Western Bulldogs v Sydney
Whitten Oval
Sydney 15.9 (99) d Western Bulldogs 9.12 (66)
– Peter Ryan
Charlie Curnow was fit and firing in his first match for the Swans.Credit: AFL Photos
The match: Is it too early for Sydney fans to get excited?
Their twin towers in attack – Charlie Curnow and Logan McDonald – dominated their first hitout together and they did not really have to get out of first gear to do so, with both players kicking four goals. Such was their dominance, the Swans’ first eight goals came from the pair of talls and crumbing forward Malcolm Rosas jnr, who joined from the Gold Coast ahead of this season. Add Tom Papley, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and the chance for it to rain goals at the SCG on occasions this season is high.
Of course, the Bulldogs were missing six State of Origin players, which meant the opportunities provided to Sydney’s forwards were more plentiful than they may have been otherwise. James O’Donnell, Buku Khamis and Luke Cleary took time to find their feet but combined better defensively as the game wore on. However, the Bulldogs’ work up the ground will be critical to limit opposition scoring against quality opposition.
Both teams were rusty and, if anything, the Bulldogs used the ball better than the Swans, who often turned it over when trying to play through the middle. But the respective strength of the two line-ups meant a Sydney win was inevitable. Errol Gulden’s kicking was a feature, with his importance to the team obvious. He is a smart player, but he also benefited from Brodie Grundy’s strength at the contest. Grundy worked his way into the game as he adapts to the revised ruck rules. His effectiveness at the hitouts might suffer, but he has always been a player whose value rests in his ability to fight for the football on the ground, and he looks fit and ready to do that again.
Tom Liberatore wraps Errol Gulden up in a tackle.Credit: AFL Photos
The moment: Errol Gulden streamed out of the centre late in the final quarter and kicked the ball deep into the goal square, where Isaac Heeney nudged Cleary under the ball to mark and goal. It was a passage of play the Swans missed for the first half of last season. The pair look ready to drive the opposition mad in 2026. The star-on baller also kicked a goal himself after finding space from a forward-50 stoppage.
The eye-catcher: All eyes were on boom recruit Curnow as he played his first match in new colours. The key forward pushed up high to win the ball and was a prominent target inside 50. He moved well to kick four goals. McDonald, who missed last season with injury, was also impressive kicking accurately to finish with four goals. The pair shape as a dangerous combination in 2026, although the Swans say Joel Amartey and Hayden McLean will vie for a spot inside 50 too. Isaac Heeney played as a deep forward in the second half and showed why he is one of the game’s superstars with his bodywork in aerial contests unstoppable.
Arthur Jones has shown glimpses of his talent but has not cemented a spot inside 50 for the Bulldogs. He kicked three goals, but it was his willingness to get involved and follow up with second efforts which impressed. Lachie Jaques has grown in confidence, pushing up at contests to make an impact. He is a distributor by foot and, although he missed the odd kick, he is a chance to make his debut early in the season. Jordan Croft stepped up as the key forward. His attack on the ball is fearless.
Jordan Croft in action against the Swans.Credit: AFL Photos
The injuries
Western Bulldogs: The Bulldogs played down the knock to the knee that forced Bailey Dale out of the game at quarter-time, leaving them light on for senior players. Lachie Bramble, who was to play managed minutes, replaced him. The club’s six State of Origin representatives were not playing and half a dozen are on the injured list. Adam Treloar and Laitham Vandermeer did not play, but both will come under consideration against Hawthorn next week. Riley Garcia is recovering from a long-term hamstring injury and Cody Weightman remains sidelined as he attempts to overcome a knee issue.
Sydney: Callum Mills had a quiet game as he returned to the fray having had a hamstring injury interrupt his pre-season, but the skipper knows how to prepare for opening round. Papley is expected to return against the Giants after training solidly. Taylor Adams will have a delayed start as he overcomes his Achilles injury, while Harry Cunningham’s quad strain will take time to recover.
