We ultimately had just two games in Opening Round of the 2025 AFL season. Hawthorn got off to a winning start by upsetting Sydney at the SCG, while the Giants proved too strong for Collingwood. Here's whose stocks are up and down.
Our footy experts cast their eye over the week's action to find out whose stocks are up -- whether it's a coaching masterstroke or a player having a blinder -- and whose are down.
Adelaide
BYE
Brisbane
Carlton
BYE
Collingwood
Stocks up: It was a happy return to his old hunting ground for Harry Perryman, who enjoyed an excellent debut in black and white. Patrolling 13 centre bounces and pushing wide at times, he tallied 27 disposals and nine score involvements in what was a disappointing afternoon for his side.
Stocks down: Giants coach Adam Kingsley confirmed the reason in his post-match press conference, but Craig McRae can't be accosting opposition players from the bench during play. McRae reportedly celebrated a 50-metre penalty given away by Toby Bedford who was minding Nick Daicos, and when Bedford next came to the bench, the Pies coach seemed to make a comment to him on the Giants bench not far away. Kingsley responded, and while things didn't kick off, it was totally unnecessary and ultimately embarrassing from McRae. You're on the bench to coach your team, not the other team. Did we not learn from Ken Hinkley last year?
Adam Kingsley v Craig McRae
— The Orange Team (@_684148249_) March 9, 2025
pic.twitter.com/mTT3Uqjq8k
Essendon
Fremantle
BYE
Geelong
Gold Coast
GWS
Stocks up: If Will Day sent a statement to the competition that he's ready to step up to the 'elite' level on Friday night, then Finn Callaghan did so on Sunday afternoon. Against the Magpies in their Opening Round clash, Callaghan was the standout midfielder on the ground, racking up 33 disposals at 85% efficiency, kicking two goals, and tallying a game-high 726 metres gained. His work rate, pushing back and then streaking forward to form part of the attack, was a testament to his fitness, in a game which featured many players cramping up. No wonder there were rumour circulating of the Saints offering him big bucks.
Stocks down: It was hard to watch Giants ruck Kieren Briggs get stretchered off the field in Opening Round, after he copped a knock in a marking contest in the first quarter. Briggs, who had somewhat of a breakout year last season, was taken to hospital in the aftermath as there was concern about whether he's injured his neck. The Giants later said that was a precautionary move, so fingers crossed the big man is okay.
Hawthorn
Stocks up: Granted, he faded in the second half, but Will Day proved in the first hour of the season opener he probably should have been on Jake Michaels' list of the 50 best players in the AFL. The young Hawk played an inspired first half, winning 19 of his 26 disposals and booting three goals. Clean in the clinches, precise with ball in hand, and more than capable of hitting the scoreboard, Day is emerging as a true weapon for the Hawks.
Stocks down: It was a night to forget for the Wizard, Nick Watson. The 20-year-old second-year Hawk, who starred during finals last season, couldn't get near the Sherrin at the SCG on Friday night. Watson was held to just four disposals, and still managed to turn the ball over four times, mainly through being caught holding the ball on three occasions.
Melbourne
BYE
North Melbourne
BYE
Port Adelaide
BYE
Richmond
BYE
St Kilda
BYE
Sydney
Stocks up: There were two shining lights for the Swans, in what was otherwise a disappointing season opener. Midfield dynamo Chad Warner picked up where he left off last season, winning plenty of ball in the midfield and kicking two cracking goals. Nick Blakey also justified his All-Australian selection from a year ago, using his trademark dare and dash to great effect throughout the contest. Blakey finished with a game-high 804 metres gained and a team-high 26 disposals.
Stocks down: It may seem a tad premature, but you really have to worry about Sydney's flag credentials. Yes, the Swans were arguably the best team of 2024, and yes not much has changed in terms of personnel, but you just cannot underestimate the mental toll of having been pumped in another Grand Final, just six months back. After all, no team to lose a Grand Final by 40+ points this century has won a final the following season...
West Coast
BYE
Western Bulldogs
BYE