The 10 best finishes of the 2018 season so far

Hawthorn 9.10.64 def Port Adelaide 9.7.61

After Port got off to a flyer in the first quarter against the Hawks where they led by four goals, a lot of people were tipping Port to win the contest comfortably. After quarter time it was a different Hawks outfit though and despite Port’s best efforts it was the Hawks that took home the four points, winning by three points against the Power.

Port Adelaide 14.13.97 def Brisbane 14.8.92

Most experts were tipping Port to thrash the young Lions especially after Port had won their first two games of the year against Fremantle and Sydney. The humid conditions suited the Lions more so than the weary Power and if it wasn’t for a Jared Polec mark on the last line of defence they would’ve pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season. Port held on to win the contest by five points, however the Lions proved that they have plenty of upside this year.

Fremantle 10.11.71 def Adelaide 9.14.68

Both teams went into this contest missing key players, however with Freo’s best player, Nat Fyfe out of the contest through suspension it was the Crows who were expected to win. The Dockers had other ideas though and in one of their best performances of the year they were able to beat the Crows by three points. Young gun Brannon Cox was the star with four goals for the home side.

Brisbane 10.11.71 def by Gold Coast 11.10.76

In Gold Coast’s first Q-Clash under new coach Stuart Dew they were able to hold on to beat the Lions by five points. The Suns led by 27 points in the third term, only to see the Lions produce a big comeback to almost steal the game but the Suns managed to do enough to take home the chocolates.

Sydney 9.12.66 def by North Melbourne 9.14.68

Many experts predicted the Roos to struggle in 2018, some even tipping them to finish with the wooden spoon. What a story they have been and even though the game wasn’t one for the highlights reel, the fact that the Roos were able to beat the Swans at the SCG was a story in itself. Mason Wood was the hero with four goals in his comeback game as he helped his side to a two-point victory.

Brisbane 18.6.114 def by Collingwood 19.7.121

The Magpies defeated the gallant Lions by seven points in one of the highest scoring contests we’ve seen in the past few years. An amazing 37 goals were kicked between both sides which made for a great spectacle. Nathan Buckley wasn’t a fan though and in his post game press conference he expressed his disappointment in his defence leaking so many goals. Jordan De Goey kicked five for the Pies and Lewis Taylor and Dayne Zorko snagged four each for the home side.

Fremantle 12.9.81 def by West Coast Eagles 13.11.89

The battle of the west is always a tough and physical encounter and this was no exception. Fremantle played their hearts out but it was the Eagles that won bragging rights in the first derby at the new Optus Stadium. The Eagles ran out eight-point victors.

Melbourne 13.16.94 def by Geelong 14.13.97

What a way to start the season with one of the best games we’ve ever seen between these two sides. Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn took a cracking contested mark only 15 metres out from goal with just over a minute left on the clock. The Dees were down by four points and needed a goal to win, however pressure got to the big man and his kick went through for a behind which meant the Cats were able to hold on for a win.

Geelong 18.9.117 def by Hawthorn 17.16.118

The Hawks and Cats are famous for having classic contests and this was no exception. Despite a brilliant game by Gary Ablett in his second game back at the Cats after crossing back from the Suns it was the Hawks who held on to win this one in front of a massive crowd at the MCG to prove they will be a contender this year.

Port Adelaide 14.11.95 def Adelaide 14.6.90

The Showdowns between Port Adelaide and Adelaide are quite often cracking contests but this one was arguably the greatest showdown of all. When the Crows hit the front after three goals in three minutes and there was only forty seconds left on the clock, most would’ve predicted the Crows to hold on.

One of Port’s new gun recruits, Steve Motlop had other ideas though and with supreme class, Motlop nailed the winning goal from forty metres out and sent the crowd into hysterics.