Let the season start.

Rd 1 2012 FEARLESS – Finally enough of the sideshow, let the season start!

 

Given that in 2011 there was a break between the LAB Cup Grand Final and the start of the season, Zeus and his henchmen running the AFL decided to give their lovechild, the Fi Fy Fo Fums, a free kick by scheduling their crosstown clash free of any other AFL competition. Sydney Swans won in a canter, akin to seniors vs u/19s.

 

The annual season kickoff between the Tigers and the Blues came 5 days later. Surprisingly the Blues hadn’t won a preseason game and Juddy was just returning from injury. The Tigers, however, were showing promise in March. So much for preseason form, Carlton stormed away in the last 15 minutes to win by 7 goals.

 

Hawthorn spent the off-season convincing itself that losing the Preliminary Final didn’t hurt. That it was their fault, rather than the Magpies’ stirling last quarter fightback. Redemption time round one 2012 – the Hawks get some solace by winning by 22points. Buddy and Cyril led the charge and they hold early flag favouritism.

 

After a major emotional outlet the week before with the death of revered Demon legend Jim Stynes, the Melbourne playing group were led a merry dance by Simon Black and his Lion teammates. Names like Rockliff, Polkinghorne and Hanley are Voss’ s future. Mark Neeld’s performance at the 5th quarter earned him the BOG award.

 

The Crows flew to the Gold Coast hoping to pick up their LAB Cup winning form of a fortnight earlier. Gary Ablett Jnr had other ideas. It was just a shame his teammates didn’t. Walker Taylor and Kurt Von Trappett led the charge booting 9 goals between them as the Suns looked like they still have some learning to do. Crows by 11 goals.

 

Fremantle learned how to play defensively under new coach Ross Lyon over summer. It came in handy as a season opener against the reigning premier was destined to test the Dockers’ mettle. And what a classic it was..the inherent frustration Matthew Scarlett felt with Hayden Ballantine should’ve earned him a payrise! Dockers by 4pts.

 

Essendon supporters would’ve lynched the umpires had North’s Hamish McIntosh kicked truly to steal the game after the siren at Etihad. Much booing after the final siren due to umpiring and the fact that Brent Stanton got 35 touches. North can only blame itself. Bombers by 2pts after nearly kicking themselves out of it in the last qtr.

 

Eagle Josh Kennedy must love playing the Bulldogs, kicking 10 in 2011 and 7 to start the year in fine style. The Dogs unearthed a beauty in Clay Smith but were blown away in the last quarter by a West Coast outfit determined to go higher than 2011. Brendan McCartney has some work to do with the Dogs but Woosha is off to a flyer.

 

Port Adelaide had been spruiking that they were going to be far better in 2012 and a home game against the Saints provided the perfect opportunity to test itself. Hamish Hartlett led the charge for Port, providing Port fans with a glimpse of his potential. St Kilda kept pace with Port thru Nicky Dal and Milne but couldn’t get home. Port just.

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