The Swans are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder… though their latest win came at a cost.
Sydney was among five teams to get full marks, while three sides received fails in a round of extreme highs and lows.
Every team’s performance analysed and graded in foxfooty.com.au’sReport Card!
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Standing ovation for Roos’ first half | 01:47
ADELAIDE CROWS
A very impressive start to the 2026 campaign of last year’s minor premiers. Without Izak Rankine, Dan Curtin and Mark Keane, the visitors were able to put their Collingwood curse at the MCG to bed with a 14-point victory on Saturday night. Things got tight towards the halfway mark of the final term, but the Magpies never truly got within striking distance.
In the votes
It will be fascinating to see who polls maximum votes from Saturday night’s blockbuster, but Wayne Milera (34 disposals — 94.1% efficiency, 673 metres gained, one goal assist) looked to be best of any player on ground — his dash out of the back half of the ground impossible to miss. Not far behind him was Sam Berry (19 disposals — 10 contested, seven tackles, 515 metres gained), who despite not having as much of the ball, was extremely impactful. Alex Neal-Bullen (26 disposals, 12 score involvements, one goal) starred all night, while Josh Worrell (27 disposals — nine intercepts, eight marks, seven rebound 50s) was a wall in defence. Kudos also to Rory Laird (25 disposals — eight intercepts, 11 marks), who did what he liked all night.
Room for improvement
While great at centre clearance (+7), the Crows were beaten -7 around the ground at stoppage. Beyond that though, statistically Matthew Nicks’ side were the superior side in almost every column. Crucially too, it was their role players who stood out.
Grade
A
BRISBANE LIONS
It was always going to be a tough task for the Lions to travel to Sydney missing a host of premiership stars through injury and suspension. But Brisbane were shocked from the opening bounce as the Swans piled on two goals in the opening two minutes. And they never recovered. A seven-goal first quarter ensured it was Sydney with all the confidence – Brisbane’s only first quarter goal coming after the siren. While the Lions managed to get the game on their terms in the second half, the damage was done. They finished -19 for inside 50s, -41 for disposals and +19 for turnovers. Remarkably, the Lions belted the Swans through the middle – 45 clearances to 23 including 15 from the centre – but just couldn’t use the ball efficiently, and Sydney made them pay. The Lions never led on Saturday night, and coughed up 18 marks inside 50 in worrying signs for their undermanned defence.
In the votes
Bruce Reville did his best to lift the Lions with more than 450m gained from his 13 touches – while still nailing two goals and three clearances. Dayne Zorko racked up 30 touches and 669m gained – but did lose his cool late in the contest. Nine clearances for Lachie Neale and nine tackles for Josh Dunkley saw them lead the way for their team. While an 11-disposal game doesn’t sound impressive, Ryan Lester went to work on the bigger Charlie Curnow and kept him goalless in an outstanding effort for Brisbane’s makeshift backline.
Room for improvement
Brisbane’s forward line just didn’t function, with premiership coach Adam Simpson claiming it was “(Charlie) Cameron or bust” in the first half. New recruits Oscar Allen and Sam Draper couldn’t get near it with a combined 13 disposals between them and only one goal. Ty Gallop managed just one behind from his three touches.
Grade
D-
Hardwick: ‘A good day at the office!’ | 08:58
CARLTON
The Blues get the pass mark – despite kicking just one goal in a brutal second half and holding on for victory. They say it doesn’t matter how you get the wins, but it was a tough watch with another half time fade out from the Blues. Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna described it as “one of the least convincing wins” while AFL great Jason Dunstall said he was “literally stunned” with how the match finished. Despite coming to a stop in that second half, Carlton had still done enough in the first half – where they did look exciting with 287m gained by hand. Their stoppage work was at it’s brutal best in the first half and they showed plenty of determination after a tough week off the field. They ended up with -16 inside 50s and -8 marks inside 50 but still found a way to kick a winning score.
