2004 AFL season#Week three

See 2004 AFL Draft.

{{main|2004 Wizard Home Loans Cup}}

The Wizard Home Loans Cup final saw St Kilda defeat Geelong 1.14.5 (98) to 1.10.7 (76) in front of a crowd of 50,533.

{{anchor|Round 1 (season launch)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 1 (season launch)}}

{{AFLGame |Friday, 26 March (7:45 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|14.13 (97)|H|{{AFL Col}}|8.9 (57)|MCG|55,622|}}

{{AFLGame |Saturday, 27 March (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|17.17 (119)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|10.10 (70)|MCG|38,351|}}

{{AFLGame |Saturday, 27 March (2:15 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|15.17 (107)|H|{{AFL Car}}|8.12 (60)| Subiaco Oval|34,177|}}

{{AFLGame |Saturday, 27 March (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|19.8 (122)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|9.7 (61)|Telstra Dome|35,042|}}

{{AFLGame |Saturday, 27 March (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|11.14 (80)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|11.12 (78)|The Gabba|34,028|}}

{{AFLGame |Sunday, 28 March (12:40 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|23.20 (158)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|8.14 (62)|AAMI Stadium|28,413|}}

{{AFLGame |Sunday, 28 March (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|23.11 (149)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|10.14 (74)|MCG|19,231|}}

{{AFLGame |Sunday, 28 March (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|20.17 (137)|A|{{AFL WC}}|22.12 (144)|Telstra Dome|18,841|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 2}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 2 April (7:45 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|20.15 (135)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|12.4 (76)|MCG|33,406|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|15.16 (106)|H|{{AFL WB}}|13.19 (97)|MCG|40,044|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|11.17 (83)|A|{{AFL BL}}|15.14 (104)|AAMI Stadium|41,095|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|8.12 (60)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|13.16 (94)|Telstra Dome|44,876|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 April (5:40 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|17.13 (115)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|18.10 (118)|Subiaco Oval|39,760|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 April (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|15.12 (102)|H|{{AFL Fre}}|10.11 (71)|SCG|21,366|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|16.8 (104)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|6.14 (50)|Optus Oval|25,037|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|11.8 (74)|A|{{AFL Kan}}|15.13 (103)|MCG|35,305|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{anchor|Round 3 (Easter)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 3 (Easter)}}

{{AFLGame|Thursday, 8 April (7:40 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|21.11 (137)|H|{{AFL Col}}|12.5 (77)|The Gabba|36,467|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|17.9 (111)|H|{{AFL Car}}|16.10 (106)|MCG|36,273|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|22.5 (137)|H|{{AFL WC}}|20.11 (131)|Telstra Dome|33,195|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|10.13 (73)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|10.7 (67)|SCG|25,451|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 April (12:40 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|26.15 (171)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|13.12 (90)|AAMI Stadium|27,421|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|12.15 (87)|A|{{AFL Mel}}|12.25 (97)|MCG|27,767|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|10.13 (73)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|8.16 (64)|Subiaco Oval|32,575|}}

{{AFLGame|Monday, 12 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|16.18 (114)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|10.9 (69)|Telstra Dome|43,468|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 4}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 16 April (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|12.8 (80)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|17.15 (117)|MCG|60,864|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|18.16 (124)|H|{{AFL|PA}}|10.11 (71)|MCG|20,093|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|12.7 (79)|H|{{AFL BL}}|10.16 (76)|Subiaco Oval|39,666|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|19.13 (127)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|11.12 (78)|Telstra Dome|31,575|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|15.8 (98)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|18.5 (113)|AAMI Stadium|42,219|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 April (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|10.10 (70)|A|{{AFL Syd}}|18.13 (121)|Manuka Oval|14,891|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|7.12 (54)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|12.16 (88)|Telstra Dome|34,416|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|14.13 (97)|A|{{AFL WB}}|16.13 (109)|MCG|24,959|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{anchor|Round 5 (ANZAC Day)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 5 (ANZAC Day)}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 23 April (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|9.5 (59)|A|{{AFL Ade}}|21.8 (134)|Telstra Dome|25,267|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|14.8 (92)|H|{{AFL WC}}|6.7 (43)|Optus Oval|18,018|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 April (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|20.10 (130)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|8.17 (65)|Telstra Dome|38,896|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 April (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|14.26 (110)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|9.8 (62)|The Gabba|34,526|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 April (7:20 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|15.9 (99)|A|{{AFL Mel}}|17.9 (111)|Telstra Stadium|33,127|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 April (1:15 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|11.13 (79)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|17.10 (112)|MCG|57,294|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 April (2:45 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|17.17 (119)|H|{{AFL WB}}|7.22 (64)|AAMI Stadium|26,839|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 April (2:15 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|18.9 (117)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|14.7 (91)|Subiaco Oval|35,021|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 6}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 30 April (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|12.12 (84)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|13.5 (83)|Telstra Dome|37,947|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|16.12 (108)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|15.8 (98)|MCG|38,946|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|18.11 (119)|A|{{AFL WB}}|19.6 (120)|Manuka Oval|7,222|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|13.14 (92)|H|{{AFL BL}}|14.7 (91)|Telstra Dome|53,539|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 1 May (5:40 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|11.7 (73)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|12.11 (83)|Subiaco Oval|42,135|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 2 May (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|15.11 (101)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|8.10 (58)|Skilled Stadium|18,224|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 2 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|25.10 (160)|H|{{AFL Car}}|8.7 (55)|MCG|38,799|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 2 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|14.17 (101)|H|{{AFL Col}}|12.12 (84)|AAMI Stadium|31,174|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• Three games in this round were decided by one point.

