Early Tackle: Glenn Mcfarlane’s likes and dislikes from round 1
The manner of the Port Adelaide’s capitulation will pour even more searing heat on the club’s contentious succession plan, writes GLENN McFARLANE. See the early round 1 likes and dislikes.
The real stuff is well and truly underway.
Two 80,000-plus MCG crowds to kickstart round 1 has the footy world buzzing.
Glenn McFarlane names his likes and dislikes from the action so far.
LIKES
AGEING BULLS AIMING TO BUCK THE TREND
After a week in which Collingwood was dismissed as ‘too old and too slow’ following a thrashing from the Giants, Magpies coach Craig McRae decided to double down.
He dropped the youngest player (Ed Allan) in last week’s loss and pinned his faith on his ageing bulls – some have called them the ‘Pensioner Pies’ – to get the job done.
And Collingwood delivered a spectacular ‘Up Yours’ to the critics, annihilating an embarrassing Port Adelaide, despite fielding a team of eight 30-year-olds and three 29-year-olds.
Tim Membrey made up for a disappointing debut in black and white last week, with the 30-year-old former Saint kicking the first three goals of this game for his new club, plus a fourth major in the last.
His fellow forwards and 32-year-olds Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott kicked three and two goals respectively in a 21-goal blitz that followed on from a barren week against the Giants.
Steele Sidebottom turned back the clock as the 34-year-old joined 37-year-old Scott Pendlebury to equal the record for the most AFL games as teammates. They will break it next week.
Pendlebury was the surprise sub against the Power, but he was ushered into the game in the last term.
This was a statement from the Pies, and their coach who famously said last trade period that he wanted ‘players, not picks’, and he copped some criticism for that last week.
We’ve seen a swag of talent thrust onto the AFL stage in the first round of footy – Levi Ashcroft, Sam Lalor, Murphy Reid and Isaac Kako – but the Magpies are going all-in on their veterans and their ability to buck the trend towards youth.
A WIN THE DOGS HAD TO HAVE
After a summer of injury chaos, focus on the coach, and more than a few off-field concerns, this was the game that Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs simply had to win.
They were without skipper Marcus Bontempelli and a host of key players, including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan sidelined with fitness issues after taking time off to deal with personal issues.
And the Dogs were challenged throughout the game by a North Melbourne side intent on gaining respect, but Beveridge’s side managed to hold on late to win by 16 points.
Alastair Clarkson’s Kangas might have fallen away last year after trailing by almost five goals midway through the contest, but to their credit, they made the Dogs earn this first-up victory.
What it does now is set up a big 100th anniversary bash for the Bulldogs when they take on Collingwood in a prime time Friday night slot.
Ed Richards is a class act, stand-in skipper Tom Liberatore filled in for the Bont, and the coach loves nothing better than rousing his troops when the odds are against them.
PUNKED
On the Midweek Tackle during the week our colleague Jon Ralph urged Watson to stop chasing head-high frees after he was caught milking a few in the Swans’ clash.
By and large, he did that on Friday in a brilliant three-goal forward display, even if he was denied a clear head-high free which might have been a ‘Wizard Who Cried Wolf’ moment.
Watson could see the funny side of it after the game, saying the contentious ‘deliberate rushed ball’ free kick goal he got courtesy of Andrew McGrath might have been the umpires’ payback.
“It was definitely a rushed behind … I think it was the Gods paying me back for that high free kick,” Watson said on Fox Footy.
He gave Luke Breust – the veteran Hawk who was one of the emergencies – a big shoutout after the game, saying he had worked heavily on aspects of his game after his zero-goal, zero-impact stinker last week.
Hawk insiders will tell you Breust is playing a massive role in keeping the brash mosquito small forwards grounded without taking away their flair or sense of theatre.
“It was a bit of a rough start (last week), but all props to ‘Breusty’ for helping me out through the week,” Watson said.