In the votes
He’s in just his second game but Jagga Smith looks the part. He racked up 16 disposals in the opening quarter, and went on to finish with 32 touches, five tackles and a team-high 11 score involvements. Mitch McGovern was the target for Carlton in attack in the first half with two goals. Marc Pittonet continued his good early form with 13 disposals, 25 hit-outs, six clearances and a goal. Patrick Cripps could have sealed himself 3 votes had he converted any of his three opportunities in front of goal. His night ended with 32 disposals, nine clearances, three tackles and 0.3.
Room for improvement
Can the Blues find any run after half time? Once again we saw another absolute fade out from the main break – only this time they took on a young Richmond outfit who couldn’t convert their chances. New recruit Campbell Chesser went at less than 47% efficiency with his disposals; Patrick Cripps finished below 60% with his wayward shots on goal. Lewis Young had a tough night against Tom Lynch, while Brodie Kemp would have had some explaining to do had he knocked out teammate Harry McKay in a brutal marking contest where he simply cannoned into his teammate. Luckily for the Blues, McKay was cleared to remain on the field.
Grade
C
COLLINGWOOD
Couldn’t go with the Crows when they went up a notch in the second half of Saturday night’s MCG clash. Despite Collingwood’s best efforts of pulling off another extraordinary comeback, cutting its deficit from 37 to 12 midway through the fourth quarter, before two 50m penalties proved costly late in the game. And so Craig McRae’s side goes into its Round 2 bye 1-1 as the AFL’s oldest list gets a chance to refresh before it faces GWS at Marvel Stadium on the other side.
In the votes
Nick Daicos was one of the few Pies that was composed under pressure, with the superstar racking up 33 disposals from 790 metres gained and kicking 2.2. Brother Josh (28 touches, eight marks) was also good, while Dan Houston (32 disposals) is looking like two-time All-Australian Dan Houston again with great presence and elite kicking in defence.
Room for improvement
While scoring is up across the board, Collingwood is struggling in its forward half. The Pies failed to score 80 points for a second-straight week as their lack of forward connection was stark, despite having four extra inside 50s to Adelaide. Brody Mihocek’s 30-40 goals were never going to be easy to cover with the click of finger and Bobby Hill is just one of those players you frankly can’t replace. But Dan McStay, Jack Buller and Tim Membrey are struggling, with just two goals between them through two games.
Grade
C
McQualter: ‘Blown out of the park!’ | 05:57
ESSENDON
Unfortunately, Bombers fans have seen this storyline before to begin their seasons of late. Their conceding of 145 points to the Hawks on Friday night saw them go down by 62 points to begin their 2026 campaign. While Brad Scott’s side are still without several key players through injury, they’ll want to pick up their act fast against Port Adelaide next Sunday afternoon.
In the votes
There won’t be any Brownlow votes coming the way of a Bomber for this game in late September, but former captain Zach Merrett (32 disposals, 599 metres gained, one goal) was valiant in defeat and adversity after his dramatic off-season. Mason Redman (26 disposals, eight rebound 50s, seven marks, 558 metres gained) gave the Dons a bit of dash out of defensive 50, while Sam Durham (23 disposals, two goals) was solid through the middle of the ground.
Room for improvement
No team wins a game of football conceding 157 marks, and unfortunately, the Dons were no exception to that rule in their season opener. 29 less inside 50s and Hawthorn’s crazy-good efficiency inside their own forward arc didn’t help the cause, nor did their 13 less clearances throughout the night. They were lucky to only lose by 62 points, with a quartet of late goals putting paint over the cracks of a very underwhelming outing.
