A flag contender’s thrilling victory gave confidence it is “built for the big occasion”, while a finals hopeful has the same glaring flaw that can’t be ignored following its Round 1 defeat.
Plus, four fails are dished out after some poor performances at the weekend.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’s Round 1 edition of Report Card!
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every AFL match this Saturday LIVE. Catch all the action in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Giants down Demons in final minute! | 02:51
ADELAIDE
The Crows looked every bit a finals contender, if not more, in a 63-point dismantling of St Kilda. Granted, it was against a Saints team expected to finish down the ladder in 2025, but Adelaide produced one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. The Crows were slick and are suddenly extremely well rounded following the off-season additions of Isaac Cumming, James Peatling and Alex Neal-Bullen, who all made an impact. Plus, their high-octane forward line was firing, with Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe combining for seven goals.
IN THE VOTES
Jordan Dawson (27 disposals, two goals, 648 metres gained), Jake Soligo (29 touches, eight tackles, one goal) and Izak Rankine (28 disposals, 16 contested, two goals) all starred through the midfield. Fogarty (four goals) and Thilthorpe (three goals) were ominous in attack while Josh Rachele kicked two goals among a game-high 12 score involvements.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Hard to be critical of the Crows in a strong first showing of 2025. Now just to back it up on the road and against stronger opposition when they face Essendon at the MCG this Saturday.
GRADE
A+
‘This is going to sound really harsh…’ | 02:05
BRISBANE LIONS
It took some time for the Lions to build into the contest on Saturday, but they again finished by breaking Sydney hearts. Brisbane won the contested ball and clearance battles and committed fewer turnovers for the match. They will be licking their wounds, however, with livewire forward Kai Lohmann going down with a feared-serious ankle injury — joining Charlie Cameron, who was a late out on Saturday with calf tightness.
IN THE VOTES
Josh Dunkley (27 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances, 614 metres gained and a goal) and Jarrod Berry (27 disposals, 10 marks) stood tall in the engine room with Lachie Neale largely kept out of the action. Evergreen half-backer Dayne Zorko added 24 disposals and two goals in a significant outing. Up forward, Zac Bailey was outstanding as a mid-sized attacking threat, notching four goals to go with his 17 disposals.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Chris Fagan will have wanted his side to better defend the rebounding ability of Nick Blakey, who was able to intercept and counter-punch with relative ease. In the midfield, dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale was, in a rarity, quelled by Swans tagger James Jordon — finishing with just 10 disposals, including going possession-less for almost two quarters of action. A Neale tag will be commonplace this season, so his Lions teammates will look to do a better job at freeing up lanes for him at stoppages.
GRADE
A
CARLTON
Unfortunately for Blues fans, regardless of how well Richmond played in the second half, their side should never have lost Thursday night’s thriller at the MCG. Subsequently, Michael Voss and his side are immediately in the gun to start 2025 and will be bullish on sending a message to the competition in Round 2 that their efforts against the Tigers aren’t the norm this season.
IN THE VOTES
Ruck Tom De Koning (28 disposals, 30 hitouts, eight clearances, 509 metres gained) did not miss a beat in his role as solo ruck, with both him and direct opponent Toby Nankervis respectively running riot. The out-of-contract star was only strongly supported by defender Jacob Weitering (21 disposals, 14 intercept possessions, eight intercept marks) and skipper Patrick Cripps (32 disposals, nine clearances). Adam Cerra (26 disposals, five inside 50s, five clearances) was solid as well, but lacked polish at times.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
It’s hard to fathom that Voss’ side had 25 more inside 50s but still couldn’t walk away from the MCG with four points. In fact, Carlton’s loss was the biggest loss on record for a team that won the contested possession count by at least 20, and the inside 50 count by such a margin. Every side gets at least one ‘mulligan’ a season, but it’s risky business to have yours stamped with the very first match of the season. Anomaly? Next Thursday night’s match against a raging Hawks outfit will give us the answer.
GRADE
F
The moment Carlton ‘lost the plot’ | 01:52
COLLINGWOOD
A week is a long time in football. The Pies responded to their Opening Round loss to GWS in a major way, thumping Port Adelaide by 91 points in the club’s biggest ever win and total score (136) under Craig McRae. While there’s plenty of focus on how poor the Power were, Collingwood was seriously impressive in one of its strongest performances in recent memory. They had huge defensive buy in and intense pressure, dominating the tackle count 68-43 – including laying 38 in the first half alone – after just 39 last week.
