As the only round that does not have any previous games for comparison, the hype surrounding Round 1 is made of a combination of statements from the clubs, media speculation and fan hope.
We often compare much of what we have seen over the preseason against what takes place in this opening weekend of matches.
All games are scheduled equal but some are more equal than others. After a long summer break it is worth analysing the best of this weekend’s opening round.
9. West Coast versus Brisbane
For Lions fans the likely debut of their next big thing in Josh Scache will be worth tuning in for but this game demonstrates what is already known. The Lions are building and are looking to get more games into their kids.
The response of many Eagles players as they seek redemption from last year’s grand final will be a common theme in 2016. However there will be bigger games against more relevant opponents in which to demonstrate this rather than this Sunday’s fixture.
8. Gold Coast versus Essendon
Most of the intrigue in this game centres on who exactly will play this match. With Essendon mixing top ups with their young list and the Gold Coast balancing list changes and midfield injuries, the line-up of both sides, but particularly the Bombers, is still to be decided.
7. Port Adelaide versus St Kilda
Port Adelaide’s 2015 was one of high expectation that ended well below what the club would have hoped for. How they respond to this will be intriguing but they would expect to win this game against the rising St Kilda outfit.
For the Saints seeing more of their talented youngsters and the positioning of champion Nick Riewoldt will be of high interest as they look to pinch an upset win.
6. Melbourne versus Greater Western Sydney
The Demons often present themselves as a changed outfit from their old ways at this time of the year. We have seen many a recent season begin with hope that quickly dissolves into reality as old habits surface.
This season they again present this front but a win in this game against an improving Giants outfit could be the proof the Demons have finally turned the corner. Their promising form in the preseason may be hinting at much greater improvement from the red and blue.
5. Western Bulldogs versus Fremantle
Was 2015 an out of the box year for the Bulldogs or was it just a taste of what they can produce? Has the Fremantle era plateaued or are they continuing to build towards that elusive first flag?
Sunday’s game featuring stars in Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, Jake Stringer, Marcus Bontempelli and David Mundy is two of last year’s finalists squaring off in a game that should be an exhibition of skill, pace, and endurance.
The fact it is at Etihad Stadium evens out the odds in a game which both teams could lay claims to being favourite.
4. Sydney versus Collingwood
The Pies are always a big draw and with their list bubbling with young talent they are primed to make an assault on the top eight. Sydney is having their position in the top eight questioned and it would appear that the stage is set for a changing of the guard.
The Swans however have young talent of their own and with Lance Franklin, Dale Hannebery and Josh Kennedy have enough class to still be in the hunt for the top-four spot. The winner of this game can take genuine optimism and momentum into the season.
3. North Melbourne versus Adelaide
North continue to build towards that final day in September and are backing their troops to improve collectively to get there. The Crows are building themselves particularly after a certain hole left in their midfield and still possess class in all areas of the field.
The Kangaroos’ horrendous Round 1 record under Brad Scott (they are yet to win a Round 1 game in his time as coach) is a statistic they would love to rectify. A win for either team would be a statement for the year to come.
If North are aspiring to a home-and-away top-four position – which has eluded them in 2014 and 2015 – this is the kind of game they need to win.
2. Richmond versus Carlton
The opening game of the year and a packed MCG makes this game a must watch. Richmond’s injury concerns have made this match all the more intriguing. While Carlton are at the beginning of their reset they will be looking to start positively and play as if they nothing to lose – which they don’t.
The fact that there is a feeling of doubt around Richmond however slight is something the Tigers need to address with a big statement to start the season.
1. Geelong versus Hawthorn
This game is rightfully the highlight of this week’s games. A genuine rivalry that has delivered time and time again has become one the best rivalries in the modern era.
While the Hawks have a number of players missing from their premiership side it is all about the bevy of Cats recruits headed by Patrick Dangerfield that headline this match-up.
How they gel will receive the sternest of tests against the four-peat chasing Hawks. The ramifications from this game will flow well into the season and the fact that this is the only time these two sides meet for the year just heightens the pressure surrounding it.
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