After the zombie season that was 2020 and the shocker of a year that went with it, it’s amazing how much comfort normal can bring.
On Thursday night I tuned in like so many others to watch the Tigers start this season like every other, with a win against the Blues.
On Friday afternoon, I hopped on a train into Melbourne for some dinner and beers with friends before making that glorious walk along the Yarra to the MCG where the Dogs won a pretty ugly game of footy against the Pies.
Saturday was a return to Flinders Street, for a repeat of that wonderful stroll, this time solo in sunshine with some pregame footy radio in my headphones. The Dockers wasted their chances early and the Demons never really let them back in it after the first break.
A dash to Richmond station and a trip to a mate’s place followed, where I caught the second half of the Crows’ incredible win over the Cats, before splitting attention between two fun Saturday night games.
Sunday meant getting to Docklands for the first time in about 20 months to see Port steamroll the Roos. With the game long since decided, we bailed at halftime to find a pub where we watched the Saints show their ticker in a win over the ever-disappointing Giants.
Into the car after that, listening to West Coast versus Gold Coast before getting home in time to watch the second half as the Eagles held off a very decent challenge from the Suns.
The footy itself was a mixed bag and hopefully we’ll all be back to taking these things for granted soon enough, but for now I’m overjoyed to have footy that feels like footy again, with the familiar flow of a normal round and all the things that come with it.
The Saints’ Dan Butler kicks the winning goal against the Giants in Round 1. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Some thoughts and observations from the opening round.
Dustin Martin is ridiculous. I know everyone knows that by now, but jeez.
Carlton are going to be fun to watch. They’re as bold as any team when moving the footy, but some of the good teams are going to cut them to bits in transition.
It was a familiar performance from the Bulldogs. They’ve got enough to give this season a real shake if they can find a way to turn their possession dominance into goals.
Darcy Moore and Steven May reminded me how great it is to see star key defenders in the flesh. There is much about our great game that TV fails to do justice, and the control a gun key back has on a huge part of the ground is right near the top of the list.
How I’ve missed the primal scream of “How’d he get rid of it!”
The Crows once again reminded us why we should enjoy the ride each season and not just the ending. That win was pure joy for the Crows and their fans and pretty delightful viewing as a neutral as well.
Taylor Walker kicks the footy as sweetly as anyone I’ve ever seen. It is so good to see him having an impact as he did on Saturday afternoon.
I can’t remember any other player ageing the way Travis Boak has. He’s as good as just about any midfielder going around and has been since the opening bounce of 2019.
For the Saints to win on the road with as many key players missing as they had against decent opposition suggests they’re made of the right stuff.
Sydney are always made of the right stuff.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Or Adelaide and Sydney were goin "we're better than we've been"
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Well if we’re gonna go all “Schitts Ck” about it l bags Stevie. I’d turn for her.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Being in Sydney at the moment we need a bit of heat
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
Great piece. That’s some impressive footy fandom right there. Anyone who’s prepared to watch North Melbourne in person is well ahead of me.
Mooty
Roar Rookie
The closest game of the round doesn’t even rate a mention. Won by the narrowest of margins, by the best team
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Did Walker and Hawkins swap jumpers before the bounce :shocked: Loved it.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
The only person not as happy as all of us is my gf, the season can't finish quick enough for her already.lol.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
Nice piece. Hey you forgot to mention the mighty Bombers. :laughing:
Mr Speaker
Guest
Absolutely.
Seano
Roar Rookie
Warm Hug? More like the slap in the face I’m used to getting at this tine of the year. Still good to have footy back.
Klompy
Guest
The Eagles and Suns game was a hard fought Contest in very warm conditions. It was a good win by the mighty Eagles. Great start to the season by Oscar Allen for the Eagles.
BillyW
Roar Rookie
Balllllllllllllll!!!!
Stirling Coates
Editor
Geelong and Brisbane were both guilty of turning up expecting to win, you'd have to say.
DTM
Guest
Well said (although I think the Cats and Lions fans will disagree). Unfortunately, i missed a lot of the games over the weekend - a combination of my own sport, my work commitments and family time meant I only managed to see part of a few games and most of my team's match. Probably goes without saying but the Tigers are going to be hard to beat and Port or the Bullies the most likely challenger. Good signs for Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast and Carlton but none of them will be a real threat this year.
Courbet
Roar Rookie
Very true Adrian. Its so good to have football back. It helps make life feel normal again. My favorite part of Round 1 was the wins by the Crows and Swans. I know its early but it has made the competition look alot more even than everyone thought it would be last week.
AD
Guest
Maybe the powerful AI driving the AFL's ticketing system has developed a romantic side and decided to play matchmaker? :D
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
Great article, Adrian. I didn't get to as many games as you - but it's great to have footy back. I attended the MCG game on Saty, tho I had no interest in either team. Had booked a seat in AFL members, which was 1/3 full. To my surprise, a woman had the seat next to me. 2 single people the only occupants in an otherwise empty row. What happened to social distancing?