BAZ’S BACK
Beyond the glitz and glamour it is easy to forget that Bailey Smith is a bloody good footballer capable of lifting teams.
On Saturday, he gave us a none-too subtle reminder in Geelong colours in his first AFL match in 573 days.
In doing so, you can easily see what a difference he can make to a Cats side not so reliant these days on the older generation.
Smith joined the Geelong headband brigade and had a game-high 32 disposals – with 15 contested – as well as 12 scoring involvements in a stunning return to footy following his ACL injury that kept him out of 2024.
At times he was a little loose with his efficiency but the man they call Baz got his hands dirty and led the charge as Geelong put Fremantle to the sword.
We suspect the Cats Shop will be selling those white headbands as part of the club merchandise in the coming weeks.
And there will be plenty of takers.
This Cats outfit looked good, with the next generation of youngsters starting to take hold of this team, with only four players on Saturday beyond the age of 30.
One of them, Patrick Dangerfield, looks set for a big year and could be a weapon in attack as much as through the middle.
NEALE CLAMPED BUT LIONS DO IT THE HARD WAY
Brisbane star Lachie Neale recorded his lowest possession count in eight years - since his Freo days - but the reigning premiers scored a gritty start victory in the grand final rematch.
But the injury toll for the Brisbane Lions might be a pressing short-term issue.
Kai Lohmann was subbed out with an ankle injury and Brandon Starcevich suffered his third concussion in the past 12 games - and his second in less than a month.
Add to that Charlie Cameron’s late withdrawal.
Neale went almost two quarters during the course of the game without a possession after being shut out by James Jordon, having a total of 10 disposals, his lowest tally since 2017.
Zac Bailey was brilliant with four goals and it was a delight to see the Ashcroft brothers - Will (21) and debutant Levi (25) - combine for 46 disposals.
This team will take some beating again this year.
YOU WOULDN’T REID ABOUT IT!
Move over Harley, there might be a new Reid in town!
The Dockers couldn’t believe their luck when Murphy Reid slipped down to pick 17 in last year’s national draft.
And you could see why in the space of ten minutes in the third quarter as he booted four goals in an effort to lift Fremantle back into a contest that looked gone.
It was stunning stuff … he clearly has the right mix of youthful exuberance and canny talent that will see him become a fan favourite in a short period of time.
Harley Reid has made many, many more headlines in Perth than he has played AFL games, and mostly for good reason, as he has a monster future ahead – whether it be in Eagles colours or not.
But Murphy Reid, the kid plucked out of Sandringham Dragons, is also a serious talent as he became one of the few bright sparks on a miserable day for the Dockers.
SLINGSHOT SET-PLAYS AND THE SPREAD
The coast-to-coast Hawks gave us a second example in as many weeks of why Sam Mitchell might be the ‘set-play king’ of the coaches right now.
Against Sydney last week, and against Essendon on Friday night, Hawthorn put a modern slant on Robert Walls’ ‘Huddle’ of the 1980s, with a slingshot goal from a kick-in.
A congregation of Hawks players headed to one side of the MCG and spread in preparation for a James Sicily kick-in following a Bombers’ behind in the final term.
Then Jarman Impey immediately darted to the far side of the ground in a drill that had clearly been on high rotation at training at Waverley, catching the Bombers’ unaware.
The Sicily kick was put way out in front of the running Impey, who gathered and launched a pin-point pass to Connor Macdonald about 35 metres from goal.
🚨 Hawthorn kick in set play 🚨
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 14, 2025
Executed to perfection!#AFLHawksDonspic.twitter.com/0awrdsGcjp
Macdonald went back and closed out the slingshot play with a superb goal. He said on SEN: “We try and have a few tricks up our sleeve … that was pretty good for it to come off.”
It’s a new take on an old tactic, and Carlton must be wary of this next Thursday night.
One other key takeout of the Hawks’ two wins this season is their spread of goals.
