HIGHLIGHTS FROM ROUND ONE OF THE AFL
THEY SAID IT: "It feels a little bit stiff and a little bit sore but compared to what it could have been, it is a good result." St Kilda veteran Nick Riewoldt dodges a bullet over his knee injury, with scans confirming no anterior cruciate ligament rupture.
STATS THAT MATTER: What we haven't seen since 2006 - Melbourne beating St Kilda and Port Adelaide winning at the SCG.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Star Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin added to his impressive free agency value with three guaranteed Brownlow Medal votes against Carlton
KEY MOMENT: Hawthorn were 22 points down and pressing hard in the last quarter on Saturday night when Isaac Smith had a long-range shot at goal. The goal umpire said it was touched on the line, but replays suggested Michael Hurley did not get a finger to the ball.
TALKING POINT: Essendon's emotional win over arch-rivals Hawthorn highlighted the returns of players from their doping suspensions - six at the Bombers, four at other clubs. All but one of them played in winning teams
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Travis Varcoe (Coll) reported for rough conduct.
KEY INJURIES: N Riewoldt (StK, knee) J Smith (Melb, shoulder) D Morris (WB, leg fracture) J Weitering (Carl, corked hip) P McCartin (hamstring tightness) D Robinson (Syd, shoulder) D Swallow (GC, ankle) C Rioli (Haw, thigh), T Mzungu (Giants, hamstring) D Petrie (WC, hand)
WHAT'S NEXT: Richmond v Collingwood is a solid start to round two, followed by Friday night's grand final rematch between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney. The Giants must lift after a poor round-one performance.
