Socceroos rout Qatar as Strikers end Perth’s unbeaten run and AFLW semi-finals deliver late drama

Australia overwhelmed Asian champions Qatar in Doha, Adelaide Strikers brought Perth Scorchers’ perfect WBBL start to an end, and both AFLW semi-finals were decided by single-figure margins. There were also dramatic finishes in the NBL, a new champion in swimming’s experimental team competition and significant Wallabies selection changes ahead of their Scotland Test.

Socceroos: Australia dismantle Qatar in Doha

The Socceroos produced one of their most convincing performances under Tony Popovic, defeating Asian Cup holders Qatar 3–0 in an international friendly in Doha. Australia did its damage before half-time, with Riley McGree opening the scoring after just five minutes, Tete Yengi doubling the lead in the 32nd minute and Nestory Irankunda adding a third five minutes before the break. Qatar struggled to cope with Australia's pressure and movement, and the visitors could have scored more in a dominant opening period.

The second half was considerably quieter as Popovic made a series of changes, but it provided opportunities for four players to make their international debuts: Eli Adams, Samuel Klein, Kasey Bos and Diesel Herrington. Australia finished with 14 shots, while Qatar failed to register a shot on target. The result provides an encouraging boost ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Jordan, which has been relocated to Doha following security concerns about the original venue in Amman.

AFLW: Swans survive Cats comeback as Carlton advance

Sydney booked its first AFLW preliminary-final appearance with a tense three-point victory over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. The Swans led for much of the contest, but the Cats mounted a serious late challenge after trailing by 10 points at three-quarter time. Chloe Molloy was again central to Sydney's performance, kicking three goals and taking a crucial defensive mark in the closing stages as Geelong pressed for a match-winning score. The Swans held on 8.2 (50) to 7.5 (47), sending Geelong out in straight sets.

The match was also overshadowed by a serious head injury to Geelong ruck Piper Dunlop, who was stretchered from the ground after a collision in the third quarter. The incident caused a lengthy stoppage and cast a shadow over an otherwise absorbing contest. Sydney will now meet North Melbourne in the preliminary final.

Carlton also advanced, defeating Hawthorn 6.7 (43) to 6.2 (38) in another close semi-final at Ikon Park. The victory came in Darcy Vescio's 100th AFLW appearance, with the Carlton forward producing a decisive late goal to help the Blues hold off the Hawks. The milestone provided a fitting backdrop to a hard-fought win, with Carlton reaching a preliminary final for the second consecutive season. They will face Melbourne for a place in the grand final.

WBBL: Heat record fastest chase as Strikers end Scorchers' perfect start

Brisbane Heat delivered a remarkable performance against the defending champions, crushing Hobart Hurricanes by 10 wickets at Bellerive Oval. Hobart were bowled out for just 86 in 17.5 overs, with Lily Bassingthwaighte taking 3–25 and Brisbane's attack never allowing the home side to build a partnership. The Heat needed only 5.4 overs to reach 88 without losing a wicket, completing the fastest successful chase in WBBL history in terms of balls remaining.

Grace Harris led the assault with an unbeaten 52 from 22 deliveries, while Charli Knott smashed 34 not out from just 12 balls. Their opening partnership raced to 62 in the powerplay, a competition record, and left Hobart with little time to recover from its batting collapse. The result was Brisbane's fourth win in six matches, while the Hurricanes remained winless after six games.

Adelaide Strikers supplied another major WBBL headline by ending Perth Scorchers' five-match winning streak with a 51-run victory at the WACA. Laura Wolvaardt made an unbeaten 83 from 45 balls, supported by Emma de Broughe's 51 and Madeline Penna's explosive 44 from 19 deliveries, as Adelaide posted 4–202. The Strikers' 40-run Power Surge was a competition record, and Perth never recovered from losing Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine and Katie Mack early in the chase.

Zimbabwean leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe was the chief destroyer, taking a career-best 5–11 as Perth finished on 9–151. The Scorchers had entered the match unbeaten, but Adelaide's combination of late batting power and early wickets proved too much. The result also strengthened the Strikers' position in the race for the finals.

NBL: Cole Anthony sets Throwdown record in United victory

Melbourne United held off a determined South East Melbourne Phoenix comeback to win the latest Throwdown 102–95. Cole Anthony was the standout, scoring 39 points to establish a new scoring record for the rivalry. United had led by as many as 25 points, but the Phoenix fought their way back to within five with 24 seconds remaining, making for a tense finish.

Anthony's night ended controversially when he was ejected with 7.4 seconds left. After securing a defensive rebound, he made contact with Nathan Sobey while being fouled; officials ruled the contact a flagrant foul, and Anthony was sent off after having already received a technical foul. By then, however, United had done enough to preserve the win.

Perth Wildcats needed overtime to get past Illawarra Hawks, eventually winning 111–100 at RAC Arena. The sides were locked at 92–92 at the end of regulation, with Kristian Doolittle hitting a crucial three-pointer with 9.7 seconds remaining to force the extra period. Perth then took control, outscoring the Hawks 19–8 in overtime as Illawarra lost Davo Hickey and Makur Maker to fouls. Doolittle's late intervention proved decisive in a contest that had remained close throughout.

Swimming: Team Wahoo claim inaugural Swim GP title

Team Wahoo won the inaugural Swim GP in Melbourne, finishing the two-night competition with 222 points. Team Tsunami placed second on 173, narrowly ahead of Kraken on 170, while KingTide finished fourth on 149. The winning squad was led by world championship gold medallists Meg Harris and Sam Short, and shared a $20,000 team prize.

The new format combines elite and para swimming in a short-course, team-based competition featuring unusual race formats, relays and strategic twists designed to make the sport more engaging for spectators. Around 3,500 people attended across the two nights at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The event's conclusion follows an encouraging opening session featuring strong performances from Lani Pallister and Kaylee McKeown, and organisers will be hoping the experiment can establish itself as a regular fixture on the Australian swimming calendar.

Surf lifesaving: Callaghan and Rogers win at Thirroul

Ethan Callaghan and Lana Rogers claimed victories in the second round of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series at Thirroul Beach. Callaghan, 19, broke away from a leading group during the final swim leg before holding his advantage through the ski and run to the finish. The win marked his second-ever round victory in the series and continued a strong period for the young Queensland competitor.

Rogers, a former series champion, prevailed in a close finish against Electra Outram after the pair had established a lead over the rest of the field. The experienced ironwoman secured her first round win since February 2025. The series continues at Thirroul on Sunday, with the athletes facing another demanding round of racing.

Rugby Union: Gordon and Valetini recalled for Scotland Test

The Wallabies have made three changes to their starting side for Sunday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Murrayfield, with Carter Gordon returning at fly-half after recovering from a fractured leg. Rob Valetini has also been restored to the starting back row, while Harry Potter comes onto the wing. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts back to inside centre to partner Len Ikitau, replacing the injured Isaac Henry.

The selections come after Australia's heavy defeat to England and with the Wallabies facing the prospect of a fourth consecutive Test loss. Coach Les Kiss has backed Gordon to bring greater attacking direction and ball-carrying threat, while Valetini's return is intended to strengthen the forward effort. The match takes place on Sunday afternoon in Scotland, which means an early Monday morning start for Australian viewers.