Brendan McCartney

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Shortly after Hawthorn defeated Collingwood in the Qualifying Final, midfielder Chance Bateman announced that 2012 would be his last season. Bateman, 31, joined the Hawks in 1999 to become just the second Indigenous player after Willie Rioli in the club's history. Willie, drafted in 1990, never made it to a senior debut. Bateman did debut in 2000 to become the first Indigenous player to play with the Hawks.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In Round 4 last year, Port Adelaide registered its first win of the season over arch-rival Adelaide. The win gave the club and Matthew Primus a respite. However the following week brought a shattering loss to Gold Coast. It wasn't the margin but the fact that it was the Suns' first AFL win in their debut season and somewhat of an embarrassment for Port. Like the Suns, Port went on to win just two more games last year and the blowtorch was well and truly heating up on the club and Coach Matthew Primus. While it could be pointed out that the Suns were in their debut season with many young players still adjusting to the rigors of the AFL, Port came under plenty of criticism. It has not been much different this year with some dismal performances and it all came crashing down for Primus after the Round 19 match against the Kevin Sheedy led Giants who registered their second AFL win.

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Patersons Stadium

If the Fremantle Dockers had any aspirations of playing Finals football then a win against the Western Bulldogs at home was a must. The Bulldogs remained a mathematical chance to play in the Finals but this Round 15 game was a must-win game in that campaign. Both sides have been well out of form and languishing well down the ladder, but the Dockers went into the round with a one game lead over their rivals with a huge home crowd in attendance to urge them on.

This is the last in a four part series giving fans a taste of the excitement to come. Season 2012 kicks off with the March 24 game between the Sydney Swans and new team to the competition, Greater Western Sydney. To be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, this encounter will make history as New South Wales now becomes home to two Australian Rules Football teams.

It is official. Mark Thompson has informed Geelong officials that he is quitting coaching and walking out on the final year of his contract.