AFL: Qualifying Finals 2021 Review

What an intriguing, exciting, first week of finals we have seen for 2021. While there were some dominant performances, there was one amazing thriller, with six teams still remaining in the fight for the 2021 premiership.

Port Adelaide vs Geelong

First up, we saw a stunning display from Port Adelaide on Friday night. They won themselves a place in the preliminary final, with a comfortable, exciting, 43-point win over Geelong at Adelaide Oval.

After a 10-point lead at quarter time, Port made their move in the second quarter, piling on four goals to one. In the second half, they kept Geelong to only another two goals, including a goalless third quarter, while Port added four second-half goals for themselves.

It was a dominant performance from Orazio Fantasia, who ran Geelongs defense a merry dance with four goals. Along with Sam Powell-Pepper and Steven Motlop adding two goals each for themselves.

Port 12.14.86 defeated

Geelong 5.13.43.

Melbourne vs Brisbane

Melbourne has set itself up with a massive tilt at a premiership. Their 33-point win over the Brisbane Lions, sees the Dees through to week three, one win away from their first grand final since 2000. They made the preliminary final in 2018 and now they will get a “home” preliminary final, in Perth once again.

After a close first quarter, with Melbourne leading by eight points, it was the second-quarter blitz that would keep Melbourne in the driver's seat for the rest of the game. They piled on four goals to one.

Brisbane would give themselves some hope, keeping Melbourne goalless in the third quarter, pulling back two goals themselves. Bayley Fritch would deliver Melbourne’s response within the first two minutes of the last quarter. He would back it up with a response to Lincoln McCarthy’s goal. While Charlie Cameron would keep Brisbane in with a shout, it was Christian Petracca to ice the game for Melbourne with a nice finish from a tight angle, before adding another within two minutes.

As Melbourne gives themselves a huge chance of a Grand Final appearance, they have clearly been the best side all year. Now just one win away. They will face the winner of Geelong vs GWS.

It was a dominant display from Bayley Fritch with four goals, who led the goal kicking for Melbourne. Whilst Charlie Cameron provided hope for Brisbane with five goals and will need to be on again when the Lions face the dogs next week.

Melbourne 13.15.93 defeated

Brisbane 9.6.60

What a first week of finals we saw. Bring on the final three weeks of enthralling action, in what will be an incredible battle for the 2021 premiership.

Semi-Finals Draw

Geelong vs GWS (Optus Stadium) 3/9/21 7:50pm AEST

Brisbane vs Western Bulldogs (GABBA) 4/9/21 TBA