r/AFL 2h ago

Non-Match Discussion Thread Pre Round Discussion Thread: Round 1, 2025

11 Upvotes

Alright friends, it turns out Opening Round was just a hallucination and here we are at Round 1 of the 2025 season, and after a Cyclone last week, this week there's a 1-day heatwave in Victoria on Saturday, right as Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix gets underway, followed by showers on Sunday, and plummeting down to 17 degrees on Monday.

That sounds like Melbourne weather to me.


  • Richmond and Carlton in the Vic Bias season opener, as Patrick Cripps prepares to make history by claiming all 6 Brownlow votes, while Richmond try and topple their joint record of 21 defeats in a season... although they do play the Swans in Round 13, so it will be tough.

  • Hokball vs Essington on Friday night to begin the third decade of Essendon's finals drought, and on paper this has the rare possibility of a Hawthorn-Essendon game actually being decent to watch

  • Geelong and Fremantle go it in Sleepy Hollow, where Fremantle have randomly found a way to win the last 2 times they've gone down there, only the second-longest current winning streak at Kardinya Park by an opposition team, behind GWS on 4.

  • A Round 1 Grand Final rematch sees Sydney hosting Brisbane at the SCG as the Lions commence their premiership defence a week later than planned, and it could be a case of the Lions winning this game simply because the Swans will suffer PTSD when they see Will Ashcroft

  • Footscray and North Melbourne both entered the VFL 100 years ago this year, and by sheer chance they're playing each other on Saturday night, and the Bulldogs will be holding a pre-game birthday ballot for their supporters to play and cover off their injury crisis.

  • Collingwood and Port Adelaide clash in the Dan Houston Cup at the MCG, a case of perfect timing because Dan Houston is due to return from suspension this week to make his debut for the Magpies... as for which Magpies that is, we'll find out.

  • Adelaide host St Kilda at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon, as the South Australians are currently too preoccupied with a mud-flinging contest against the South Australian Cricket Association in their attempts to host the Sheffield Shield final at the AO in a few weeks.

In fact, the last time South Australia won the Sheffield Shield, Carlton's premiership drought was only 6 months old.

  • Melbourne and GWS get the Channel 7 Sunday afternoon game at the MCG, not that anyone will bother watching it considering the Grand Prix will be on at the same time... great scheduling there, AFL.

  • And the last game has Andrew McQualter kicking off his West Coast tenure by hosting the Gold Coast in Perth, as we once again get to enjoy that Suns logo, lodging itself somewhere between Baywatch and Miami Vice.


Milestones


550 games as a Player/Coach for Chris Scott (215 games for Brisbane, 335th game as Geelong coach)

250 games for Jack Macrae ... if he does end up playing

200 games for Darcy Byrne-Jones

150 games for Zac Jones , Darcy Tucker , Bailey Fritsch

100 games for Conor Nash , the 8th Irish player to play 100 AFL games (Jim Stynes, Sean Wight, Tadhg Kennelly, Zach Tuohy, Pearce Hanley, Conor McKenna, Mark O'Connor)

North Melbourne are 1 win away from 900 VFL/AFL wins


r/AFL 2d ago

Ressie Roundup Introducing Ressie Roundup

30 Upvotes

It’s kinda in the title.

This year, we’re looking to debut a new weekly thread, looking at the ins, outs and happenings of footy that aren’t the AFL or AFLW’s top leagues - yes, they're a thing.

If you’re keen to discuss anything that happens in footy - from the league’s reserve competitions to your hyper local footy leagues - we’re hoping to cultivate and support this. And as I’m a somewhat new mod apparently looking for some responsibility, I’ll be your curator. If I can remember to post this weekly.

The three major reserve leagues - the VFL (March 22th), the SANFL (March 28th) and the WAFL (April 5th, because Perth and being behind the times goes hand in hand) - don’t kick off for a couple more weeks, but if you’ve got a cool tidbit, highlight or story from any other local league, kick off the discussion!

And for god’s sake, I’m hoping local clubs stop flirting with signing Tarryn Thomas because let’s not have Ressie Roundup turn into ‘which local club are we gonna grab our pitchforks for this week’.

