Best of the Westpac Red Zone: Round 4 in 2025.
Best of the Westpac Red Zone: Round 4 – A Comprehensive Review of the AFL’s High-Stakes Moments.
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The Westpac Red Zone, a title that has come to represent the most high-stakes and exhilarating moments of an AFL season, truly came alive in Round 4. From incredible last-minute goals to jaw-dropping plays, Round 4 saw some of the best action that fans of Australian Rules Football crave. The Westpac Red Zone, which has been a focal point for AFL enthusiasts, encapsulates the game’s most intense and high-pressure situations—moments where every second counts, and every play could turn the tide of a match. As Round 4 unfolded, it delivered its fair share of such moments, offering fans a glimpse into the competitive fire that defines AFL.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Best of the Westpac Red Zone in Round 4. We will analyze key matchups, defining plays, standout individual performances, and how these moments could influence the course of the season. The Red Zone moments from this round weren’t just about stunning goals or unexpected wins—they encapsulated the essence of AFL, where passion, strategy, and sheer athleticism combine to create the drama and excitement that fans flock to see week in and week out.
The Setup: The Stakes in Round 4 Best of the Westpac
Round 4 of the AFL season traditionally marks a pivotal point where teams are beginning to settle into their rhythm, but the competitive pressure is still mounting. The early rounds of the AFL season are often a litmus test for clubs—teams either look like contenders or begin to struggle, setting the tone for the rest of the year. For clubs aiming for finals glory, Round 4 represents an opportunity to either stake their claim for a strong season or recalibrate if the early rounds have not gone to plan.
This round was no different, with several teams needing to prove they are ready for a title challenge, while others sought to break through after disappointing starts. And in the midst of this crucial round of footy, the Westpac Red Zone provided the moments that highlighted the intensity, the pressure, and the sheer athletic spectacle of AFL.
Game 1: The High-Energy Clash Between the Magpies and the Tigers Best of the Westpac
Collingwood vs Richmond: The first match of Round 4 saw the Magpies take on the Tigers in what was an absolute thriller. Both teams came into the game with a lot to prove—Collingwood, looking to maintain their solid start to the season, and Richmond, hoping to bounce back from a shaky opening stretch.
Key Red Zone Moments:
- Last-Minute Heroics: With the match in the balance, Collingwood’s star forward delivered a match-winning goal with just seconds remaining. His ability to read the game and find space in the 50-meter arc was a testament to his elite football IQ.
- Richmond’s Fast Break: Richmond’s transition from defense to attack was on full display during one of the key moments of the match, where their quick ball movement set up an audacious long-range goal that seemed to defy the pressure of the Red Zone. It was a moment that made the crowd roar and left the defenders in disarray.
- Intensity in the Midfield: The heart of the game came in the midfield, where the contest was ferocious. Richmond’s Dustin Martin and Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey were in the thick of it, clashing in pivotal contests that could have swung the game either way. The relentless tackling and boundary-pushing maneuvers kept the match bubbling with intensity.
Ultimately, it was Collingwood who sealed the game, with Magpies gun players stepping up under pressure, proving that they are capable of handling the Red Zone moments when it matters most.
Game 2: The Showdown Between the Crows and the Eagles Best of the Westpac
Adelaide Crows vs West Coast Eagles: This was a battle of two teams with contrasting fortunes early in the season. Adelaide, on the rise and looking to show their contenders’ mettle, faced a West Coast side struggling with form and injuries. But AFL is known for its unpredictability, and this match certainly did not disappoint.
Key Red Zone Moments:
- Adelaide’s Defensive Wall: As West Coast tried to push through in the final stages of the game, Adelaide’s defense stood firm. The Crows’ backline was resolute, particularly in the last 10 minutes when they were under siege. Tom Doedee and Jake Kelly played crucial roles in halting West Coast’s momentum, making crucial intercept marks in the Red Zone to prevent any scoring opportunities.
- The Thrilling Final Quarter: West Coast, despite their earlier struggles, surged in the final quarter, creating a tense atmosphere in the Westpac Red Zone. With Adelaide only a couple of points ahead, the Eagles looked set to snatch a win in dramatic fashion. However, it was Adelaide’s midfielder, who showcased his calm under pressure, setting up a series of precise passes that led to a goal to seal the win.
- West Coast’s Missed Opportunities: While West Coast made a run at the match, their inability to capitalize on key moments in the final stages (including a missed shot on goal) proved to be costly. This inability to execute in the Red Zone ultimately led to their defeat, and questions arose about whether they had the composure to succeed in high-pressure situations.
Ultimately, Adelaide showed they could handle the pressure, with Rory Sloane and Ben Keays proving to be match-winners. This result will likely give the Crows a boost in confidence, while the Eagles will need to reassess their approach if they are to compete at the top level.