}}

{{anchor|Round 7 (Mother's Day)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 7 (Mother's Day)}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 7 May (7:40 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|14.11 (95)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|18.13 (121)|Telstra Dome|45,119|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|13.11 (89)|H|{{AFL Col}}|11.14 (80)|MCG|56,617|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|11.6 (72)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|14.11 (95)|Subiaco Oval|39,931|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|11.10 (76)|A|{{AFL BL}}|18.12 (120)|Telstra Dome|27,511|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 8 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|13.9 (87)|A|{{AFL Ade}}|17.17 (119)|AAMI Stadium|44,733|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 9 May (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|8.6 (54)|A|{{AFL Ric}}|10.7 (67)|SCG|23,014|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 9 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|18.14 (122)|H|{{AFL WC}}|11.7 (73)|MCG|21,145|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 9 May (5:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|8.4 (52)|A|{{AFL Gee}}|15.18 (108)|Telstra Dome|28,612|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 8}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 14 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|12.12 (84)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|20.15 (135)|AAMI Stadium|46,309|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|15.15 (105)|H|{{AFL WB}}|10.22 (82)|MCG|33,960|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|18.16 (124)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|15.7 (97)|Subiaco Oval|38,870|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|21.12 (138)|H|{{AFL Col}}|13.13 (91)|Telstra Dome|47,898|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 15 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|21.14 (140)|H|{{AFL Car}}|16.6 (102)|The Gabba|34,368|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 16 May (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|10.10 (70)|H|{{AFL Fre}}|8.13 (61)|Aurora Stadium|14,554|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 16 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|15.11 (101)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|12.15 (87)|Skilled Stadium|21,157|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 16 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|21.14 (140)|H|{{AFL|PA}}|7.6 (48)|Telstra Dome|16,910|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 9}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 21 May (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|9.14 (68)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|9.11 (65)|Telstra Dome|37,881|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|13.18 (96)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|11.12 (78)|MCG|31,291|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|20.17 (137)|H|{{AFL BL}}|11.12 (78)|Subiaco Oval|32,575|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|18.12 (120)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|14.13 (97)|Telstra Dome|51,400|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 22 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|19.14 (128)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|7.8 (50)|AAMI Stadium|25,761|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 23 May (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|11.14 (80)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|12.7 (79)|SCG|25,127|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 23 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|12.7 (79)|A|{{AFL WB}}|16.8 (104)|Optus Oval|26,041|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 23 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|26.13 (169)|H|{{AFL WC}}|9.14 (68)|Telstra Dome|30,478|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• St Kilda's 101-point win against West Coast was their largest against the Eagles.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 10}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 28 May (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|17.13 (115)|H|{{AFL Fre}}|12.13 (85)|Telstra Dome|38,411|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|6.11 (47)|A|{{AFL Ade}}|20.13 (133)|MCG|22,942|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|14.16 (100)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|9.9 (63)|Subiaco Oval|38,517|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|9.11 (65)|A|{{AFL Col}}|13.14 (92)|Telstra Dome|44,833|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 29 May (7:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|10.7 (67)|A|{{AFL Syd}}|12.21 (93)|SCG|23,479|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 30 May (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|12.11 (83)|A|{{AFL BL}}|18.15 (123)|The Gabba|32,902|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 30 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|13.10 (88)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|31.10 (196)|Telstra Dome|37,136|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 30 May (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|18.8 (116)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|17.10 (112)|AAMI Stadium|29,177|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 11}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 4 June (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|14.9 (93)|H|{{AFL WC}}|11.9 (75)|Telstra Dome|44,401|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|12.8 (80)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|24.10 (154)|MCG|42,682|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|12.15 (87)|A|{{AFL Car}}|14.7 (91)|AAMI Stadium|41,617|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 June (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|24.10 (154)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|12.8 (80)|Telstra Dome|31,700|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 5 June (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|18.15 (123)|H|{{AFL|PA}}|12.14 (86)|The Gabba|34,241|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 6 June (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|17.10 (112)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|11.10 (76)|SCG|36,039|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 6 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|10.7 (67)|A|{{AFL Gee}}|17.11 (113)|Telstra Dome|31,811|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 6 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|9.8 (62)|A|{{AFL Mel}}|13.15 (93)|Subiaco Oval|33,125|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• A five-minute brawl broke out between rivals Hawthorn and Essendon in the round 11 match, after which one Bomber (Justin Murphy) and four Hawks players received suspensions totalling 16 matches, and a combined total of $70,700 of fines were handed out. 27 charges were brought before the AFL Tribunal, the most ever from a single game.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/06/08/1086460298011.html|title=Bombers, Hawks to face 27 charges|first=Richard |last=Hinds|date=9 June 2004}} The game is widely known as the "Line in the Sand" match as the brawls were sparked in the third quarter after Hawthorn players were urged at a half-time address by club legend Dermott Brereton to metaphorically draw such a line; Brereton thought the young Hawks were being physically intimidated by the more experienced Bombers.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/they-wont-call-us-pretty-boys-again/story-e6frf7jo-1111117577081|title=Dermott Brereton recalls the 'line in the sand' game|first=Dermott |last=Brereton|date=25 September 2008}}
• Two games on the same day consisted of the 24.10 (154) to 12.8 (80) scoreline – the aforementioned Hawthorn vs. Essendon match as well as the Kangaroos vs. Richmond match that was played in the evening.
• The Sydney Swans handed {{AFL|StK}} their first defeat of the season, winning by 36 points in a match best known for Leo Barry's shut-down effort on Fraser Gehrig, who statistically played his worst match for the season registering only two disposals.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-06-06/swans-upset-saints-in-masterful-display/1987888|title=Swans upset Saints in masterful display|publisher=ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|first=Luke|last=Pentony|date=6 June 2004|accessdate=11 March 2021}}

