Nathan Buckley previews the first Super Saturday of the 2025 AFL season
The first Super Saturday of the AFL season is almost here, with four compelling match-ups to come. Nathan Buckley runs his eye over every game — including what Collingwood must change.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
What a cracking way to start Super Saturdays for 2025!
Hot weather forecasts in both Melbourne and Sydney will likely exacerbate the fast, high-intensity matches that we often see in the early rounds … and that aspect alone makes these match-ups compelling viewing.
Here’s the key points to keep an eye out for.
GEELONG V FREMANTLE
GMHBA STADIUM, 1.20PM
• The Cats love putting speed on the game; they love high-tempo, up-and-back games, believing that they have a superior running profile to most of their opponents. Look for Max Holmes, Mark Blicavs, Gryan Miers and Zach Guthrie, to name a few, to bring chaos into the game at every opportunity and for the heat to take its toll on both teams.
• Freo’s player unavailability hurt it late last year and again the Dockers will go into this game without Shai Bolton, Michael Walters, Hayden Young, Nat Fyfe and Sean Darcy. But thanks to “Uncle Adam” (an ABC talkback caller this week, claiming to be a relative of the Freo skipper), we believe Alex Pearce will suit up and Josh Treacy will look to build on his stellar growth last year in this crucial away fixture.
• The Dockers were the best clearance differential team last year and Geelong tends to prioritise transition over stoppage. Playing Patrick Dangerfield forward is a luxury the Cats may not afford to have in this one. Look for him to be called upon at key times to influence the stoppage game to meet their opponents’ strengths.
SYDNEY V BRISBANE LIONS
SCG, 4.15PM
• Last year’s Grand Final rematch has even more interest given the events of last week. The Brisbane Lions have not only been robbed of their Opening Round fixture along with the opportunity to unfurl their premiership flag but also of ‘time on legs’ across the last week. How well have they managed the Alfred challenge?
• Dean Cox’s coaching both during the week and in game has been questioned, but in reality the differences in last week’s game against Hawthorn were marginal. Tom McCartin will stay forward and Dane Rampe or Lewis Melican will roll over to Nick Blakey’s opponent, should they try to drag ‘The Lizard’ back to the goalsquare.
• Sydney only produced 40 inside 50s last week and had just 14 forward-half turnovers for the game. Their 2024 forward-half turnover average was 21. You just don’t win games with that level of supply. They need to match the Lions at clearance and press harder to hold the ball in their forward half. If they can do this, they will be right in the contest.
COLLINGWOOD V PORT ADELAIDE
MCG, 7.35PM
• Were the Magpies underprepared or will they bounce back in this fixture against the Power? They were run off their legs by the Giants last week who looked to handle the conditions and the pace of the game much better, as Toby Greene told us. What has been ignored is that the Giants brought more pressure at the beginning of every Collingwood possession chain and the Pies did not. Look for that to change!
• Port Adelaide will hit the ‘G with an intent to take the game to their opposition. The speed of ball movement they showed in the pre-season is their coach doubling down on his attacking intent in his final year at the helm. ‘Take it on, be prepared to absorb errors, and show dare and endeavour in all we do’. Joe Berry is a young fella to look forward to here. There was a lot to like about what we saw in the lead-up games.
• Collingwood had more clearances, contested possessions and inside 50s than the opposition last week, but got smashed in the end. Port’s weakness is in their back six if they can’t slow down the opposition. The Pies will hope to put them under the sort of repeat entry pressure the Giants were able to absorb in the third quarter last week, just for better return.
WESTERN BULLDOGS V NORTH MELBOURNE
MARVEL STADIUM, 7.35PM
• The Dogs’ injury status is poor and the ever-reliable Marcus Bontempelli is missing for the first time in a long time. With Adam Treloar out too, the midfield will be tested. Ed Richards’ addition is a big plus to add to a midfield underbelly that is still strong. Stand-in skipper Tom Liberatore is as underrated as he is tough, Ryley Sanders is young and exciting, and Matt Kennedy and James Harmes have been chafing at the bit for midfield opportunities in their careers … So here it is! Grab it!
• North Melbourne has enjoyed a more positive narrative throughout the off season and the additions of more elite talent through the draft and experienced leaders through trades definitely increases the depth and therefore the consistency of what we should expect from the Kangas. Look for Finn O'Sullivan. Track watchers have been impressed by his elite foot skills and spatial awareness. Another young gun to look forward to seeing live.
• Sam Darcy is the real deal and in many ways is a new prototype forward who can rip games from the opposition. I really like Charlie Comben as a defender. That match up will be a beauty. But Comben will need help. The Kangaroos are still looking for key defenders to stand up and provide structure to their young team.
More Coverage
Originally published as Nathan Buckley previews the first Super Saturday of the 2025 AFL season
‘There’s a backstory’: Goodwin defends Gawn after Xerri battle
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has backed captain Max Gawn after he had his coloured lowered by Tristan Xerri, saying ‘in life there are other things that are going on’.
The Tackle: Deplorable Dons’ reset puts Merrett in danger zone
Dyson Heppell retired in 2024 without a finals win. Bombers skipper Zach Merrett would have to be worried he’s resigned to the same fate. Check out the likes and dislikes from round 2.