AFL 2024 round one LIVE updates: Stringer, Bombers kick straight for win over Hawks; Roos keeping with Giants

ESSENDON 17.5 (107) d HAWTHORN 11.17 (83)

KEY POINTS

DONS FOCUS ON DEFENCE: Essendon coach Brad Scott said defence had been a major focus over summer, the Bombers having too often leaked goals last season. In Ben McKay, they now have the defensive pillar they had been craving. The former North Melbourne fullback had a good afternoon on Mitch Lewis, taking five marks, while being the big body needed to handle pack situations. