Norwood produced a dramatic comeback to book their spot in September, Adelaide toppled the undefeated Blues in a nail-biter, while Glenelg ramped up their premiership defence with a massive win at Elizabeth.
Read all about it in this week's SANFL Wrap.
Central District 6.6 (42) def. by Glenelg 20.8 (128)
Glenelg got the perfect tune-up for their upcoming finals campaign with a commanding 86-point victory over Central District at Elizabeth on Saturday.
Bursting out of the blocks with seven unanswered goals in the opening 15 minutes, the Bays were never troubled as they opened up a 93-point lead midway through the third term.
A more competitive final term from the Dogs kept the margin under triple figures, but the result leaves them with plenty to ponder ahead of this weekend's elimination final.
Putting in such a dominant display, Glenelg had winners all over the ground, with the visitors' midfield in particular producing a stellar performance.
Former Swan James Bell was at his damaging best with 24 disposals, five clearances and six inside 50s as he continually launched the Tigers from the stoppages, while Luke Partington (29 touches and seven clearances) was typically productive at the coalface.
Corey Lyons (23 disposals and eight clearances) won plenty of the footy for the Bays and had a huge impact, while Matthew Allen (25 disposals and seven inside 50s) was influential both in the midfield and forward of the footy.
Young forward Darcy Scott (22 disposals) was moved to the wing and impressed with his running power, while Ryan Pickering (19 hit-outs) had some good moments in the ruck.
Receiving silver service from the midfield, Glenelg's powerful forward line was in fine form, with skipper Liam McBean kicking four goals while Lachie Hosie officially wrapped up the Ken Farmer Medal with three majors.
The highlight of the day was the debut of electric small forward Latrelle Sumner-Pickett, who bagged four goals and showcased his pace and skills around the goals.
Darcy Bailey was prominent early with three majors and 10 marks, while Will Chandler and Riley Holder each contributed two goals and were effective in the front half.
At the other end, Jonty Scharenberg (32 disposals and six rebound 50s) was seemingly everywhere across half back and continually repelled the Bays out of defence with his composure and assured kicking.
Brad McCarthy (20 disposals) and Alex Martini (17 possessions) both mixed defence and attack nicely as the most prominent small defenders, while Cooper Beecken held up superbly in the key defensive post against Beau Thomas.
In such a one-sided affair, it is no surprise that Central's most productive players were in defence, with former Bomber Rhett Montgomerie leading the way with 26 disposals and 14 marks as he worked overtime to halt the Tigers' attacks.
Luca Whitelum (24 touches and seven marks) also stood tall in the backline and often repelled the Doggies from danger, while Zach Adams was resolute with 18 possessions and nine marks.
Kade Dittmar (25 disposals and five clearances) battled strongly through the midfield, while Harry Grant (20 touches and 10 tackles) was similarly tireless in his efforts.
Kai Pudney (24 disposals) and Nick Lange (21 possessions and 15 marks) worked hard on their respective wings, while Beau Thomas split his time between the ruck and forward line to finish with a goal and 20 hit-outs.
Sturt 13.9 (87) def. by Adelaide Crows 14.5 (89)
Adelaide cruelly ended Sturt's quest for an undefeated home and away season at the final hurdle with a thrilling two-point victory at Unley on Saturday.
The loss ended the Blues' 17-game winning streak and marked their first home defeat in 30 matches, although they were far from disgraced in a high-quality encounter.
Fielding only 12 AFL-listed players, Adelaide had Lachie Sholl move into the midfield and play one of his best games for the season, tallying 26 disposals, seven marks and a goal as one of the Crows' most influential mids.
Harry Schoenberg (20 disposals and seven clearances) offered plenty of strength at the coalface, while Chayce Jones (20 possessions) also battled hard and provided defensive cover at the stoppages.
SANFL-listed Blake Drury (19 disposals and six clearances) spent more time around the footy after playing down back in recent weeks, while Jay Boyle (14 tackles) executed a terrific shutdown role on Sturt star Tom Lewis and kept him to his lowest disposal tally of the year.
Luke Nankervis (19 touches) displayed his versatility around the ground and was a valuable contributor, while Kieran Strachan (18 disposals and 32 hit-outs) competed strongly in the ruck duels and had an impact around the ground.
Chris Burgess returned to the SANFL line-up and played a starring role in attack, kicking four goals from 14 disposals and 10 marks against Sturt full-back Will Coomblas.
Brayden Cook showcased his smarts inside 50 to contribute two majors, while tall forwards Tyler Welsh and Toby Murray also booted two goals each and were dangerous marking options.
Charlie Edwards (17 touches and six rebound 50s) was busy in defence and often cleared the danger for Adelaide, while James Borlase (15 disposals) held up well in his match-ups with Lachie Burrows and Daniel Fahey-Sparks.
In a major positive for Sturt, reigning Magarey Medallist Will Snelling was back to his best with a prolific display in the midfield, tallying 27 disposals, 10 clearances and 11 tackles as he worked tirelessly across the ground to find plenty of the footy.