IN THE VOTES
Collingwood’s new ‘Triple M’ forward trio Tim Membrey (four goals), Dan McStay and Brody Mihocek (both three) were all fantastic and will be a real asset for the Pies in 2025. Dan Houston also starred against his old side in his debut in black and white, racking up 27 touches and having general poise and precision throughout the MCG clash. Playing purely on ball, Steele Sidebottom (31 disposals, one goal) wound back the clock in one of his best showings in recent memory.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Hard to improve on one of their most complete performances in the McRae era. Full marks for the Pies.
GRADE
A+
ESSENDON
The Bombers were able to exert clearance influence on Friday night against the Hawks, but familiar issues appeared to again plague them as they opened their 2025 account on a losing note. Essendon outpossessed Hawthorn, had 10 more inside-50s, 19 more clearances and 24 more contested possessions for the game. Winning the Sherrin at the source wasn’t an issue for Brad Scott’s side, as Jye Caldwell, Zach Merrett and Sam Durham went to town in the middle.
IN THE VOTES
There was one clear standout for the Bombers in the prime-time clash, with Caldwell (36 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 tackles, 11 score involvements, 10 clearances, seven inside 50s, one goal) stuffing his stat line to the absolute brim. Xavier Duursma (19 disposals, seven tackles, two goals) played his role on a wing really well, even if his numbers weren’t over eye-catching. They won’t be in the votes, but duo Andrew McGrath (27 disposals, nine marks, 450 metres gained) and Nic Martin (24 disposals, 10 marks, seven inside 50s, 425 metres gained) provided some promising run forward.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Essendon’s ability to adequately defend quality opposition has again come into focus. “We see it again with Essendon that they can’t defend. Six goals from 15 entries in that first quarter – game over,” two-time flag-winner David King told Fox Footy at the weekend. “There’s no reason why they can’t (defend). They’ve had this group together for a little while now. You look at their team on paper and it’s stacked for talent …. They smashed the Hawks at clearance all night — particularly in that first quarter — so they got beaten on ball movement. That’s something they would’ve trained for months, so their system in a lot of ways failed the test. I know Hawthorn are a good side, but there are 15 good sides in the competition this year, so you’ve got to be better than that at defending. Until Essendon defends properly, they won’t get any better.”
GRADE
B-
Scott makes no excuses after defeat | 08:40
FREMANTLE
A frightening result considering debutant Murphy Reid bagged four goals in a quarter in a sizzling hot stretch. And really, the third term was the only period the Dockers were competitive in a disappointing 78-point loss to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Sour start to the season for Justin Longmuir’s side after it went into the season with huge expectations, some even declaring the Dockers their flag tip. While Bailey Smith starred for Geelong, Freo fans didn’t get to see their prized recruit, Shai Bolton, who missed with injury along with Michael Walters. The Dockers need to respond against Sydney at home next week.
IN THE VOTES
Reid wouldn’t be in the votes, but geez he was good, kicking four goals in the third term alone. Looks like the Dockers have found one with the No. 17 pick in last year’s draft. Jaeger O’Meara’s 31 disposals were the second-most of any player, while Matt Johnson (27 touches) and Andrew Brayshaw (26 disposals, one goal) battled hard in the midfield.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Dockers were pretty well beaten in all facets of the game. More importantly than anything is coming with a more aggressive mentality from the first bounce next week. They looked a different team in the third term, but by then the scoreboard was already less than favorable. It was a particularly tough day for Freo’s forwards, with Jye Amiss (goalless) and Josh Treacy (one goal) well held.
GRADE
F
Damning vision exposes Freo’s defence | 01:55
GEELONG
Statement made. The Cats couldn’t have started their 2025 campaign much better in a 78-point demolition over the Dockers at home. Bailey Smith starred in his first game in the blue and white hoops in a game Geelong looked on from the opening minutes, leading for the entire game. While Fremantle fought back bravely in the third term behind Murphy Reid’s four-goal flurry, the Cats never really looked vulnerable in a dominant showing from Chris Scott’s side.
