AFL Opening Round 2025: Report Card & Deep Dive Analysis

The 2025 AFL season kicked off with an electrifying Opening Round, showcasing four teams eager to make an early statement. While only a handful of games were played,notable talking points have already emerged,setting the stage for an enthralling season.

This comprehensive report card delves into each team’s performance, dissecting key moments, player contributions, and areas for advancement. We go beyond surface-level observations, providing insightful analysis and actionable takeaways for fans and analysts alike.

Collingwood: A wake-up Call

The Magpies faced a harsh reality check against the Giants, succumbing to a 52-point defeat at ENGIE Stadium. Despite staying within striking distance for much of the game, a fourth-quarter “Giant tsunami” swept Collingwood away.

Coach Craig mcrae acknowledged “patches of dominance” but lamented the team’s inability to capitalize, stating, “We had patches of dominance and we just didn’t connect.” Though, the statistics reveal a deeper issue: Collingwood’s woeful 6.16 conversion rate in front of goal. This inefficiency, coupled with a substantially lower tackle count compared to the Giants (39 vs. 59), underscores a concerning lack of defensive pressure and clinical finishing.

Key Takeaways for Collingwood:

• Address Goal-Kicking Woes: Implement targeted training drills to improve accuracy and decision-making in the forward line.
• Increase Defensive Pressure: Emphasize tackling intensity and accountability across all lines.
• Re-evaluate Midfield Strategy: Analyze the “lack of speed and intent” observed by analysts like David King and adjust midfield tactics accordingly. [Source: AFL Analysis Show, March 10, 2025]

Standout performers:

• Darcy Cameron: 22 disposals, 19 contested possessions, a dominant ruck performance.
• Pat Lipinski: 17 disposals at 100% efficiency by foot.
• Jamie Elliott: 2 goals from 16 disposals.

Grade: C-

GWS Giants: A Statement Win

Despite missing key players like Stringer, Hogan, and Green, the Giants delivered a resounding victory over Collingwood, showcasing their depth and resilience. Their suffocating defense held the Magpies to just two goals in the second half, sealing a convincing win.

Coach Adam Kingsley’s pre-game emphasis on a “real physical brand of footy” was evident throughout the match.The Giants’ relentless pressure and aggressive ball movement overwhelmed Collingwood, signaling their intent to contend for a top-four spot.

Key Takeaways for GWS Giants:

• Maintain Intensity: replicate the high-pressure, physical approach consistently throughout the season.
• Address Contested Possession Deficit: Improve contested ball-winning capabilities to complement their outside run and carry.
• Develop Forward Line Depth: Continue to nurture young forwards like Aaron Cadman to provide choice scoring options.

Standout Performers:

• Finn Callaghan: 33 disposals,2.2, 12 score involvements – a breakout performance that validates his commitment to the Giants.
• Sam Taylor: 17 disposals, 9 intercept marks – a dominant defensive display.
• Josh Kelly: 36 disposals, 8 score involvements – a consistent performer in the midfield.

Grade: A+

Hawthorn: Soaring High

Hawthorn delivered an early-season shock, defeating Grand Finalists Sydney on their home turf.Sam Mitchell’s game plan was executed flawlessly, with the Hawks dominating for three of the four quarters.

Will Day’s standout performance, coupled with Lloyd Meek’s dominance in the ruck, showcased Hawthorn’s emerging talent and strategic prowess. If they can build on this momentum, the Hawks could be a surprise package in 2025.

Key Takeaways for Hawthorn:

• Maintain Consistency: Avoid lapses in concentration, as seen in the third quarter against Sydney, to maintain control of games.
• Develop Young talent: Continue to provide opportunities for young players like Nick Watson to learn and grow at the AFL level.
• Capitalize on Momentum: Use this early-season victory as a springboard to build confidence and establish themselves as a competitive force.

Standout Performers:

• will Day: 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 9 clearances, 3 goals – a match-winning performance.
• Lloyd Meek: 14 disposals, 29 hit-outs, 6 clearances, 2 goals – a dominant ruck display.
• Karl Amon: 27 disposals, 6 inside 50s, 698 meters gained, 1 goal – providing crucial run and carry.

Grade: A

Sydney: A Disappointing Start

Despite a valiant effort,Sydney fell short against Hawthorn,suffering a disappointing loss in their season opener. The absence of key players and an early injury to Taylor Adams hampered their chances, but the Swans will need to regroup quickly to avoid a slow start to the season.

The Swans’ inability to win the contested possession and clearance battles proved costly,highlighting a need for greater physicality and intensity in the midfield. Dean Cox will need to address these issues to get Sydney back on track.

Key Takeaways for Sydney:

• Improve Contested Ball-Winning: Emphasize contested possession drills and clearance strategies to gain an advantage in the midfield.
• Strengthen Midfield Depth: Develop younger players to provide support for experienced midfielders like Isaac Heeney and James Jordon.
• Adapt to Changing Conditions: Improve their ability to perform in slippery conditions and adjust their game plan accordingly.