}}

{{anchor|Round 12 (Queen's Birthday)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 12 (Queen's Birthday)}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 11 June (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|15.10 (100)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|14.4 (88)|Telstra Dome|47,302|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|15.13 (103)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|11.14 (80)|MCG|28,306|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 June (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|14.12 (96)|A|{{AFL BL}}|25.12 (162)|Telstra Dome|50,003|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 12 June (5:40 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|15.18 (108)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|11.10 (76)|Subiaco Oval|37,580|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 13 June (12:40 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|20.12 (132)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|8.12 (60)|AAMI Stadium|28,032|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 13 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|14.10 (94)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|12.12 (84)|Skilled Stadium|21,612|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 13 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|10.11 (71)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|12.9 (81)|MCG|18,666|}}

{{AFLGame|Monday, 14 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|12.10 (82)|H|{{AFL Col}}|11.7 (73)|MCG|56,988|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{anchor|Round 13 (Split Round)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 13 (Split Round)}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 18 June (7:40 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|19.13 (127)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|9.7 (61)|Telstra Dome|36,925|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|13.14 (92)|H|{{AFL BL}}|9.11 (65)|Skilled Stadium|17,648|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 June (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|14.9 (93)|A|{{AFL Car}}|18.16 (124)|Telstra Dome|46,618|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 19 June (5:40 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|16.6 (102)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|17.10 (112)|Subiaco Oval|36,507|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 20 June (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|16.12 (108)|H|{{AFL WC}}|11.9 (75)|Manuka Oval|8,542|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 20 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|10.9 (69)|A|{{AFL Mel}}|13.17 (95)|MCG|47,314|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 20 June (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|20.13 (133)|H|{{AFL WB}}|15.11 (101)|AAMI Stadium|36,774|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 26 June (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|13.7 (85)|H|{{AFL Col}}|11.13 (79)|Telstra Stadium|50,091|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• Geelong's win over the Brisbane Lions was their first ever over the merger club and the first over a Brisbane side since round 14, 1995.
• Adelaide coach Gary Ayres resigned as coach after the win over the {{AFL WB}}, with Neil Craig taking over as caretaker for the remainder of the season. Craig would become the head coach from next year.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 14}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 2 July (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|12.7 (79)|A|{{AFL Kan}}|14.16 (100)|Telstra Dome|49,419|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|12.12 (84)|A|{{AFL Syd}}|15.5 (95)|Optus Oval|26,172|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|20.20 (140)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|11.9 (75)|MCG|44,329|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|17.12 (114)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|14.12 (96)|The Gabba|32,744|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 3 July (5:40 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|7.9 (51)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|7.7 (49)|Subiaco Oval|36,668|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 July (1:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|7.5 (47)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|14.9 (93)|Aurora Stadium|19,223|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|10.16 (76)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|18.9 (117)|Telstra Dome|18,734|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 4 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|22.13 (145)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|10.13 (73)|AAMI Stadium|39,288|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 15}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 9 July (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|9.11 (65)|A|{{AFL Gee}}|12.22 (94)|Telstra Dome|50,627|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 July (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|12.10 (82)|A|{{AFL WC}}|12.14 (86)|Aurora Stadium|15,581|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|11.11 (77)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|24.11 (155)|MCG|48,286|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 July (5:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|12.7 (79)|A|{{AFL Kan}}|14.12 (96)|Subiaco Oval|37,077|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 10 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|8.10 (58)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|6.9 (45)|SCG|28,493|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 July (1:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|20.16 (136)|H|{{AFL WB}}|10.8 (68)|The Gabba|29,295|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|23.8 (146)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|13.11 (89)|MCG|54,409|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 11 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|18.15 (123)|H|{{AFL Car}}|5.10 (40)|AAMI Stadium|30,109|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 16}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 16 July (6:40 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|18.9 (117)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|10.13 (73)|Subiaco Oval|40,674|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|9.16 (70)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|9.8 (62)|Optus Oval|20,732|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|9.7 (61)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|16.9 (105)|Telstra Dome|34,631|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|11.7 (73)|A|{{AFL BL}}|16.13 (109)|MCG|34,236|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 17 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|12.8 (80)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|14.8 (92)|AAMI Stadium|34,855|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 July (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|11.11 (77)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|9.8 (62)|Skilled Stadium|20,515|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|7.11 (53)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|15.15 (105)|MCG|11,682|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 18 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|12.21 (93)|H|{{AFL WB}}|7.13 (55)|Telstra Dome|25,107|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 17}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 23 July (7:40 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|20.7 (127)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|14.8 (92)|Telstra Dome|50,392|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|22.11 (143)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|8.15 (63)|MCG|20,018|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|18.10 (118)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|14.7 (91)|Subiaco Oval|35,037|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|8.18 (66)|A|{{AFL Col}}|17.13 (115)|Telstra Dome|32,675|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 24 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|29.15 (189)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|6.12 (48)|The Gabba|33,443|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 July (12:40 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|16.6 (102)|H|{{AFL WC}}|9.22 (76)|AAMI Stadium|26,286|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|18.23 (131)|H|{{AFL Car}}|11.8 (74)|Telstra Dome|43,210|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 25 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|10.10 (70)|A|{{AFL Mel}}|19.12 (126)|MCG|25,211|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• The {{AFL BL}}' 141-point win over {{AFL Ade}} was their biggest ever win, and Adelaide's biggest ever defeat.
• {{AFL Haw}} coach Peter Schwab announced his intention of leaving the role at the end of the season in the week leading up to their game verses {{AFL Kan}}. The Roos 80-point win over the Hawks fast-tracked Schwab’s departure to the days following with assistant Donald McDonald appointed as interim coach for the remainder of the year.