IN THE VOTES
B. Smith, three votes? Sporting a white headband, the gun Cats recruit was scintillating in his Cats debut, racking up a game-high 31 disposals and 12 meters involvements to go with five tackles, seven clearances and 693 metres gained. Sam De Koning shined in his first game in a new ruck role with 25 disposals, 18 hit-outs and a goal, while Jeremy Cameron bagged four goals and Max Holmes (24 disposals, two goals) was at his damaging best.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Full marks for the Cats, who stamped their flag credentials in a big way. They get a big opportunity to improve to 2-0 against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium next week.
GRADE
A+
GOLD COAST SUNS
The Suns started 2025 with a bang, as they posted their biggest win in club history. The 87-point demolition of West Coast not only gets the Gold Coast off to the perfect start, it happened away from home which is where the club struggled last year. The Suns midfield proved unstoppable as they got out the front at almost every contest, ensuring the Eagles backmen were under siege. With the match essentially over at half time, the Gold Coast refused to tire. They racked up a stunning 50 clearances for the match and took 19 marks inside 50. The only downside of the record win was a knee injury to Charlie Ballard that could be worse than first feared.
IN THE VOTES
Big Ben King pushed his early Coleman Medal case with a six-goal haul. He also took a Mark of the Year contender with an absolute hanger in the goal square on Harry Edwards. Jarrod Witts had one of his best performances as he posted an incredible 68 hitouts, four tackles and 13 disposals. Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell had more than 60 disposals and almost 20 clearances between them in a dominant display. They were ably assisted by Touk Miller who kicked two goals to go with his 26 touches – 17 contested – and 10 clearances.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Suns appear likely to need a replacement for backman Charlie Ballard who limped off after an “innocuous” landing on the Optus Stadium turf.
GRADE
A+
‘Without that, we don’t win’ | 07:30
GWS GIANTS
It was nowhere as straightforward as in Opening Round, but the Giants found a way to win their second game of the season — and they did it by leaning on their chaos-centric DNA in wet conditions at the MCG. It wasn’t perfect footy, but GWS surged the Sherrin forward in waves on multiple occasions. Star midfielder Tom Green got through unscathed after returning earlier than expected from a pre-season calf strain. “We know this is the team they are now; they’re a team that are built for the big occasion, and I think (they) will be right there at the pointy end of the season,” Fox Footy analyst Leigh Montagna said on First Crack.
IN THE VOTES
Green was best afield in slippery conditions on Sunday, racking up a game-high 35 disposals, nine clearances 545 metres gained, nine inside-50s and eight score involvements. Also influential through the middle, Finn Callaghan backed up his instrumental Opening Round performance with 31 disposals, 596 metres gained and six score involvements. One of the toughest propositions for opposing teams coming up against the Giants will be deciding which of those two stars to send a tagger to. Toby Greene was particularly strong in the final quarter as the Giants stormed home, collecting 23 disposals and five marks to go along with his three goals. Veteran Stephen Coniglio booted three of his own, while Lachie Keeffe was the match-winner after battling Max Gawn in the ruck all day, saluting with the game-winning set shot with just over a minute remaining.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Giants wouldn’t have been happy with the centre-clearance dominance Melbourne was able to exert, particularly in the third quarter as the Dees got on the end of a couple of momentum-swinging long-range goals. Seven of the Dees’ 11 goals came from stoppage in what David King called “the Max Gawn factor”. Mind you, it helped the Demons that superstar skipper Max Gawn was going against a makeshift ruck in Lachie Keeffe (though as we know, he got the laugh laugh).
GRADE
A-
Keeffe WINNER leaves MCG heartbroken | 00:45
HAWTHORN
Two games in, and still no qualms for Sam Mitchell’s side who look to have taken off where they left off in 2024. Their Essendon opponents perhaps hung around longer than they would have liked on Friday night, but all-in-all it was a pretty sound performance. In hindsight, they put the game to bed for the most part amid a seven-goal run across the first half, before keeping Brad Scott’s side at bay for the remainder of the clash.
