Opening round in 2025 didn’t get off to the greatest of starts. With the AFL making the decision to postpone the games up in Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the week, which was a little bit late but a more than fair choice with Cyclone Alfred hitting South-east Queensland. Brisbane – Geelong, and Gold Coast – Essendon games did not happen because of the postponement. Which means it was just the two games this weekend in the form of the two Sydney teams hosting Hawthorn and Collingwood.
Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks
If there were any doubts about Hawthorn and their potential this year, it seems to have been put to bed. With an impressive winning effort over the Swans in the first hitout of the year. They have clearly not lost a step and quite possibly improved on last season. Sydney threatened throughout the game, and brought it back in the 3rd quarter, but Hawthorn took control of the game and didn’t let it go winning by 20 points. the Hawks dominated most of the stats too, and it was evident, more inside-50s, more clearances, more marks. With the way Hawthorn play, that free flowing style, they are a tough opposition to navigate. Sydney will have some work to do, under a new coach is never entirely easy but they still have a very good list of players and are more than capable. They may just need some time to click into gear.
GWS Giants vs Collingwood Magpies
This turned out to be an absolute mauling by the end, with GWS trashing Collingwood by 52 points. A pretty shocking start to the year for who are one of the favourites this season. The last quarter GWS proved they had a lot more in the tank kicking 6 goals to the Pies 2. Collingwood weren’t played off the park to a massive degree to be fair, but their goal-kicking accuracy did not help at all. 16 behinds for the match while kicking just the 6 goals in the whole game. Now Collingwood will probably bounce back, it is what they tend to do, but it does show there is some work to be done. In regards to the Giants, they are being billed a premiership contenders, and it may be only one game, but it was a impressive showing from GWS as a whole. Converting their chances better, good efficiency when using the ball. Next week could be very telling for both these sides.
This next weekend will see the first full round of AFL for the season, starting off with the classic Richmond v Carlton game. As for these four sides, the Hawks will host the Bombers at the MCG on Friday night, while Sydney face reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions in a final rematch from last year. Collingwood go up against Port Adelaide and on Sunday we’ll see the Giants travel to Melbourne to face the Demons.