AFL 2025

Hawks Make Shock Move to Sideline Barrass as Bulldogs Suffer Treloar Blow

May 8, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn’s bold move to rest key recruit Tom Barrass signals a strategic shift in player management, with coach Sam Mitchell hinting that other senior players may soon follow suit. Barrass, who has played every game since his off-season switch from West Coast, will miss Saturday’s clash with Melbourne as the Hawks prioritize long-term performance over immediate availability. Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs are dealt a fresh blow with Adam Treloar ruled out due to calf tightness, and Melbourne face a mixed bag—welcoming back Clayton Oliver but losing Jack Viney to concussion. Across the league, selection shake-ups dominate round nine headlines, with Essendon and Port Adelaide both swinging the axe after poor showings, and Carlton betting big on the return of Charlie Curnow for a crunch clash with St Kilda.

Tigers Roar Early, But Sicily’s Hawks Strike Late in a Milestone Thriller

May 4, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Richmond coach Adem Yze stood by vice-captain Tim Taranto after a fiery second-quarter melee saw the midfielder concede a 50-metre penalty and a goal for knocking over Hawthorn skipper James Sicily. Yze acknowledged the penalty but applauded Taranto’s instinct to defend young teammate Maurice Rioli Jnr, who had been roughed up by Sicily moments earlier. “I’d rather him go in and support his teammate than hang back,” Yze said.

The incident ignited a scuffle involving players from both teams, with normally composed Hawk Jarman Impey unusually fired up. Post-game, Impey downplayed the confrontation, calling it a heat-of-the-moment exchange. Meanwhile, Hawks coach Sam Mitchell focused on the club’s centenary celebration and lauded his side’s physical, commanding 65-point win, noting it as a testament to the team’s growing maturity and potential in 2025.

Shaken, Not Stirred: Eagles Unleash Trio of Bold Changes Ahead of Round 7

April 25, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Hawthorn is set to unleash fresh talent in its return to Marvel Stadium, making three strategic changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Coast. Among the inclusions is midfielder Henry Hustwaite, rewarded for his standout VFL form, while Bailey Macdonald returns with his trademark pace off half-back. Jack Ginnivan also re-enters the side after a dominant performance for Box Hill, as the Hawks look to inject energy and form into their lineup.

Power Unleash a Fully-Charged Performance, Leaving Fans Wondering: Could This Be the Beginning of Something Extraordinary?

April 17, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Port Adelaide’s dominant performance against Hawthorn was a stunning reminder of their potential. Marketed as a grudge match, it quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with Port Adelaide attacking relentlessly from the outset. By the second quarter, they led by a staggering 71 points, and it seemed all but over. Hawthorn, struggling to keep up, found a moment of hope in the final term as they mounted a brief, almost historic comeback. However, a taunting moment from Willie Rioli, followed by a free kick, quickly extinguished any hopes of a turnaround, as Port Adelaide secured a commanding 18.13 (121) to 14.7 (91) win.

This victory came at a crucial time, after a rocky start to the season that had many questioning the future of the Ken Hinkley era. But on Sunday night, Port Adelaide showed what they’re capable of when their midfield is fully charged and their emotional energy is harnessed. The performance of captain Connor Rozee, who found his confidence after a tactical switch to half-back, was a standout, alongside Jason Horne-Francis and Zak Butters, who both played with intensity and flair.

The match also served as a reminder of the power of momentum in the AFL. When Port Adelaide are firing on all cylinders, they are a force to be reckoned with, feeding off the energy of their crowd and playing with a sense of urgency that makes them unstoppable.

They’re Back: Power’s Electrifying Surge Leaves Rivals Reeling

April 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Port Adelaide didn’t just show up—they exploded. From the first bounce, it was clear they were playing with something to prove. Within a quarter and a half, the Hawks were buried under a tidal wave of pressure, speed, and precision. By the time the scoreboard showed a 71-point margin, the contest looked like a massacre in motion. It wasn’t just a response to criticism—it was a statement. A reminder. This is what Port can do when they’re fired up, when their midfield is humming, and when the doubters give them fuel. For a fleeting moment, Hawthorn rallied, teasing the impossible. But Rioli’s cheeky response to a rough hit—booting the ball into the Barossa—signalled the end. The Power were home, and they’d done it in emphatic style.