The Sydney Swans have soared to the top of the AFL ladder, showcasing a remarkable performance that sees them among five teams receiving perfect grades this round. However, their latest victory came at a cost, with injuries to key players potentially impacting their future games. Meanwhile, three teams faced the harsh reality of failing grades amidst a weekend of extreme highs and lows across the league.
Sydney’s explosive start against the Brisbane Lions set the tone for a dominant display, securing a comfortable win. The Swans’ ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while maintaining a solid defense has been pivotal in their early-season success. However, the injuries to Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney could pose challenges in the coming weeks.
Adelaide Crows: A Promising Start
The Adelaide Crows kicked off their 2026 campaign with an impressive victory over Collingwood at the MCG. Despite missing key players like Izak Rankine, Dan Curtin, and Mark Keane, the Crows managed to break their Collingwood curse with a 14-point win. Their performance was marked by strong individual displays, particularly from Wayne Milera, who was a standout with 34 disposals and a goal assist.
Wayne Milera: 34 disposals, 94.1% efficiency, 673 meters gained, one goal assist.
While the Crows excelled in center clearances, they struggled around the ground stoppages, highlighting an area for improvement. Nevertheless, their role players shone, contributing significantly to their success.
Brisbane Lions: A Tough Outing
The Brisbane Lions faced a challenging task against the Swans, missing several premiership stars due to injury and suspension. From the opening bounce, the Lions were on the back foot, with Sydney piling on two goals in the first two minutes. Despite a better second half, the damage was done, and the Lions never led during the match.
Brisbane’s midfield showed promise, dominating clearances with a 45 to 23 advantage. However, inefficiencies in their forward line and defensive lapses proved costly.
Brisbane’s inside 50 count: -19 compared to Sydney.
Bruce Reville and Dayne Zorko were notable performers, but the Lions’ forward line struggled to function effectively, with new recruits failing to make a significant impact.
Carlton’s Narrow Escape
Carlton managed to secure a win despite a lackluster second half against Richmond. The Blues’ first-half performance was enough to hold on for a victory, but their inability to maintain momentum post-halftime raised concerns. Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna described it as “one of the least convincing wins,” highlighting the need for improvement.
Jagga Smith was a standout for Carlton, with 32 disposals and 11 score involvements. However, the team’s overall efficiency and second-half fade-out remain areas of concern.
Carlton’s inside 50 count: -16 against Richmond.
The Blues will need to address these issues to maintain their winning streak and capitalize on their potential.
Collingwood’s Missed Opportunity
Collingwood fell short against the Crows, unable to match Adelaide’s intensity in the second half. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, costly penalties and a lack of forward connection hindered their efforts.
Nick Daicos was a standout, with 33 disposals and two goals, but the Pies’ forward line struggled to convert opportunities into points.
Collingwood’s scoring: Failed to reach 80 points for the second consecutive week.
The team will need to regroup and address their forward half issues during their Round 2 bye.
Essendon’s Familiar Struggles
Essendon faced a disappointing start to their 2026 season, conceding 145 points to Hawthorn. Despite missing key players, the Bombers will need to improve quickly to avoid a repeat of past seasons’ slow starts.
Zach Merrett and Mason Redman were valiant in defeat, but the team’s overall performance left much to be desired. Essendon’s defense was exposed, conceding 157 marks and struggling in clearances.
Essendon’s clearance count: -13 compared to Hawthorn.
The Bombers will need to regroup and focus on strengthening their defense and midfield to compete effectively in upcoming matches.
Fremantle’s Tale of Two Quarters
Fremantle’s visit to Geelong showcased a promising start, with a record-breaking first quarter. However, their inability to maintain momentum resulted in a disappointing loss. Despite strong performances from Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson, the Dockers struggled to convert inside 50 opportunities after the first quarter.
Fremantle’s efficiency inside 50 was impressive, but their lack of entries post-quarter time was a concern.
Fremantle’s inside 50 count: -14 compared to Geelong.
The Dockers will need to find consistency across all four quarters to secure victories in future matches.
Geelong’s Resilient Comeback
Geelong overcame a poor start to secure a comeback win against Fremantle. The Cats’ response to a quarter-time spray from coach Chris Scott was commendable, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Jeremy Cameron and Max Holmes were instrumental in Geelong’s victory, with Cameron kicking three goals and Holmes contributing 32 disposals.
Geelong’s inside 50 count: +14 compared to Fremantle.
The Cats’ ability to regroup and capitalize on scoring opportunities was a testament to their experience and skill.
Gold Coast Suns: A Force to Reckon With
The Gold Coast Suns continued their impressive start to the season with a dominant win over West Coast. Their 13-goal first half set the tone for a crushing 59-point victory, solidifying their position as potential flag contenders.
