Adelaide vs Hawthorn Semi-final 2025: A Night of Upsets, Drama, and History in the Making
The AFL Finals are often described as a season within a season. No matter how strong a team has been throughout the year, everything can change in the high-pressure environment of September football. The semi-final clash between Adelaide Crows and Hawthorn Hawks in 2025 proved exactly that. It wasn’t just another finals game — it was a contest that will be remembered for years to come, thanks to its drama, historical significance, and the emotions it stirred among fans across Australia.
For Adelaide, it was supposed to be a year of triumph. They had finished as minor premiers, a feat that reflects consistency and dominance over the long grind of the home-and-away season. For Hawthorn, the story was different. They had finished eighth, scraping into the finals, and were widely regarded as outsiders. But finals are not played on reputation or ladder position — they are won with grit, momentum, and seizing the moment. And that’s exactly what Hawthorn did.
The Final Score: Hawks Soar, Crows Stumble
The scoreboard at the end told a clear story: Hawthorn 14.17 (101) defeated Adelaide 10.7 (67). It wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. Hawthorn didn’t just edge past Adelaide — they controlled the tempo, absorbed pressure, and delivered in critical moments. For Adelaide, the disappointment was immense. To finish top of the ladder and then bow out in straight sets is a nightmare scenario for any club, let alone one with a fan base as passionate as the Crows.
First Quarter: A Fierce Start
The game began with the intensity expected of a cut-throat semi-final. Adelaide tried to stamp their authority early, using their speed on the wings and direct forward entries. But Hawthorn had clearly done their homework. Their defensive structures held strong, forcing Adelaide into rushed disposals and shallow entries inside 50.
Jai Newcombe set the tone for the Hawks in the midfield. His clearance work, combined with his physical presence, immediately put Adelaide on the back foot. A couple of quick goals from Hawthorn silenced the Adelaide Oval crowd and served as an early reminder: this wasn’t going to be an easy night for the favourites.
Second Quarter: Hawks Find Their Rhythm
As the second term unfolded, Hawthorn began to flex their muscle. Jack Gunston, the experienced forward, proved why he has been such a valuable asset for the Hawks over the years. His ability to find space inside 50 and convert under pressure gave Hawthorn momentum.
Adelaide had their chances — particularly through their key forwards — but inaccuracy and poor decision-making cost them. Where Hawthorn’s entries were clean and direct, Adelaide’s were messy and often intercepted. By halftime, it was clear the minor premiers were rattled. Hawthorn led, and their confidence grew with every contested possession.
Third Quarter: The Turning Point
The third quarter of any finals match is often described as the "premiership quarter." This was where Hawthorn truly stamped their authority. Their midfield brigade, led by Newcombe, combined with their defensive half to create turnovers that turned into scoring opportunities.
Adelaide pushed hard, trying to wrestle back momentum, and for a brief period it looked like they might spark a comeback. But each time the Crows looked threatening, Hawthorn had an answer. A long-range goal late in the quarter lifted the Hawks’ spirits and crushed Adelaide’s hopes.
By three-quarter time, the margin had stretched, and the atmosphere at Adelaide Oval told the story: nervous silence from the Crows faithful, contrasting with the roar of travelling Hawks supporters.
Final Quarter: History Sealed
The final quarter was less about whether Hawthorn would win and more about how they would finish. Adelaide continued to fight, but the sting had gone out of their play. Hawthorn capitalised, extending the margin and celebrating what would go down as a historic upset.
When the final siren sounded, the scoreboard confirmed what many had sensed through the night — Adelaide’s season of promise had ended in heartbreak, and Hawthorn’s unlikely finals run was alive and thriving.
Star Performers: Heroes in Brown and Gold
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Jai Newcombe: Without question, the standout player of the night. His dominance in the midfield was not only about numbers but about impact. He was the engine that kept Hawthorn ticking.
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Jack Gunston: A veteran presence who stepped up on the big stage. His goals, leadership, and composure in front of goal made a massive difference.
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Hawthorn’s Defence: Often overlooked, the Hawks’ defensive line was rock-solid. They forced Adelaide into errors and launched counterattacks with precision.
For Adelaide, a few players worked tirelessly, but as a collective unit, they failed to rise to the occasion. Finals require not just effort but execution, and that was where the Crows fell short.
Why This Match Matters in AFL History
This was no ordinary semi-final. Hawthorn became the first team in AFL history to defeat the minor premiers in a final after finishing eighth on the ladder. That stat alone makes this game historic. It underscores the unpredictability of finals football — and why the AFL is so loved by fans who crave drama and surprises.
For Adelaide, it marked another painful chapter in their finals history. Despite strong regular seasons in the past decade, they have often struggled when it matters most. This loss will no doubt reopen debates about their ability to handle pressure in September.
Fan Reactions: Joy and Heartbreak
The emotions from both sets of supporters could not have been more different.
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Adelaide Fans: Many were left stunned. Some pointed to the lack of composure under pressure, while others questioned the tactical decisions made during the game. There’s a sense of déjà vu — another season of promise ending prematurely.
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Hawthorn Fans: Ecstatic would be an understatement. From the lows of scraping into the finals to knocking out the minor premiers, this felt like a dream run. Social media lit up with celebrations, memes, and predictions of just how far the Hawks could go.
What’s Next?
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For Hawthorn: The win sets up a mouth-watering preliminary final clash against Geelong. With confidence soaring and momentum on their side, the Hawks will believe anything is possible. If they can maintain their intensity, another upset might be on the cards.
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For Adelaide: A long off-season awaits. Questions about game plan, leadership, and mental resilience will dominate discussions. The Crows have the talent, but translating regular season dominance into finals success remains their biggest challenge.
Key Lessons from Adelaide vs Hawthorn
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Momentum Matters More Than Ladder Position
Adelaide may have been number one, but Hawthorn came in hot. Finals reward form, not just season-long consistency. -
Big Players Step Up in Big Games
Newcombe and Gunston rose to the occasion, showing that stars must shine when the lights are brightest. -
Composure Under Pressure is Everything
Finals expose weaknesses. Adelaide’s rushed disposals and poor entries cost them dearly. -
History Can Always Be Rewritten
Hawthorn reminded everyone that no record is safe. The underdog narrative is alive and well in AFL.
Final Thoughts: A Game to Remember
The Adelaide vs Hawthorn semi-final of 2025 will go down as one of the defining moments of this AFL season. It was more than just a win or loss — it was about belief, resilience, and the magic of finals football.
For Adelaide, it’s heartbreak. For Hawthorn, it’s history. And for fans, it’s a reminder of why we love this sport: because anything can happen, and often does.
