Kangas Memorable Win and Bulldogs Centenary Match

Published: Mar 24, 2025 Updated: Aug 14, 2025 Daniel Harris 6 mins read 0 Disclosure

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North Melbourne pulled off one of their best results in recent memory as they kicked away to record an emphatic 59-point triumph over their big rivals, Melbourne.

Kanga supporters have had much to cheer about, with this being only their ninth victory in the last four seasons, but they certainly enjoyed themselves this afternoon.

Jack Darling, who joined the club in the summer, marked his 300th AFL appearance with two snags, whilst Tristan Xerri had a best-on-ground display, which included 11 score involvements, and won the battle against seven-time All-Australian Max Gawn.

A dirty day for the Demons, their heaviest defeat by their cross-town foes since 2009 and one which leaves them languishing near the bottom of the ladder.

Amartey heroics

Joel Amartey was the hero, booting the winning goal with just 86 seconds remaining, as Sydney came from behind to beat Fremantle on their home deck in a thriller.

The 25-year-old forward (pictured below) marked 25 out, then went back and held his nerve to slot through the big sticks to hand Dean Cox his first success as senior coach.

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It was even more impressive given that he was playing through the pain barrier, having previously come off with a corked leg, but to his credit, got through it.

If Justin Longmuir didn’t come into this new season under enough pressure, then the Dockers gaffer, especially on the back of his now infamous “vanilla” comment and this latest setback, looks set to be in for a long week and the centre of attention.

Impey 200th

Hawthorn made it three-zip for the first time since 2014, a year in which they went on to win the flag after running over the top of Carlton before a crowd of 62,735 at the ‘G’.

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

Jarman Impey (pictured below) made his 200th appearance, whilst midfielder Jai Newcombe had a real stand-out effort for the Hawks with an impressive game-high 32 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 tackles, nine clearances and nine score involvements.

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The club have been given an official warning by the AFL for having 19 men on the ground, for a brief period, before half-time due to an interchange error. The umpires, at the time, gave a 6-6-6 warning but upon review the AFL said that the officials should have considered it a “major breach” and paid a free kick/50m penalty.

Sidebottom and Pendlebury make AFL history

Veteran Steele Sidebottom (pictured below, right) scored the sealer as Collingwood managed to get the chocolates after besting an undermanned Footscray in an absolute cracker.

He also made some history with Scott Pendlebury (pictured below, left), breaking the longstanding AFL/VFL record for the most games (308) as teammates, surpassing Adelaide premiership pair Andrew McLeod and Tyson Edwards, who had held it since 2009.

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Unfortunately, it did come at a cost and real heartbreak for young defender Reef McInnes, 22, who has a potential season-ending ACL tear in his right knee.

Despite the loss, it was still a special night for Footscray It reverted back to its original name, the Western Bulldogs, and donned a special one-off jumper to commemorate 100 years in the AFL/VFL and showcase this special milestone.

Former captain Bob Murphy hosted a memorable pre-game ceremony that included honouring its three premiership teams, unveiling its cups, introducing the appearance of past players, and highlighting some key historical moments along the journey.

Lions roar back to victory

Reigning Premiers Brisbane had to overcome a horror start before working their way into the game and then eventually able to see off a much improved West Coast.

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

Played in very humid conditions, the Lions gave up the first five majors and were behind on the scoreboard at every interval, but still managed to get the job done.

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It was a much better effort from the Eagles, who arrived in Queensland in a determined mood and looked like they might even pull it off, only to fall away towards the end.

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As the No. 1 draft pick, Harley Reid (pictured above) has always found himself under the microscope, but he could be scrutinized by the AFL after flipping the bird at home fans.

However, coach Andrew McQualter was quick to defend the 19-year-old when asked about the incident, saying, “We try to bash the theatre out of this game sometimes, don’t we? He’s just having a bit of fun. Sometimes that’s good for the game, I think.”

Saints hang on to win thriller

In what could be considered an upset, St.Kilda continued their recent good run against Geelong by managing to hold off a late charge and get over the line.

Key to the Saints success was their relentless pressure which was through the roof, registering 200+, in all four quarters, with the competition average being 183.

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The Cats came really hard in the final term, finishing strongly and having the last six scoring shots, but they just weren’t able to convert their opportunities.

Compounding a disappointing night was the injury to key defender Tom Stewart, who subbed off in the second quarter, with real concerns that he had done his right PCL.

Rampant Crows end hoodoo

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

Adelaide offered another glimpse that they could be the real deal by defeating Essendon in a high-scoring affair. They are chasing a first finals appearance since 2017.

The result ended a remarkable hoodoo for the South Australian outfit that hadn’t picked up a victory at the MCG venue in 2822 days, just under eight years.

The Crows were rampant going forward, with Ben Keays and Josh Rachele each kicking four. You have to see the effort from Izak Rankine, nicknamed ‘The Magician’, who struck an outrageous ‘GOTY Contender’ from out on the boundary.

In contrast, the Bombers conceded their heaviest score (161 points), on their home deck since 2011, as their defence was really touched up and exposed by the visitors.

Travis Boak breaks club record

Port Adelaide responded, following their biggest-ever defeat under current coach Ken Hinkley, by handing out a belting of their own against a young Richmond side.

A week under the intense media spotlight and wanting to make amends, the Power were too strong in every facet of the contest and led for the whole afternoon.

Ex-skipper and 3×All-Australian team Travis Boak made a bit of history by playing his 393rd official game for the club to surpass AFL Hall of Fame legend Russell Ebert.