and Ted Clohesy (31 disposals) all found plenty of the footy, with the latter also kicking two goals and having eight tackles in a dominant all-round display.<\/p>\n
Jay Polkinghorne had an equal season-high four goal outing, while ruck Mitch Edwards put together his best game at the level, finishing with 23 disposals, 11 clearances and eight score involvements but was inaccurate in front of goal, registering three behinds.<\/p>\n
Matt Roberts and Corey Warner combined for 75 disposals for the Swans, with Matt Lloyd booting four goals.<\/p>\n
BEST
Sydney: Corey Warner, Matty Lloyd, Riley Bice, Blake Leidler, Aaron Francis
Geelong: Ted Clohesy, Mitch Edwards, Jhye Clark, George Stevens, Mitch Duncan, Patrick Kelly<\/p>\n
GOALS
Sydney: Matty Lloyd 4, Blake Leidler 2, Riley Bice, Tom Hanily, Joe Harrison, Jack Kluske
Geelong: Jay Polkinghorne, Ted Clohesy, Oli Henry, Jacob Molier, Joe Pike 2, Mitch Duncan, Xavier Ivisic, Patrick Kelly, Tobyn Murray<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Sydney: Matt Roberts 38, Corey Warner 37, Caleb Mitchell 28, Riley Bice 25, Taylor Adams 23, Indhi Kirk 23
Geelong: Jhye Clark 33, Ted Clohesy 31, George Stevens 31, Mitch Edwards 23, Patrick Retschko 23<\/p>\n
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.4\u00a0\u00a0 6.9\u00a0\u00a0 15.17\u00a0\u00a0 21.20 (146)
CARLTON\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.1\u00a0\u00a0 3.4\u00a0\u00a0 3.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4.7 (31)<\/p>\n
A powerful 115-point triumph sealed Footscray\u2019s 11th-consecutive win and propelled the Bulldogs to the minor premiership for the second time in their history and their first in four years.<\/p>\n
Leading by 23 points at half time, Footscray blew away Carlton in the second half, booting 11 unanswered goals in the third term before piling on another six in the final term.<\/p>\n
2024 All Australian midfielder Adam Treloar starred in his return to footy following multiple injury setbacks, piling up 40 disposals, 10 tackles, nine clearances and a goal in\u00a0 a dominant showing.<\/p>\n
Nick Coffield also contributed well with 33 touches, while Caleb Poulter booted six goals to be the most prolific of the Bulldogs\u2019 11 goal kickers.<\/p>\n
Ethan Phillips (eight intercepts, six rebound 50s) and Lucas Camporeale (19 disposals) were Carlton\u2019s best and did their best to stop the onslaught.<\/p>\n
BEST
Footscray: Adam Treloar, Caleb Poulter, Lachlan Smith, Lachie Jaques, Billy Crofts, Nick Coffield
Carlton: Ethan Phillips, Lucas Camporeale, Elijah Hollands, Luke Nelson, Flynn Riley<\/p>\n
GOALS
Footscray: Caleb Poulter 6, Buku Khamis, Will Lewis 3, Lachie Jaques 2, Arthur Jones, Luke Kennedy, Luca Muratore, Anthony Scott, Phoenix Spicer, Adam Treloar, Zac Walker
Carlton: Darcy Hogg 2, Oliver Badr, Elijah Hollands<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Footscray: Adam Treloar 40, Nick Coffield 33, Anthony Scott 31, Taylor Duryea 30, Michael Sellwood 29
Carlton: Jordan Boyd 27, Harry Charleson 24, Elijah Hollands 20, Lucas Camporeale 19, Orazio Fantasia 16<\/p>\n
CASEY DEMONS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.2\u00a0\u00a0 5.7\u00a0\u00a0 10.14\u00a0\u00a0 12.16 (88)
BOX HILL HAWKS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4.1\u00a0\u00a0 7.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9.11 (65)<\/p>\n
After sitting atop the Smithy\u2019s VFL ladder for 10 consecutive weeks, the Box Hill Hawks missed out on the minor premiership with a fadeout 23-point loss to the Casey Demons at Casey Fields.<\/p>\n
The Hawks started well with a four-goal to one opening term and still led by 14 points early in the third quarter.<\/p>\n
But as Footscray began to build its percentage at Mission Whitten Oval and close in on first place, Box Hill also began fading against an in-form Casey.<\/p>\n