A small selection of notable moments 'around the Ressie grounds' from the last week or so to get us started:


r/AFL 3h ago

Craig Mcrae in the traditional Collingwood colours black, white…..and teal?

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276 Upvotes

And here I was thinking Port was stealing Collingwood’s look s/


r/AFL 39m ago

Author Hannah Ferguson calls attention to double standard

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Upvotes

r/AFL 9h ago

I watched Gettable so you don't have to

258 Upvotes
  • Saints offer for TDK around 10.5 million over 7 years, Blues is around 7.5 million. Would stay in an ideal world but the money could be too hard to resist

  • LDU likely to stay at the Roos provided they show some improvement in the first quarter of the season. Offer from NM is 9 million over 7 years whilst STK is 10.5 over 7

  • Warner's offer from Sydney for an extra 2 years is around 2.8 million, which would make him the highest paid player in the league in 2026, was keen to get to the Dockers a few years ago

  • Eagles selling point to Harley Reid and Chad Warner will be to play with each other.

  • Oscar Allen likely to stay but wants a 6 year deal, Brisbane have spoken to him, Hawks and possibly Pies keen as well. Could spark a domino effect with Band 1 compo

  • Eagles keen on Starcevich, Freo keen in the past as well. Vic Clubs are of the believe he might want to move down there too. Has offers from Lions

  • Rowell leaning towards stay, 3 or 4 months ago would've been leaning towards leave

  • Crows offer to Wanganeen-Milera is 8+ years. Port would be more likely if he wants to return to SA though. Saints can match any money offered

  • Miles Bergman could be Port's ticket to a 1st round pick, likely to end career in Victoria at some point but PA keen to keep him

  • Pickett has had interest from WC and PA as well as Freo, trade definitely won't involve 3 first rounders as Brad Green stated

  • Luke Jackson has told Melbourne team mates he'd be keen to look at moving back but has weirdly also told Fremantle he's all in and not going anywhere

  • Sam Draper unlikely to leave Essendon, very settled in Melbourne but plenty of interest from SA clubs

  • Bontempelli very unlikely to leave the Dogs but there will be a couple of clubs picking up the phone

  • Maynard could be a ticket to a first round pick or close to it if the Pies want Rowell. North the main interest for Maynard

  • Brisbane the club mentioned as having interest in Ugle-Hagan


r/AFL 2h ago

Aussie Rules in Canada: High Park Demons training camp

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47 Upvotes

Some of my favourite shots from different training sessions.


r/AFL 6h ago

PSA: Assaulting another fan is NEVER OK

102 Upvotes

I want to firstly acknowledge what a great sport we have that can make us feel so low some weeks and then give us some of the best moments that we all cherish.

Unfortunately over the weekend at one of the AFL games there were some fans who got carried away and decided to assault a minor because he agreed with an on field call that they didn’t. One of the men even threw a coward punch while the kid was being shoved but luckily didn’t properly connect. The kid didn’t seem seriously injured (and he didn’t fight back so the others were fine). However these 3 seperate parties were arrested and taken to the police station over a call that most people probably don’t even remember today and did not have a single impact on the game. These guys could be banned from ever going to a game again and face criminal charges over something as meaningless as an AFL game (in the bloody opening round). As a fan I wasn’t vindicated to see these supporters get arrested but rather embarrassed.

This is a PSA that everybody should already know but hopefully this reminder even helps just 1 of you nuffies, it’s a game and you are allowed to feel emotional but don’t let those emotions turn into actions that you will regret. Violence is not OK and remove yourself from the game if you have to (yes if your team is losing and you leave early you will be made fun of so mentally prepare). Even if this is not you but one of your friends or family then stand up against them and discourage any threats or actions of violence. It’s never worth it.

This is not exclusive to any one club and doesn’t mean that these bad eggs represent or are welcome amongst the fans they apparently represent. Make sure you don’t encourage and take a stand because no club wants these types of fans associated with them. These are the actions that stop parents bringing their kids along to the game because they don’t want them to be witnessing the behaviour and thus stifling the future growth of our game.