IN THE VOTES
It was a classic team performance across the board from the Hawks, but if you had to pick one player who starred above all, it could be Dylan Moore (21 disposals, six marks, three goals). In a tough role, the half-forward excelled in the second half off the back of a hot start from fellow small Nick Watson (13 disposals, three goals, two goal assists). Winger Karl Amon (28 disposals, 10 marks, seven inside 50s, 643 metres gained, two goal assists, 92.9% disposal efficiency) provided great fun going forward, and consistently found himself in the right position.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
While it was hard to fault the Hawks, they finished with 10 fewer inside-50s, 19 fewer clearances and 24 fewer contested possessions than Essendon for the game.
GRADE
A
Hawks down Bombers to remain perfect | 03:57
MELBOURNE
Demons fans would have walked away from the MCG on Sunday feeling heartbroken after playing some quality footy only to be heartbroken at the death by Lachie Keeffe. But after some further consideration, there are plenty of reasons for smiles. Christian Petracca made his senior return in sparkling fashion, while their slew of club debutants showed plenty against a Giants side bolstered by the return of star ball-getter Tom Green. Montagna told Fox Footy: “I thought they could hold their heads up high, and I think the football club and the supporters could be really proud of what their team dished up.” Xavier Lindsay had the ball on a string, Matt Jefferson impacted the scoreboard straight away and presented a solid target in attack, Jack Henderson provided some zip, and Aidan Johnson looked likely on a number of occasions.
IN THE VOTES
Petracca had 27 disposals, two goals, four clearances, eight score involvements and 518 metres gained in a performance that assuaged any fears he wouldn’t return as the same ruthless forward-of-centre beast he once was. Clayton Oliver was also impactful — particularly in the first half of the game — as he looks to get back to his best form, notching 25 disposals and five clearances. Christian Salem led the way with ball in hand off half-back, collecting 30 disposals, eight marks and 616 metres gained. Max Gawn was central to the Dees’ clearance dominance, recording a whopping 46 hit-outs against Keeffe to go with 24 touches and seven clearances.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Seven of Melbourne’s 11 goals on Sunday came from stoppage, which David King put down to “the Max Gawn factor”. He said on First Crack: “If it’s not Max, what else is it? … They’ve got to find more ways to score if they are to threaten.” The Dees were carved open on that game-winning GWS passage in the waning moments, so they will want to go to work on tightening up as time runs down in close contests. The return of Steven May will help that.
GRADE
A-
Giants down Demons in final minute! | 02:51
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos were spirited in defeat, putting the challenge to the Bulldogs on numerous occasions as they sought to get back in the game. They had more of the ball and were just as efficient going inside 50 as the Dogs, but the Dogs held their nerve in the final term. Promisingly, though, the Roos received contributions from midfielders not named Luke Davies-Uniacke, because in Roos wins in the past two years, they’ve needed an average of 30 disposals and eight clearances from him — but on Saturday night, he had 20 and five as others propelled the Kangas as they challenged for a win.
IN THE VOTES
Skipper Jy Simpkin was highly impactful for Alastair Clarkson’s side, notching 30 disposals, a goal, seven tackles, four clearances and 407 metres gained, asserting his influence as both a ball-getter and goal threat. Harry Sheezel was also typically impressive, leading all afield with 31 disposals, six marks and six clearances. Tom Powell also stepped up with 27 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles and three clearances. Up forward, Nick Larkey and Paul Curtis combined for eight goals.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Roos will want to tighten their transition defence, having allowed plenty of fruitful Bulldogs chains as Bailey Dale and Ed Richards provided consistent link-up options for Luke Beveridge’s men. The Roos were -9 for inside-50s, which was partly a product of the Dogs’ dangerous transition ability. “This is about the Kangaroos’ ability to defend, and they haven’t been able to defend for two and a half years — and I’m wondering when it’s going to come … the Dogs had a field day with a VFL team,” King said on Sunday. North will also want to improve its clearance efficiency after doing damage in the middle but being unable to capitalise. King added: “They (the Roos) smashed them at clearance, particularly early, but they can’t get any bang for buck.”
