FOOTY'S trip down memory lane continues in our Toyota Fixture Throwback series.
In the absence of live action, we will air classic matches from years gone by featuring the teams that were initially set to do battle in round four of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Via AFL.tv and the AFL Live Official App, the historic encounters start on Thursday and continue throughout the Easter weekend.
Game six – Round six, 2012: Fremantle 14.10 (94) defeated Gold Coast 14.3 (87)
Accuracy in front of goal had helped Gold Coast somehow conjure a shock 17-point lead over Fremantle at half-time of this clash back in 2012. The Dockers came charging back to reclaim the advantage, but Harley Bennell's third reduced the deficit to just one point with two minutes remaining. That was until Tendai Mzungu eventually put through the sealer on the buzzer to complete a thrilling Freo win.
Stats stars: Clancee Pearce (29 disposals, six marks), Chris Mayne (18 disposals, three goals), Harley Bennell (37 disposals, three goals), Luke Russell (21 disposals, eight marks)
Game five – Round 15, 2019: Essendon 12.5 (77) defeated Greater Western Sydney 10.11 (71)
Essendon trailed by 19 points midway through the final quarter, before Cale Hooker's move into the attack changed everything. The Bombers had previously looked toothless without a marking target in the forward line, before Hooker kicked two quick goals to give the hosts life. His second, delivered with 19 seconds remaining, proved the match-winner.
Stats stars: Zach Merrett (28 disposals, seven clearances), Cale Hooker (15 disposals, two goals), Stephen Coniglio (33 disposals, four clearances), Josh Kelly (28 disposals, one goal)
Game four – Round eight, 2006: Richmond 10.9 (69) defeated Adelaide 9.12 (66)
Who could forget the infamous 'basketball' match? Richmond took a record 181 marks to completely stifle Adelaide, who had won six of its opening seven matches to start the season. Seven Tigers hit double-figures for marks, with Joel Bowden claiming 20, leading to an outburst from Kevin Sheedy – who labelled the tactics 'basketball crap' – in the days that followed.
Stats stars: Joel Bowden (34 disposals, 20 marks), Troy Simmonds (13 marks, two goals), Tyson Edwards (30 disposals, one goal), Andrew McLeod (26 disposals, one goal)
Game three – Elimination final, 2017: West Coast 12.6 (78) defeated Port Adelaide 10.16 (76) after extra time
After this do-or-die elimination final was sent to extra time, Port Adelaide's pair of goals in the additional period had the hosts four points clear with just 21 seconds remaining. However, that was when Luke Shuey was taken high by Jared Polec. The siren sounded, but under immense pressure Shuey nailed his set-shot from 40m out to take the Eagles through to the second week of September.
Stats stars: Luke Shuey (32 disposals, two goals), Matt Priddis (33 disposals, 10 tackles), Ollie Wines (28 disposals, two goals), Charlie Dixon (23 disposals, three goals)
Game two – Round two, 2008: Brisbane 13.18 (96) defeated Collingwood 13.16 (94)
This was a thriller. Having rallied from 16 points down at three-quarter time, Brisbane was knocking down the door and threatening to take the lead. A quick snap out of a pack from Jed Adcock then gave the hosts victory in tough, wet Queensland conditions. The victory was inspired by the brilliance of Luke Power and Simon Black out of the middle.
Stats stars: Luke Power (27 disposals, one goal), Simon Black (24 disposals, one goal), Alan Didak (24 disposals, two goals), Dane Swan (28 disposals, one goal)
Game one – Round nine, 2008: North Melbourne 16.17 (113) defeated Western Bulldogs 16.14 (110)
Brad Johnson, look away now. Trailing by four points, Johnson marked with just a second on the clock and had the opportunity to win the game for the Western Bulldogs after the siren. However, he sprayed his shot from 35m out and North Melbourne held on. The Kangaroos had claimed the ascendency after fighting back from 24 points down at half time.
Stats stars: Nathan Thompson (eight marks, four goals), Brady Rawlings (28 disposals, one goal), Jason Akermanis (20 disposals, four goals), Adam Cooney (33 disposals, one goal)
>> Continue to find ways to cheer on your side. If you're a Telstra AFL Live Pass subscriber, tune in on Sunday to watch the next Toyota Fixture Throwback matches.