Finals footy always has a way of cranking up the drama, and Week Two of the 2025 AFL Finals is no exception. Two cracking semi-finals on the slate – Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn Hawks, and the first-ever Queensland Q-Clash final with the Brisbane Lions taking on the Gold Coast Suns.
Form lines are tight, injury lists are long, and momentum swings could define who keeps their September alive. Let’s break it down.
Adelaide Crows vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview – Thursday, Sept 12 at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide come into this one bruised after being bundled out in their qualifying final. As minor premiers, they were expected to set the tone, but their midfield got bullied and forward entries lacked polish. Now, there’s no second chance. Lose here and the season is wasted.
Hawthorn, meanwhile, have been building beautifully. Nine straight wins heading into this semi, clearance work on point, and that knack of forcing turnovers and punishing on the scoreboard. Their forwards are humming, giving them multiple avenues to goal.
Key Matchup: Midfield Speed and Stoppage Control
For Adelaide, it’s all about shutting down ruck contests and getting clean inside 50s. Jordan Dawson’s leadership and those carefully set zones need to stand tall. If they let the Hawks’ midfield surge through, it’ll be lights out.
For Hawthorn, pressure has to equal scoreboard impact. Their kicking efficiency inside 50 has been lethal, and if they keep that conversion rate high, they’ll be hard to peg back.
Joe’s Take
I reckon this one turns into a grind. Adelaide are too proud to roll over, and a packed-out Oval will give them a lift. But Hawthorn’s confidence is sky-high, and in finals, momentum can carry you further than ladder position.
Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns Preview – Friday, Sept 13 at the Gabba
This one’s historic – the first-ever Q-Clash final. And I’ll be honest, I can’t wait to see how it plays out.
Brisbane, the reigning premiers, are banged up and missing Lachie Neale. They’ve got finals experience on their side, sure, but they’ll need their defensive systems to hold steady and their midfield depth to step up.
Gold Coast, on the other hand, are buzzing. First finals win in the bag, riding that underdog energy, and with young stars like Rowell and Anderson showing why they’re the real deal. If you’re a Suns fan, this is uncharted territory – and that makes them dangerous.
Key Matchup: Suns’ Speed vs Lions’ Structure
The Gabba is never an easy place to come and win, but the Suns don’t seem fazed. Their transition speed can rip teams apart if they get space. If they can win enough stoppages and drag Brisbane’s defenders into one-on-ones, watch out.
For the Lions, it’s about patience and grind. Use their experience, slow the tempo, and trust veterans like McCluggage and Berry to fill Neale’s shoes.
Joe’s Take
This is the Suns’ best shot in years. They match up well, they’ve got belief, and the Lions are vulnerable. But finals are a different beast, and Brisbane have proven they can win ugly. This one could go either way – and I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes down to a late goal.
AFL Injury Watch – Semi-Finals Week Two
Injuries are playing a huge role this week. Here’s what I’m watching:
- Adelaide Crows: Hoping to bring back their half-forward structures and intercept defenders. If Spencer and Fogarty get up, their rebound game improves big time.
- Brisbane Lions: No Neale is massive, but if McCluggage and Berry are fit, they can keep the midfield ticking over.
- Gold Coast Suns: Rowell’s shoulder is the big question. If he’s limited, the Suns lose drive. Forward fitness for Marks is also critical to stretch Brisbane’s defence.
Finals are all about repeat efforts, so whoever holds their intensity across four quarters is getting through.
Why These AFL Semi-Finals Matter
- Legacy at Stake – Adelaide need to back up their minor premiership, Hawthorn want to prove they’re contenders again. Lions aim to defend their dynasty, while the Suns look to announce themselves.
- Midfield Battles Decide It – Injuries mean depth is tested. Win the midfield, and you win territory and momentum.
- Home Ground Advantage – Adelaide Oval and the Gabba will be rocking. Finals crowds are like having an extra man on the field.
- Momentum into Prelims – Winners march on with belief; losers limp out wondering what might’ve been.
Mitch Robinson’s Predictions for Week Two
My mate Mitch Robinson has been keeping a close eye on both clashes, and he reckons the Suns are a sneaky chance. Here’s his take:‘The Suns haven’t won at the Gabba since 2018, but to be fair, this feels like the best shot they’ve ever had. Touk Miller completely shut down all that Zorko chat, and now the big question is – who steps up for the Lions with Lachie Neale out?
For me, this could be Levi’s breakout game. McCluggage was held to just 14 disposals last week, and if the Suns can clamp down on him again, it’s going to sting.
The Suns are actually favourites in my eyes – probably the first time I’ve ever said that. They just match up so well across the ground, and with the Lions carrying injuries, it’s hard to ignore.
If it was up to me, here’s what I’d be doing:
- Bring in Oscar to give us that big body in the ruck and drop Forty.
- Let Rayner and Bailey split Neale’s midfield minutes 50/50.
- Bring in Henry Smith – bloke kicked four goals on the weekend, he’s earned his crack.
- I’d also get Dev Robertson or Tunstill in there to cover Neale’s workrate.
And someone’s got to stand up, I’m looking at Charlie Cameron. He has to lead from the front, set the tone with his pressure and snag a few goals. We need him at his best if we’re given any chance.’
Joe’s Final Word
For me, Week Two of the AFL Finals is about opportunity. Adelaide have to prove their regular season meant something. Hawthorn want to keep their streak alive. Brisbane are wounded but proud. Gold Coast are riding the wave.
I’ll be watching for discipline, momentum swings, and who handles the crowd energy best. Finals don’t give you second chances, and both these games feel like they could flip on a single moment.
So strap in – the road to the 2025 AFL Grand Final just got very interesting!