}}

{{anchor|Round 18 (Heritage Round)}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 18 (Heritage Round)}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 30 July (8:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|5.19 (49)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|5.12 (42)|AAMI Stadium|37,562|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 31 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|15.13 (103)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|14.14 (98)|MCG|39,933|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 31 July (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|9.9 (63)|A|{{AFL Fre}}|16.15 (111)|Optus Oval|17,092|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 31 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|18.11 (119)|H|{{AFL|PA}}|11.13 (79)|Telstra Dome|35,711|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 31 July (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|12.11 (83)|H|{{AFL BL}}|7.9 (51)|SCG|34,926|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 1 August (1:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|15.11 (101)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|15.4 (94)|Skilled Stadium|21,673|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 1 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|15.17 (107)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|9.9 (63)|MCG|28,392|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 1 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|15.16 (106)|H|{{AFL WB}}|8.9 (57)|Subiaco Oval|36,028|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 19}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 6 August (6:40 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|11.7 (73)|A|{{AFL Col}}|14.22 (106)|Subiaco Oval|40,901|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 August (1:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|14.7 (91)|H|{{AFL Ade}}|10.8 (68)|Aurora Stadium|17,101|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|8.9 (57)|A|{{AFL Car}}|10.14 (74)|MCG|45,083|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|18.4 (112)|A|{{AFL Kan}}|17.16 (118)|SCG|24,028|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 7 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|16.13 (109)|A|{{AFL Haw}}|18.12 (120)|Telstra Dome|22,330|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 8 August (1:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|10.13 (73)|A|{{AFL WC}}|12.15 (87)|The Gabba|31,754|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 8 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|11.17 (83)|A|{{AFL Gee}}|16.18 (114)|MCG|33,176|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 8 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|18.17 (125)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|6.16 (52)|AAMI Stadium|30,702|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• The {{AFL Kan}} came from 40 points down at three-quarter time against {{AFL Syd}} to win by 6 points in Glenn Archer’s 250th game.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 20}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 13 August (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|18.13 (121)|H|{{AFL Col}}|13.9 (87)|MCG|52,983|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|9.21 (75)|H|{{AFL Fre}}|3.7 (25)|Skilled Stadium|15,209|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|6.7 (43)|A|{{AFL BL}}|8.18 (66)|MCG|17,159|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|7.4 (46)|A|{{AFL Syd}}|10.7 (67)|Telstra Dome|34,991|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 14 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|9.7 (61)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|23.9 (147)|Marrara Oval|13,271|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 15 August (12:40 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|21.12 (138)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|13.8 (86)|AAMI Stadium|35,896|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 15 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Kan}}|15.6 (96)|A|{{AFL|StK}}|23.9 (147)|Telstra Dome|41,664|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 15 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|15.21 (111)|H|{{AFL Car}}|6.13 (49)|Subiaco Oval|39,631|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 21}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 20 August (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|9.16 (70)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|16.11 (107)|MCG|27,226|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 21 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Car}}|14.9 (93)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|8.14 (62)|Optus Oval|22,254|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 21 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|15.19 (109)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|12.15 (87)|AAMI Stadium|37,576|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 21 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL WB}}|21.10 (136)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|15.16 (106)|Telstra Dome|24,741|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 21 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|17.8 (110)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|12.18 (90)|Telstra Stadium|46,440|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 22 August (1:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|20.10 (130)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|13.7 (85)|The Gabba|35,823|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 22 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Haw}}|16.13 (109)|H|{{AFL Ric}}|13.8 (86)|MCG|27,007|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 22 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Fre}}|6.9 (45)|A|{{AFL WC}}|13.15 (93)|Subiaco Oval|41,907|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes = }}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Round 22}}

{{AFLGame|Friday, 27 August (7:40 pm)|{{AFL Col}}|16.11 (107)|A|{{AFL Car}}|17.6 (108)|MCG|60,898|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 28 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ric}}|6.8 (44)|A|{{AFL Syd}}|16.12 (108)|MCG|29,777|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 28 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL WC}}|15.17 (107)|H|{{AFL Mel}}|10.7 (67)|Subiaco Oval|39,882|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 28 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|17.10 (112)|H|{{AFL Fre}}|12.11 (83)|Telstra Dome|35,329|}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 28 August (7:10 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|26.14 (170)|H|{{AFL Kan}}|9.3 (57)|The Gabba|33,122|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 29 August (12:40 pm)|{{AFL Ade}}|9.6 (60)|A|{{AFL|PA}}|12.13 (85)|AAMI Stadium|45,473|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 29 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Ess}}|17.11 (113)|H|{{AFL WB}}|14.12 (96)|Telstra Dome|39,894|}}

{{AFLGame|Sunday, 29 August (2:10 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|17.21 (123)|H|{{AFL Haw}}|9.4 (58)|Skilled Stadium|21,192|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• The Brisbane Lions' 113-point win was their biggest over the Kangaroos.
• Port Adelaide finished the home and away season on top of the ladder for the third consecutive season.