Following a goal to Sam Butler in the second minute of the third term, the Hawks went on to concede the next five majors and never regained the lead.<\/p>\n
The result saw Casey jump from eighth place on the ladder to fifth to secure a home elimination final in a fortnight.<\/p>\n
Playing a big part in the hosts claiming the victory was the incredible ball-winning ability of Jack Billings and Riley Bonner, who each registered 40 disposals and seven inside 50s.<\/p>\n
Tom Campbell also had a great afternoon, with the ruck amassing 18 disposals and 10 clearances, while Luker Kentfield made it 13 majors in his last four games after booting another three goals.<\/p>\n
Jai Serong was Box Hill\u2019s best, while Tom Farrer produced a promising showing in his first game for the Hawks.<\/p>\n
BEST
Casey Demons: Jack Billings, Riley Bonner, Kynan Brown, Bailey Laurie, Koltyn Tholstrup, Charles Spargo
Box Hill Hawks: Jai Serong, Tom Farrer, Stu Horner, Sam Butler, Ethan Stanley, Will McCabe<\/p>\n
GOALS
Casey Demons: Luker Kentfield 3, Jack Billings, Riley Bonner, Paddy Cross, Matthew Jefferson, Aidan Johnson, Bailey Laurie, Ricky Mentha, Toby Sinnema, Charlie Spargo
Box Hill Hawks: Jasper Scaife 3, Trent Bianco, Sam Butler, Tom Farrer, Will McCabe, Max Ramsden, Ethan Stanley<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Casey Demons: Jack Billings 40, Riley Bonner 40, Bailey Laurie 25, Koltyn Tholstrup 25, Charlie Spargo 23, Taj Woewodin 23
Box Hill Hawks: Sam Butler 25, Henry Hustwaite 25, Jai Serong 24, Seamus Mitchell 23, Stu Horner 20, Lane Ward 20<\/p>\n
FRANKSTON\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.3\u00a0\u00a0 8.4\u00a0\u00a0 10.8\u00a0\u00a0 13.11 (89)
BRISBANE LIONS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.3\u00a0\u00a0 4.7\u00a0\u00a0 10.8\u00a0\u00a0 13.11 (89)<\/p>\n
A dramatic draw at Kinetic Stadium helped Frankston finish in the top four for the first time in 26 years.<\/p>\n
Plenty was on the line for both the Dolphins and Brisbane into the match, with the contest between the sides placed fourth and fifth on the ladder heading into the final round living up to all expectations.<\/p>\n
Scores were level at quarter time, before Frankston threatened to break away in the second quarter by kicking five goals to one to open a 21-point advantage at the main break.<\/p>\n
However, the Lions responded in brilliant fashion with six goals of their own in the third term to again level the scores at the final change.<\/p>\n
The sides traded goals throughout a tense and thrilling final term, which saw the lead switch hands multiple times.<\/p>\n
Brisbane opened a six-point lead when Curtis McCarthy kicked truly at the 24-point minute mark, however the Dolphins were still holding on to fourth spot on percentage \u2013 setting up a remarkable final few minutes.<\/p>\n
Nick Burke found space inside 50 in the dying stages and kicked truly as the final siren sounded which confirmed the draw and a historic afternoon for the home side.<\/p>\n
The result ensured Frankston held onto fourth spot, and had an impact on Brisbane\u2019s finishing position, with the Lions slipping to sixth courtesy of Casey\u2019s upset win over Box Hill.<\/p>\n
Darby Hipwell stood tall for Frankston and produced an excellent performance which included 28 disposals, 10 tackles, seven clearances and a goal to help his side gain two valuable points.<\/p>\n
Will Hamill (30 disposals at 80% efficiency) and George Grey (19 disposals, three goals) were also just as influential.<\/p>\n
Three goals from Brandon Ryan, including two in the third quarter fightback, were crucial for Brisbane, while Academy product Daniel Annable put in a scintillating display in midfield and Deven Robertson helped lead the comeback with a big second half.<\/p>\n
BEST
Frankston: Will Hamill, Darby Hipwell, George Grey, Josh Smith, Harrison Coe, Tyson Milne
