THE first week of the AFL Finals series delivered plenty of classics and a number of Hampden league exports were front and centre in qualifying and elimination finals.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Western Bulldogs
Stats: 4 kicks, 3 handballs, 3 marks
Things were looking pretty rosy for the Bulldogs forward and his team-mates at half-time but the Dockers second half surge saw his club eliminated. Had a quiet night on the scoreboard but collected 7 disposals and hauled in three marks.
Hugh McCluggage
Home Club: South Warrnambool Roosters
AFL Club: Brisbane Lions
Stats: 17 kicks, 9 handballs, 5 marks
Produced a strong first-up finals performance for the Lions who overcame a three quarter deficit to prevail in the final minutes. The South export was among Brisbane’s best after collecting 26 touches, laying six tackles and kicking a crucial goal.
Sean Darcy
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Fremantle Dockers
Stats: 9 kicks, 6 handballs, 1 mark
Was massive for the Dockers in their come from behind victory. Dominated the ruck battle against Tim English with 47 hit-outs and was able to add 15 possessions and four clearances for the victors.
Gary Rohan
Home Club: Cobden Bombers
AFL Club: Geelong Cats
Stats: 9 kicks, 5 handballs, 2 marks
Knocked back a number of his pre-game critics with a huge game for the Cats. The Cobden product finished with 3.1 from 14 touches and was pivotal in Geelong surging late to overcome the Magpies to advance to the preliminary finals.
VFL DUTIES
Josh Corbett
Home Club: North Warrnambool Eagles
AFL Club: Gold Coast Suns
Kicked a goal from five possessions In the Suns VFL triumph.
Lewis Taylor
Home Club: Terang Mortlake Bloods
AFL Club: Sydney Swans
Finished with 19 touches in the Swans VFL defeat to Gold Coast Suns.
