Round one of the 2015 season has been run and won and there were many talking points to come out of the opening round of fixtures.
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Richmond battered a poor Carlton outfit to begin things on Easter Thursday, before Hawthorn ended the round with a massive win over fellow premiership contenders Geelong.
So, just what did we learn?
Find out below!
HAWTHORN LOOKING GOOD FOR A THREE-PEAT
The Hawks looked on a total different planet to the rest of the competition during its 62-point win over premiership rivals Geelong.
Geelong were expected to provide Alastair Clarkson’s side with a stern challenge after the signing of Mitch Clark to partner Tom Hawkins in the forward 50.
It wasn’t to be as the Hawks ran rampant on Easter Monday, and it seems rivals sides will have to produce something extra special to stop them from winning three premierships in a row.
WEST COAST’S DEFENSIVE WOES CONTINUE
The loss of Eric Mackenzie in pre-season was compounded with the season-ending injury to Mitch Brown during the Eagles’ 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
Brown’s injury has left the Eagles defence thread-bare for the remainder of the season, with Will Schofield and Jeremy McGovern are expected to be handed defensive duties, but you get the feeling the competition’s top forward lines will have field days against Adam Simpson’s side.
DON’T WRITE OFF THE DOCKERS, YET…
Much of the talk over pre-season focused around whether the Dockers would again be a serious premiership threat.
Ross Lyon’s side answered many of its critics with a hard-fought win over a superb Port Adelaide outfit in Perth.
Matthew Pavlich looked to have lost nothing over pre-season after a four-goal performance while Nat Fyfe and David Mundy were excellent.
ARE THE CARLTON FAITHFUL IN FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF HURT?
The Blues were poor in their opening round loss to Richmond, and it looks like another tough year is on the cards for Mick Malthouse’s side.
While Carlton did nullify the influence of Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio, first-gamer Kamdyn McIntosh ran riot with 23 disposals.
It’s not looking good for the Blues, and the pressure on Malthouse will continue to build.
RENEWED HOPE FOR DEMONS FANS AFTER BIG WIN OVER GOLD COAST
Paul Roos’ Melbourne side made a mockery of Gold Coast’s finals aspirations following its 26-point win at the MCG on Saturday.
Melbourne have been released from its defensive shackles and given more freedom to attack by Roos, and it was great to watch.
Whether or not they can stand up in the same fashion against other top eight hopefuls remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
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