Grade
F
FREMANTLE
The Dockers headed to the Cattery and put on a first quarter blitz. But after piling on their biggest ever first quarter away from WA, they looked like a different side struggling to have that same damaging impact in attack. So it’s not even a tale of two halves for Freo here – more like a tale of a quarter and nothing else. A goalless final term was the dagger to the Docker hearts as the Cats simply outran Freo to take a 10-point win. The Dockers still finished with an incredible 74% efficiency inside 50 – but they couldn’t get it in there after quarter time and finished with -14 less entries inside than what the Cats had. There were positives for Freo: +14 in clearance, +19 in hitouts and +12 in contested ball while leading for more than 100 minutes of the match. But just eight marks inside 50 – compared to the Cats’ 18 – is a worrying sign for Justin Longmuir.
In the votes
Caleb Serong threw himself into every contest and came up with 30 disposals, eight clearances, 616m gained and a goal. Luke Jackson continued his dynamic form with an AFL triple double – 27 touches (18 of those contested), 22 hit-outs and 10 clearances. He also racked up eight tackles, eight score involvements and a goal. It’s worth noting Jackson and Serong were the only Dockers in double digits for contested ball. Brandon Walker impressed with his first half lockdown on Cats star Patrick Dangerfield.
Room for improvement
Pat Voss won’t want to watch the last quarter back. After missing two late shots on goal, he was also mocked for celebrating a goal – when it wasn’t, and then gave up a costly 50m penalty. Voss, while still finishing with eight score involvements, went at just 27% efficiency with his disposals. Alex Pearce missed the first 15 minutes of the match as he headed back down into the rooms. He finished with just eight touches and looked a little off the pace at times in defence.
Grade
B
Larkey kicks four as North dominate Port | 05:16
GEELONG
The Cats miss out on an A-grade after coughing up their worst opening quarter at the Cattery in almost 50 years. But the fightback that came after a Chris Scott quarter time spray was inspirational and showed any concerns from a Rd 1 belting were off the mark. In the end, the Cats came up +14 for inside 50s, +10 for marks inside 50 and +5 for contested grabs as they came from six goals down to take a 10-point win. Geelong led for less than 20 minutes of the match – but they were in front when it mattered to take their first win of the year.
In the votes
Welcome back Tanner Bruhn. The young Cat thought he’d nailed his first goal – but replays showed the ball was touched. He still denied the Dockers a goal moments later and went on to rack up 24 touches as he makes his way back to regular AFL. Jeremy Cameron nailed three goals – and could have had more from his seven shots. He had 23 touches, 10 marks and a team-high 11 score involvements. Max Holmes continued to show why he’s considered one of the Cats’ best with 32 disposals, five clearances and eight tackles. Connor O’Sullivan impressed in patches with his attack on the ball – particularly late when the Dockers ran out of legs. Shaun Mannagh kicked the three second quarter goals that got Geelong back into the contest after Scott’s spray.
Room for improvement
The Cats finally picked a genuine ruckman, and while young Mitch Edwards did his best it was a tough ask against Freo’s ruck duo of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. Geelong were -19 for hit-outs and -14 for clearances – but the rest of the team got to work on ground level to get the Cats going forward. Brad Close struggled to have an impact while Patrick Dangerfield struggled to get near it in his limited minutes – finishing with four disposals.
Grade
B+
GOLD COAST SUNS
Not many clubs looking better right now. The Suns backed up Opening Round with another crushing 59-point win over West Coast. Which, sure, was a much easier assignment. But Gold Coast is an absolute force when its up and firing and might well be the flag frontrunner right now. It included a 13-goal first half against the Eagles where Damien Hardwick’s side did most of its damage. It has the Suns sitting second on the ladder through two rounds with a percentage of 181.6 — just 1.3 behind the ladder-leading Swans — as Gold Coast heads to the MCG this week to face Richmond.
In the votes
Christian Petracca had another stellar outing and is probably the recruit of the off-season so far, booting four goals from 23 disposals and six clearances. Petracca was well supported by Noah Anderson (34 touches, one goal) and Jarrod Witts (20 disposals, 51 hit-outs, one goal. Meanwhile Ben King bagged a game-high nine goals to sit equal first in the Coleman Medal leaderboard.
