The 2024 AFL season began on Thursday with 2021 premiers Melbourne travelling up to the Sydney Cricket Ground where they took on the Swans.
Sydney v Melbourne
The hosts surged to a 12.14 (86) to 9.10 (64), 22-point win in front of more than 40,000 fans, with just two points separating the combatants at the final break.
Isaac Heeney was a star in the midfield, with 26 disposals and 13 clearances, while Brodie Grundy playing against his former club was imposing with 31 hit outs and 22 possessions.
Nick Blakey, especially in the second half, Chad Warner, livewire Tom Papley, Ollie Florent and Dame Rampe were all strong performers in the impressive win.
Jack Viney was a bull in the Dees midfield, being Melbourne’s best while Steven May was a tower of strength in defence and Christian Salem was neat, clean and precise with his skills.
Christian Petracca, the under prepared Clayton Oliver, and despite Grundy’s dominance, Max Gawn, had their moments for the Dees.
Bailey Fritsch with four goals for Melbourne, was the only person to kick more than a pair in the contest. Despite his performance, their lack of structure in attack is a big issue.
Carlton vs Brisbane
Carlton came from six goals down deep in the first term at the Gabba, to secure a win over 2023 Grand Finalists Brisbane by the smallest of margins.
Much maligned Harry McKay became the Blues hero when he drilled a major with 90 seconds left, for Carlton to win 13.8 (86) to 12.13 (85).
The win did come at a cost, as spiritual leader Sam Docherty did a knee and the Lions also had their problems as classy Indigenous half-back Keidean Coleman left the ground just before half time, with what has been since diagnosed as an ACL tear.
Carlton was written off by many punters early in the second quarter after successive Lincoln McCarthy goals had them trailing by 46 points.
Carlton’s best included captain Patrick Cripps, match winner McKay and the hard-working George Hewett who collected a game high 27 possessions, and quelled Lachlan Neale.
Lewis Young, Adams Saad and Cerra were all important, while reining Coleman Medalist Charlie Curnow kicked four majors and McKay finished with three.
For Brisbane, Darcy Wilmot and Dane Zorko were their best, followed by Darcy Gardiner,
Callum Ah Chee, Harris Andrews and 2023 Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.
Gold Coast vs Richmond
The new Damien “Dimma” Hardwick era on the Gold Coast began in fine style, winning his opening game by 39 points against his former team Richmond at People First Stadium (Gold Coast Stadium) on Saturday.
In total control with a 67-point advantage just before half-time, the Tigers rallied with six unanswered goals in the third term before the Suns regained control with three goals to one in the last.
The Suns steadied to win 14.15 (99) to 9.6 (60).
It was a momentum swinging afternoon with Gold Coast kicking 11 consecutive goals in an impressive first half and the Tigers responding with a run of seven either side of the long interval.
Inside midfield Matt Rowell was the Gold Coast leading performer with 33 disposals, while Wil Powell, Sam Flanders and Noah Anderson all found their share of the footy.
Ben King kicked five goals from 10 possessions, while Connor Budarick was a clean and strong decision maker.
Small forward Malcolm Rosas Junior and South Australian Jack Lukosius both kicked three goals each.
For the Richmond Tigers under new coach Adem Yze, Nick Vlastuin was their best followed by former GWS Giant Jacob Hopper, the mercurial Shai Bolton who kicked a team-high three goals, Daniel Rioli and Jayden Short.
GWS vs Collingwood
Greater Western Sydney took on the Collingwood Magpies and produced a resounding 32-point victory on Saturday night.
Adam Kingsley’s Orange Tsunami was on show, as the Giants kicked nine goals either side of half-time to blow away the reigning premiers, collecting a handsome 18.6 (114) to 11.16 (82) victory in front of 21,235 spectators at their new Engie Stadium.
Triple AFL club goal kicker Jesse Hogan, who looks comfortable at GWS, booted four majors and small forward Brent Daniels added an equal career-high quartet.
Best on ground for Greater Western Sydney Giants in this victory was medium forward Callum M Brown with a five-goal haul.
He, along with Hogan and Daniels, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield all played key roles in this triumph.
For the ’23 premiers Collingwood’s Nick Daicos was the leading possession winner for the game with 34 touches and 10 clearances.
Darcy Cameron, relentless defender Brayden Maynard, Josh Daicos, in his first game in the black and white uniform, Lachie Schultz, along with Patrick Lipinski were the Magpies players that stood out.
Brodie Mihocek had his moments and kicked three goals as well.
