Footy is back…and what a contest up at the Gabba, where Carlton pulled off a sensational comeback to get over the line against last year’s runners-up Brisbane.
It wasn’t looking good, in the early stages, as they were overrun by the hosts, who built a sizeable lead, as well as losing defender Sam Docherty with what was later diagnosed as an ACL injury that is going to rule him out for the whole campaign.
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, full credit to the Blues, that lost here in the Prelims six months ago, in mounting a tremendous response with a stunning third term to set up a tense finish.
With the game up for grabs it was Harry McKay (pictured below) proving to be the hero as he marked 40 yards out. He then went back, held his nerve and blocked out the noise, slotting through the big sticks to help his team claim their first win at the venue since 2013.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpeaking post-match, big ‘H’ said “It was a good feeling to get the group in front. Obviously there was a bit of adrenaline, a few nerves, excitement. But again, it’s about sticking to your routine and getting through the ball.”
“I’ve done a fair bit of work over the summer. It’s about having a routine you can commit to every time. In games going forward I’ll miss goals, I’ll kick goals, but having a consistent routine will help.”
He added “This is my ninth year, and I’ve never won up here, so it’s good to get that monkey off the back. They’re a great team, so to get it done, obviously it doesn’t make up for the prelim, but it’s good to get one back.”
Greater Western Sydney put the rest of the competition on notice with a scintillating performance as they proved far too strong for the reigning Premiers Collingwood.
Having exceeded expectations in 2023, the Giants have a lot of people talking as to just what could be possible and, on this evidence, will be in the flag conversation.
Embed from Getty ImagesCallum Brown (pictured above), a former Gaelic Football player in Ireland, had a big night out by kicking a career-high five majors in front of the sell-out crowd at the Engie Stadium.
It was also an emotional evening for Connor Idun (pictured below), whose family flew over from England to watch him play for first time – he hadn’t seen them in nearly a decade.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpeaking in the rooms to Channel 7, his dad Zac said “It had been a while because of lockdown and all sorts of stuff and I couldn’t get here as quickly as I wanted to.”
“I have to be absolutely honest, I was upstairs and when he ran on to the pitch I just burst into tears. It was just like so much emotion, so much pride. It has been really good to see him bond so much with all the other guys. Very proud of him.”
Sydney opened their campaign, in fine fashion, by defeating Melbourne, in the season curtain raiser last Thursday evening, before a crowd of 40,000+ at the SCG.
A tight and keenly contested encounter for three quarters, the hosts were finally able to get on top and, with some momentum behind them, kicked away in the final term.
Embed from Getty ImagesAll eyes were on Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy as he lined up for his debut against the old mob following his summer move. He made a big impact, as well, with an impressive showing that included 33 hits outs, 22 disposals and nine clearances.
This was despite having the worst possible pre-match build-up having been stung by a bluebottle jellyfish, behind his ear, during a swim at Bondi beach in the morning.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpeaking on ground to Channel 7, the 29-year-old (pictured above) said “It’s great to be back doing what I love which is playing footy, which I don’t take for granted, at senior level.”
He continued “It’s a long season and the really elite players are able to do it consistently but I am happy with my performance tonight. It was good to get the win – thanks to everybody for making their way up and it was good to put on a show.”
Prior to the game, both clubs and umpires come together to pay respects to AFL goal umpire Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies who were brutally murdered, last month, in a story that has both gripped and horrified the whole nation.
The new Gold Coast era under Damien Hardwick got off to the perfect start as the three-time Premiership winning coach saw his team get the job done over Richmond.
There are big expectations on the Suns to finally deliver and make their first finals in club history – a devastating eleven goals in a row set them on their way in this one.
Embed from Getty ImagesMidfielder Matt Rowell was the standout performer by finishing with 20 clearances for the afternoon – the second most in AFL history behind Paul Salmon’s 22 effort in 1998 – while forward Ben King kicked accurately to finish with five snags.
Speaking in the presser, Dimma (pictured below) said “It was a mixture of nervousness, anxiousness, excitement; all those things built up into one. But it is always like that at round zero/one anyway, you’re never quite sure what you’re feeling.”
Embed from Getty Images“I was really pleased our fans and our players could see the way we wanted to play and want to go about it. You can see the style we’re trying to look to play and implement and I was really happy with the boys and how they went about that.”
He concluded “We’ve still got a long way to go in my view. There are some things in our game we were OK at but can certainly get better. The thing for us predominantly is to sit there and get an understanding of the style and what it looks like but, more importantly, what it feels like from a playing point of view.”
Opening Round Results
Sydney 12.14 (86)
Melbourne 9.10 (64)
Brisbane 12.13 (85)
Carlton 13.8 (86)
Gold Coast 14.15 (99)
Richmond 9.6 (60)
GWS Giants 18.6 (114)
Collingwood 11.16 (82)
Bye: Adelaide, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, West Coast & Western Bulldogs
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