Room for improvement
Took their foot off the gas in the second half, with West Coast actually outscoring them in the second and third quarters. But the damage had already been done.
Grade
A+
‘Immense pride’ King kicks off new era | 08:14
GWS GIANTS
Crashed back down to earth after such a promising Opening Round performance. The Dogs just have the wood over GWS, having won 10 of their past 11 meetings. You do have to give the Giants some grace, given they’re still missing several stars including Sam Taylor, Aaron Cadman, Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels. It came despite the Giants curiously having enough opportunity with only five less inside 50s yet giving up 11 extra scoring shots in an area of concern for Adam Kingsley’s side.
In the votes
You can’t fault Finn Callaghan’s performance, with the star midfielder racking up 27 disposals and two goals — GWS’ only multiple goalkicker in the game. Lachie Ash meanwhile racked u a ton of the footy with 31 touches — including 26 kicks — and 13 marks across half back with 697 metres gained.
Room for improvement
As leaky as the Giants’ usual stingy defence has looked in a while including giving up 19 marks inside 50 as Aaron Naughton tore them apart. In fact, it was the biggest score they’ve given up since… playing the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium last year. The decision to not tag Marcus Bontempelli was also a curious one, though GWS had issues everywhere.
Grade
F
HAWTHORN
It was a stellar response from the Hawks after their Opening Round disappointment, smashing a lowly Essendon outfit by 62 points on Friday night. While questions will still come of their midfield depth against the stronger sides, there wasn’t much more that could be asked of them, in what was their fourth-highest score across the last decade. Additionally, their final mark tally of 157 was their equal-second-most in a game of football ever, emphasising their total control over the contest.
In the votes
It was a very team-orientated performance from Sam Mitchell’s side on Friday night, with no obvious and absolute standout. Jack Gunston (10 disposals, six marks inside 50, five goals) was excellent up forward, while Connor Macdonald (23 disposals, 12 score involvements, two goals) responded with class after a week in the headlines. Down back, Tom Barrass (eight disposals, five intercept marks) was rock-solid in defence, even if it won’t earn him votes come Brownlow night.
Room for improvement
It sounds harsh, but their inaccuracy in front of goal genuinely cost them a triple-figure win. Mitchell’s side took the foot off the pedal in the back stages of the final term, which also made the scoreboard look friendlier than it really was. Full marks for last year’s preliminary finalists.
Grade
A+
‘We’ll learn from this’ Lyon | 07:12
MELBOURNE
Not this time, Nas! It was the perfect start to the Steven King era in a spirited 13-point win over St Kilda at the MCG. It would’ve been the Demons’ third-biggest biggest score last season as their exciting new style was on show in an early ‘match of the year’ contender. And Koltyn Tholstrup did a reasonably good job containing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, despite the Saints superstar kicking three goals. The game changed more than a dozen times, but it was Melbourne that had all the answers late in the game as it kicked off this new era 1-0 ahead of a tough trip west to face the Dockers.
In the votes
Max Gawn reminded the footy world he’s still the top dog ruckman, racking up 22 touches, 13 contested with 36 hit-outs and a goal to very much get the better of Tom De Koning. Jacob van Rooyen was also enormous with five of his six goals in the first half alone in a dominant display.
Room for improvement
Despite Max Gawn controlling the ruck contest with Tom De Koning, St Kilda still won the contested possession (+10) and clearance battle (+5). While Jack Steele (21 touches) was solid enough in his Demons debut, there’s still question marks on King’s midfield and whether it can compete with the competition’s best.
