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Five key points from AFL round one

STRAP YOURSELVES IN, HIGH-OCTANE FOOTY IS BACK

Last season had fans complaining about the amount of stoppages breaking up the game, killing momentum and increasing boredom. This season looks to be the exact opposite with an avalanche of goals piled on in Round 1.

With nine teams booting over 100 points and plenty of free-flowing footy, the rule changes have had an immediate impact and an attractive one at that.

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The reduction of interchange numbers, a larger protected zone for players after a mark or a free kick and tighter man-on-the-mark rulings have freed the game up and rewarded teams with an attacking mindset.

This can only be good for the game, the players and most importantly, the fans.

DANGERFIELD HAS THE CATS LICKING THEIR LIPS

Patrick Dangerfield was nothing short of colossal against Hawthorn, guiding the Cats to an impressive round one win.

Dangerfield finished with a career-high 43 possessions (22 contested), 10 inside 50s and seven clearances in a complete performance and a helluva debut for the Cats.

Is this the AFL's deadliest combination? Source: Getty
Is this the AFL's deadliest combination? Source: Getty

His impact was felt from the get-go, picking up seven disposals within the first 10 minutes of the game as he gave the AFL a glimpse of what looks to be one of the league’s deadliest midfield combinations alongside Joel Selwood.



JACOB WEITERING: BELIEVE THE HYPE

Most rookies take time to settle in to AFL level. The speed of the game, the size of the bodies and the pressure of expectation all compound to naturally make things a little nerve wrecking.

Weitering's a star in the making. Source: Getty
Weitering's a star in the making. Source: Getty

Unless your'e #1 pick Jacob Weitering, who strolled out on to the MCG against Richmond like he was playing in his backyard. He had 18 disposals, grabbed seven marks and put in an excellent defensive shift on Ben Griffiths, keeping him goalless.

The composure exuded from an 18-year-old on debut turned to confidence pretty quickly, with Weitering giving it to Jack Reiwoldt after missing a shot on goal.

THE SWANS PRODUCTION LINE IS STILL CHURNING OUT STARS

Seriously, where do the Swans keep finding these kids?

With three players making their AFL debut, 11 players aged 23 or under and 12 with 53 games or less experience, the Swannies had a fresh look to their squad against Collingwood.

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Their reputation for trusting kids to get the job done was once again upheld with Callum Mills (18 possessions), George Hewett (15 possessions, seven marks, seven tackles and one goal) and Tom Papley (11 possessions, three goals and five tackles) not only looking comfortable, but punishing the Magpies with their youthful exuberance.

It wasn’t all the kids though, Buddy Franklin booted four goals and Luke Parker collected a career-high 40 touches. It’s not an easy thing to blood young players into a winning situation, but credit to the Swans, they do it year after year and never seem to miss a beat.

INJURIES ARE THE WORST

We're only one game into the season and we've already got some big names set to miss too many games.

Hawks skipper Luke Hodge suffered a suspected broken right arm in the final quarter of their loss to Geelong, whilst Dane Swan faces months on the sidelines with three broken bones in his foot.

It's too early for this.

- with AAP