Exciting AFL Round: Collingwood and Hawthorn Lead the Way

AFL 2025: Bont, in his 250th, stars in victorious shootout

Published: Jun 30, 2025 Updated: Aug 14, 2025 Daniel Harris 6 mins read 0 Disclosure

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Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli marked his 250th appearance for the club by leading his troops to victory over Sydney in a real shootout-style encounter.

A pulsating watch, under the lights at the SCG, saw the lead change on ten different occasions before the Doggies eventually saw it out and were able to get over the line.

The midfielder, boasting an incredible host of accolades on an impressive resume, certainly played his part in ensuring that his milestone night was a good one.

However, even he was overshadowed, particularly at the end, by youngster Joel Freijah (pictured below), a product of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels, who stood up when it mattered by booting a career-high four majors.

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Leaders Collingwood overcome Eagles’ challenge

Ladder leaders Collingwood have opened up a ten-point gap at the top, but were certainly made to work for their win by bottom side West Coast at Marvel Stadium.

Indeed, at one stage, it looked like a potential shock could be on the cards as the visitors played a fine first half and took a slight advantage into the main interval.

However, just as they did the week before when challenged, the Magpies were able to find another gear and went on to score eight of the last ten goals in this contest.

The home supporters were not only delighted with the result but also at finally getting to see young forward Charlie West make his debut, having impressed in the VFL.

He certainly didn’t disappoint, and the 19-year-old, pick No.50 in the 2024 draft, joined a very special elite group by scoring with his very first kick at the AFL level.

Gunston’s career-high seven-goal haul

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

Jack Gunston grabbed a career-high bag of seven goals as Hawthorn came back refreshed off the ‘bye’ to put up their biggest score of the year over the Kangas.

The three-time Premiership player (pictured below) has been in scintillating form this campaign and proved unplayable for a North Melbourne defence that couldn’t handle him.

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Mabior Chol got in on the snagfest with an equal career-high five for the Hawks that increased their lead at every change in cruising to a very comfortable victory.

It completes what has been a very good week for the club, which received a real boost following the news that the trio of Josh Ward, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Noah Mraz have all committed their futures by signing multi-year contract extensions.

Matt Rowell commits to the Suns

Gold Coast put a run of three defeats behind them and returned to the winners’ circle as a strong start proved to be a catalyst in their 19-point triumph over Melbourne.

After weeks of speculation, star midfielder Matt Rowell (pictured below) turned down several offers from clubs in Victoria and agreed to sign on for another two seasons.

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He showed exactly why the Suns were so keen to keep 23-year-old, up in Queensland, by playing a key role with a very impressive showing that included 24 disposals, twelve clearances, eleven 11 tackles and nine score involvements.

Demons defender Steven May’s clumsy aerial challenge on Ben Ainsworth led to a full-scale scuffle breaking out that certainly kept Match Review Officer (MRO) Michael Christian busy, with 15 different players fined for their part in the incident.

Starlight Purple Haze game

Fremantle needed a big fourth quarter, in the 23rd annual Starlight Purple Haze game, to come from behind and make it six in a row in defeating St.Kilda.

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

Since its inception in 2003, over $3.4million has been raised for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, set up to help brighten the lives of kids facing serious illness and providing them with moments of happiness and much-needed support.

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Sean Darcy returned and took centre stage, in the latter stages, as the Dockers triumphed for the first time this season, having trailed heading into the final term.

Ultimately, Saints coach Ross Lyon’s return to WA, where he spent seven years, ended in defeat, but he would have been delighted with the spirit of his young squad.

Carlton really feeling the Blues

Two sides struggling for form clashed at the Oval, where Port Adelaide came out on top and heaped yet more misery on a dreadful Carlton in a 50-point thrashing.

The hosts were quick out of the blocks as they went on to lead for the whole evening – forward Mitch Georgiades continued his purple patch with another five majors.

For the Blues, another crushing defeat and the media fallout will only heap even more pressure on under-fire coach Michael Voss and his under-performing players.

To compound matters, their Ikon Park ground was attacked overnight by a few disgruntled vandals who sprayed “Sack the board” on various walls – something which the club have been quick to condemn as “totally unacceptable behaviour.”

Air Adelaide thrash the Tigers

Adelaide kept up their pursuit of a first finals appearance in eight years after travelling interstate and thrashing lowly Richmond clinically at the MCG.

They proved too strong in overpowering their opponents, racking up 27 attacking midfield intercepts – their highest total since 2016 – and a key component in this success.

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

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Defender Max Michalanney (pictured above) had a real standout game, at both ends of the pitch, in not only nullifying the Tigers’ attack but also scoring a career-high three goals.

It proved to be a difficult afternoon for Adam Yze’s outfit, and you have to feel for Mykelti Lefau. The Kiwi forward was back for his first start in 393 days, following an ACL injury, but had to be substituted early in the second quarter with a calf issue.

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To compound matters, the coach is likely to be without Tom Lynch (pictured above) who looks set to be handed a hefty suspension after seeing the red mist and punching Jordon Butts.