Brisbane Lions: Daniel Annable, Deven Robertson, Oscar McInerney, Luke Lloyd, Jack Manly, Reece Torrent<\/p>\n
GOALS
Frankston: George Grey 3, Kobe Askew, Corey Ellison, Harrison Jones 2, Nick Burke, Darby Hipwell, Matt Johnson, Ollie Moran
Brisbane Lions: Brandon Ryan 3, Ty Gallop, Cooper Hodge 2, Luke Beecken, Darcy Craven, Curtis McCarthy, Fergus McFadyen, Will McLachlan, Henry Smith<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Frankston: Will Hamill 20, Darby Hipwell 28, Tyson Milne 22, Tom Blamires 19, George Grey 19
Brisbane Lions: Daniel Annable 25, Deven Robertson 25, Tahj Abberley 16, Jack Manly 16, Oscar McInerney 16, Henry Smith 16<\/p>\n
WILLIAMSTOWN\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.2\u00a0\u00a0 6.7\u00a0\u00a0 7.13\u00a0\u00a0 9.19 (73)
RICHMOND\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4.0\u00a0\u00a0 5.0\u00a0\u00a0 7.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8.4 (52)<\/p>\n
An inaccurate Williamstown did enough to secure a finals spot for the third-consecutive year, recording a come-from-behind 21-point win over Richmond at DSV Stadium in the final game of the home and away season.<\/p>\n
The Seagulls were behind the eight-ball after conceding three early goals, but they were able to gradually peg back the Tigers and turned a 10-point quarter time deficit into a 13-point half time advantage.<\/p>\n
But as a finals spot beckoned, nerves seemed to kick in for the home side who squandered chance after chance to leave the door ajar for Richmond.<\/p>\n
Despite registering seven scoring shots to four in the third term, Williamstown\u2019s margin was trimmed to 11 points (or 11 behinds) heading into the final quarter.<\/p>\n
However, to the dismay of a desperate Coburg watching on to see if they would play finals for the first time in over a decade, Williamstown was able to steady enough to bank its first victory since Round 15.<\/p>\n
The margin wouldn\u2019t reach single figures throughout the final term, despite Williamstown\u2019s inaccuracy continuing.<\/p>\n
The Seagulls produced another six-behind quarter, however an early goal to Hugo Hall-Kahan gave them a handy buffer before a Brodie McLaughlin major with minutes remaining sealed the deal.<\/p>\n
McLaughlin finished with four goals for the afternoon on his way to his second Jim \u2018Frosty\u2019 Miller Medal, while stalwart Jake Greiser was a big reason why the Seagulls got the four points, registering had 32 disposals, 11 marks, 10 intercepts and zero turnovers.<\/p>\n
The Tigers, who will also feature in a Wildcard Final next week, were led by Kaleb Smith who impressed with 30 disposals at 83% efficiency.<\/p>\n
BEST
Williamstown: Not submitted
Richmond: Kaleb Smith, Lachlan Street, Austin Johnson, Massimo Raso, Lachlan Wilson, Joel Garner<\/p>\n
GOALS
Williamstown: Brodie McLaughlin 4, Nick Ebinger, Noah Gadsby, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Damon Hollow, Jovan Petric
Richmond: Josh Pollocks, Massimo Raso 2, Jasper Alger, Liam George, Nicholas Girolami, Lachlan Wilson<\/p>\n
LEADING DISPOSALS
Williamstown: Jake Greiser 32, Mitch Cox 24, Joel Fitzgerald 21, Riley Collier-Dawkins 20, Finn O\u2019Dwyer 18, Jack Toner 18
Richmond: Kaleb Smith 30, Harry Scott 24, Lachlan Street 21, Austin Johnson 19, Lachlan Wilson 16<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Anthony Anastasio of the Borough celebrates a goal during the 2025 VFL Round 21 match between Port Melbourne…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":77638,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,85,83],"class_list":["post-77637","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-afl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-sports","tag-text"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77637"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77637\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}