In a thrilling afternoon of AFL action on April 5, 2025, the Gold Coast Suns edged out the Adelaide Crows in a nail-biting finish, triumphing by just one point in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. The final score was 13.13 (91) to 14.6 (90), a result that left Crows supporters questioning a controversial non-call against Izak Rankine in the dying moments of the game.
The game, held at People First Stadium, attracted a crowd of 16,211 eager fans, all buzzing with anticipation for what turned out to be an unexpected classic. As the clock ticked down to 1 minute and 45 seconds, Rankine appeared to have marked the ball inside the forward 50, only for the umpire to wave play on, a decision that would spark considerable debate among players and pundits alike.
Leigh Montagna, a St Kilda champion, commented on the match's intensity, stating, "We came into this game thinking it was two good teams in red-hot form, and it lived up to the billing." His sentiments were echoed by Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson, who praised the second half, saying, "That was an awesome game of footy... the fatigue, the skill level, everything involved in the game was highlighted today. It was outstanding."
Gold Coast's victory marked their third win of the season, equaling their best start in franchise history. Taylor Walker led the Crows' charge with four goals, while Riley Thilthorpe added five, showcasing their potent forward line. Thilthorpe's performance has positioned him as a leading contender for the Coleman Medal this season, solidifying his status as one of the league's most in-form forwards.
Despite trailing in inside 50 entries by 13 at the main break, Adelaide led the clearance battle by seven, demonstrating their ability to control the midfield. However, Gold Coast's superior efficiency in the forward line proved decisive in the end. The Suns' ability to capitalize on their opportunities was evident as they held off a late Crows surge, which culminated in heated exchanges between players as the final siren approached.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Lions fans were celebrating a much-anticipated victory over the Richmond Tigers at the MCG, where the Lions secured an impressive 28-point win, ending a 15-year hoodoo at the venue. Will Ashcroft, last year's Norm Smith Medal winner, made a spectacular return, contributing two goals and delivering a stunning snap from the boundary line that has already been touted as a goal of the year contender.
Brisbane's midfield was dominant, with Lachie Neale racking up 42 disposals, Josh Dunkley contributing 30, and Hugh McCluggage adding 26. Small forwards Charlie Cameron and Zac Bailey were also instrumental, each netting three goals as the Lions displayed their attacking prowess. Coach Chris Fagan's strategy to use the team's poor MCG history as motivation paid off, resulting in a strong performance that fans hope will set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Lions' victory was particularly sweet, given their history of struggles against Richmond at the MCG, having lost their previous seven encounters there. Ashcroft's return to the venue was celebrated not only for his individual brilliance but also for the collective effort that saw Brisbane emerge victorious with a final score of 18.10 (118) to 13.12 (90).
As for the ongoing match between the Sydney Swans and North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, the Swans were leading 8.5 (53) to 5.1 (31) at halftime. The game has been marked by intense physicality, with spot fires breaking out across the field. Notably, Luke Parker, a former Swan now playing for North, made his presence felt with a crucial goal that rallied his side.
Injuries have been a concern, with Luke Davies-Uniacke leaving the game due to a sore leg, while the Swans have relied on their efficiency in front of goal to maintain their lead. Will Hayward was particularly impactful, scoring his third goal, showcasing the Swans' attacking capabilities. The match remains highly competitive, with both teams looking to secure vital points as the season progresses.
As the round unfolds, the controversies surrounding umpiring decisions, particularly in the Gold Coast versus Adelaide match, will undoubtedly be a hot topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. With the season still young, teams are positioning themselves for finals contention, making every match a crucial stepping stone in their campaigns.