Christian Petracca and Ben King were standout performers, with Petracca booting four goals and King leading the Coleman Medal leaderboard with nine goals.
Gold Coast’s ladder position: Second with a percentage of 181.6.
The Suns’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes them a formidable force in the competition.
GWS Giants: A Reality Check
After a promising start to the season, the GWS Giants faced a harsh reality check against the Western Bulldogs. Despite missing key players, the Giants struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ dominant performance.
Finn Callaghan and Lachie Ash were notable performers, but the Giants’ defense was exposed, conceding 19 marks inside 50.
GWS’s scoring: Biggest score conceded since last year’s clash with the Bulldogs.
The Giants will need to address their defensive issues and find consistency to compete effectively in the competition.
Hawthorn’s Dominant Display
Hawthorn responded to their opening-round disappointment with a commanding win over Essendon. Their performance was marked by total control, highlighted by their equal-second-most marks in a game of football ever.
Jack Gunston and Connor Macdonald were standout performers, contributing significantly to Hawthorn’s success.
Hawthorn’s mark tally: 157, emphasizing their control over the contest.
The Hawks’ ability to dominate possession and capitalize on scoring opportunities was key to their victory.
Melbourne’s New Era Begins
Melbourne kicked off the Steven King era with a spirited win over St Kilda. Their exciting new style was on display, showcasing their potential as a competitive force in the league.
Max Gawn and Jacob van Rooyen were instrumental in Melbourne’s victory, with Gawn dominating the ruck contest and van Rooyen kicking six goals.
Melbourne’s contested possession: +10 compared to St Kilda.
The Demons’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities bodes well for their future success.
North Melbourne’s Encouraging Start
North Melbourne kicked off their season with a thumping win over Port Adelaide, showcasing their potential for an improved 2026 campaign. Their performance was marked by strong individual displays and a cohesive team effort.
Dylan Stephens and Harry Sheezel were standout performers, contributing significantly to North Melbourne’s success.
North Melbourne’s contested possession: +20 compared to Port Adelaide.
The Kangaroos’ ability to dominate possession and capitalize on scoring opportunities was key to their victory.
Port Adelaide’s Disappointing Start
Port Adelaide faced a disappointing start to their season, with a bruising loss to North Melbourne. Despite a strong midfield, the Power struggled to contain North Melbourne’s dominant performance.
Mitch Georgiades and Zak Butters were notable performers, but the team’s overall performance left much to be desired.
Port Adelaide’s clearance count: -11 compared to North Melbourne.
The Power will need to regroup and focus on strengthening their midfield and defense to compete effectively in upcoming matches.
Richmond’s Narrow Defeat
Richmond faced a narrow defeat against Carlton, with missed opportunities proving costly. Despite a strong second half, the Tigers were unable to convert their chances into a win.
Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis were standout performers, contributing significantly to Richmond’s efforts.
Richmond’s inside 50 count: 60, 16 more than Carlton.
The Tigers will need to address their efficiency inside 50 and focus on converting opportunities to secure victories in future matches.
St Kilda’s Promising Performance
Despite two losses, St Kilda’s performances have shown promise, with competitive displays against Collingwood and Melbourne. The Saints’ new pieces are still finding their identity, but their potential is evident.
Max Hall and Callum Wilkie were standout performers, contributing significantly to St Kilda’s efforts.
St Kilda’s contested possession: +10 compared to Melbourne.
The Saints will need to build on their promising performances and find consistency to compete effectively in the competition.
Sydney Swans: A Dominant Force
The Sydney Swans have established themselves as a dominant force in the AFL, with a commanding win over the Brisbane Lions. Their explosive start set the tone for a comfortable victory, showcasing their potential as flag contenders.
Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald were standout performers, contributing significantly to Sydney’s success.
Sydney’s inside 50 count: 65, highlighting their attacking prowess.
The Swans’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes them a formidable force in the competition.
West Coast Eagles: A Tough Road Ahead
The West Coast Eagles faced a challenging start to their season, with a heavy defeat to Gold Coast. Despite unearthing new talent, the Eagles struggled to contain the Suns’ dominant performance.
Milan Murdock and Deven Robertson were notable performers, but the team’s overall performance left much to be desired.
West Coast’s contested possession: -8 compared to Gold Coast.
The Eagles will need to regroup and focus on developing their young talent to compete effectively in the competition.
Western Bulldogs: Premiership Favorites?
The Western Bulldogs continued their dominance with a blistering win over GWS, further stamping their flag credentials. Their improved defense and strong individual performances make them a formidable force in the competition.
Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton were standout performers, contributing significantly to the Bulldogs’ success.
Western Bulldogs’ inside 50 count: +11 compared to GWS.
The Bulldogs’ ability to maintain pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities makes them a strong contender for the premiership.
