Games in Victoria are played at the MCG, regardless of the team's usual home ground, if a crowd larger than the seating capacity of Etihad Stadium (53,359) is expected.

Collingwood won the minor premiership, followed by 2009 Grand finalists Geelong and St Kilda, while giving Western Bulldogs a second chance spot in the top four.

[2] Mooney and Geelong coach Mark Thompson were both criticised in the media for their response to the free kick, but neither was penalised by the AFL.

First-year forward Trent Dennis-Lane proved the match-winner in the final quarter, scoring two of the Swans' three goals, as Sydney won by five points.

Josh Kennedy played his best game for the Swans, Brett Kirk effectively tagged Kade Simpson and Dennis-Lane finished with four crucial goals.

Fremantle record its second win in a finals match in the club's history, overpowering Hawthorn by 30 points at Subiaco Oval.

Hawthorn kicked four goals to two in the final quarter, but Fremantle withstood the minor challenge to win and advance to the second semi-final against Geelong.

Tagger Adam McPhee was particularly influential on Luke Hodge, holding the former Norm Smith medallist to only five disposals in the first three-quarters.

Sydney entered as narrow favourites, having won its last five games, and with full forward Daniel Bradshaw and goalsneak Ben McGlynn back into the side.

However, goals against the run of play to Bulldogs Barry Hall and debutante Andrew Hooper reduced the margin to 16 points at half time.

The loss was the final game for Sydney captain Brett Kirk and coach Paul Roos, who had both pre-announced their retirements at the end of the season.