Round 1, 2025
Melbourne vs Greater Western Sydney
Sunday 16 March
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 23,278
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.2 | 5.4 | 10.6 | 11.8.74 |
| Greater Western Sydney | 3.1 | 6.5 | 8.7 | 11.11.77 |
Greater Western Sydney win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Matthew Jefferson 2, Christian Petracca 2, Jake Bowey 1, Jack Henderson 1, Aidan Johnson 1, Harry Sharp 1, Tom Sparrow 1, Jacob van Rooyen 1, Caleb Windsor 1
Milestones:
First game
Jack Henderson (and first goal)
Matthew Jefferson (and first goal)
Aidan Johnson (and first goal)
Harvey Langford
Xavier Lindsay
First MFC game
Harry Sharp
A new-look Melbourne opted for six new players for their first game of the year, including five playing their first AFL game. It was the most league debutantes the club had fielded since seven in Round 1, 1966, and the most by any non-expansion team in over 30 years. Boosted by the returning Christian Petracca, back at the MCG for the first time since suffering major internal injuries the previous year, the strategy paid off immediately when Matthew Jefferson roved a contest and goalled with his first kick in league football after just 16 seconds. It was the fastest first kick/goal in the AFL since score timings were introduced in 2001.
On a greasy surface that had been battered by early rain, the Giants kicked the next two goals before Jack Henderson also turned his first kick into a goal. It was the first time two Melbourne players had achieved the feat in the same game, with the previous nearest pair being 10 games apart.
The Demons briefly grabbed the advantage in the second quarter, including two goals from Petracca, but conceded three late in the quarter to trail at half time. They got the jump on the Giants in the third term, with Caleb Windsor goalling from the first bounce, but again conceded late goals just when they were in a position to put the game away. Late in the third quarter the MCG was hit with heavy rain, and though this had cleared by the last quarter the home side was out of legs. A second goal to Jefferson extended the margin beyond a goal, but the Giants were able to capitalise on a missed Aidan Johnson shot in the last minute to rebound and kick the winning goal.
Debutante Harvey Langford was substitute, replacing Blake Howes late in the third quarter.
Best were Gawn, Lindsay and Petracca. Aidan Johnson was suspended for one week for a dangerous tackle.
Lists
Goal with their first kick
Tribunal
Media
afl.com.au - 16/03/2025
Links
Demonblog match review