The AFL season remains alive for a wealth of exports at the conclusion of 24 home and away rounds, though some had their tickets more securely punched than others.
Among those who had to fight to the end for their place in September was Shepparton alum Lachie Ash, whose GWS Giants overcame Carlton by 32 points on a dramatic final day of proceedings.
Ash, who signed a contract extension this season, was instrumental with 21 touches and 525m gained as the Giants snapped their foe’s roaring nine-game winning streak.
On the opposite side of the ledger were Carlton’s Brodie Kemp (Echuca) and Caleb Marchbank (Benalla), as their side was left with nothing to play for after results earlier in the round secured a fifth-placed finish before the bounce.
Tall defender Kemp finished the game far outside his natural habitat at full-forward as the Blues searched for answers, while Marchbank wound up with nine disposals after coming on as the sub.
Mooroopna product Tom Brown made his long-awaited debut for Richmond in the Tigers’ defeat to Port Adelaide.
Brown, who was drafted with pick 17 in 2021, has battled injuries and setbacks in his first two years at Punt Road, but much to the delight of supporters in the Goulburn Valley, ran out for his AFL debut on Sunday.
The talented defender was right at home in defence and finished the game with 16 disposals, six contested possessions, six marks, four rebound-50s, six intercepts and 306m gained.
“It was awesome to see . . . I think straight away, particularly early in the game, they just looked like they belonged at the level,” Richmond interim coach Andrew McQualter said of Brown and fellow debutant James Trezise.
“I thought they competed really hard.”
Ollie Wines (Echuca) and Port Adelaide had destiny in their own hands as they avoided a slip-up that could have left third position available for Melbourne, overcoming a gallant Richmond to set up a qualifying final at Brisbane’s fortress, The Gabba.
Wines ended the day with 20 touches and an equal team-high six inside-50s in a tight duel with Brownlow Medal smoky Tim Taranto.
Elsewhere, Collingwood greats Steele Sidebottom (Tallygaroopna) and Jamie Elliott (Euroa) contributed to the Pies locking in the minor premiership in a 70-point rout of the Essendon on Friday night, but there was concern for the latter being substituted out with a corked quad after producing two goals.
Clayton Oliver (Mooroopna) was again busy as he continues the ascent towards his dominant best after a long injury layoff, collecting 25 disposals, eight inside-50s and four clearances as Melbourne denied Sydney a home elimination final, locking in a date with minor premier Collingwood in week one of finals.