Best semi-finals of all time

[PerthBoy86]

As it's semi-finals week, I was interested in what you consider the best ever SFs, especially in the AFL era. Few really stick in the memory, one being 2005 Sydney vs Geelong with Nick Davis starring (an otherwise dour affair, as most mid 00s Swans matches were), and of course Bulldogs Hawthorn in 2016. Be good to rematch some of the highlights/relive some of the memories while waiting for the weekend.

 

[The 4th Horseman]

Bulldogs vs Lions 2021

 

[Dazzler9]

I find this to be the least interesting of the four finals weeks. That might just be because my team has a bad history of losing in week 2.

 

[Danw0w]

Hawks vs dogs in 2016 was pretty exciting. Big comeback by the dogs!

 

[RudyBlue]

WC vs Carlton 2011 was quite the match

 

[Blackas87]

Nick Davis 4 last quarter goals.

 

[spendles]

Right in front of me.. 2009 pies vs crows.

 

[The_torpedo]

Lions-Dogs 2021 was a classic

 

[jackster83]

Brisbane vs GWS in 2019. Absolutely ferocious match.

 

[Full Wingspan]

Lions seem to have a reputation as finals chokers and going out in straight sets, however we lost our semi in 2019 against eventual grand finalists in GWS in dubious circumstances (Mumford throw to Daniels winning goal) and again in 2021 to eventually grand finalist in the Bulldogs with an equally dubious centre bound ruck free kick which then saw the dogs kick the winning point.

Absolutely shafted and we competed admirably in both games as a fairly inexperienced team.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Found this video. I forget if some of these games were SFs or EFs, but yeah of course there's 2007 (shudder) and 2011.

 

[raskolnikov]

2002 Melbourne vs Adelaide was a ripper.

 

[Demonic Ascent]

Rich v Ess 1995 & Haw vs Ess 1984 are two that spring to mind.

 

[Clark G]

Essendon vs West Coast in 1996.

 

[Hobbes]

Adelaide v Bulldogs, 1997

 

[Defabs]

2007 SF draw between WCE and Coll. Pies then won in extra time

2009 SF between Coll and Adel is still my favourite with the Jack Anthony goal in the last play of the game and then the tears from the Crows supporters

 

[Caesarr]

Lions seem to have a reputation as finals chokers and going out in straight sets, however we lost our semi in 2019 against eventual grand finalists in GWS in dubious circumstances (Mumford throw to Daniels winning goal) and again in 2021 to eventually grand finalist in the Bulldogs with an equally dubious centre bound ruck free kick which then saw the dogs kick the winning point.

Absolutely shafted and we competed admirably in both games as a fairly inexperienced team.

The loss against Geelong in 2020 was the Lions worst finals defeat from the Fagan era. They had spanked Richmond at home in the QF only to not turn up in the prelim.

 

[Do the Dew]

The loss against Geelong in 2020 was the Lions worst finals defeat from the Fagan era. They had spanked Richmond at home in the QF only to not turn up in the prelim.

Dafuq? It was 69 to 54. In what world do you consider a 15 point win a "spanking". There was 8 points in it with 5 mins to go. Free kicks were 17-11 Brisbane's way and about 4x 50m penalties to 0. Tigers also didn't have Lynch playing.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Adelaide v Bulldogs, 1997

That was a preliminary final.

 

[cutterman]

"They're in front Robbo"

 

[3KZ is Football]

1986 First Semi-Final
Fitzroy v Sydney (M.C.G.)

 

[kranky al]

Essendon vs West Coast in 1996.

Was that our home game at the g?

 

[Blackhawk42]

North vs Geelong 2014.

In fact, that 2014 semi final weekend was one of the best I can remember.
Two teams knocked out in straight sets. Two ripping games of footy.

 

[kickazz]

1994 I think Geelong played Carlton at VFL Park. On the morning of the game we lost Hocking, Couch and Bairstow - thought we were no chance. Aaron Lord in his second game and Liam Pickering played blinders for the cats to win comfortably in an upset. (Was the old system where cats finished 4th, won in week 1, then played the second placed Carlton who lost in the first week)

Maybe not so great for neutrals but memorable for what it was.

 

[kickazz]

North vs Geelong 2014.

In fact, that 2014 semi final weekend was one of the best I can remember.
Two teams knocked out in straight sets. Two ripping games of footy.

Recall North having the better of that one pretty easily until a late surge from the cats almost got them home.

And yes 2x straight sets after it had not happened in years