}}

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL

|title=2004 AFL ladder

|section=Ladder

|loss_before_draw=true|for_against_style=points|use_goal_percentage=y

|winpoints=4|drawpoints=2

|team1=Por|team2=BL|team3=StK|team4=Gee|team5=Mel|team6=Syd

|team7=WC|team8=Ess|team9=Fre|team10=Kan|team11=Car|team12=Ade

|team13=Col|team14=WB|team15=Haw|team16=Ric

|win_Por=17|loss_Por=5|draw_Por=0|pf_Por=2413|pa_Por=1823|status_Por=P

|win_BL=16|loss_BL=6|draw_BL=0|pf_BL=2447|pa_BL=1783

|win_StK=16|loss_StK=6|draw_StK=0|pf_StK=2443|pa_StK=1909

|win_Gee=15|loss_Gee=7|draw_Gee=0|pf_Gee=2088|pa_Gee=1741

|win_Mel=14|loss_Mel=8|draw_Mel=0|pf_Mel=2127|pa_Mel=1900

|win_Syd=13|loss_Syd=9|draw_Syd=0|pf_Syd=1938|pa_Syd=1804

|win_WC=13|loss_WC=9|draw_WC=0|pf_WC=2042|pa_WC=1968

|win_Ess=12|loss_Ess=10|draw_Ess=0|pf_Ess=2282|pa_Ess=2228

|win_Fre=11|loss_Fre=11|draw_Fre=0|pf_Fre=1882|pa_Fre=1870

|win_Kan=10|loss_Kan=12|draw_Kan=0|pf_Kan=2142|pa_Kan=2135

|win_Car=10|loss_Car=12|draw_Car=0|pf_Car=1825|pa_Car=2235

|win_Ade=8|loss_Ade=14|draw_Ade=0|pf_Ade=1950|pa_Ade=2039

|win_Col=8|loss_Col=14|draw_Col=0|pf_Col=1899|pa_Col=2082

|win_WB=5|loss_WB=17|draw_WB=0|pf_WB=1957|pa_WB=2459

|win_Haw=4|loss_Haw=18|draw_Haw=0|pf_Haw=1668|pa_Haw=2375

|win_Ric=4|loss_Ric=18|draw_Ric=0|pf_Ric=1693|pa_Ric=2445

|name_Por=Port Adelaide

|name_BL=Brisbane Lions

|name_StK=St Kilda

|name_Gee=Geelong

|name_Mel=Melbourne

|name_Syd=Sydney

|name_WC=West Coast

|name_Ess=Essendon

|name_Fre=Fremantle

|name_Kan=Kangaroos

|name_Car=Carlton

|name_Ade=Adelaide

|name_Col=Collingwood

|name_WB=Western Bulldogs

|name_Haw=Hawthorn

|name_Ric=Richmond

|status_text_P=Premiers

|col_Q=#CCFFCC|text_Q=Finals series

|result1=Q|result2=Q|result3=Q|result4=Q|result5=Q|result6=Q|result7=Q|result8=Q

|class_rules = 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.

|update=complete

|source=[http://stats.afl.com.au/public/statistics/ladders/2004/All/ladders_all_2004.shtml?season_idIndex=107&round_noIndex=0&AFLstatisticMenu=1 AFL ladder]

}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|sortable=y

|toptext=

{{legend|#ccffcc|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in green indicate that the team finished the round inside the top 8.}}

{{legend|#99ccff|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in blue indicates the team finished first on the ladder in that round.}}

