The AFL's 2025 season kicks off this Sunday, March 16, with several exciting matchups, including the Adelaide Crows facing the St Kilda Saints at the Adelaide Oval and the Melbourne Demons taking on the Greater Western Sydney Giants at the MCG.
It's been announced by the Crows' head coach Matthew Nicks, who is gearing up for his sixth season,that Izak Rankine will be seen spending more time as a midfielder this year. Once primarily known as one of the AFL's most dangerous small forwards, Rankine is now central to Nicks' vision of creating a more assertive team. "There's no hiding, we want to try and get him around the ball as much as we can," Nicks stated. He emphasized the importance of how Rankine’s speed adds value to the midfield, especially alongside returning players and new recruits.
Adelaide has named its team of 23 for the season opener, which includes Alex Neal-Bullen, Isaac Cumming, and James Peatling. The match is not just another game; it marks the 100th appearance of Wayne Milera, who has returned after suffering a serious knee injury last year. Milera's comeback adds emotional weight to the matchup, and Nicks expressed confidence about the team's prospects against St Kilda.
Saints coach Ross Lyon, facing the Crows, acknowledged the formidable task at hand. With key players like Max King and Mitch Owens sidelined due to injuries, he remains optimistic, stating, "Does the worm turn quickly or slowly? Sometimes it's a bit of both." Lyon believes the Saints can successfully compete, provided their remaining players deliver.
Across town at the MCG, Simon Goodwin is eager to see the Melbourne Demons begin their campaign against GWS, fresh off their pre-season form. The team is set to welcome back stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, who were previously the subject of trade talks but are now back to bolster the squad alongside Jack Viney and the ruck powerhouse Max Gawn. Goodwin declared, "We think we're in a position where we can really challenge some of the best teams in the competition and that's what we'll be looking to do." He is confident about the collective talent coming together again this season.
The Giants will not make it easy for the Demons, having opened their season with strong performances, including dismantling Collingwood. Even though they face challenges, like the absence of ace midfielder Tom Green due to injury, they are prepared to leverage their early momentum. Goodwin highlighted, "Their pressure on the ball and the way they defended the ground was outstanding. We certainly know what we're up against."
This match holds added significance for Melbourne, who will be honoring club legend Jim Stynes, with the event dubbed "Jim's Game". The team is set to emerge on the field adorned with green shamrocks on their jumpers to raise money for the foundation established in his memory.
Meanwhile, West Coast Eagles’ coach Andrew McQualter is set to face off against his former mentor, Damien Hardwick, who now commands the Gold Coast Suns. McQualter, who spent nearly ten years under Hardwick at Richmond, will encounter his friend as they coach against each other for the first time. Reflecting on their shared history, McQualter noted, "I spent 10 years working directly under him. I learned a lot from him and spent time working with him, so clearly he's been really influential on me, but he's the enemy on the weekend."
The Eagles will look to establish their own identity under McQualter's leadership, emphasizing both speed and strategic control on the field. Without some of their star players, like Elliot Yeo who is sidelined for another five weeks, the Eagles are focusing on leveraging their younger talents and making strides from last season's dismal record. With the likes of Tyler Brockman stepping up, fans hope for positive signs moving forward.
Gold Coast starts their season with hopes higher than last year's 13th-placed finish. The return of players like Daniel Rioli presents new scoring opportunities for the Suns. Hardwick will be aiming to instill confidence and performance depth, having navigated through challenges since taking charge last season. "It's funny how it works. Hopefully, it's one of many battles we will have over the next few years," McQualter enthused about his matchup against Hardwick.
With such dynamic matches scheduled and star figures making their returns, the first round of the AFL 2025 promises to engage fans and deliver exciting football moments. Fans eagerly await the outcomes, as the opening fixture initiates the season with ambition and competitive spirit.