Injuries Plague AFL Round-up: Collingwood and Brisbane Stumble, Oliver Shines, and Rowell Dominates

The first full round of the 2024 AFL season provided plenty of drama, with some teams facing serious questions while others celebrated strong starts to their campaigns.

Richmond‘s five-point loss to Carlton showcased the Tigers’ character despite missing key players like Josh Gibcus. The absence of Gibcus due to injury presents a significant setback for Richmond’s plans, forcing adjustments in their lineup.

In Collingwood‘s match against Sydney, the Magpies struggled defensively, allowing the Swans to capitalize on their errors and secure the win. Logan McDonald’s impressive performance for Sydney exposed Collingwood’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Brad Scott‘s faith in young midfielders paid off for Essendon in their victory against Hawthorn. Players like Archie Perkins and Sam Durham excelled in the midfield, contributing to the Bombers‘ dominant display.

GWS Giants’ win over North Melbourne highlighted their status as a premiership contender, while promising signs from young Roos players like Colby McKercher and Harry Sheezel provided hope for North fans.

Ollie Dempsey‘s standout performance for Geelong helped secure a tough win over St Kilda, with the Cats showing composure in key moments, including Patrick Dangerfield’s crucial goal.

Gold Coast‘s Matt Rowell delivered an exceptional performance with an impressive tally of contested possessions and tackles, showcasing his dominance in the Suns‘ midfield.

Clayton Oliver‘s return to form for Melbourne against the Bulldogs was met with applause from fans, as the midfielder recognized the importance of off-field growth alongside his on-field contributions.

Port Adelaide’s recruits impressed in their victory over West Coast, with players like Connor Rozee and Esava Ratugolea making significant impacts in their debut matches.

Fremantle’s strong performance against Brisbane was overshadowed by a string of injuries, including setbacks to Karl Worner, Oscar McDonald, and Brennan Cox, challenging the Dockers early in the season.