The 2026 AFL season kicked off with a compelling contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 14, as the Adelaide Crows faced off against the Collingwood Magpies. While the Crows demonstrated promising play in the first quarter, converting that dominance into scoreboard pressure proved challenging, resulting in a 15-point lead that didn’t fully reflect their overall performance. The match, broadcast live on Kayo and Fox Footy, set the stage for a season of intense competition.
Collingwood responded with assertive defensive pressure, particularly through Isaac Quaynor and Brayden Maynard, effectively neutralizing the Crows’ ball movement. The Pies’ ability to squeeze the ball carrier at crucial moments disrupted Adelaide’s offensive flow. Despite having more inside 50s in the latter part of the first quarter, Collingwood’s long, speculative kicks failed to yield significant scoring opportunities. The early stages of the game highlighted the importance of precision and composure in front of goal, a factor that would likely define the outcome of the match and the broader AFL season.
Josh Worrell emerged as an unexpected standout performer for the Crows, leading all players in possessions with 13. Ned Long and Dan Houston weren’t far behind, contributing eight possessions each for Collingwood. The Magpies strategically targeted Houston when launching attacks from half-back, showcasing a clear tactical approach to exploit his strengths. However, Nick Daicos, a key player for Collingwood, had a relatively quiet start, registering seven touches but with limited impact on the game.
Jordan Dawson of the Crows was seen in a physical contest with Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies, illustrating the intensity of the early exchanges. Image of Dawson warming up ahead of the match shows the Crows preparing for the season opener.
Dawson, who joined the Crows as a free agent at the end of the 2021 season after six years with the Sydney Swans, was a key focus for Collingwood’s defense. According to the Adelaide Football Club website, Dawson finished third in Sydney’s best and fairest in 2021 before returning to his home state of South Australia.
The first quarter also saw Josh Worrell’s impressive performance, a surprising statistic given his role within the team. His 13 possessions were a clear indication of his early impact on the game. The Crows will be looking to build on this strong start, while Collingwood will aim to refine their attacking strategies and maximize the influence of key players like Daicos.
Elsewhere in the AFL’s opening round, the Sydney Swans hosted the Brisbane Lions at the SCG. Details of that match were not available at the time of reporting, but it represents another key fixture in the early stages of the 2026 season. The AFL season promises a competitive landscape, with teams vying for premiership contention.
As the season unfolds, the performance of key players like Jordan Dawson will be crucial for the Adelaide Crows’ success. The ability to convert strong play into scoreboard results, as demonstrated by Collingwood’s defensive pressure, will be a defining factor for all teams. Fans can expect a season filled with exciting contests and strategic battles as teams strive for premiership glory.
The early stages of the 2026 AFL season have already provided a glimpse of the intensity and competitiveness that lie ahead. The clash between the Crows and Magpies at the MCG set a high standard for the remainder of the season, and fans eagerly await the unfolding drama on the field. Share your thoughts on the opening round and predictions for the season in the comments below.