GRADE
B-
Port exposed? ‘Waving the white flag’ | 02:19
PORT ADELAIDE
A grim start to Port Adelaide’s succession plan in Ken Hinkley’s heaviest ever defeat in 13 seasons in the job. Port kicked the first goal in Saturday night’s MCG clash too via recruit Jack Lukosius, but it was all downhill thereafter in a game that looked like a training drill at times for Collingwood. And so it’s back to the drawing board for Hinkley and company, with pressure sure to come on the veteran coach including calls should cut the cord and hand the coaching reins to Josh Carr already. Of course, Kenny is no stranger to pressure.
IN THE VOTES
Travis Boak (28 touches, six tackles, one goal) and Connor Rozee (35 disposals, 680 metres gained), battle hard in Port’s undermanned midfield, while Jordon Sweet (14 touches, 36 hit-outs, one goal) probably got the points over Darcy Cameron in their ruck battle.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The ease of which Collingwood was able to move the ball was probably the most alarming thing from a Port Adelaide perspective – including conceding 10-straight goals at one part of the match. The inability to stop that run and generally quell momentum was what really ballooned the scoreboard, while Hinkley’s side just generally didn’t match Collingwood’s pressure and competitiveness.
GRADE
F
“Never works!” – Kingy calls for change | 02:45
RICHMOND
Wow, did anyone see that coming? Our gut says almost certainly not, but that was one hell of a start to Richmond’s season on Thursday night — downing flag fancies Carlton by 13 points at the MCG. Admittedly, their first half was rather sloppy, but their young brigade took the bull by the horns after half time to kick nine goals and come back from a 41-point deficit. They could well be without star forward Tom Lynch for next week’s challenge against Port Adelaide away, but if their first hit out is anything to go by, it shouldn’t stop them from having a red-hot crack at going two and zero.
IN THE VOTES
Leading from the front on Thursday night was skipper Toby Nankervis (21 disposals, 35 hitouts, seven clearances, two goals), who’s majors came at a crucial time in the first half as the Tigers were chasing tail. He deserves the three votes, and not far behind him will be Jack Ross (28 disposals, seven clearances, 591 metres gained, two goals), who was exceptional in his full-time midfield role. The first pick of the 2024 National Draft in Sam Lalor (18 disposals, eight score involvements, two goal assists, two goals) didn’t have as much of the ball as some, but he made every disposal count in an exceptional debut at the top level.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
In the second half, the Tigers had nothing of note to improve on; they were slick and fast. During the first half however, the Blues were able to pick apart their defensive structure slowly with a patient kick-and-mark game. The Tigers amazingly won, despite conceding 25 more inside 50s. Despite their slow start, it’s hard to critique Adem Yze’s side after one of the biggest upsets this decade… full marks!
GRADE
A+
TIGERS SEAL INSANE 4TH QUARTER COMEBACK! | 01:28
ST KILDA
A tough day Ross Lyon’s team at Adelaide Oval in a game that felt over by the second or third quarter. That’s not necessarily a knock on the Saints, but there was a clear class difference between the two sides including a youthful Saints outfit missing several senior players. As lacklustre as St Kilda was, it didn’t throw the towel in at any point or let the scoreboard get too out of hand at any point. Their fixture doesn’t get any easier ahead of a meeting with Geelong this weekend.
IN THE VOTES
Jack Macrae had the ball on a string in his Saints debut, racking up game highs in disposals (34), contested possessions (23) and clearances (12). Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was another shining light for Lyon’s side with 27 disposals, 571 metres gained and a goal.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Lyon post-match bemoaned his side’s lack of composure under pressure, not the club’s lengthy injury list, for the heavy defeat. It’s a fair summation of where things went wrong and speaks of the experience disparity between the two teams. The Saints’ back six also looked vulnerable against Adelaide’s three-headed monster of Darcy Fogarty, Riley Thilthorpe and Taylor Walker, so taller forward lines might give St Kilda problems, while an underdone Rowan Marshall will be better for the run.
GRADE
D
‘This is NOT Sydney!’ | 02:10
SYDNEY SWANS
Sydney again had its heart broken by Brisbane, though not to the same demoralising degree as grand final day last September — leading the first two and a half quarters before the Lions were finally able to gain the ascendancy. The Swans looked a far better outfit defending and exiting their back half following the inclusion of Joel Hamling to liberate rebounding star Nick Blakey. Two-time flag-winner David King said of the change: “I just think it’s good coaching, and it allows your star-factor players to be what you want them to be … This is what the Swans should look like behind the ball.”
