Dangerfield, fresh and firing. Credit:Getty Images
After a strong pre-season Patrick Dangerfield enters a year free of injury which spells danger for the opposition and joy for Cats’ fans. He was brilliant against Essendon, his strength and power in the middle of the ground intimidating the Bombers’ midfielders who did not seem too keen on winning their own ball. The main beneficiaries were veteran Tom Hawkins who was on the end of Dangerfield’s kicking and emerging midfielder Brandan Parfitt who assumed Joel Selwood’s role as the bullocking midfielder with balance and courage. The potential loss of Jeremy Cameron is a blow with the forward again showing raw courage to put himself in harms way. Essendon’s much-vaunted midfield, by contrast, appeared small and more suited to a different weight division. Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish appeared unwilling to enter the contest at times, prepared to stay forward of where the battle for the ball was happening to win an easy possession. Instead, they watched the Cats run away from them. It was uncharacteristic from them. They will respond, but the bigger worry is their forward line. Peter Ryan
GWS v Sydney, Accor Stadium
Luke Parker snaps for goal.Credit:Getty Images
The focus was almost entirely on Lance Franklin in the build-up to this match – but after it, the focus was pretty much everywhere else. The Swans found plenty of other avenues to goal with Buddy well-held by Phil Davis. Luke Parker was the chief outlet with five match-turning goals and the Brett Kirk Medal, and both Isaac Heeney and Ollie Florent chipped in with three apiece. Sydney were challenged after a first half largely dominated by the Giants, but the nature of their response suggests there will be no sense of the sophomore blues for this young group. The only negative for the Swans was the sight of Justin McInerney limping off in the final seconds but coach John Longmire is optimistic he’ll be right for Friday night’s clash with Geelong, as will Jake Lloyd and Chad Warner, who missed out due to COVID protocols. As for GWS, there was a fair bit to like, particularly when it comes to third-year midfielder Tom Green, who was their dominant player. However, the way their forward set-up fell apart after half-time was a concern, and one that will probably only be addressed by the likely return of Jesse Hogan next week and Toby Greene from suspension in round six. Vince Rugari
Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba
Joe Daniher takes his early contender for mark of the year.Credit:Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images
For Lions coach Chris Fagan, it will be simple case of banking the four points. The Lions didn’t play their best footy, they had a bit of luck – which all sides need – and they were up against a quality side who fought to the last, and yet they still won. Joe Daniher reinforced that he is a match-winner, but still doesn’t trust his kicking. The Lions look more solid in defence this year – Marcus Adams playing a key intercept role allows dual All-Australian to concentrate on locking down on his opponent. Port Adelaide were playing hurt and ran out of legs in the end, and did themselves proud: Ken Hinkley had it right when he said post-match that if his charges play that sort of football, they won’t lose too many more games this year. Andrew Stafford
AFL round 1 briefing: Key takeouts
Source: Philippines Alive
