The 2026 AFL season has kicked off with a bang, and the opening round has already provided some surprising results and standout performances. With three teams registering perfect grades and two others dangerously close to the worst possible mark, it's clear that the competition is more competitive than ever. But who are the real contenders, and who is struggling to find their footing? Let's take a closer look at the key takeaways from the opening round.
The Contenders
One team that immediately stood out was the Gold Coast Suns. Their 56-point thumping of Geelong was a statement win, and their star recruit Christian Petracca had the highest-rated match of his career. The Suns looked every bit capable of a premiership, and their attacking style of play was on full display. In my opinion, they are a team to watch this season, and their maiden hit out this season was a real eye-opener.
Another team that impressed was the Western Bulldogs. Their thrilling five-point win over the Brisbane Lions was a testament to their heart and soul effort. The Bulldogs struggled against the competition's best last season, but their attacking style of play came up big against the Lions. In my view, they are a team that has turned a corner, and their performance against the Lions was a real statement.
The Strugglers
On the other hand, some teams are struggling to find their footing. The Carlton Blues, for example, returned with a vengeance after their second-half fade-outs from 2025. They were the better side in the first half against the Sydney Swans, but could only manage a 10-point buffer. And when the Swans ran hot in the third term, the Blues just couldn't go with them. It's clear that they have some work to do if they want to be a contender this season.
The Underdogs
The Collingwood Magpies, on the other hand, are a team that has been written off by many. But they silenced their critics with a two-goal win over St Kilda in front of a whopping 82,528 people at the MCG. Their 'Little Master' Nick Daicos was absolutely everywhere, and in the eyes of many, clearly best afield. The Magpies' defence conceded 23 more inside 50 entries than they had themselves, but their ability to take an eye-watering 147 marks shows how they were still able to hold heavy control over the game throughout. It's clear that they are a team to watch this season, and their performance against St Kilda was a real statement.
The Surprises
One team that surprised many was the GWS Giants. They sent a statement to the rest of the competition with their revenge win over the Hawthorn Hawks, who knocked the Giants out of last year's finals race. The Giants were on from the opening bounce as they were harder at the footy, more daring through the corridor, and more structured in attack. It's clear that they are a team that is on the rise, and their performance against the Hawks was a real eye-opener.
The Takeaway
The opening round of the 2026 AFL season has provided some surprising results and standout performances. With three teams registering perfect grades and two others dangerously close to the worst possible mark, it's clear that the competition is more competitive than ever. But who are the real contenders, and who is struggling to find their footing? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2026 AFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one.