In each game, they have had 10 goalkickers, with AFL stats guru @sirswampthing confirming it was the first time the Hawks have had 10+ goalkickers to start a season since 2014.
And we all know what happened in 2014!
Incredibly, 15 of the 24 players to have played in Hawk’s two games this year have kicked goals, which would have delighted the coach.
THE KAKO MOMENT
Essendon has been crying out for a momentum-swinging small forward for years, and even one game in, Isaac Kako looks like he can be that player.
He was electric in kicking his first AFL goal, an adventurous mid-air soccer kick that split the middle and brought Bombers fans to their feet.
He’s going to do that time and again in a 10-to-15-year career.
Kako has a great backstory, as the Australian-born son of Iraqi parents. He has freakish talent, strong work ethic and made an instant difference to the Bombers’ attack.
He told us this week he doesn’t fear the spotlight, and it showed.
And while we’re talking about different backgrounds, full credit to Hawthorn’s tough midfielder Conor Nash on becoming the latest Irishman to reach 100 games.
Eleven years after being approached by the Hawks after playing Gaelic football and rugby union, this County Meath product is a valued member of one of the best midfielders in the game.
LIKE THE LOOK OF LUKE
All the attention was quite rightly on No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor in Richmond’s boilover victory over Carlton on Friday night, but we also loved the look of debutant Luke Trainor.
The grandson of former goalkicking great Doug Wade, the young defender turned in a strong performance in game one and didn’t look overawed by the occasion.
In a defence that was under siege early, he warmed to the task and made some desperate efforts, particularly in the second half, including a lunge and smoother on a Patrick Cripps shot at goal late in the game.
The No.21 draft pick will have some tough times in the Tigers’ defence this season, but he looks as if he is ready for the challenges that will come. More please!
DISLIKES
NO KEN DO!
This was a disastrous start to Ken Hinkley’s final season as Port Adelaide coach, and the manner of the Power’s capitulation will pour even more searing heat on the club’s contentious succession plan.
The 91-point loss was the worst of Hinkley’s 275-game coaching career, but you can’t just blame the coach for this demoralising performance.
The players need to take ownership of this debacle as well.
Did sections of the board want the heir apparent Josh Carr to take over now?
How has the decision been met by the players given Hinkley’s popularity with the group?
Could the Port Adelaide power-brokers revisit the decision?
Whatever way you look at it, the pressure is about to stoked up on last year’s preliminary finalist, which looks a shadow of their former selves after a woeful first up effort.
Maybe this had something to do with the coaching, but it had even more to do with the effort of the Port Adelaide players, which was embarrassing.
They kicked six goals for the game and coughed up 21 the other way.
Whatever happens, let’s hope the Power treat the long-time coach with respect even if the jungle drums will be beating if there are more performances like this.
SICKENING CLASH
Bulldog Luke Cleary was conscious, speaking with his parents and having scans on his jaw and face in hospital on Saturday night after being involved in a sickening last term clash with Jackson Archer in what could be one of the most challenging match review assessments of the season.
Cleary put his head down as Archer came at him at high speed when the final term collision took place, which left the Bulldog taken from the field in the medi-cart as his coach Luke Beveridge stormed down from the coaches’ box to check on his welfare.
There was a collective groan that went around the ground following the incident, which will be assessed by MRO Michael Christan on Sunday to see if Archer has a case to answer.
As Fox Footy’s David King said: “Does Archer have enough time to adjust and pull out of the contest? It is a very difficult one … sometimes things just happen in footy.”
“Archer is unreasonable in one way, but so too is Cleary. He has to protect himself in that instance.”
BACK AND FORWARD BOMBER ISSUES
It seems strange to say it, but Essendon got a lot right against Hawthorn, winning a host of key measurements.
But ultimately some issues in attack (limited bang for their buck) and defence played a big part in losing what could have been a winning game.
