The first round of AFL in 2023 saw some exciting matches played across the country. There were plenty of close results as teams battled it out to start the season with a win. Fans were treated to some impressive individual performances and team efforts, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.

Here at So Perth, we got behind our WA teams for AFL round one, and while it may not be the start to the season we’d all hoped for, we’re super excited for the season to come. 

West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, March 18th 

The Eagles were unable to ease the concerns of their fans about their poor performance in the 2022 season after facing off with North Melbourne in their round one match at Marvel stadium. 

Despite the Kangaroos losing their sole ruckman, Tristan Xerri, to an ankle injury in the first quarter, the Eagles still found themself trailing by one point.  

As the game progressed, Alastair Clarkson’s men continued ahead, scoring four goals to one and leading by 21 points at the halfway mark, with the score 7.7 (49) to 4.4 (28). 

Liam Ryan rose to the occasion and lifted the eagles back to a nine-point margin, seconds into the final quarter. 

Unfortunately, in the last term, the eagles fought hard to stage a comeback but fell short by five points. The final score was 12.15 (87) to 12.10 (82).

Jamaine Jones was the top goal scorer for the eagles with two goals. Both Jack Darling and Oscar Allen scored one each. Veteran player Jeremy McGovern also stood out with his excellent defensive performance under pressure. Regrettably, 2021 top draft pick Campbell Chesser had only three touches through the first half. 

Fremantle Dockers vs St Kilda Saints, March 19th

St Kilda didn’t come to mess around. Ross Lyon’s return guaranteed the Saints a 15-point victory against his old club. 

Fremantle started strong with an incredible goal from Michel Fredrick in the first minute. But St Kilda’s lockdown defence soon kicked in. Despite Brennan Cox and Jordan Clark holding Fremantle together, Nat Fyfe and Luke Jackson only had three touches. 

Fremantle ended the first quarter with a 2.1 (13) score to St Kilda’s 3.3 (21).

In the second term, Luke Jackson had a chance to score his first goal for the Dockers with a free kick just 15 meters away from the goal. But his banana kick missed and went out on the full. 

The first half ended with a 5.4 (34) draw for both teams, setting the stage for an intense second half.

Despite Frederick’s injury in the third quarter, Fremantle stayed ahead with a score of 7.6 (48) to St Kilda’s 6.6 (42), 

Andrew Brayshaw was leading the disposal count with 23. However, with just eight minutes left in the final quarter and a 14-point deficit to make up, Fremantle couldn’t find their composure, and St Kilda ultimately prevailed.

A final score of 10.7 (67) to 7.10 (52) secured it for St Kilda.

What’s Happening in AFL Round Two For The WA Teams

On Saturday, March 25th, Fremantle Dockers will take on North Melbourne, who just won against the Eagles in the round one match. Bounce down will be a 4:30 pm at Perth’s Optus Stadium. 

The Eagles will also play at home on Sunday the 26th as they take on Greater Western Sydney. The Giants had a great victory over the weekend beating Adelaide by 16 points. The game will kick off at 3:20 pm. 

Purchase your tickets for the games here. Then, it’s on to pick up some hot chips from the canteen and join the crowds in cheering on our local teams.

Follow along with the football — and more sports — on So Perth

Lead image: Fremantle Dockers Facebook