Arabic version: أديلايد وجيلونغ يحسمان موقعيهما ضمن الستة الأوائل في دوري AFL

According to ABC News, Adelaide and Geelong locked in AFL top-six spots on Saturday, while Melbourne’s loss to the Western Bulldogs reshaped the finals picture. The Crows beat GWS by 56 points and Geelong defeated Richmond by 57 points, guaranteeing both clubs a week off before the finals.

Adelaide defeated the Giants 24.13 (157) to 15.11 (101) at Adelaide Oval, led by Taylor Walker’s six goals in his final home-and-away match for the Crows. Izak Rankine had 35 touches, four goals, 12 clearances and 10 score involvements, while Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Ben Keays kicked three goals each. GWS finished the season in 12th place with 10 wins and 13 losses.

The Cats overcame Richmond 20.13 (133) to 11.10 (76) at Kardinia Park. Jeremy Cameron returned from a shoulder injury for his first game since July 11, while Bailey Smith recorded 40 possessions and three goals. Shannon Neale kicked four goals, and Shaun Mannagh and Patrick Dangerfield added three each. Geelong took a six-game winning streak into the finals, although Jack Henry left the match in the second term with an ankle injury.

At the MCG, the Bulldogs beat Melbourne 16.12 (108) to 12.15 (87), setting up a wildcard clash against Collingwood. Marcus Bontempelli collected 27 touches and kicked two goals, but the victory came at a cost when forward Aaron Naughton left the ground late in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Melbourne is expected to finish seventh and play Carlton in a wildcard game.

Earlier, Carlton continued its strong form with an 18.11 (119) to 12.10 (82) win over ladder-leaders Fremantle at Docklands Stadium. The Blues recovered from a 23-point first-quarter deficit, with Francis Evans kicking five goals. Hawthorn’s final position remained dependent on its Sunday match against West Coast.