Richmond drew with Carlton
The Tigers face an important five weeks after a last-gasp Tom Lynch goal spared them from round one defeat despite boasting 21 extra inside 50s on Thursday night. The positive post-match spin from coach Damien Hardwick was their system was “strong”, which was the backbone of their three premierships between 2017-20. But Richmond should be desperately disappointed not to have won, especially after shooting to the front in a five goals-to-two third term. They had seven players aged 30 years or older in the side – while Carlton sent out two debutants – and took a big off-season punt on ex-Giants Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, who still must prove they are better than just good players. The Tigers head on the road to meet Adelaide next, before dates with Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Sydney Swans and Melbourne. They will not want to repeat last year’s four losses in the opening six rounds, but it is a distinct possibility that could sink their finals hopes. – Marc McGowan
No one won on Thursday night when Richmond and Carlton opened the AFL season.Credit: Getty Images
Collingwood d Geelong
Esava Ratugolea was not part of the Cats’ premiership last year, but his value has risen sharply after a spate of injuries to the side’s defence. Already without Jack Henry, the reigning premiers have ruled out Tom Stewart (knee) for at least next week, and there are doubts over young gun Sam de Koning (knee). Former forward Ratugolea, whom the Cats denied a requested trade to Port Adelaide, made a promising start to life as a defender, and will be vital in combating Carlton’s double-punch of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow. Chris Scott may also have to move Mark Blicavs into defence. By season’s end, Tom Mitchell’s move to Collingwood for essentially two third-round picks may prove one of the smartest pieces of business from last year’s trade period. With his ability to win the ball inside, the 2018 Brownlow winner adds steel to an area the Pies were lacking. No player was close to his 10 clearances, and only Patrick Dangerfield had more than his 14 contested possessions. Jordan de Goey, Jack Crisp and co can only improve for having Mitchell in the team, but Jeremy Howe will be missing for 8-10 weeks after surgery on his arm. – Andrew Wu
North Melbourne d West Coast
Harry Sheezel made one of the great modern AFL debuts for North Melbourne against West Coast.Credit: Getty Images
The Kangaroos may still be a bottom-four side when all is said and done, but they will no longer be easy beats, going on their stirring win over the Eagles on Saturday. Under new coach Alastair Clarkson, there is a defined game plan and, within that, an accountability over individual roles. No.3 draft pick Harry Sheezel shapes as one of the players of the next decade. His 34 touches were the most by a debutant since Greg Williams had 38 in his first game in 1984. Sheezel’s ability to not only find the ball from half-back, but deliver it well, has him the likely Rising Star nominee of round one. Nick Larkey (six goals) was also rewarded for his fine efforts at full-forward. For the Eagles, a poor second quarter left Adam Simpson shaking his head. They rebounded late thanks to the old firm of Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey, but it’s hard not to feel this list is in no-man’s land. The Eagles need to regenerate. – Jon Pierik
Port Adelaide d Brisbane
We were told all throughout the summer that the Brisbane Lions were a premiership contender this year, especially after they bolstered their already formidable midfield unit with prized recruits Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft. But maybe the Lions believed their own hype over the pre-season, because the effort they produced on Saturday was absolutely woeful. And it’s their vaunted on-ball brigade that must take the brunt of the blame. They were smashed in the clearances 47-38 and names such as Lachie Neale, Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry and Ashcroft were upstaged in the second half by Jason Horne-Francis, Ollie Wines, Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters and Sam Powell-Pepper. A lot of soul searching is required for Brisbane if they want to live up to their billing as a flag fancy. And speaking of Horne-Francis, what a club debut? He was the driving force behind the Power’s spectacular resurgence as they transformed a 19-point deficit into a 54-point win. The uncompromising former No.1 draft pick led the way for his new team and finished best on ground. Port look like they have got a future superstar on their hands. – Ronny Lerner
Melbourne d Western Bulldogs
