The Brisbane Lions commenced their AFL premiership title defense with an exhilarating four-point victory over the Sydney Swans, triumphing 12.14 (86) to 12.10 (82) at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The game, which had the excitement typical of opening round fixtures, showcased the determination of both teams amid some unsettling moments, particularly concerning player injuries.
From the outset, the Swans made their mark, charging out to an impressive 23-point lead during the first term. Their fast start was propelled by the likes of Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, who helped keep the scoreboard ticking, but they were left regretting missed opportunities as they faltered under pressure later on.
Isaac Heeney managed to boot home a goal with just two minutes remaining, stirring hope for the Swans. The game's intensity ramped up, and when Chad Warner surged from the next center bounce, it seemed as if the edge was shifting toward Sydney. Nevertheless, the match swung back and forth, and when Braeden Campbell unleashed a fierce 50-meter snap, it ended up narrowly wide, granting Brisbane the leeway to cling to their lead.
Brisbane's resilience came to the forefront as Zac Bailey stepped up with four marvelous goals. The Lions felt the absence of their star forward Charlie Cameron, who was sidelined due to calf tightness, just moments before the match started. Similarly, Kai Lohmann's early exit due to an ankle injury necessitated reworking the forward strategy for Brisbane, who were already adapting to life without retired veteran Joe Daniher.
On the other hand, Josh Dunkley was instrumental with his 27 disposals and 10 tackles, even managing to add another goal late on. His efforts were complemented by Will Ashcroft, who, alongside his debuting brother Levi, showcased their skills with 21 and 25 disposals, respectively. The duo painted early indications of what could be significant assets to the Lions’ lineup throughout the season.
A key factor was the impact of midfielder Lachie Neale, the dual Brownlow medallist, who found himself largely contained by James Jordon, finishing with just 10 disposals. Jordon's tagging effort limited Neale’s usual influence and was part of the Swans' initial success.
Not all was smooth sailing for the Lions, though: Brandon Starcevich suffered another head knock late in the fourth quarter. This marked his third concussion during the last 12 outings, raising concerns about his long-term health. Starcevich was helped off the field following an accidental clash with Sydney's Justin McINerney, highlighting the unpredictable nature of contact sports.
The sweltering Sydney heat, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius, added another layer of challenge for players and fans alike. The humidity did not deter the crowd of 34,906 at the SCG, who witnessed the tense ebb and flow of the contest.
Although the Swans eventually held their ground and tightened their play during the second term, they found it challenging to regain control against the Lions, especially toward the latter stages of the match. Despite neglecting certain opportunities earlier on, Sydney continued to pressure Brisbane and fought valiantly to mount comebacks when needed.
For the Swans, the mixed showing from key players like Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, both of whom were implicated with uncharacteristic errors, made executing strategic plays more complex than anticipated.
Looking forward, Swans coach Dean Cox watched closely and moved to the boundary line during the match to bolster team morale. Under his direction, they face Fremantle next week, aiming to snap their current 0-2 start to the season.
While the Lions celebrated this hard-fought victory to kickstart their premiership run, observers noted considerable room for improvement as both squads navigated early-season challenges. The week-to-week evolution of both teams will be fascinating to monitor as they strive for stability and peak performance, laying groundwork for the matches to come. This exciting opening affair served as both prologue and portent for the journeys awaiting these two historic AFL teams throughout the rest of the season.