Absent
Western Bulldogs: Marcus Bontempelli*, Lachlan Carmichael, Sam Darcy*, Josh Dolan, Tim English*, Riley Garcia, Rory Lobb*, Aaron Naughton*, Ed Richards*, Adam Treloar, Laitham Vandermeer, Cody Weightman.
Sydney: Riak Andrew, Ned Bowman, Billy Cootee, Noah Chamberlain, Harry Cunningham, Will Edwards, Will Green, Tom Hanily, Liam Hetherton, Max King, Harry Kyle, Justin McInerney, Tom Papley, Jevan Phillipou, Patrick Snell, Chad Warner*
(*Played in Origin on Saturday)
What the coaches said
Daniel Pratt (Western Bulldogs assistant): “It was a no-risk policy with [Bailey Dale]. He just had a knee knock so we took him out. We don’t think there is much in it.”
Ben Mathews (Sydney Swans assistant): “Obviously Charlie [Curnow] brings what Charlie brings. He’s a contested beast and follows up at ground level really, really strongly … Logan [McDonald] is a new forward for us. His impact was strong in both the air and the ground. We are looking a little bit different.”
The verdict
The Bulldogs were competitive against the near full-strength Swans. Their willingness to chain handballs out of defence was obvious while several run down tackles underlined the work they had done in that area this pre-season. Still, they need to clean up some of their contest work.
Sydney are looking for synergy inside 50 with Curnow in the team, however their midfield combination needs work. Gulden is a star but Angus Sheldrick, James Rowbottom and James Jordon are all one-paced, leaving the coach with some work to do on finding the right combination.
Brisbane Lions v Carlton
Brighton Homes Arena, Brisbane
Carlton 15.13 (103) d Brisbane 13.10 (88)
– Andrew Wu
The match: Carlton gave up six of the first seven goals of the game in a listless start then took control after quarter-time in a performance that will raise optimism among their long-suffering supporter base. The Blues, with a new look forward line, led briefly in the third quarter only for the Lions to kick away again before storming home with seven of the last nine goals. It’s dangerous to read too much into match simulation but coach Michael Voss will be pleased with the Blues’ willingness to change lanes in their ball movement instead of kicking long down the line.
Ashton Moir spoils against the Lions.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The moment: It took just six minutes before Jagga Smith left Blues fans starry eyed. Surging through 50, the boom recruit received a handball from Lachie Fogarty and made no mistake on the run from 40 metres. His midfield intercept in the second term broke a chain of Lions’ handballs and resulted in a goal. Smith, who had less game time in the second half, was not prolific but what he did, he did well.
The eye-catcher: Ben Ainsworth transferred his bright form on the track into his first competitive match for his new club. The former Sun booted four goals playing as a running half-forward connector, a role the Blues have struggled to fill under Voss. Ainsworth filled his brief to a tee, pushing up the ground to be an option out of defence then running back to goal and getting into dangerous positions. Blues fans will warm quickly to the 28-year-old if he can maintain this form.
Small forward Talor Byrne put his hand up for a debut in opening round with three goals in a final-quarter cameo. Selected with pick 45 in last year’s draft, the Warrnambool teenager was a livewire with his speed and smarts around goal as players tired in the heat in their first practice game.
For the Lions, back-to-back Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft and younger brother Levi look set for big campaigns. Will found plenty of the ball while Levi is showing the benefits of a full pre-season in the gym with a more chiselled physique. Forgotten Lion Keidean Coleman turned heads early in a new role as a forward, marking strongly on the lead from the goal square. Half-back is his best spot but the Lions are over-indexed in that position, and he will need to play multiple roles to command a regular spot. Lachie Neale had a quiet night against George Hewett.
The injuries
Brisbane Lions: Defender Ryan Lester has entered concussion protocols after copping a knock to the head while attempting to tackle in the second term. Lester appeared dazed immediately after the incident and was also holding his jaw. He did not return to the field.
