Neil Cordy previews Round 1 of the 2018 AFL season for GWS and Sydney
AFTER back to back shock premierships to Richmond last year and the Western Bulldogs in 2016, just about every team in the AFL thinks they can win it in 2018. But where do the Giants and Swans stand?
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AFTER back to back shock premierships to Richmond last year and the Western Bulldogs in 2016 just about every team in the AFL thinks they can win it in 2018.
The Tigers won it from 13th in 2016 so even Collingwood, who finished 13th in 2017, will think they are a chance. All of which makes this season the most open in recent memory.
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The Swans and Giants are both well in the premiership hunt again. Sydney spent all its petrol tickets recovering from its 0-6 start to fall at the semi-final stage to Geelong. Despite their thin ruck department with the retirement of Kurt Tippett and Sam Naismith’s ACL injury, a healthier list will see them avoid a repeat of last year’s opening.
The Giants won through to their second consecutive preliminary final but again lost to the eventual grand final winner, this time Richmond. They endured the worst run of injuries of any team so a half decent run in the medical room should see them at the pointy end of the season.
RECORD ROUND ONE CROWD EXPECTED
Last year’s first round record crowd of 400,401 isn’t going to last long with AFL officials quietly confident of another bumper opening.
Richmond unfurling their premiership flag before their clash with Carlton on Thursday night is expected to draw 90,000 plus. The Swans clash with old rivals West Coast at the new Optus Stadium will draw a capacity 55,000. Combined with blockbusters Hawthorn v Collingwood and Geelong v Melbourne both at the MCG the bar is very likely to be raised again.
SWANS V WEST COAST
With Tippett and Naismith out the Swans will be without a recognised ruckman and could face Nic Natainui who missed all of 2017 with an ACL. He could be a match winner. Josh Kennedy is a big out for the Eagles while the Swans have Josh Kennedy, Lance Franklin and Luke Parker. Dan Hannebery and Jarrad McVeigh will miss with calf injuries.
GWS V BULLDOGS
One of the matches of the round, the Bulldogs will be looking to bounce back after suffering a premiership hangover and missing the finals.
The Giants have plenty of question marks after the departures of Shane Mumford, Nathan Wilson, Devon Smith, Steve Johnson and injuries to Zac Williams and Will Setterfield.
OTHER KEY GAMES
ESSENDON V ADELAIDE
The runners up against a team tipped to push for top four.
MELBOURNE V GEELONG
Patrick Dangerfield has a hamstring injury will put a load on returning hero Gary Ablett. Melbourne has won only one of their last 14 against Cats.
HAWTHORN V COLLINGWOOD
Nathan Buckley needs a good start to take some of the heat off but Hawthorn on their MCG home is a tough assignment.