Nine genuine candidates for Luke Beveridge's Friday night lineup featured in Footscray's thrilling Qualifying Final win over Brisbane on Saturday, with many making a compelling case for a senior call-up.
Similar things could be said for Box Hill, who were eliminated by Williamstown at home, but through no fault of Jai Serong, Josh Ward and Finn Maginness, who are each pushing their case to help cover the absence of injured Hawk Will Day.
A ridiculous final score at Fankhauser Reserve featured a polarising play from a former Port Adelaide forward.
Sam De Koning and Changkuoth Jiath both survived their clashes unscathed on limited minutes.
Werribee (57 vs 36) Geelongย - 1st vs 4th, QF
A five goal lead late in the second for the ladder leader Werribee proved too tough a task for the Cats, who remain in the fight for a prelim next weekend.
Reset for next week ๐#WeAreGeelong | @bendigobank pic.twitter.com/y45z53CtgG
— Geelong VFL (@GeelongVFL) August 31, 2024
Brandan Parfitt was Geelong's best, leading the tackle count on the day by some margin, recording 14 to a next-best nine. (19 disposals, 14 tackles)
Sam De Koning won his matchup in the ruck with 18 disposals, 23 hit outs, two tackles and two marks.
Mark O'Connor was solid with 19 disposals and seven marks, while Jhye Clark was a rare scoreboard contributor with his 14 disposals and four marks, nailing two majors.
Gary Rohan likely won't feature in selection discussions after his six touches and two tackles.
Southport (195 vs 103) Frankston -ย 5th vs 8th, EF
It was a shootout thumping from Southport over Wildcard winners Frankston, claiming a 92-point win to advance to the semis.
The viral play of the round came in the fourth quarter of this match, when delisted Power forward Boyd Woodcock pulled this goal out of his kit-bag.
Boyd Woodcock pulling out a party trick ๐ช
๐ฅ: Watch the Smithyโs VFL Finals Series live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTM pic.twitter.com/RNB5QZopd6
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 31, 2024
Woodcock had 29 disposals and two goals in the win.
Footscray (82 vs 78) Brisbaneย -ย 2nd vs 3rd, QF
This was a heart-stopper with a thrilling climax for the Footscray faithul, Ryan Gardner kicking a go-ahead goal from the boundary in the dying stages to claim victory.
The Gardy game winner ๐ pic.twitter.com/O4WTobtQ2y
— Footscray Bulldogs (@FootscrayVFL) August 31, 2024
Even more exciting for Bulldog fans was the number of players putting their hand up for Friday's AFL elimination final against Hawthorn, with recruit James Harmes leading the charge.
Harmes could have had three majors to boot his 36 disposals and eight tackles, though will have to settle with his one goal and two behinds.
Ryley Sanders impressed with 21 disposals and 14 tackles, as did Riley Garcia with his 28 disposals and four tackles.
Caleb Poulter ran hard forย 24 disposals, two behinds and five marks but will be kicking himself for not nailing some chances.
Jason Johannisen, collected 18 disposals on return from injury.
Rhylee West didn't get a major look at it but finished with 12 touches and a goal, while Buku Khamis showed some versatility with his stint up forward, kicking two from his 16 disposals and nine marks.
Capping off the Dogs' day, Jedd Busslinger was also impressive with 21 disposals and 10 marks.
For the Lions, it was Jarryd Lyons who was the most prolific but will also reflect on some chances, kicking two goals and three behinds from his 23 disposals and six tackles.
Jack Payne and Bruce Reville may struggle to find a spot with their numbers in the loss, collecting nine disposals, five marks and six disposals, five tackles respectively.
Box Hill 52 vs 80 Williamstownย - 5th vs 6th, EF
Box Hill suffered an unfortunate demise to their season, falling to sixth-placed Williamstown at home after gaining an early third quarter lead to follow a slow start.
The siren sounds on a bitterly disappointing day at City Oval.
Congratulations to @WilliamstownFC and best wishes for the remainder of the finals series.
Many thanks to those who joined us this season, your support was greatly appreciated. pic.twitter.com/uqZpHxzB1D
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) August 31, 2024
Young midfielders Jai Serong, Josh Ward and Finn Maginness were all among the best on ground, Serong collecting 29 disposals and 10 marks to Ward's 26 disposals, one goal, seven marks, and Maginness' 30 touches, one goal.
A meagre nine disposals and six tackles for Chad Wingard likely won't cause Sam Mitchell any selection headaches, while Changkuoth Jiath fortunately got through the game unscathed (eight disposals, two tackles).