Sometimes the best gauge of team spirit cannot be identified on a stat sheet or the scoreboard, but in a selfless act by a lower-profile player. Alex Neal-Bullen is a foot soldier who fits the bill. When Simon Goodwin’s coaching run the review this week, it’s likely Neal-Bullen’s effort to throw his body in front of a charging Tim English at a marking contest will be acclaimed. As Neal-Bullen sucked in the deep ones after copping his medicine, several teammates rushed over to pat him on the back to acknowledge his commitment. Rory Lobb may have only just started his career at the kennel but he owes the club plenty. The Dogs gave up pick 30 and a future second-round selection for a player who has only kicked more than 30 goals once in his nine-season career. Acquired to help out English in the ruck and support Aaron Naughton inside 50, he did neither in his debut in the red, white and blue, producing a stinker with six touches, two marks and no score. The delivery inside 50 was poor, but the Dogs can reasonably demand Lobb to set a better example to young pups Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Sam Darcy. There was some relief for the Bulldogs, with Liam Jones cleared of structural damage to his neck after an awkward collision with a teammate. He will be assessed before the Dogs play St Kilda on Saturday night. – Andrew Wu
Sydney d Gold Coast
After last year’s grand final shellacking, the Swans answered any questions about their appetite for season 2023 in style with a clinical victory away from home. The only bum note is the likely loss of Lance Franklin for at least a week after he collected Suns defender Sam Collins high, opening the door for Sam Reid. Chad Warner, Errol Gulden, Nick Blakey and Dylan Stephens all showed the rich emerging talent in this young side are capable of going to the next level. Really, though, the spotlight should be on the Suns, whose lack of physical presence and intensity was disturbing. Coach Stuart Dew can’t afford too many more performances like that. – Andrew Stafford
GWS d Adelaide
Toby Greene said it was “hands down” the hardest game of footy he has played in. The Giants captain booted four goals and was magnificent in leading his side to a come-from-behind win over the Crows in 32-degree heat. For GWS, it was a rousing start to the Adam Kingsley era but there were some injury worries to come out of the match. Harry Perryman (hamstring), Lachie Whitfield and Josh Kelly (both concussion) were forced from the field before the match was on the line, while Nick Haynes was restricted by cramps. Rookie Giant Jacob Wehr spent time on the bench being assessed for concussion after a heavy hit from Adelaide’s Shane McAdam that is sure to come under the scrutiny of the match review officer. The Crows’ prized recruit Izak Rankine sparked his new club early but failed to make the Giants pay with 2.5 from 18 disposals. The Giants travel to Perth seeking to go 2-0 against West Coast on Sunday, while the Crows host Richmond on Saturday. – AAP
Essendon d Hawthorn
Neither Hawthorn nor Essendon supporters were expecting much in 2023. But Bomber fans were entitled to leave the MCG satisfied after watching Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti return in style and Alwyn Davey junior make an impressive debut. Archie Perkins delivered on his promise while Zach Merrett played with the attitude of a leader, lifting his team with sacrificial acts in the second term when a heavy tag was stopping him getting the ball. By contrast, Hawthorn need to respond quickly after an uncompetitive performance that should worry their fans when they consider the prospect of playing Geelong, Collingwood or Melbourne. Melbourne play the Hawks twice which shapes as a massive bonus for the Demons, as do the Saints, Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and North Melbourne. Hawks coach Sam Mitchell says his team is much better than it showed in round one. The jury is still out. – Peter Ryan
St Kilda recruit Zaine Cordy (left) celebrates a goal with new teammate Jade Gresham.Credit: AFL Photos
St Kilda d Fremantle
The Saints have 14 on the injury list, including forwards Max King and Tim Membrey, and there were only seven senior players left to play in the reserves this past weekend, so coach Ross Lyon was up against it. Lyon isn’t expecting many of his injured players to be back next round, although midfielder Marcus Windhager (broken finger) may be a chance. The Saints forward line included a key defender with 12 career goals – Zaine Cordy – a guy who wasn’t on the list six weeks ago – Anthony Caminiti – and teenager Mattaes Phillipou, who looks a boy but played like a man. Mitch Owens worked hard and Mason Wood also pushed forward to kick two crucial late goals. The unheralded forwards challenged and pressured and will likely have a couple more weeks until more experienced reinforcements arrive. “We thought they persisted and halved some valuable things [contests] late in the game. They persisted,” Lyon said. – Roy Ward
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