Sicily, Redman cop one-match bans; Dockers hit with injuries

Hawthorn skipper James Sicily has been handed a one-match suspension for kicking at Essendon’s Andrew McGarth during Saturday’s melee, while Bombers Mason Redman has also been handed a one-match ban for striking Hawk Jai Newcombe.

Newcombe received a fine for forceful front-on contact and Bomber Todd Goldstein was fined for striking.

Gold Coast’s Malcolm Rosas Jnr has also been given a one-match suspension for a headbutt at Adelaide’s Max Michalanney.

Here’s the vision from the Bombers, Hawks game, thanks to the AFL:

THREE POINTS MELBOURNE OUTCLASS BULLDOGS

“Clarry” off to a hot start

Anyone fading Melbourne’s premiership hopes based on queries about closely scrutinised star Clayton Oliver might be second-guessing themselves.

The triple All-Australian and four-time Demons best-and-fairest winner spent time away from the club during the summer to focus on his mental health after a turbulent period.

There was uncertainty about whether Melbourne would pick Oliver for round zero after he spent time at the lower level regaining match fitness in the pre-season matches.

They not only selected the brilliant midfielder but he responded with an equal team-high 30 disposals and six clearances against Sydney, and backed that up with another prolific performance on Sunday.

Oliver was outstanding in the 45-point win over the Dogs, gathering 35 disposals and six clearances, and helping turn the match in the Demons’ favour after his side’s slow start.

Ex-Saint Jack Billings warrants a mention, too, after compiling 23 touches, 15 marks, 10 score involvements and kicking a goal.

Selection dilemmas galore

Melbourne experimented at both ends for much of last season, trying to find their ideal fit, and it seems like they will be in a similar situation again in 2024.

Veterans Tom McDonald and Ben Brown were among five inclusions as replacements for Adam Tomlinson and Josh Schache. McDonald was back in defence - his best path to senior football after falling behind other forward options - and spent time on all of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb.

Brown kicked two goals without being a significant factor, while Jacob van Rooyen spelled skipper Max Gawn in the ruck.

Medium-sized intercept defender Marty Hore also earned a call-up in his second stint in red and blue.

Swingman Harry Petty (toe) made it through unscathed in a three-quarter hit-out in a VFL practice match on Saturday and is likely to return as a forward once he is ready.

It will be interesting to see where recruit Shane McAdam sits once he is fit, with Kade Chandler (three goals) doing his best to cement his spot.

Daniel made to wait

Coach Luke Beveridge raised eyebrows - not for the first time - by naming All-Australian Caleb Daniel as the substitute, on top of leaving Sam Darcy out.

Rory Lobb was preferred to the promising 20-year-old son of club great Luke as the complementary piece in attack, alongside figureheads Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

However, it was the Daniel call that was most surprising.

Daniel eventually came on just before time-on in the third quarter, subbed in for top-five draftee Ryley Sanders after the debutant’s fourth turnover cost his team a goal.
Jack Macrae (hamstring) played in a VFL practice game instead of coming straight into the AFL side, but should return next week.

Defenders Buku Khamis and Liam Jones were among the few bright spots, but Beveridge started Lobb in the ruck in the second half after Tim English struggled against Gawn.

Newcomer Lachie Bramble showed plenty in his club debut, but ex-Demon James Harmes had minimal impact against his old side.

Melbourne are tipped as favourites, but only marginally so.

Melbourne will be hungry for glory after they went down to Sydney in the opening round by 22 points, and we’re yet to see the Western Bulldogs’ outfit this season. So, this one could really go either way.

How do you see it playing out?

And, that’s a curtain close on round one.

Thank you for joining us for the first full round of footy for 2024 with all 18 teams. Wasn’t that fun?!

And doesn’t Carlton’s thriller win over Richmond for the traditional opener last Thursday feel like a lifetime ago? So much has happened since.

Big goals, big marks, suspensions, the lot.

We’ll be back next week, kicking off with on Thursday night with St Kilda and Collingwood at the MCG. That’s a hard one to tip!

Goodnight, footy fans, and thanks again.

Fremantle key defender Brennan Cox has been helped from the ground with a suspected knee injury, after he landed awkwardly following a contest.

It comes minutes after Oscar McDonald was taken off the field, who went down with a knee injury, and earlier in the game, Karl Worner, out with concussion.

It’s injury carnage for Fremantle, which will require some further reshuffling of the magnets, as they head into the final 15 minutes of the match 26-points up.

Lions defender Conor McKenna has come off the ground due to left hamstring tightness. He’s joined the bench with ice heavily strapped to his leg.

It’s not what Brisbane need, who are 26-points down.

However, back-to-back goals from Eric Hipwood and Lincoln McCarthy has put some life back into their side. It helped close the margin down, which was at 38-points to start the final quarter.

Jye ‘Nev’ Amiss kicked a thrilling goal on the run, his third of the evening.

However, as he ran towards the sticks, avoiding the Lions defender, he hit the left goal post with his knee.

He walked away gingerly and has come from the field to be looked at. One to watch.

Dockers lead by 26-points.

Young defender Karl Worner is being seen by medical staff on the ground after a heavy, and scary, collision.

The medical cart has arrived to transport him off the ground and into care.

For Fremantle, it’ll mean the reshuffling of some players to fill the gap, as Neil Erasmus, a midfielder, will come on as the sub.