Angus Anderson (24 disposals, six clearances and two goals) was again damaging at the stoppages and consistently won first possession for his team, while Tom Lewis fought through a tough tag to amass 18 disposals and 12 tackles.
Luke Giacometti (16 disposals and six inside 50s) had some important moments on the wing, while Amos Doyle (39 hit-outs) offered his usual physicality and competitiveness in the ruck against Strachan.
Casey Voss (24 possessions and six rebound 50s) was a constant presence across half-back and worked hard to repel Sturt from defence, while Zac Becker and Charlie Fryer both competed well in their respective match-ups with Toby Murray and Tyler Welsh.
Key forward Connor McFadyen was a major threat inside 50 with three goals from 13 disposals, while also pinch-hitting in the ruck to collect six clearances
Josh Hone was typically lively inside 50 as he finished with two goals, while rookie Alex Holt also pushed further up the ground to nail two quality goals.
Tom Emmett (14 disposals and a goal) worked hard up the ground and got involved in Sturt's translation play, while Sam Conforti was busy with 16 touches and a goal.
West Adelaide 7.14 (56) def. South Adelaide 7.8 (50)
West Adelaide finished a difficult season on a positive note with a nail-biting six-point victory over South Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Saturday.
Just their third win of the year, the result is overdue reward for their endeavour and competitiveness in recent weeks, with the Bloods forced to withstand a late charge from the Panthers to claim a much-needed morale boost.
Combative midfielder Brady Searle (24 disposals and 10 tackles) led the way in the engine room for the Bloods as he continually won first possession at the stoppages.
Lachie Squire (22 disposals and four clearances) found plenty of the footy while also effectively tagging Ollie Davis and limiting the gun midfielder's impact across the day.
Skipper Isaac Johnson (20 disposals, five clearances and a goal) had some big moments for his team throughout the day, while Jesse Thackeray (19 possessions and seven inside 50s) was damaging with ball in hand.
Caleb May (23 hit-outs and six clearances) continued his excellent form with another strong performance in the ruck, while Dylan McCormick (16 disposals and a goal) was prominent on the wing.
Emerging star Tom Morrish (28 disposals and nine rebound 50s) was prolific across half-back and launched numerous attacking chains with his creative ball use from the defensive half.
Jonti Schuback (22 disposals and eight marks) also provided some important dash from defence, while Cooper Patterson made a welcome return from injury with a superb shutdown role on Sam Skinner that kept the big Panther goalless.
Will Patton (14 disposals and six marks) was similarly productive in his key defensive post with some strong intercepts, while Hamish Ellem was steady in his match-up on Corey Grocock.
At the other end, Tom Scully was again the main threat in attack with two goals despite receiving some close attention, while Cade Kennedy was also dangerous with two majors of his own.
For South Adelaide, Callum McCarty (21 disposals and four clearances) made a successful return from concussion with a tireless performance in the midfield, while Luke Bogle (21 disposals) was also a consistent contributor on the day.
Finn Emile-Brennan (23 disposals and 12 marks) was prolific on the wing, while Charlie Duncan (20 disposals) also worked hard to get involved in South's ball movement.
Elliot Dunkin (22 possessions) provided a terrific spark with his run and carry off half-back, while Oscar Clavarino (16 disposals and 11 marks) was resolute with his intercept work.
Kyle Marshall played a superb lockdown role on Tom Scully and negated his impact in the aerial contests, while Jake Summerton was typically reliable in his battle with Dylan Bramich.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ajang was the main livewire in attack for South with three goals from 16 disposals, with his speed and agility causing issues for the West defence.
Ben Shillabeer showed his class and craft inside 50 with two majors, while Ryan Borlace snared a late major to keep the Panthers in the game.
Norwood 12.15 (87) def. Port Adelaide 11.11 (77)
Norwood clinched an unlikely finals berth with a last-gasp 10-point victory over arch rivals Port Adelaide in a pulsating contest at The Parade on Saturday.
In a dramatic do-or-die clash, the Magpies enjoyed a fast start to lead by 35 points late in the second term before the Redlegs rallied with six third-quarter goals to take the lead at the final change.
A tense final quarter ensued as the pressure ramped up and clean possessions became a rarity, with the only goal scored by Norwood's Jacob Kennerley to ensure his team would advance to September.
With main ruckman Luke Surman on the sidelines, makeshift ruckman Finn Heard stood up superbly in the ruck with an inspired performance, collecting a mammoth 32 disposals, 22 hit-outs, 18 clearances and 10 inside 50s as he worked tirelessly across the ground.
Billy Cootee (24 disposals, five clearances and a goal) was prolific around the contest and was also a threat inside 50, while Nik Rokahr (20 disposals) was instrumental with his bullocking work in the clinches.
Skipper Kennerley recovered from a quiet start to rally his troops with two clutch goals in the second half, along with some inspirational efforts to lift his side.