And injuries to two key players, Kyle Langford (hamstring) and Jordan Ridley (concussion), will make it even harder to fix those problems.
The Bombers looked shaky in defence at times, too often they didn’t have the physicality or man-on-man strength required on occasions, coughing up 16 inside 50m marks.
The loss of Ridley hurt. Zach Reid at least got through and will be better for the experience, and Ben McKay and co struggled to have an impact.
At the other end, the Bombers’ just couldn’t get bang for their buck or take advantage of Jye Caldwell’s tireless work in the middle.
The Bombers had 10 more inside 50s – 58 to 48 – but couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities, and that’s a worry with Langford set to miss several weeks.
Who’s going to replace him? Peter Wright is out injured, SSP signing Tom Edwards might be a chance, but Brad Scott is going to have to be a bit inventive as he prepares to take on Adelaide at the MCG next Saturday.
OLD DARK, LEAKING BLUES
An old problem came back to haunt Carlton on Thursday night, and unless they can fix it fast, it’s hard to see them being anything other than a mid-table team.
Richmond piled on five consecutive goals during the game as the Tiger cubs went from no chance to a team ready to cause one of the biggest boilovers in recent memory.
That’s been the Blues’ Achilles heel for a long time now – giving up consecutive goals during stretches of game.
Champion Data stats have revealed that Carlton has been one of the worst clubs in giving up consecutive goals.
On 11 occasions last year the Blues conceded 5+ goals, the fifth most of any club, and on six occasions they conceded 6+ goals, the fourth most of any club.
That easy to score against mentality has to end if they want to aspire to greater things, and Thursday night’s embarrassing result further franked that.
ZIP-TWO SWANS STIFF
Sydney kicked the first four goals of the game and surged again in the dying moments but just couldn’t get the job done.
It leaves Dean Cox still waiting for that maiden win as a senior coach with an on-going dilemma about where to play Tom McCartin - forward or back.
Now they face a trip west next week to take on Freo, who will still be smarting about their embarrassing effort against Geelong in round 1.
Cox would have been fuming with an errant kick-in from Matt Roberts late in the game which gave the Lions the breathing space they needed.
Isaac Heeney cut the difference to five points with 63 seconds left, but an outside chance went begging when Braeden Campbell’s long bomb narrowly went to the wrong side.
Brisbane was zip-three last year yet still fought back to win the flag, but Cox will know the Swans cannot afford to get too hard behind the ledger.
NEW SEASON; SAME OLD FREO?
Freo, what the hell was that?
If Round 1 is all about making a statement, the dismal Dockers made a very ugly one at GMHBA Stadium.
Just when we were starting to trust Justin Longmuir’s team again – and pencilling them in as potential top four aspirants, they produced a first-up shocker to go down to the Cats by a whopping 78 points.
Take out the third quarter where Caleb Serong, Murphy Reid and co staged a brief fightback, and the margin would have been 111 points.
Was it coaching or was it effort? Could it be a bit of both?
Too often, and too easily, the Dockers were outrun and outworked by Geelong, and but for one quarter, were a million miles off it.
Freo now faces Sydney in a crucial clash at Perth Stadium next week … It’s way too early for a crunch game, but given the way they played on Saturday, they must bounce back.
SURFACE ISSUES?
We’re in a drought; it feels like we haven’t had rain in Melbourne for ages; yet the players are slipping over in certain areas of the MCG.
What’s going on? It doesn’t make any sense.
Essendon coach Brad Scott wasn’t using that as an excuse on Friday night, but he seemed as bemused as those of those watching on.
“We watched the footy (on Thursday) and certainly at the city end, members’ side forward pocket, everyone was slipping over from both teams,” Scott said after the game.
“We were aware of it and we spoke to the players about it … you know ‘hold your feet in the contest’. But the reality is that the ground is the same for both teams.”
That’s true, but it wasn’t a great look on two fantastic opening nights.
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