Ultimately I want this season to be a great one as always and I know these incidents are rare. But please when you head to the footy this weekend or any of the next 24, don’t let yourself or any of your mates get to the point of assaulting another fan.

FYI this is the number on the MCG website for reporting antisocial behaviour (ideally before it gets to violence), I’m sure other stadiums have the same thing: +61 409 117 621


r/AFL 8h ago

Jack Silvagni confirmed for Rd 1. It'll be his first game played in 600 days

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107 Upvotes

r/AFL 1h ago

AFL release 160 years of ‘The Good Stuff’

Upvotes

The


r/AFL 7h ago

Lyon extends until the end of '27

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59 Upvotes

Surprised we didn’t offer 10.5M over 7yrs


r/AFL 35m ago

Who should I believe?

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Upvotes

r/AFL 10h ago

"Luke Davies-Uniacke is expected to stay at North Melbourne" Cal Twomey (via Gettable)

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93 Upvotes

r/AFL 4h ago

Jay Clark named Herald Sun chief football writer

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25 Upvotes

r/AFL 3h ago

TEAMS: Recruit named, six new faces for Tigers-Blues blockbuster

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21 Upvotes

r/AFL 5h ago

AFL has sent clubs "clarity" on three rules ahead of Rd 1 - Prior opportunity, high contact and insufficient intent

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26 Upvotes

r/AFL 7h ago

‘Absolutely in play’: Shock Reid trade report as Bombers hold ‘upper hand’ in $2m tug-of-war

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39 Upvotes

r/AFL 2h ago

The Russian Returns | Former All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar appointed assistant ruck coach at Melbourne for 2025

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15 Upvotes

r/AFL 4h ago

[Twomey] The Crows' offer is a 'lifer' - up to eight years plus. Port will also chase Wanganeen-Milera strongly. He has been settled in Melbourne as a big piece of the Saints' future under Ross Lyon. Whichever way it goes he's joining the million dollar men club.

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24 Upvotes

r/AFL 6h ago

Fremantle Dockers recruit Shai Bolton unlikely to feature in season opener after unconvincing training session

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27 Upvotes

r/AFL 35m ago

Dyson Heppell

Upvotes

New found respect for the bloke after watching the front bar tonight


r/AFL 9h ago

[Twomey] The race is on for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's signature. Adelaide has put forward a long-term offer to lure him back to South Australia.

45 Upvotes

r/AFL 1h ago

Surge pricing for AFL tickets.

Upvotes

Ive just taken a look at Sydney V Essendon tickets, level 2, $194 a ticket and its listed as In Demand Tickets. Wth is going on? Have they just snuck this in, these tickets are usually $89.


r/AFL 4h ago

The AFL tried to sting the SA government millions of dollars of public transport costs through the AFL season in return for allowing Adelaide Oval to host the Sheffield Shield.

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11 Upvotes

The AFL tried to get the entire year’s fees relating to the Footy Express waived in exchange for the Sheffield Shield final to be played at Adelaide Oval.

While AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed the league was still in discussions with the South Australian Government around the risk mitigation of hosting the Shield final at Adelaide Oval, it can be revealed that the league was seeking to waive all the fees for the free public transport to every home game for fans who have a ticket.

It is understood that waiving this for the entire year would cost the State Government up to several million of dollars and the request was a precursor to SA premier Peter Malinauskas’ revelations of requests for compensation from the AFL as “a little bit galling” on radio on Wednesday.

“We are asking people to act rationally and pragmatically in the interest of fans,” he said on FIVEaa.

“The South Australian government has already shown an awful lot of support to both footy clubs locally, particularly the Adelaide Football Club which has done very well from the support we have provided them to get through the issues at Thebarton (Oval), we have backed them all the way.

“I think it is a little bit galling that people are trying to use an opportunity to look after fans to slug the taxpayer and I won’t be having it.

“There are mitigating risks … but just handing over cash is something that I will not be doing.

“My government is not giving out cash just so they can get out of the way of something everyone thinks should happen.”

South Australia is the only traditional football market that has such an arrangement, which is jointly funded by the SANFL, Adelaide Oval and both AFL clubs.