{{legend|#ffcccc|outline=#aaa|Numbers highlighted in red indicates the team finished in last place on the ladder in that round.}}

|color_B=#99ccff|color_F=#ccffcc|color_R=#ffcccc

|update=complete

|source=

|team1= Port Adelaide

|res1=4B/8F/12F/12F/16F/20F/20F/20F/24F/28F/28F/32F/36F/40F/44F/48F/52F/52F/56F/60F/64B/68B

|team2=Brisbane Lions

|res2=4F/8F/12F/12F/16F/16F/20F/24F/24F/28F/32F/36F/36F/40F/44F/48F/52B/52F/52F/56F/60F/64F

|team3=St Kilda

|res3=4F/8B/12B/16B/20B/24B/28B/32B/36B/40B/40B/40B/44B/44B/44B/48B/52F/52F/56B/60B/60F/64F

|team4=Geelong

|res4= 0 / 0/0R / 4 / 4 / 8/12F/16F/20F/20F/24F/28F/32F/32F/36F/40F/44F/48F/52F/56F/56F/60F

|team5=Melbourne

|res5= 0/4F/8F/12F/16F/20F/24F/24F/28F/28F/32F/36F/40F/40F/44F/48F/52F/56B/56F/56F/56F/56F

|team6=Sydney

|res6= 0/4F/8F/12F/12F/12F/12F / 12/16F/20F/24F/24F/28F/32F/36F/36F/36F/40F/40F/44F/48F/52F

|team7=West Coast

|res7=4F / 4 / 4/8F / 8 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 32 / 32 / 36 / 40 / 44/48F/52F

|team8=Essendon

|res8=0R/0R / 4 / 8/12F/16F/20F/24F/24F/28F/32F/32F/32F/32F/36F/36F / 36/40F / 40/44F / 44/48F

|team9=Fremantle

|res9=4F/4F/8F/12F/16F/20F/20F/20F/24F/24F/24F/28F/28F/32F / 32/36F/40F/44F/44F/44F/44F / 44

|team10=Kangaroos

|res10=4F/8F/12F/12F/12F/12F / 12/16F / 16 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 28/32F / 32/36F / 36/40F / 40 / 40 / 40

|team11=Carlton

|res11= 0 / 4/4F / 4 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 24 / 24 / 24 / 28 / 28 / 28 / 32 / 32 / 36 / 40

|team12=Adelaide

|res12= 0 / 0 / 0/0R / 4 / 4 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 24 / 28 / 32 / 32

|team13=Collingwood

|res13= 0 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4/4R/4R/4R/8R / 12 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 20 / 20 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 32 / 32 / 32 / 32

|team14=Western Bulldogs

|res14= 0 / 0 / 0 / 4 / 4 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 12 / 12 / 12 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 20 / 20

|team15=Hawthorn

|res15=4F/4F / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 8 / 8/8R/8R/8R/8R/8R/8R/8R/8R/8R/12R/12R / 16 / 16

|team16=Richmond

|res16=4F / 4 / 4 / 4/4R / 8 / 12 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16 / 16/16R/16R