Standout performers:

• chad Warner: 21 disposals, 12 score involvements, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal – a strong performance in the midfield.
• Nick Blakey: 26 disposals, 8 intercept possessions, 804 meters gained, 1 goal – providing valuable run and rebound from defense.
• Joel Amartey: 11 disposals,3 goals – continuing his strong pre-season form.

Grade: B-

Conclusion

The AFL 2025 Opening Round provided a taste of what’s to come this season.The Giants and Hawks emerged as early frontrunners, while Collingwood and Sydney face immediate pressure to bounce back.As the season progresses, expect these teams to adjust their strategies, refine their game plans, and compete fiercely for a coveted spot in the finals.

What are your thoughts on the Opening Round results? Share your predictions for the 2025 AFL season in the comments below!

What factors contributed to the Giants’ convincing win over Collingwood in the opening round of the 2025 AFL season?

AFL 2025: Opening Round analysis with Expert strategist, Sarah evans

Welcome back to Archyde! The 2025 AFL season is officially underway, and what an Opening Round it was. To break it all down, we have Sarah Evans, seasoned AFL Strategist and former Assistant Coach, joining us today to dissect the results and offer her insights.

Opening Round Shocks and Standout Performances

Archyde: Sarah, thanks for being here. Let’s dive straight in. The Giants’ demolition of Collingwood and Hawthorn’s upset win over Sydney – were these results truly surprising, or were there underlying factors pointing to these outcomes?

Sarah Evans: Thanks for having me! I think “surprising” is relative. Collingwood’s conversion woes were a ticking time bomb; that 6.16 score line is simply not good enough. Combine that with GWS playing a consistently tough, physical brand of football, and the result becomes less shocking. As for Hawthorn,Sam Mitchell is building something special. They executed their game plan near-perfectly against Sydney, capitalizing on the Swans’ midfield struggles and a few key injuries.

Collingwood’s Conversion Crisis: A Fixable Problem?

Archyde: Collingwood’s goal-kicking inefficiency seems to be a recurring theme. What specifically do they need to address to rectify this?

Sarah Evans: It’s multi-faceted. Firstly, it’s about repetition. Targeted training drills that simulate game-day pressure are crucial. Secondly, decision-making under pressure. Are they rushing the kick? Are forwards presenting the right leads? And thirdly, are they taking the best shots available or forcing the issue thru contested marks? A holistic approach is needed, addressing both technical skill and mental fortitude.

giants’ Dominance: More Than Just One Game?

Archyde: The Giants’ A+ grade reflects a near-perfect performance. Can they maintain this intensity and challenge for a top-four spot, especially considering they were missing some key personnel?

Sarah Evans: Adam Kingsley has instilled a real belief in that Giants’ squad.Their depth is impressive, demonstrated by players like Finn Callaghan stepping up in a big way. To contend consistently, they’ll need to address their contested possession work because a reliance on outside run and carry can be nullified by strong, physically imposing midfields and they need to continue to develop their young forwards. If the likes of Aaron Cadman can become reliable scoring threats, then absolutely, they are genuine contenders.

Hawthorn’s Rise: A Flash in the Pan or a Sign of Things to Come?

Archyde: Hawthorn’s victory was arguably the biggest surprise of the round. Is this a sign that they are ahead of schedule in their rebuild, or was it simply a case of Sydney underperforming?

Sarah Evans: I think it’s a blend of both. Sydney was certainly below their best, but you can’t take anything away from Hawthorn. Will Day’s performance was immense, and Lloyd Meek controlled the ruck. They have a good mix of experienced players and exciting young talent.The key for them will be consistency. Avoiding lapses in concentration, like that third quarter against Sydney, will be crucial. If they can maintain this level of intensity, they will surprise a few more teams this season.

Sydney’s Setback: What Needs to Change?

Archyde: Sydney, a Grand Final team just last year, started the season with a loss. What are the most pressing issues Coach Dean Cox needs to address?

Sarah Evans: Their midfield struggled to win contested possessions and clearances, and that needs immediate attention. The absence of Adams certainly hurt, but it highlighted a lack of depth in that area. They need to empower their younger players and find a way to generate more pressure around the ball. Also, performing well in slippery conditions is crucial, and adjusting their game plan accordingly should be implemented as needed within the match.

Looking ahead: Bold Predictions for the Season

Archyde: Sarah, bold prediction for the 2025 AFL season?

Sarah Evans: Collingwood will bounce back, making sure they focus on goal scoring from set plays, but they’ll face challenges with injury clouds to key players that will test the team’s resilience. GWS will indeed secure a top-four spot and have a good chance in the Finals. And watch out for Hawthorn – they will be the big improvers this year, finishing around 6th on the ladder. Their young players will continue to develop, and their strategic ball movement will cause headaches for opposition coaches.

Archyde: Fantastic insights,Sarah! Thanks so much for joining us today.

Sarah Evans: My pleasure!

What are your thoughts on the Opening Round results? Which team surprised you the most? Share your predictions for the 2025 AFL season in the comments below!