Grade
A
NORTH MELBOURNE
So join in the chorus! The Kangaroos are on the ball — and on the board in 2026 after a thumping win over Port to kick off their season on a high. The Kangaroos kicked three quick goals before half-time and never looked back in their most encouraging performance under Alastair Clarkson in recent memory. Patient North fans will clearly be keeping a lid on it after six-straight bottom three finishes, but it was a performance that surely provides optimism that 2026 can be an improved
In the votes
Dylan Stephens (29 deposals, 11 marks) played “undoubtedly” his best game for the club, according to Tigers great Jack Riewoldt, while Harry Sheezel (31 touches) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (23) did their thing in the midfield. Luke Parker (24 touches, nine goal, eight marks) starred in a new role across half back and new skipper Nick Larkey kicked four goals in his first game leading the club.
Room for improvement
Not something to work on as such, but we didn’t really see North’s defence, which is its main area of concern, tested against the Power. How that holds up against bigger challenges will be key if the Roos are to climb the ladder.
Grade
A+
Ryan Soars for MOTY Contender | 00:47
PORT ADELAIDE
Not a great start to life under Josh Carr as Port had its colours lowered in a bruising loss to North Melbourne. The Power never really got their game going — nor did their star midfield — and looked helpless when the Kangaroos put their foot down and really separated the game as Jason Horne-Francis copped it from his former fan base. Further souring the loss was Todd Marshall going down with an ankle injury after his 2025 was wiped by an Achilles issue. For Port’s sake, you hope it was just a bad outlier game out of the box and they respond against Essendon at home this week.
In the votes
Mitch Georgiades (three goals) was the only Port player that looked capable of ripping the game away from the Kangaroos. Zak Butters (23 touches, seven tackles) fought through a Connor O’Sullivan tag admirably but the Kangaroos youngster did a good job clamping the Port superstar.
Room for improvement
The Power’s star-studded midfield is usually such a strength oft theirs. But Carr’s side was smashed in contested possessions (-20) and clearances (-11) in a decisive part of the game as it was predominantly played in North’s forward half. It’s actually impressive Port only gave up four fewer inside 50s given the Roos dominated possession.
Grade
F
RICHMOND
Coach Adem Yze didn’t put the blame of Thursday night’s four-point loss on veteran Tom Lynch, but the reality is if he converted more than the two goals from his nine shots it would have been the Tigers who took the win. Richmond were the better side of the second half, but just couldn’t convert when required. Statistically, they had 60 inside 50s – 16 more than the Blues and more centre clearances. But from their 15 marks inside 50 – which was eight more than what the Blues had – Richmond could manage just nine goals for the match. With an efficiency inside 50 at just 43%, it was a tough ask to get the four points.
In the votes
Can you put a player in here when he only managed 2.7 in his shots on goal? Tom Lynch was everywhere for the Tigers – finishing with their most score involvements (11) and tackles inside 50 (4). Fellow big man Toby Nankervis toiled hard to have 21 touches, 22 hit-outs and seven clearances. Noah Balta was a rock in defence with a team-high nine intercepts. And young Sam Lalor continues to show promise with his 16 disposals, four clearances, two goals and 450m gained.
Room for improvement
Goal kicking practice has to be Tom Lynch’s number one at training this week. And number two should be his discipline. The big forward coughed up a game high five free kicks – including an off the ball moment with young Blue Charlie Dean that cost Richmond the shot on goal. And in a four-point loss, that could have been the difference. His disposal efficiency of just 33% didn’t help the Tigers’ cause.
Grade
C-
Clarkson impressed by Roos resilience | 11:52
ST KILDA
They might be 0-2, but there shouldn’t be major cause for concern… yet. The Saints were right in both losses to Collingwood and Melbourne including having a red-hot crack against the Demons in the game of the round. But Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is yet to really fire after torching Melbourne last time these clubs played, and St Kilda is still figuring out its identity with several new pieces. Bigger tests will come include the Saints visiting Greater Western Sydney this week followed by a home clash with reigning premier Brisbane ahead of St Kilda’s Round 4 bye.
In the votes
Max Hall has taken his game to another level, racking up 26 disposals and a goal. Meanwhile Callum Wilkie racked up a ton of the ball in defence with 27 touches and 10 marks and Jack Sinclair chipped in 31 disposals with a game-high 539 metres gained.
