Tigers Stun Carlton and Collingwood Answer Critics

Published: Mar 17, 2025 Updated: Aug 14, 2025 Daniel Harris 6 mins read 0 Disclosure

Uses your browser’s text-to-speech for accessibility.

It might only have been the opening match of Round 1 but, the 80,000+ in attendance at the ‘G’, probably witnessed what could be the upset of the season. Richmond, tipped to be wooden spooners and by some not to even win a game, looked to be in for a very long night as they trailed Carlton by 41 points at one stage.

However this youthful group, which included three debutants, worked their way back into it before then going on to pick up their best result under coach Adam Yze.

Embed from Getty Images

Sam Lalor (pictured above) showcased just why he was the number one pick, in the 2024 draft, with a superb performance, on the big stage, that included 18 disposals and two goals.

For the Blues, a really dirty night and one to forget; they suffered the biggest loss on AFL record for a team that had +20 contested possessions and +25 Inside 50s.

Grand Final re-run

In a re-run of the 2024 Grand Final, Josh Dunkley (pictured below) scored what proved to be the winner as reigning Premiers Brisbane edged Sydney in a thriller at the SCG.

Embed from Getty Images

They had to do it on the back of some adversity, as well, having lost Lincoln McCarthy (ruptured right ACL) and Charlie Cameron (calf strain), in the lead up, then Kai Lohmann (ankle) and Brandon Starcevich (concussion) during the match.

The Lions also had to withstand a tense last few moments as the Swans had a final charge and could have pinched it themselves, with just 50 seconds remaining, but Braeden Campbell’s snap was just off to the left and went through for a behind.

‘Hollywood Hawks’ maintain perfect start

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

A very efficient Hawthorn made it two-from-two as they were eventually able to see off their arch enemy Essendon before a huge crowd in the Friday night blockbuster.

The side dubbed the ‘Hollywood Hawks’ might have lost the disposals, handballs, kicks and inside 50s count but their run and slick play, when they had the ball, made sure they were ahead on the most important come the final siren – the scoreboard.

Embed from Getty Images

Although he finished on the losing team, it was still a big occasion for Bombers 18-year-old Isaac Kako (pictured above) as he became the first Iraqi player to score a major in the AFL.

New recruits shine for Crows

Down in South Australia (SA), a fast start by Adelaide laid the foundations for them to go on and enjoy a straight forward afternoon in belting a young St.Kilda outfit.

New recruits Isaac Cumming, James Peatling and Alex Neal-Bullen (pictured below) amongst twelve different goalkickers for the rampant hosts. There is a lot of expectation amongst Crows supporters and the wider footy world, so this was an encouraging sign.

Embed from Getty Images

Earlier in the week, Saints coach Ross Lyon extended his contract through until 2027; he is seen by President Andrew Bassat as the person to lead them through their current re-build to then go on to become serious challengers in the future.

Perfect response from Magpies

Collingwood answered the critics that labelled their squad “too old and too slow” with the perfect response as they put Port Adelaide to the sword in a 91-point mauling.

Embed from Getty Images

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

Dan Houston (pictured above) made his Magpies debut, against his old mob, and impressed while another new recruit Tim Membury endeared himself to fans with a four-goal haul.

The result handed Power coach Ken Hinkley the biggest losing margin of his 275-game career and the worst possible opening to his final season at the SA club.

Keeffe heroics

Versatile player Lachlan Keeffe (pictured below) was the hero, booting the winner, as Greater Western Sydney got over the line to defeat Melbourne in wind and rain at ‘G’.

Embed from Getty Images

The 34-year-old, who has played in a multitude of positions during his time at the Giants, held his nerve to score his 20th and most important snag of his career.

It was a decent effort, in what was an excellent contest, by the Demons that will be disappointed to have led for such a large part and then let it slip right at the end.

Bailey Smith impresses on Cats debut

Geelong flexed their muscles, with the kind of display to suggest that they will be firmly in the mix come the point end, as they demolished a woeful Fremantle.

Embed from Getty Images

Bailey Smith (pictured above with family) exhibited just why he was the number one target, over the summer, with a best on ground that included 32 disposals, 700 metres gained and a goal.

A nightmare for Dockers gaffer Justin Longmuir, arguably the most underfire coming into this new season, who conceded that his players simply “weren’t tough enough”.

‘Kingy’ kicks a bag

Ben King (pictured below) booted a back of six as Gold Coast, looking to make their first finals in club history, recorded their biggest ever victory, by 87 points, in thrashing West Coast.

ALSO READ: AFL 2025: Lions Topple Ladder Leaders Collingwood at the ‘G’

Embed from Getty Images

The 24-year-old, leading goalkicker at the Suns for the last four seasons, ran riot in the forward line as his side proved far too powerful and led for the whole encounter.

Not the start that new Eagles coach Andrew McQualter would have wanted, in front of the home supporters, and a reality check that it could be a really long campaign.

Doggies get the chocolates

The Western Bulldogs, missing a number of players through injury and their captain Marcus Bontempelli, managed to come through against a plucky North Melbourne.

It gave the opportunity for some of the younger players to stand; in particular, debutant Sam Davidson (pictured below), who has put his PhD degree in paediatric health at Monash University on hold in order to pursue his footy career, really catching the eye.

Embed from Getty Images

On a worrying note, though, was the injury to Luke Cleary with the 23-year-old completely knocked out, following a challenge by Jackson Archer, with play having to be held up for several minutes before he was eventually taken off on a stretcher.