RICHO’S TOP 10: AFL opening round needs fixing, Hawthorn are on fire and Sam Lalor is Tigers’ future

1. Opening round felt like a real fizzer didn’t it? Of course it wasn’t helped by ex-cyclone Alfred.

I don’t think it can continue in this form. Surely the AFL needs to be launched nationally with games in all cities and all teams playing. You can still showcase the northern states but a re-jig is needed. Let’s start with some fierce rivalries like the Lions and Suns, Swans and GWS, the SA showdown and the Western Derby. Then there are plenty of rivalries in Victoria to showcase and could take a game or two to country grounds such as Ballarat. I’ll be stunned if the start to the season is not tweaked in 2026.

2. I’m glad Craig McRae wasn’t fined for his sledging of GWS player Toby Bedford and backchat with coach Adam Kingsley.

A bit of banter doesn’t hurt and it wasn’t overly aggressive plus I like a bit emotion in our game. But in saying this Ken Hinkley should ask for a $20,000 refund for his fine last year. A precedent was set you would have thought. No consistency from the AFL.

3. Two teams entered opening round with big expectations on them after 2024. Both those teams delivered in spades.

The Hawks win showed great maturity. Challenged in the third quarter they steadied the ship in the last quarter to win easily. It wasn’t all razzle dazzle Hollywood Hawks either. They showed real grit. The Giants were even more impressive with stars Jesse Hogan and Tom Green out. I know it’s one game but they both looked the real deal and are already making good on my tip they will fight it out in the grand final.

4. The great David Parkin used to challenge his players to make a “quantum leap” in their careers.

From the two games we have seen so far a couple of players have put their hands up to do just that. Hawthorn’s Will Day was best on ground on Friday. He has it all and can play anywhere. The other was the Giants Finn Callaghan. What a powerful player he is. He showed he is ready to graduate from half back to a bona fide midfielder. With the recruitment of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle the Hawks have the luxury to use skipper James Sicily wherever they need. He is the ultimate swingman. He dominated in the first half down back with his intercept marking. Then he moved forward and kicked the sealer for the Hawks. What a luxury for Sam Mitchell he will be this season.

5. There are always a few new interpretations of rules that stick out like a sore thumb early in a season.

This year it’s the enforcement of the minimum 15m rule when kicking. I love this. Too often in recent years we have seen kicks of less than 10m paid. I wrote last month I didn’t want any rules changes but I said nothing about the proper enforcement of existing rules so the umpires get a big tick from me.

6. There’s been a lot of negativity around the Tigers and where they are at heading into the season - mostly from non-Richmond supporters mind you.

The passionate Tigers fans I know are excited about seeing three top 25 picks making their debuts tonight. Notably No.1 pick Sam Lalor, who looks like he can have an instant impact given his size and strength. That’s what it’s about for Tigers fans, getting games into quality kids so that after 30-40 games the worm will start to turn. With more high draft picks next year and some smart list management picking off some bargain pick ups from other clubs it can happen quicker than you think. Just look at the Hawks.

7. The Suns can make an early statement in their first game this Sunday after their opening round clash against Essendon was effectively washed out.

Road wins have been rare in their history. They should beat West Coast at Optus Stadium. If not they have the bye then Melbourne at the MCG. They can’t be 0-2 heading into their first home game in round four.

8. In this column last week I highlighted the injuries occurring with players being pushed into an oncoming pack.

There was another concussion last Sunday suffered by GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs. The AFL needs to put a stop to this ASAP. At the very least free kicks need to be paid to try and get these incidents out of the game.

9. Here’s a little omen for you.

Thirty years ago Carlton had a round 1 debutant in Scott Camporeale. They won the flag that year and haven’t won one since. Tonight another Camporeale will debut, Scott’s son Lucas. Is this the Blues year? They have all the pieces to do it and some unique history is now on their side.

10. Harmony within a playing group is vital to success.

You need everyone on the same page to go deep in this competition. That’s why over the first few weeks the Dogs and Dees are interesting teams to keep an eye on. Both have had well-publicised distractions in recent times. Melbourne with the Clayton Oliver-Christian Petracca situations and the Jamarra Ugle-Hagan saga at the Dogs. Can both these sides put the off-field dramas aside and bank a round one win? If you think so then don’t forget to back them and get your tips in for The Game and if you have not signed up there is still time. Just click here.