Veteran Pierce Seymour was also pivotal for the Redlegs, spending the first half in attack before moving back to defence to finish with three goals and several crucial intercept marks.
Jackson Callow made a welcome return from suspension to have a huge impact up forward with 20 disposals, seven marks and two goals, while Tristan Binder competed strongly in the aerial battles to also kick an important major.
Matthew Ling (15 disposals and four rebound 50s) broke the game open on several occasions with his run and carry from defence, while Alec Wright played a terrific shutdown role on Dylan Williams.
Jack Heard (five rebound 50s) had some crucial saving moments at the back in his match-up with Shay Linke, while Tom Donnelly neutralised countless contests against Jake Weidermann.
SANFL-listed star Jack Watkins again led the way for Port Adelaide, collecting 26 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances as he did plenty of damage around the ground with his work rate and sharp ball use.
Will Lorenz (19 touches and five clearances) made a successful return to SANFL level with a solid game through the midfield, while Hugh Jackson (16 possessions and five clearances) also had some positive moments.
Jeremy Finlayson (14 disposals, 20 hit-outs and seven clearances) enjoyed a superb opening half in the ruck before fading late in the game.
Josh Lai continued his terrific form in defence with another eye-catching performance, showcasing his marking ability and speed with 23 disposals and six rebound 50s.
Nic Couroupis (16 disposals and eight rebound 50s) was productive in repelling the Magpies from defence, while Jez McLennan fought strongly as an undersized key defender against Tristan Binder.
Logan Evans largely kept Norwood's small forwards under wraps, while Rome Burgoyne had some good moments against Seymour and Kennerley across the afternoon.
Playing his final match as an AFL-listed player, Rory Atkins ensured he went out with a bang, kicking four goals in an electric opening quarter before also being largely quelled thereafter.
Dylan Williams took his opportunities up front to boot three goals for the Magpies, while promising SANFL-listed small forward Bailey Chamberlain pitched in with two majors.
Woodville-West Torrens 10.6 (66) def. North Adelaide 9.9 (63)
Woodville-West Torrens ended their eight-game winning streak with a close-fought three-point victory over North Adelaide at Woodville on Sunday.
With a strong breeze favouring the southern end throughout the afternoon, both sides benefited from shifts in momentum across the day, with North leading by 16 points at the final change after a five-goal third term with the wind.
Having last use of the breeze in the final term, the Eagles managed the only three goals of the quarter to mount a late comeback and fall over the line in a tense and exciting finish.
James Rowe put in another best afield performance for the Eagles, tallying a game-high 34 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal to take control through the midfield.
Kobe Mutch (26 disposals and four clearances) worked hard around the ground to have a big impact on proceedings, while Kade Herbert helped open the game up with 21 disposals and seven marks.
Nick Hayes (21 disposals and a goal) and Zane Williams (19 touches and six tackles) were both influential on their respective wing, while ruckman Jordan Lukac (15 disposals, seven marks and 25 hit-outs) showed his mobility around the ground to take several intercept marks.
Connor Ballenden returned to his best form in attack with four goals and nine marks as a key pillar in attack, while Daniel Sladojevic took his chances in front of goal to boot two majors.
Max Litster (26 disposals and 13 marks) featured heavily in an outstanding game in defence, playing a key role in negating Nigel Lockyer and halting countless Rooster attacks with his intercept marking.
Lukas Cooke (24 disposals, seven marks and eight rebound 50s) again featured prominently in defence with his ability to turn defence into attack, while draft hopeful Jack Cook (20 disposals) showed maturity beyond his years with his competitiveness and composure.
Jordan Tilbrook (16 possessions and five rebound 50s) impressed onlookers with a terrific shutdown role on Lachie Grubb, while Jake Andrews also had some important moments in closing down Brad Ashcroft.
Angus Schumacher finished a stellar first season at Prospect with another standout display, registering 25 disposals and nine clearances as North's main weapon at the stoppages.
Hughen Wissman (21 disposals and nine tackles) returned to his customary midfield role and was productive at the coalface, while Frank Szekely (15 disposals and a goal) continued his new midfield role and had some classy moments.
Zavier Maher (19 disposals and a goal) and Harrison Wigg (16 touches) both rotated between the midfield and forward line, while Blayne O'Laughlin (15 disposals) also spent some time in the midfield in a run-with role on James Rowe.
Playing his 100th league match, Dyson Hilder (12 disposals and eight marks) was prominent early with several key intercept marks, while Cody Raak (15 possessions and eight marks) also worked hard in defence against Jack Hayes.
Steve Jackson (17 disposals) blended attack and defence nicely and defused several Eagles attacks, while Lee Minervini was typically diligent in blanketing Eagles forward Zac Buck and keeping him to just three touches.
Meanwhile, Mitch Harvey was a strong contributor in attack with two goals to go with his 13 hit-outs in the ruck, while Nigel Lockyer and Reed van Huisstede also battled hard to kick two goals apiece.