}}

{{8TeamBracket-PagePlayoff|RD2-RD3-cross=y

|team-width=150

|RD1-text1=5 Sep, AAMI Stadium

|RD1-team1={{AFL PA}}

|RD1-score1=18.9 (117)

|RD1-team2={{AFL Gee}}

|RD1-score2=9.8 (62)

|RD1-text2=4 Sep, MCG

|RD1-team3={{AFL Mel}}

|RD1-score3=15.9 (99)

|RD1-team4={{AFL Ess}}

|RD1-score4=15.14 (104)

|RD1-text4=3 Sep, The Gabba

|RD1-team7={{AFL BL}}

|RD1-score7=23.11 (149)

|RD1-team8={{AFL|StK}}

|RD1-score8=10.9 (69)

|RD1-text3=4 Sep, Telstra Stadium

|RD1-team5={{AFL Syd}}

|RD1-score5=11.9 (75)

|RD1-team6={{AFL WC}}

|RD1-score6=4.10 (34)

|RD2-text1=11 Sep, MCG

|RD2-team1={{AFL Gee}}

|RD2-score1=10.14 (74)

|RD2-team2={{AFL Ess}}

|RD2-score2=9.10 (64)

|RD2-text2=10 Sep, MCG

|RD2-team3={{AFL|StK}}

|RD2-score3=16.11 (107)

|RD2-team4={{AFL Syd}}

|RD2-score4=8.8 (56)

|RD3-text1=17 Sep, AAMI Stadium

|RD3-team1={{AFL PA}}

|RD3-score1=14.10 (94)

|RD3-team2={{AFL|StK}}

|RD3-score2=13.10 (88)

|RD3-text2=18 Sep, MCG

|RD3-team3={{AFL BL}}

|RD3-score3=12.12 (84)

|RD3-team4={{AFL Gee}}

|RD3-score4=10.15 (75)

|RD4-text1=25 Sep, MCG

|RD4-team1={{AFL PA}}

|RD4-score1=17.11 (113)

|RD4-team2={{AFL BL}}

|RD4-score2=10.13 (73)

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Qualifying finals}}

{{AFLGame|QF1: Sunday, 5 September (2:00 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|18.9 (117)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|9.8 (62)|AAMI Stadium|39,250|}}

{{AFLGame|QF2: Friday, 3 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|23.11 (149)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|10.9 (69)|The Gabba|33,582|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• St Kilda played in its first finals series since 1998.
• Port Adelaide won in week one of the finals for the first time ever.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Elimination finals}}

{{AFLGame|EF1: Saturday, 4 September (2:30 pm)|{{AFL Mel}}|15.9 (99)|A|{{AFL Ess}}|15.14 (104)|MCG|60,903|}}

{{AFLGame|EF2: Saturday, 4 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL Syd}}|11.9 (75)|H|{{AFL WC}}|4.10 (34)|Telstra Stadium|40,282|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• West Coast were eliminated in the first week of the finals for the third consecutive year.
• As of 2024, this is Essendon’s most recent finals victory.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Semi-finals}}

{{AFLGame|SF2: Friday, 10 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL|StK}}|16.11 (107)|H|{{AFL Syd}}|8.8 (56)|MCG|50,671|}}

{{AFLGame|SF1: Saturday 11 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL Gee}}|10.14 (74)|H|{{AFL Ess}}|9.10 (64)|MCG|53,356|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• Essendon were eliminated in the second week of the finals for the third consecutive year.

}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Preliminary finals}}

{{AFLGame|PF1: Friday, 17 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|14.10 (94)|H|{{AFL|StK}}|13.10 (88)|AAMI Stadium|46,978|}}

{{AFLGame|PF2: Saturday, 18 September (7:30 pm)|{{AFL BL}}|12.12 (84)|H|{{AFL Gee}}|10.15 (75)|MCG|55,768|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• {{AFL|PA}} won through to its first ever AFL Grand Final.
• {{AFL BL}} played its "home" final at the MCG despite being ranked above {{AFL Gee}} due to the agreement then in place with the Melbourne Cricket Club that at least one game each week of the finals be played at the MCG.