Room for improvement
Ross Lyon’s decision to keep Wanganeen-Milera predominantly forward when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter has been criticised. Meanwhile, as good a game as it was, the Saints wouldn’t want to be giving up 120 points every week — especially against a team not exactly renowned for its offence (at least, previously). It came after St Kilda conceded only 78 points to Collingwood last week in much less free flowing game, so at least it’s not a trend.
Grade
C-
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans are sitting pretty at the top of the AFL ladder off the back of another impressive win. This time, their blistering burst of speed came in the opening term where they piled on seven goals to one to effectively shut the match down at quarter time. Like they did against Carlton the week prior, when Sydney put the foot down and take the game on at every opportunity, they come up big. The Swans finished with 65 inside 50s and 19 fewer turnovers than the Lions while taking a whopping 18 marks inside 50. The Sydney side led from start to finish in a match where they were never seriously challenged — but will now be sweating on scans for injured star Errol Gulden (shoulder) as well as Isaac Heeney (hamstring).
In the votes
While Charlie Curnow didn’t fill his boots against an undermanned Lions defence, his presence was enough to open the door for the likes of Joel Amartey (five goals) and Logan McDonald (2.1 from 12 touches) in attack. By drawing the best defender, Curnow has given his young teammates a good look at goal — and it’s paying off in their first two games. Riley Bice was impressive, with his defence work and ability to win the ball (28 disposals) drawing praise. Tom McCartin was a surprise second-best disposal getter for Sydney with 27 and eight marks. Nick Blakey was at his damaging best off halfback with 25 disposals, more than 600m gained and a goal.
Room for improvement
The Swans struggled to win the ball in the middle. Despite the flair shown, it was Brisbane with first hands on the footy after quarter time to finish with a stunning +22 clearance count. Sydney won it out of the middle just nine times – despite Brodie Grundy’s tap dominance.
Grade
A+
‘Plenty of lessons’ – Carr | 06:20
WEST COAST EAGLES
Andrew McQualter watching on helplessly in the first half as his side was torn apart by Gold Coast told the story. But there’s clearly going to be more pain for the Eagles before things get better, with the club unearthing six new players on Sunday including first-round draftees Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Josh Lindsay. The Eagles were simply humbled by a genuine flag contender on its own turf. And unfortunately for West Coast fans, there might be quite a few more of those type of beatdowns this year. Saved themselves from a real ugly result with a better second half.
In the votes
Mature-aged signing Milan Murdock was probably West Coast’s best on debut with two goals from 22 touchers and providing great energy. Fellow recruit Deven Robertson also played well and provided a bit of grunt to the midfield, while Jake Waterman booted 3.3.
Room for improvement
West Coast was beaten around the ball, losing clearances and (-4) and contested possessions (-8) to Gold Coast’s star-studded midfield as the home side constantly had the game played in its forward half to constantly put the Eagles under immense pressure.
Grade
D-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Premiership favourites? The Dogs took down another finalist with a blistering 81-point win over GWS to further stamp their flag credentials — and continue their dominance over the Giants. It was proper party time at Marvel Stadium in a Marcus Bontempelli masterclass as well as several of their lesser lights stepping up. Perhaps the most promising thing from a Dogs perspective is their improved defence after it was such an issue last year. The tests keeps coming though in a tough trip to Adelaide Oval this Friday night to face the Crows.
In the votes
Bontempelli (33 disposals, 14 contested, three goals, 677 metres gained) was simply enormous and bizarrely allowed to run free for most of the day. Aaron Naughton was also at his dominant best with six goals to cause all sorts of headaches for the Giants defence, while Tim English (22 disposals) Matthew Kennedy (27 touches) and Tom Liberatore (29 disposals) produced big showings in the midfield.
Room for improvement
Full marks for the Dogs in the most dominant performance from the weekend.
Grade
A+