The 2025 AFL season kicked off with thrilling matchups on Saturday, March 15, showcasing significant performances and dramatic moments across the league. Notably, Geelong faced Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium, and as the day unfolded, fans were treated to standout plays and concerning injuries.
Geelong found itself on the front foot early with Gryan Miers delivering what could be framed as the "Goal of the Year" from an impossible angle, showcasing his agility and skill. Miers’ stunning snap came amid great anticipation as he picked up the ball near the boundary, deftly bending it through the sticks to grant Geelong its first goal against the run of play.
This electrifying moment set the tone for the Cats' encounter against Fremantle, where they jumped to an early lead, scoring three goals before the Dockers could respond. The first quarter unfolded with some spirited team play, yet the atmosphere turned somber when Geelong defender Tom Stewart suffered what appeared to be a significant injury. After being struck high by Luke Jackson during the centre bounce, Stewart left the field grimacing and received immediate medical attention on the bench. Fortunately, early reports suggested the injury might not be severe, but vigilance remains as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, Fremantle managed to retaliate with Andrew Brayshaw finding the scoreboard after executing a well-timed counterattack, threading through Geelong's defense for their first goal. Fans were treated to back-and-forth action, with Ollie Henry scoring Geelong’s third. Following Jeremy Cameron's long shot, Henry navigated through heavy traffic to seal the goal, bringing the score to 3.3 (21) to Fremantle’s 1.0 (6) by the end of the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the day featured more than just Geelong's exploits. Over at the MCG, Collingwood hosted Port Adelaide, marking the debut of former Power player Dan Houston. Houston, having played 168 games for Port Adelaide before transferring, emphasized the emotional significance of this clash against his old team, saying, "Playing for the biggest club in the land... is a dream come true."
Houston and the Magpies aimed to launch the season impressively after facing a disheartening loss to Greater Western Sydney. Port Adelaide arrived for this matchup, bolstered by their recent success over St Kilda during the pre-season but underscored by injuries to key players including Zak Butters.
Collingwood’s preparation for this clash included sidelining Will Hoskin-Elliott after he sustained injury during the previous match. The atmosphere at the stadium buzzed with anticipation as Collingwood’s veterans Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom prepared to play together, etching their names alongside other greats as they prepared for their 307th match as teammates, equaling the legendary Adelaide duo of Andrew McLeod and Tyson Edwards.
The games held on March 15 offered fans not just opportunities to watch their favorite teams but also to witness the emergence of new stars alongside established talents. Houston’s debut combined with the injuries and performance scenarios laid the groundwork for compelling narratives as the season progresses.
By the time the final sirens sounded and match outcomes evaluated, discussions around player health and performance—and what these mean for the rest of the 2025 AFL season—proved to be hot topics among fans and analysts alike.
With games going on throughout the day, including showdowns between Sydney and Brisbane along with the Western Bulldogs meeting North Melbourne, the excitement of Round 1 left fans eager for more electrifying action. The AFL season is off to more than just a simply competitive start but amounted to exciting storylines filled with anticipation and rivalries building from this foundational weekend.
The landmark actions and emotions reflected on the field echoed the constant value of teamwork, resilience, and, at times, the harsh reality of sport—injuries and challenges faced head-on by teams as they vie for supremacy. The narratives from the initial matches, featuring surprising performances and unfortunate injuries, carve out defining moments and establish trends for the forthcoming season.