Carlton: Midfielder Adam Cerra is set to miss the start of the home-and-away season after injuring his hamstring in the third quarter. Cerra, who has a long history of hamstring strains, left the field after pulling up gingerly from a midfield contest. “[He’ll] have scans in the coming days to assess the severity of his hamstring,” Blues assistant coach Josh Fraser said. “We won’t know much more until then. It appears it’s a hamstring injury. As someone who’s been through it before with his professionalism, we know he’ll get back as quick as he can.”
Absent
Brisbane Lions: Charlie Cameron*, Hugh McCluggage*, Sam Draper, Tom Doedee, Logan Morris, Cam Rayner, Luke Beecken, Luke Lloyd, Koby Evans, Henry Smith, James Tunstill, Eric Hipwood, Reece Torrent, Ben Murphy, Jack Payne, Tai Hayes, Noah Answerth.
Carlton: Patrick Cripps*, Jacob Weitering*, Lachie Cowan, Blake Acres, Lucas Camporeale, Harry O’Farrell, Nic Newman, Nick Haynes, Harry Charleson, Jack Ison, Matt Carroll, Rob Monaghan, Matt Duffy, Francis Evans, Flynn Young, Matt Cottrell.
What the coaches said
Brisbane assistant coach Dale Morris said the Lions achieved their aims of getting time into players while experimenting with their line-up. Morris said former West Coast captain Oscar Allen would benefit from his first game in Lions colours. He kicked an early goal but otherwise saw little of the ball against Lewis Young. “I thought he presented well, he competed really well,” Morris said. “These games are about the connection between him and the other forwards, the midfield, them learning his leading patterns and him learning [about] the guys up the field – where they kick it, how they turn and move. He’ll get a lot out of this game.”
Fraser said Ainsworth and Will Hayward had given the Blues’ forward line a fresh look. “I think we’ve become quite dynamic in the front half,” Fraser said. “When you bring in players like Ainsworth, Hayward, even the pre-existing types like [Lachie] Fogarty and [Brodie] Kemp, they give you a different look inside 50. It was important we found different avenues to goal. We didn’t connect on every play but we’re exploring what this looks like. Tonight gave us some really good feedback, to introduce Talor Byrne in the last quarter and for him to kick some goals, we’re starting to build some depth in the front half but it’s really our overall ball movement we’re after.”
The verdict
Brisbane were electric in the first quarter when they dominated in the midfield and moved the ball at speed into their forward line. Kai Lohmann and Zac Bailey were particularly dangerous early. The Lions fielded a less experienced team in the second half when the Blues were at their best.
The Blues were more creative with their ball movement than last year. In one passage of play, they won the ball from stoppage in their defensive 50 and zigzagged their way up the field with a chain of clean possessions by hand and foot, resulting in a goal for the impressive Ainsworth. Their forward line looks more dynamic with more medium-sized forwards who can find space, mark and create pressure at ground level. To kick 15 goals with only one from Harry McKay in their first game since Curnow’s exit can only inspire confidence in Voss’ plan, though tougher tests await in a dress rehearsal next week before the real stuff starts in a fortnight.
Hawthorn v Geelong
Kennedy Community Centre, Dingley
Hawthorn 16.15 (111) d Geelong 14.10 (94)
-Jon Pierik
The match
The Hawks were goalless in the first term, conceding three, but then booted 11 of the next 13 to take control on a day when temperatures in Melbourne soared into the mid-30s. Before a rowdy crowd at their new home base in Dingley, this was an impressive effort by the Hawks, although it was largely expected as the Cats had almost half of their grand final team missing.
The Hawks ended their goal drought nine minutes into the second term when Dylan Moore snapped successfully. From there, the contest turned, despite the Cats enjoying moments of exquisite ball movement through centre wing.
