Bizarre AFL Season

Isaac Muir – 23rd March 2020

AFL is back for 2020 and it’s looking to be one of the most bizarre seasons yet. Amid fears of further spread of the coronavirus, AFL Chief Executive Gillion Mclachlan, announced after just one round, the remainder of the season would be postponed, meaning fans will have to wait in despair for their next footy fix. With changes such as 16-minute quarters and a ban on crowds, it’s an interesting time for the AFL fraternity.

Round 1, however, did kick-off last Thursday night and started with the traditional Carlton vs Richmond opener at the MCG. The reigning premiers started the game strong as Carlton lacked skill early seeing the Tigers go five goals. Despite Carlton’s new recruit Jack Martin kicking a respectable 4 goals, it was Richmond’s Shai Bolton and Jason Castagna who led Richmond to a 24-point win and showed why they are the reigning premiers.

Result: Richmond: 105 vs Carlton: 81

Western Bulldogs are looking for bigger and better things in 2020 and there’s no better test than playing Collingwood on a Friday night on Round 1. Despite no clear favourite heading into the match, but Collingwood dominated the entirety of the match. Magpies ruckman, Brodie Grundy was at his best once again, helped out by star midfielders Scott Pendlebury and Steel Sidebottom. The magpies making amends for last years’ disappointing finals campaign.

Result: Western Bulldogs 34 vs Collingwood: 86

Fremantle travelled to Victoria to face Essendon at Marvel Stadium. Skills let the Dockers down early in the match as the Bombers dominated the first 3 quarters with Dylan Shiel picking up 35 disposals for the match. Up forward, it was Jacob Townsend and Jake Stringer doing the damage for the ‘Dons with five goals between them.

Rory Lobb was the stand out player for Fremantle, kicking 2 goals and dominating contested marks. Fremantle managed to turn the switch in the last quarter but once again it was too little too late, despite utility Sam Sturt kicking three goals in his AFL debut.

Result: Essendon 63 vs Fremantle 57

Two teams looking for Premiership glory in 2020 GWS and Geelong battled it out on Saturday night in Sydney. Giants however dominated for the majority of the match with Toby Greene and Harry Perryman kicking 4 goals each. Giants midfield were dominant through the game even though Geelong’s Mitch Duncan kicked 3.0. Giant showed that they are a force to be reckoned with beating Geelong comfortably.

Result: GWS 105 vs Geelong 73

A testing game for both teams as Brisbane played Hawthorn at the MCG. It was a tussle of two teams looking to finish in the 8 this year. Lachie Neale was the stand out for Brisbane getting 26 disposals and 1 goal, however, Hawthorn were too good on Tom Mitchell’s return to footy. Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Wingard and Luke Breust all kicked 3 goals to give Hawthorn a comfortable win in the end.

Result: Hawthorn 90 vs Brisbane 62

The final game of the round was at Optus Stadium as Melbourne took on West Coast Eagles. The 2018 Premiers started the game strongly and were dominant from the get-go. Andrew Gaff had a lot of the ball as Dom Sheed also was a standout player for the Eagles. Jack Viney and Ex-Docker Langdon were around the ball when needed but Melbourne’s forward line couldn’t capitalize when the ball entered their forward 50. The Eagles started their season off well confirming the reason why they are Premiership favourites.

Result: West Coast Eagles 78 vs Melbourne 51

Round 1 ended in CEO Gillon Mclauglin announced that the AFL will be postponed until May, leaving every footy fan wondering what is going to happen next?

Bizarre AFL Season

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