Home
AFL

What We Learned About AFL Teams After Opening Round 2026

Jesse Mclure

Editor

Last updated: Wed 11 Mar 2026 14:43

Jesse Mclure 11 Mar 2026

Share this article

AFL Opening Round 2026 Reactions
Gold Coast's midfield is exceptional, seen in their rapid ball movement.
Western Bulldogs are capable of defeating top-tier teams.
Collingwood excels at capitalizing on opponents' mistakes.

Opening Round 2026 Reactions by True Footy

What We Learned About AFL Teams After Opening Round 2026

Opening Round always creates noise. The challenge is separating the genuine signals from the overreactions.

What We Learned About AFL Teams After Opening Round 2026
Gold Coast’s Midfield Power Is Real
The Western Bulldogs Can Beat Anyone
Collingwood Still Punish Mistakes Better Than Anyone
Carlton’s Old Problems Are Still Lurking
St Kilda Need to Turn Pressure Into Scores

The first weekend of the 2026 AFL season delivered plenty of both. Some teams confirmed preseason expectations. Others exposed the same flaws that have followed them for months. A few clubs revealed new strengths that could shift the shape of the competition.

These are the biggest lessons from AFL Opening Round 2026.

Gold Coast’s Midfield Power Is Real

Gold Coast looked explosive through the middle against Geelong.

Christian Petracca immediately changed the dynamic of their midfield, providing power and forward drive around stoppages. Bailey Humphrey added burst and physical presence, while young midfielder Leo Lombard showed why the Suns are so excited about his development.

When that group gets momentum, the Suns move the ball quickly and turn pressure into scoring chains. That style makes them difficult to contain because the damage often happens within seconds of winning the ball.

Opening Round reinforced that Gold Coast’s biggest weapon in 2026 will be speed through the middle of the ground.

The Western Bulldogs Can Beat Anyone

Winning at the Gabba is never easy. Doing it against the reigning premiers makes a statement.

Marcus Bontempelli once again showed why he remains one of the most influential players in the competition. Tim English gave the Bulldogs first use at stoppage and their midfield depth allowed them to match Brisbane’s physicality across the ground.

Sam Darcy also loomed large inside 50. His height and reach create a difficult matchup for defenders, and when the Bulldogs deliver the ball cleanly he becomes a genuine focal point.

The Bulldogs have always had the talent. Opening Round showed they are capable of beating premiership contenders.

Collingwood Still Punish Mistakes Better Than Anyone

Collingwood’s ability to absorb pressure remains one of the most impressive traits in the competition.

St Kilda brought strong energy early in the match and created plenty of forward entries. The Saints controlled territory for stretches but struggled to convert their opportunities.

The Magpies stayed composed and waited for mistakes. When those turnovers came, Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury were quick to move the ball into dangerous areas. Jamie Elliott and Brody Mihocek capitalised on those chances.

That ruthlessness has been a hallmark of Collingwood’s success in recent seasons.

Carlton’s Old Problems Are Still Lurking

Carlton again showed flashes of quality but struggled when momentum shifted.

Sam Walsh found plenty of the ball through the midfield and there were moments where the Blues looked capable of controlling the game. The issue came when opposition pressure increased.

Once the contest opened up, Carlton struggled to slow the game down. Opponents were able to move the ball quickly through the corridor and generate scoring opportunities.

That vulnerability has appeared before, and Opening Round suggested it may still be an issue in 2026.

St Kilda Need to Turn Pressure Into Scores

St Kilda’s effort level was strong but the scoreboard did not reflect it.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Sinclair were busy across half-back, helping the Saints move the ball forward repeatedly. The problem came once the ball entered the forward 50.

Opportunities were created but not finished. Against elite teams, missed chances become costly very quickly.

If St Kilda can sharpen their forward connection, their pressure and ball movement give them a competitive foundation.