The moment: Hawks’ fans erupted when Connor Nash delivered a super one-step snap from just inside 50 with 11 minutes remaining in the second term. The tall Irishman is known for his defensive prowess, but his goal sense is also well honed.
Jay Polkinghorne climbs high over his opponent.Credit: AFL Photos
The eye-catcher: Uncapped Cat Joe Polkinghorne booted three goals, his sticky hands a highlight. He has impressed club officials over summer, and made claims to be a third tall inside attacking 50. James Worpel was well at home in his new hoops as a Cat. Worpel is a former Hawks best and fairest and played 148 games in the brown and gold. Judging by his form on Monday, he will fit seamlessly into the Cats’ midfield.
Having built his reputation on the wing, emerging Cats star Ollie Dempsey spent much of the game as an inside midfielder. Young midfielder Jhye Clark continued to make excellent strides. Shannon Neale was a man mountain in front of goal. There were also encouraging signs in the ruck, shared by Sam De Koning, Mitch Edwards and Joe Pike with veteran Rhys Stanley missing.
For the Hawks, former North Melbourne defender Flynn Perez and VFL star Jack Riding did their best to win the two remaining list spots ahead of the March 2 deadline (should the Hawks opt to fill both spots). Riding’s strong work in tight was impressive, while Perez, with 24 senior games to his credit, was solid in defence and converted a 50m set shot off a free kick in the second term.
Given only the first half, skipper James Sicily moved well and is over the shoulder and groin/hip injuries which curbed his influence last year. Josh Weddle, who is likely to spend more time on a wing in the season proper, spent most of his time in defence. There is always a buzz when Nick Watson has – or is near – the ball. Midfielder Josh Ward was a standout, and is in line to take Worpel’s spot. Jarman Impey, donning Will Day’s No.12 guernsey, provided dash from half-back.
Injuries
Geelong: Tanner Bruhn (illness) was a late withdrawal. Brad Close was involved in a heavy collision with Karl Amon but returned.
Hawthorn: Calsher Dear took a knock to the ribs but returned, and had an impact.
Absent
Hawthorn: Jack Ginnivan, Will Day, Cam Nairn, Will McCabe, Matt Leray, Cody Anderon, Jack Dalton, James Blanck, Matt Hill, Jamie Uhr-Henry, Tom Barrass*, Jack Gunston*, Josh Battle*, Blake Hardwick*
Familiar face: James Worpel stepped out for the Cats for the first time.Credit: AFL Photos
Geelong: Rhys Stanley, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Conway, Shaun Mannagh, Jake Kolodjashnij, Tyson Stengle, Jack Martin, Jesse Mellor, Harley Barker, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Zach Guthrie, Mark Blicavs, Tanner Bruhn, Patrick Dangerfield*, Bailey Smith*, Max Holmes*, Tom Stewart*, Lawson Humphries*.
(*Played in Origin on Saturday)
What the coaches said
Hawthorn assistant coach David Hale praised Watson’s strong output. “He has had a great summer. He has done everything right. He has got himself into really good condition [to play in the midfield]. It wasn’t surprising the way he played – we have seen that in the pre-season games. We want to expose him a little more around the ball, obviously with Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald as well. Those types of players we think can bring an x-factor to the group we have got.”
Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said forward Ollie Henry had impressed, having been overlooked late last year. “He has been working really hard on his game, really disappointed he wasn’t in the team late last year … he went to work, he has got a lot fitter, covering the ground really well.”
The verdict
That Geelong were severely depleted made this contest hard to judge. Their depth appears sound, while a centre-square set up of De Koning, Worpel, Atkins and Dempsey was still A grade. They next face Carlton in a community series clash on February 25. The Hawks know they have work to do if they are to vault into true premiership contention. Watson and Connor Macdonald have trained as midfielders through the summer, and will add drive. The Hawks face the Western Bulldogs in a community series clash on February 27.
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