AFL Saturday LIVE: ‘Wizard’ works his magic in Hawks’ stunning start; Darcy’s season over; Suns fight off impressive Dons

The Bulldogs have confirmed an ACL for Sam Darcy.

In a worst-case scenario for the Bulldogs and a devastating blow to the club’s flag hopes, they said the 22-year-old wouldn’t play again this season.

On a dirty night against the Cats on Friday night that coach Luke Beveridge described as “pretty traumatic”, the Dogs have given an update on various player injuries.

“Western Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” the club hassaid.

“Darcy underwent scans on Saturday following an incident during the second quarter of Friday night’s game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

“We’re incredibly disappointed for Sam after scans confirmed he has ruptured his ACL,” Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.

“He’s an extremely driven individual, and we have no doubt he’ll attack his rehabilitation strongly in the coming months.

“Tom Liberatore suffered a concussion during the second quarter and will be assessed within the AFL concussion protocols.

“Scans have confirmed a hamstring injury for James O’Donnell. His return to play plan will become clearer in coming days.

“Rory Lobb has been cleared of any serious injury to his hamstring and will be assessed early in the week to gauge his availability for Thursday’s game against Sydney.”

Jason Horne-Francis has slotted a beautiful goal from a mark and Port have closed the margin to one point.

Hawthorn led this match by 26 points at quarter time.

Now Port have hit the front after a strong grab from Jack Whitlock. He went back and slotted the goal, his second of the term.

Port have kicked five straight in the second term. The Hawks have not kicked a major since quarter time. What a change has come over this match.

The game at Marvel Stadium has changed complexion.

Mitch Georgiades kicks his second goal of the second term and that’s three straight for the Power. They now have it back to a seven point margin, trailing the Hawks who have yet to add to their seven first-quarter goals.

Port coach Josh Carr makes a crucial move by putting Darcy Byrne-Jones onto the dangerous Nick Watson.

The Wizard kicked three in the first term.

Port Adelaide opens the second term with two straight goals to put some pressure back on the Hawks.

The first comes from Mitch Georgiades, who takes a strong mark on the lead, and the second from Jack Whitlock.

The Hawks lead by 13 points.

Nick Watson boots three goals in the opening term to hand Hawthorn a 26-point quarter-time lead at Marvel Stadium.

The Power defence has been unable to keep up with the little dynamo. He’s too fast, and too creative.

As well as hitting the scoreboard, Watson has also had a couple of centre clearances. What a player.

Zak Butters had a quiet start to the match, but finished the term with seven disposals and a goal.

In a nice touch, Calsher Dear kicked his first goal while wearing his father’s No.13.

Dear came into the side as a replacement for the injured Mabior Chol. He has made his presence felt after struggling to break into this Hawks’ line-up this year.

QT: Hawks 7.3 (45) lead Port 31. (19)

Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters boots a goal and celebrates in style.

It must be a release of pressure for the star midfielder after a tumultuous week before the tribunal.

He has taken a while to get into this game at Marvel Stadium. The goal was just his fourth possession.

But Port are struggling to hang in there as the Hawks pile on six first-quarter goals to the Powers’ three. The Hawks lead by 19 points.

Calsher Dear is back. He has kicked his first goal of the season after struggling to break his way into the Hawthorn line-up.

The Hawks are playing fast footy at Marvel Stadium. They kicked the first four goals through Dylan Moore, Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan and Mitch Lewis.

Port then answered through Ewan Mackinlay and Corey Durdin.

But Dear’s goal has given the Hawks a 19-point lead.

Zak Butters has had just two disposals after a tumultuous week.

Port Adelaide are doing battle with Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium and Zak Butters looks to be focused.

Footage showed him shaking hands with umpires before the game and on the ground for the coin toss.

So, there doesn’t look to be any distractions or bad blood.

Port Adelaide have appealed the $1500 fine imposed against their star midfielder for alleged abusive or insulting language towards umpire Nick Foot during Gather Round.

Damien Hardwick will be an annoyed coach, but a relieved man. Essendon threw everything at the Suns on their home turf, but couldn’t quite come away with a stunning win. Gold Coast dodged a bullet today. Inaccuracy cost them across the game, but they have the four points. It must be remembered that Christian Petracca and Matt Rowell combined for the first time.

It was a great game of footy. For those who’ve been able to follow it on Fox Footy, no doubt you would have enjoyed it.

The microscope will remain on Gold Coast’s rebuilt midfield despite the Suns escaping with a nine-point defeat of the rejuvenated Essendon.

Petracca (three goals, 25 disposals) starred in his return from injury while Rowell (35 touches) was also dominant.

But still their midfield was undone 37-29 at clearances – 20-15 at centre bounces – by a Bombers side that twice rallied to lead, before falling 17.17 (119) to 17.8 (110) in front of 19,039 fans.

Essendon’s Peter Wright booted a late behind, but the Dons go down.

It’s a nine-point win for Gold Coast, who has the luxury of far more scoring shots. The Bombers will be rapt with their fight today but, make no mistake, they would have loved to steal a victory.

Final: Gold Coast 17.17 (119) d. Essendon 17.8 (110)