AFL Premiership round-up Week 1 | Giants Make Statement

AFL Premiership

AFL Premiership 2025 Opening Round Round-Up. Check out BettingPro.com.au for all your 2025 AFL tips, predictions, and expert analysis.

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Here are the latest happenings in the AFL Premiership Opening Round.

AFL Premiership Opening Fixture Halted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats Postponed

The highly anticipated season opener between the Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at the Gabba was postponed after a cyclone battered the East Coast during the opening weekend of the Toyota AFL Premiership season.

With wind speeds exceeding 130 kph, the AFL opted to postpone the match as a precaution. It has now been rescheduled for Round 3, on Saturday, March 29, at 6:35 PM local time.

Hawks Shock Swans in Sydney

Sydney Swans 11.10 (76) vs Hawthorn Hawks 14.12 (96)

The Swans and Hawks’ Friday night showdown at the SCG became the season opener after weather-disrupted fixtures in Queensland. It was worth the wait, though, as Sydney and Hawthorn kicked off the 2025 AFL season in style with an end-to-end contest that saw the Hawks claim a 20-point victory and stun the hosts.

A fast start by the Swans suggested that 2024’s beaten grand finalists were out to make a statement, but the Hawks quickly fired back and took control of the contest. By halftime, Hawthorn surged to a 25-point lead.

However, the Hawks had to weather a fierce Swans storm in the second half, much like the cyclone that battered Brisbane 24 hours earlier. The momentum shift in favour of the Swans was brought on by an injury to Hawks midfielder James Worpel—his substitution before halftime was the first in his 183-game AFL career.

In the end, however, the Hawks’ victory was secured by a defensive masterclass from James Sicily, who recorded 20 disposals and eight marks, while Will Day made a telling offensive contribution, amassing 26 disposals and three goals. Questions will now be asked about whether the Swans are suffering from a Grand Final hangover and if the Hawks are genuine flag contenders in 2025.

Bombers’ Opener Against Suns Postponed

Gold Coast vs Essendon Postponed

Tropical Cyclone Alfred didn’t just disrupt one game in Queensland—its 700 millimetres of rain also forced the postponement of the Suns’ clash with the Bombers at People First Stadium on Saturday evening.

The AFL has confirmed that the fixture will now be played in Round 24, at the end of the home-and-away season. However, the date and time are yet to be determined, with the league stating that details will be announced at a later stage.

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Giants Make Statement as Pies Crumble

GWS Giants 15.14. (104) vs Collingwood 6.16. (52)

The Giants kicked off their 2025 season in emphatic fashion as they crushed Collingwood by 52 points on a warm evening at the ENGIE Stadium.

Adam Kingsley’s side entered the clash with a growing injury list, and their concerns deepened when ruckman Kieren Briggs was stretchered off in the first quarter following a heavy collision under a high ball with Magpies big man Darcy Cameron. While there appeared to be no malice in the contest, the incident brought play to a worrying halt.

Despite the setback, GWS found their rhythm and took control after halftime. Leading the charge was rising star Finn Callaghan, who dominated with 33 disposals, 12 score involvements, and seven clearances while also capping off his night with two goals. Conversely, Collingwood’s key playmaker, Nick Daicos, struggled to impose himself on the contest.

The sweltering conditions eventually took their toll, with cramp limiting Daicos’ influence as he finished with just 17 disposals and four clearances. It was a statement victory from one of the AFL’s least experienced sides, while Collingwood—far from their 2023 premiership-winning best—have plenty of work to do if they hope to contend again in 2025.

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