Game 3: The Geelong Cats’ Mastery of the Pressure Cooker Best of the Westpac
Geelong Cats vs Sydney Swans: Geelong’s performance against the Swans was a masterclass in playing under pressure. With the Swans closing in late, the Cats showcased their trademark composure and control in the Westpac Red Zone.
Key Red Zone Moments:
- Geelong’s Defensive Resilience: Late in the fourth quarter, Sydney looked to capitalize on Geelong’s defensive lapses, but the Cats’ backline was impenetrable. Mark Blicavs, who had been instrumental in midfield all game, took crucial marks in defense, keeping Sydney at bay in the Red Zone.
- The Calm of Joel Selwood: As Sydney ramped up the pressure in the dying minutes, it was Joel Selwood who took control. His ability to calm his teammates and dictate play through the middle was invaluable. He was the perfect captain under pressure, marshaling the midfield and ensuring the ball stayed in Geelong’s favor.
- Sydney’s Last-Minute Push: Sydney came close to snatching an unlikely victory when they surged forward in the final moments, but Geelong goalkeeper Tom Hawkins was a standout in the Red Zone, neutralizing Sydney’s key forwards and ensuring his team held firm.
Geelong’s control of the match, especially when faced with high-pressure moments in the final quarter, reaffirmed their credentials as a premiership contender. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure sets them apart, and this performance will give them confidence going forward.
Game 4: The Bombers vs. The Hawks – A Tactical Battle of Wits Best of the Westpac
Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks: The Bombers and Hawks both entered Round 4 as teams with a point to prove. For the Bombers, a chance to bounce back from a poor start, while the Hawks were looking to build on an early surge. This clash turned out to be one of the most tactically intriguing games of the round, with coaches employing contrasting strategies to gain the upper hand.
Key Red Zone Moments:
- The Essendon Surge: The Bombers showed their best football late in the third quarter when the game was in the balance. With Darcy Parish controlling the midfield, the Bombers broke away from the Hawks with a string of decisive goals, breaking open the game during a critical stretch in the Red Zone.
- Hawthorn’s Gritty Response: Down by several goals, Hawthorn dug deep to respond, managing to claw back with a couple of quick-fire goals. However, despite the Hawks’ efforts, Essendon’s defensive structure and disciplined game plan held firm in the final stages.
- The Controversial Call: One of the most talked-about moments of the game was a controversial umpiring decision that denied the Hawks a potential match-winning goal late in the game. The decision to disallow a goal on the basis of an apparent infringement in the Red Zone had fans and players questioning the call. While Hawthorn didn’t get the chance to make up for the mistake, it added an extra layer of drama to an already intense match.
Essendon’s ability to win in the Red Zone, particularly during the game’s final moments, was crucial to their success. For Hawthorn, this game was a valuable learning experience, as they will need to focus on executing under pressure in future games.
Game 5: The Fremantle Dockers vs. The North Melbourne Kangaroos – A Tale of Two Teams Best of the Westpac
Fremantle Dockers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos: In a matchup that had its share of dramatic Red Zone moments, Fremantle Dockers asserted their dominance against a North Melbourne Kangaroos side that has been struggling to find consistency in 2023.
Key Red Zone Moments:
- Fremantle’s Rising Star: Nat Fyfe’s return to form was a key highlight. His influence in the midfield was crucial, and in one of the most heart-stopping moments of the match, Fyfe set up a brilliant passage of play that led to a goal, taking Fremantle into a commanding lead during the final stages.
- North Melbourne’s Brave Fight: Although North Melbourne was under the pump, they refused to give in, throwing everything they had at Fremantle in the final quarter. Their effort in the Red Zone was commendable, as they launched one final attack after another, only to be thwarted by Fremantle’s staunch defense.
- Fremantle’s Composure: Despite North Melbourne’s best efforts to mount a comeback, Fremantle’s veteran players, particularly Luke Ryan, held firm in defense, clearing the ball from danger and ensuring the Dockers maintained control as the match wound down.
Fremantle’s victory in this game was another example of their ability to perform under the Red Zone pressure, setting up a solid foundation for the rest of their season. North Melbourne, meanwhile, will have to take a hard look at how they can capitalize on key moments in future games.
Conclusion: A Round for the Ages Best of the Westpac
Round 4 of the AFL season delivered some of the most intense and high-stakes moments that the Westpac Red Zone has become known for. With players stepping up under pressure and coaches employing strategic masterstrokes, the matches showcased the very best of AFL. Each game had its share of tense moments, controversial calls, and game-changing plays, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the sport.
As teams look ahead to the rest of the season, these Red Zone moments will serve as a reminder of the importance of composure, execution, and seizing opportunities when the game is on the line. For fans, Round 4 was an unforgettable experience—a round that truly delivered in every way, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating AFL season.