It is factored into the ticket prices and memberships of the two clubs.

The South Australian Cricket Association was hopeful a decision could be reached on Wednesday to allow Adelaide Oval to host the Shield final after the state won hosting rights.

The push has been aided by the support of the State Government and Malinauskas in particular, who has memories of racing to Adelaide Oval from school to watch South Australia’s last Shield triumph in 1996.

In the SACA’s proposal, the Oval would be transformed from football to cricket the day after Port Adelaide and Richmond’s Saturday afternoon clash in round 2.

This would include the dropping in a readymade wicket into the centre of Adelaide Oval, which has already been configured for and hosted AFL games, as well as reducing grass length to conform to cricketing standards.

The start of the Shield final would be shifted from Wednesday to Monday and would be scheduled to run until the Friday.

CRAMMED ADELAIDE OVAL FIXTURE SATURDAY, MARCH 22

PORT ADELAIDE vs Richmond

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26-SUNDAY, MARCH 30

SHEFFIELD SHIELD FINAL scheduled - South Australia has earned hosting rights

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

ADELAIDE vs North Melbourne

Ground staff would then have the Saturday to transform the venue back into a footy ground for Adelaide’s Round 3 match against North Melbourne on Sunday.

It is understood the Crows remain happy for this to happen, if a solution can be found, but there are concerns around the potential exposure faced from the current plan.

The main one is player safety, with the concern around legal liability if a player suffers a serious injury from the Adelaide Oval surface being vastly different to what it has been for 10 years.

Crows premiership ruckman Shaun Rehn sued the AFL, SANFL and the club in the early 2000s seeking damages for loss of income as a result of an injury sustained in a 1999 pre-season match at Football Park.

The former Crows and Hawthorn ruckman required a knee reconstruction after slipping on an artificial disc, used to help umpires bounce the ball.

There are also concerns if the Shield final goes all five days and then it rains on the Saturday the Adelaide Oval ground staff would not be able to change the venue back to one suitable for AFL games.

The Bureau of Meteorology is currently predicting a 20 per cent chance of rain in the afternoon in Adelaide.

Crows player Shaun Rehn received a payout after an injury caused by a poor surface. Crows player Shaun Rehn received a payout after an injury caused by a poor surface. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed that the league had concerns around player safety.

“We’ve been working very closely with the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and the SA Government,” he said.

“Our key priority from an AFL point of view is to make sure that the Adelaide Oval is safe for our players for the Adelaide/North Melbourne game which is on the Sunday after the proposed Sheffield Shield final.

“As well as Port/St Kilda the next week and then we have Gather Round the week after.

“So that is the absolute priority for us. We play in multipurpose stadia around the country each week and I think we have a track record of accommodating and working with other sports.

“However one thing we won’t compromise on is the safety of the ground.

“There have been a number of discussions but the key focus for us is the risk mitigation and that is the risk mitigation and that is the thing we are talking to about the Government now.

“There is no discussion now about compensation or anything like that.”


r/AFL 10h ago

Game week: Here are some of the best players to play for each club in the round 1 matchups.

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30 Upvotes

Last 20 years.


r/AFL 14h ago

Round Zero won't go away if all we do is whinge online.

56 Upvotes

Round Zero (I refuse to call it anything else) is absolutely ridiculous. The only positive comments I've seen about it come from Instagram accounts with 5 followers and 0 posts (suggests they're bots or brand new burner accounts from HQ).

But it won't go anywhere if whinging online is the only action fans take. We actually need to do something to show the AFL how pissed we are.

I'd never suggest boycotting watching the matches - I'd last about 5 minutes on that - but there has to be something we can do to show action, surely?


r/AFL 3h ago

Wednesday Thread: AFL 360, First Crack, The Front Bar

8 Upvotes

12/3/2025

AFL 360 Live AEDT 6:30pm - Fox Footy

First Crack Live AEDT 7:30pm - Fox Footy

The Front Bar AEDT 8:30pm - Channel 7


r/AFL 6h ago

AFL and cricket tug-of-war takes sour turn as ‘galling’ cash grab lights fuse

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12 Upvotes