THEY SAID IT: "No major areas of concern. We got a good lesson around the footy by the Dogs and I don't think we're going to be the last team that gets a good lesson from them. They're the benchmark when it comes to reactions to get out of the contest." - North Melbourne have plenty of work to do after back-to-back wooden spoons but assistant coach Leigh Adams wasn't spooked by the scoreboard in a heavy defeat to the Western Bulldogs.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Third-year Sydney midfielder Errol Gulden dominated with 45 disposals, nine clearances and three goals in the Swans' 43-point crushing of Carlton. All were game-high tallies for the emerging star, who looks capable of increasing his influence after impressing in 43 senior games to date.
NEW RECRUITS: Brodie Grundy enjoyed his start to life as a Demon, forming a strong ruck-forward partnership with Max Gawn, while Richmond got great service out of former GWS midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Boom signing Josh Dunkley had 31 disposals for Brisbane while Conor McKenna was lively, Jayden Hunt gave West Coast dash off half-back, Blake Acres had plenty of touches on a wing for Carlton and Ben Long excited Gold Coast with a soaring mark. Port Adelaide's Jason Horne-Francis finished with 21 disposals and 10 inside-50s in a solid display, while Tom Mitchell was busy in Collingwood's engine room and Daniel McStay kicked two goals.
YOUNG GUNS: Will Ashcroft was outstanding for Brisbane as he reaffirmed his AFL readiness in a strong display against Geelong. No.3 draft pick Harry Sheezel was a shining light for North Melbourne and injury-hit St Kilda could call upon Anthony Caminiti and Mattaes Phillipou to fill holes in attack after their impressive showings against Essendon. Reuben Ginbey looked great for West Coast with 17 disposals and seven clearances in a loss to Adelaide, while Hawthorn draftee Cam Mackenzie had an eye-catching performance with 24 disposals and a goal against the Magpies.
KEY MOMENT: Key forward Ben King kicked the first goal in Gold Coast's loss to GWS as he marked his return from a year out with a knee injury. The tall target was otherwise limited by All-Australian Sam Taylor but got through unscathed in a positive result for the Suns as they chase a maiden finals berth this season.
TALKING POINT: Has the AFL finally got the balance right in pre-season? With official pre-season competitions now resigned to the history books, clubs are only required to play one official practice match leading into round one. They were also allowed to organise their own match simulation sessions against rival teams last month, with only the Bulldogs and Giants opting against doing so. Most clubs are happy with the warm-up schedule.
KEY INJURIES: Eric Hipwood (Bris, corked thigh), Jack Payne (Bris, hamstring), Patrick Lipinski (Coll, dislocated shoulder), Jye Caldwell (Ess, ankle), Dion Prestia (Rich, pectoral muscle), Marcus Windhager (StK, broken hand), Hayden Crozier (WB, disolated finger), Taylor Duryea (WB, neck),
WHAT'S NEXT: All clubs enjoy a week off before the real stuff starts on March 16 at the MCG, where Richmond and Carlton are set to open the new season in front of about 90,000 fans. A blockbuster start continues with a heavyweight Collingwood-Geelong clash and with Port Adelaide hosting Brisbane on Saturday in what shapes as an intriguing contest. The Bulldogs-Melbourne contest is set up as another highlight and Ross Lyon returns as St Kilda coach against his old side Fremantle in the Sunday twilight slot.
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