}}

{{main|2004 AFL Grand Final}}

{{AFLGameHeader|title = Grand final}}

{{AFLGame|Saturday, 25 September (2:40 pm)|{{AFL|PA}}|17.11 (113)|H|{{AFL BL}}|10.13 (73)|MCG|77,671|}}

{{AFLGameFooter|notes =

• This was the first grand final in the history of the AFL to be played by two non-Victorian teams; {{AFL|PA}}'s first; and the {{AFL BL}}' fourth consecutive.

}}

Total match attendance for all games was 5,915,407. Attendance at the grand final was 77,671. The largest non-finals attendance was 60,898 people for the Collingwood v Carlton game in round 22.

Attendances during the season were affected by the ongoing reconstruction of the Ponsford, Olympic and Melbourne Cricket Club stands at the MCG to be ready for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

• The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Chris Judd of West Coast.
• The Leigh Matthews Trophy was awarded to Nick Riewoldt of St Kilda.
• The Coleman Medal was awarded to Fraser Gehrig of St Kilda.
• The Norm Smith Medal was awarded to Byron Pickett of Port Adelaide.
• The AFL Rising Star award was awarded to Jared Rivers of Melbourne.
• The Wooden Spoon was "awarded" to Richmond for coming last.

• {{AFL|StK}} won its first ten matches of the season, which was at that time the longest winning streak in its history. This record stood until 2009, when the Saints won 19 games in a row.
• A five-minute brawl broke out between rivals Hawthorn and Essendon in the round 11 match, after which one Bomber (Justin Murphy) and four Hawks players received suspensions totalling 16 matches, and a combined total of $70,700 of fines were handed out. 27 charges were brought before the AFL Tribunal, the most ever from a single game. The game is widely known as the "Line in the Sand" match, as the brawls were sparked in the third quarter after Hawthorn players were urged at a half-time address by club legend Dermott Brereton to metaphorically draw such a line; Brereton thought the young Hawks were being physically intimidated by the more experienced Bombers.
• In round 13, {{AFL Gee}} defeated the {{AFL BL}} for the first time since the merged club was established in 1997. The win broke a 10-game winning streak for Brisbane against Geelong.
• After the round 13 win over the {{AFL WB}}, {{AFL Ade}} coach Gary Ayres was told by the board of directors that his contract would not be renewed for the next season, but would be allowed to coach the rest of 2004. Ayres subsequently resigned on the same day, without shaking hands or a word with the media. He was replaced by Neil Craig at first on a temporary basis, but then got the job permanently for 2005 and onwards.{{cite web|last1=Rucci|first1=Michaelangelo|title=Gary Ayres opinions way too late|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/gary-ayres-opinions-way-too-late/story-fn83zgrc-1226117948001|website=Adelaidenow|publisher=The Advertiser|access-date=18 September 2016}}
• During the round 19 match between {{AFL Syd}} and the {{AFL Kan}}, Sydney head trainer Wally Jackson suffered a fatal heart attack during the last quarter.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/08/1091903447533.html|title=Swans mourn loss of their father figure|author=Jessica Halloran|date=9 August 2004|access-date=26 July 2015|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publication-place=Sydney, NSW}} Most of the Sydney players were upset and distracted as Jackson was given CPR on the interchange bench; and despite Sydney having led the Kangaroos by 40 points at three-quarter time, they faded to lose by six points.
• With its round 22 win over Adelaide, {{AFL PA}} clinched its third consecutive minor premiership, a feat achieved by only two other clubs in the previous 50 seasons ({{AFL Mel}} 1955–60; {{AFL Ess}} 1999–2001). This would later prove crucial in relation to home ground advantage at the preliminary final stage.
• Despite earning a home preliminary final by beating St Kilda two weeks earlier, the Brisbane Lions were forced to play Geelong in Melbourne at the MCG, due to an agreement between the AFL and the MCG to play at least one match per week at the ground in finals. This contractual stipulation was removed following renegotiation the following season.{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Caroline|title=Fairer finals clause comes back to bite AFL|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/fairer-finals-clause-comes-back-to-bite-afl-20140815-104ok3.html|website=The Age|date=15 August 2014 |publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=18 September 2016}}
• Essendon’s victory over Melbourne in the first week of the finals remains, as of the end of 2024, its most recent finals victory.

{{reflist}}

• [http://afltables.com/afl/seas/2004.html 2004 Season – AFL Tables]

{{2004 AFL season}}

{{Australian Football League}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2004 Afl Season}}

Category:Australian Football League seasons

Category:2004 in Australian rules football