Overview
- League analysis across three seasons shows teams that played in Opening Round have won 10 of 14 matchups against first-up opponents the following week.
- Multiple senior coaches privately supported Justin Longmuir’s call for a uniform start to the season, with Melbourne coach Steven King backing him publicly.
- Fremantle’s Caleb Serong endorsed the stance for all clubs to start together while stressing the team has not used the issue as an excuse for the loss to Geelong.
- Media commentator Caroline Wilson labeled Longmuir’s remarks “nonsensical,” as Nick Riewoldt said the point had merit but the timing was poor.
- AFL.com.au suggested rotating Opening Round participants if the format continues, noting Fremantle, West Coast, Adelaide, Port Adelaide and North Melbourne have been left out for three years.