Hawthorn forgot about their women. Carlton showed what ‘one club’ actually means

Sydney confirmed their place in the finals with a commanding 36-point victory over Essendon at the MCG, securing two home finals and guaranteeing a spot in the upcoming grand final series. The Swans, already holding second place on the ladder, extended their lead with a dominant performance, finishing with a 36-point margin. This win ensures they will host the next two preliminary finals, with their likely opponent being the reigning back-to-back premiers, the Brisbane Lions. The match started with a blistering pace, as Sydney amassed nine goals compared to Essendon’s three in the first quarter, leading by 37 points at halftime. Key contributors included Charlie Curnow, who added three goals to his Coleman Medal-winning tally, and Chad Warner, who chipped in with three majors. Errol Gulden, the Swans’ star midfielder, recorded 47 touches, surpassing his career best of 42, and showed his intent to continue his stellar form. Logan McDonald was instrumental in maintaining the lead, contributing two score involvements, while Jai Serong added a crucial long-range goal. Star midfielder Isaac Heeney expressed excitement about the possibility of returning to the MCG for a potential grand final, stating, “I think our game style suits [the MCG],” and emphasizing the team’s preparation for such a scenario. Meanwhile, the AFL’s wildcard round saw a dramatic twist as Carlton secured a draw against the Western Bulldogs, earning a wildcard berth and continuing their improbable resurgence under interim coach Josh Fraser. The 12.10 (82) draw at Marvel Stadium meant Carlton had 10 wins and a draw from 13 matches, locking them into September action and eliminating St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney from finals contention. The game reached a tense climax in the final moments, with a controversial goal from Francis Evans leveling the score. Despite the confusion surrounding a mark by Wade Derksen, the Blues maintained control and preserved the draw. Fraser praised the team’s resilience, calling the result a “collective effort.” He emphasized the importance of the players’ commitment to improvement and growth, noting, “The players deserve an enormous amount of credit for the resilience they’ve shown.” The draw also highlighted the team’s defensive strength, with 146 marks and 310 uncontested possessions recorded during the match. Will Hayward, who landed a spectacular mark on Ryley Sanders, suffered an injury but remained optimistic about his recovery. The outcome of the draw significantly bolstered Fraser’s standing as a potential permanent coach, with his success under pressure strengthening his case for the role. Fraser, who initially stated he wasn’t interested in coaching beyond this season, now faces increased expectations. His leadership has transformed Carlton from a struggling team to one on the verge of a finals appearance. The club’s management will soon decide whether to extend Fraser’s tenure, considering his achievements and the positive momentum he has generated. Fans have rallied behind Fraser, chanting “Fraaaser” after recent victories, reflecting growing confidence in his ability to lead the team moving forward. In contrast, Melbourne’s premiership ambitions faced a setback following the suspension of star forward Jacob van Rooyen for three matches. Van Rooyen’s reckless hit on Port Adelaide’s Aliir Aliir during a critical moment in the match resulted in a major ban. The incident occurred in the second quarter, with van Rooyen making heavy contact with Aliir’s head, causing the latter to be sidelined for some time. Match review officer Michael Christian ruled the act as careless conduct, severe impact, and high contact, leading to the suspension. With one game remaining in the home-and-away season, van Rooyen is likely to miss Melbourne’s first final since 2023. The Demons, who defeated Port Adelaide 76 points to zero, will have until Monday lunchtime to decide whether to appeal the decision. The loss of van Rooyen adds to the challenges facing the club as they navigate the final stretch of the season. The AFL’s wildcard system, once viewed skeptically, has proven its value with Carlton’s inclusion. While critics argued the format rewarded mediocrity, the Blues’ turnaround has demonstrated its merit. Their ability to secure a wildcard spot through a draw underscores the competitive nature of the league and the unpredictability of outcomes. As the season nears its conclusion, the focus shifts toward the upcoming finals, with several teams vying for a place in the grand final. The Swans’ dominance, Carlton’s resurgence, and the uncertainty surrounding Melbourne’s future highlight the dynamic landscape of the AFL. With multiple games remaining, the race for the top spots continues, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.