IN THE VOTES
The exhilarating Blakey led all Swans with 24 disposals, adding four marks and a game-high 652 metres gained, but he was also a crucial intercepting influence with seven intercepts. Chad Warner led Sydney with nine score involvements and eight inside-50s to go along with 20 disposals and two goals, while James Jordon played a terrific shutdown role on dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, who managed just 10 touches for the match.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
A six-goal-to-one third quarter undid all the good work Sydney did throughout the early portion of the contest, and not only did it struggle to defend Brisbane’s transition, it seemed to be getting overpowered in key defence — and a four-time flag-winner thought a personnel change wasn’t made soon enough. “I just can’t help but keep thinking about (Tom) McCartin,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy’s Super Saturday Live broadcast. “I just haven’t seen any of those changes yet from the Sydney coaches’ box. McCartin is the obvious one … Six goals to one in the third term, for me, is far too many without a change.”
GRADE
B
‘He’s not focused on just footy’ | 02:58
WEST COAST EAGLES
It was meant to be a new era under new coach Andrew McQualter – but we got the same old Eagles as West Coast were blown away by the Gold Coast Suns. Despite coughing up 20+ inside 50s in the first term alone, the home side were still just 16 points down at the first change. McQualter urged his players to “get to work” but the Suns put on a second quarter blitz to essentially take the win at the main break. The Eagles recorded just ONE centre clearance to half time – to Archer Reid – as their midfield was belted by the likes of Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson. By full time, the Suns had almost double the inside 50 count as West Coast recorded just 34 in the 87-point loss. They lost the hitout count 19-77 and alarmingly lost the contested ball count by -43. The statistics were damning, leaving coach McQualter searching for answers after the 87-point belting.
IN THE VOTES
Jack Graham tried to lift the Eagles in his debut for the club but lacked teammate help around him. He finished with a team-high 23 touches and 10 tackles. Fellow former Tiger Liam Baker was another who attempted to rally the Eagles, notching team-highs for metres gained (534m) and contested ball wins (nine).
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The easy answer is everywhere. The forward line was starved of possession and lost star Jake Waterman to a calf complaint. The midfield was blown away by the Suns trio of Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Touk Miller. Harley Reid managed just 12 touches – and was involved in repeat scuffles that had Fox Footy’s David King questioning if he’s more concerned with fights. Harry Edwards struggled against big Sun Ben King and coughed up six goals. The Eagles simply couldn’t get the ball out of their back half, and as a result their defensive end was under siege. Matt Flynn, who won the ruck race and got the nod ahead of Bailey Williams, couldn’t contain Jarrod Witts.
GRADE
F
Dogs ‘can’t let history repeat’ with JUH | 02:50
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Despite a horror injury toll, the Western Bulldogs — with fresh names in tow — started their 2025 season with a win over the Roos, and it came via transition counter-punch and efficiency in attack. The Dogs posted a clearance damage strike rate of 150 points per 100 clearances, easily trumping the Roos’ 95 points, evidencing a clear discrepancy in efficiency going forward. And they had to be efficient, as it wasn’t a straightforward task winning the ball out of the middle against some classy North Melbourne names. However, with a bevy of talented names absent to begin the season, it was a win Luke Beveridge’s side had to have — and they got the job done.
IN THE VOTES
Bailey Dale (29 disposals, two goals and 558 metres gained) and Ed Richards (30 disposals, seven clearances, 611 metres gained, one goal, four goal assists and a match-high 11 score involvements) were key culprits in the Dogs’ link-up play, with Richards in particular stepping up through the middle in the absence of superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli. Joel Freijah also made the most of increased midfield minutes as the Dogs were also without Adam Treloar, racking up 28 disposals, six marks and a goal. Aaron Naughton and Laitham Vandermeer combined in attack for six goals.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
With less firepower in the midfield, an ongoing storyline will be how the Bulldogs fare in limiting their opponent’s centre-bounce influence. Against the Roos, the Dogs recorded six fewer clearances for the match and six fewer centre clearances. Against more quality opposition, you get the sense the Dogs won’t always be able to rely on their efficiency going inside 50.
GRADE
A
Discussion about this post