Big crowds, significant results, epic contests, and plenty of highlights to go with it.
AFL footy is back with a bang as season 2023 got underway over the weekend.
There are a lot of hot takes every Monday in the footy world, so we’ve had a crack at a five-leg multi with the one power punters wish they could have – hindsight.
So let’s get underway with a little blog we like to call- AFL Five Lessons Learned for the first time this season
(1) New* coaches are unbeaten.
They say you sack the coach and win the next week with the caretaker but all four coaches making their debuts at their respective new* clubs all took home the four premiership points in the opening round.
Alastair Clarkson clearly has a mission and new game plan for his Kangas, and while they are eighth on the ladder after round 1, with many North fans taking screenshots of the ladder.
It’s looking like the boys from Arden Street won’t be easy beats this season, even if another bottom four finish is likely.
The GWS Giants under new coach Adam Kingsley staged a come-from-behind victory in the 36-degree heat.
After the Crows led by 28 points at half-time, GWS booted 11 goals – including four from the one and only Toby Greene in his first hit out as captain for the orange team, it’s clear the Giants wanted to impress their new master.
A special shout out to those Ladbrokes punters that got on the Giants at $8 at half-time in the live betting, including one who chucked on $3K for GWS to cover the +30.5 line resulting in a very nice payday to start season 2023.
How Brad Scott ended up with the top job at Essendon was messym but many a Dons fan will be heading into the office on a Monday very satisfied with their dismantling of Hawthorn, not to mention Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuit’s return and the debut of Alwyn Davey Junior.
Then, there’s Ross the boss.
With 14 on the injury list, the Saints gave their all against the Dockers and in true Ross style, the Saints managed to hold Freo to just a total of 52 to record a 15-point victory.
He may now be the cute and cuddly version of Ross Lyon, but when he’s involved coaching a game – the under still remains a reliable bet.
(*New in the sense they are either at a new club or making a comeback for a club they coached over a decade ago.)
(2) Harry Sheezel will win the Rising Star
Don’t worry about Will Ashcroft, Finn Callaghan or Sam Darcy, this years Rising Star has Harry Sheezel’s name written all over it.
In his debut game, the 18-year-old looked like he’d been there for years, amassing just a lazy 34 disposals – the most by a debutant in 39 years and clearly knew what he was doing when he got his hands on the Sherrin.
Not only will Sheezel get this week’s rising star nomination, but he’ll also get the Brownlow votes for the Round 1 clash.
Take him at $3.50 to win the Rising Star before it ends up at $1.10 by Round 3.
(3) Hawthorn will win Wooden Spoon
Hawthorn was competitive in the first half yesterday but fell away as their old foe Essendon did it easy to the tune of 59 points.
Their list, style of play, and easy blowouts has all the ingredients of a team bound for the wooden spoon, and Sam Mitchell doesn’t hide the fact there’s a rebuild going on at Waverley.
Most Hawks fans seem ok with it, expecting another trophy in the cabinet by the end of the decade.
It’s a very on-brand Hawthorn attitude, so enjoy the brown and gold being a percentage booster for the next couple of years if you don’t barrack for them.
(4) Dons aiming for zero
Essendon finishes round 1 on top of the ladder, and every Bombers fan is up and about across the workplaces of Australia this morning.
This stat from the legend that is Joshua Kay proves that being on top after Round 1 means you’ve just about booked your spot in the September action.
The Dons are paying $4.25 to make the eight, $13 for the top four, $26 to make the Grand Final and $67 for the flag.
However, Essendon still hasn’t won a final for 6,771 days at the time of publication.
(5) A Draw is a win – for some
A few of the usual fanbois who gag over American sports and like to speak about trades and free agency in March have called for draws to be scrapped, and you’ll probably get a few of those “we want extra time” hot takes on the respective Monday night footy shows.
However, one Ladbrokes punter will be very much in favor of keeping draws during the home and away season after this epic payday from the Richmond v Carlton season opener.
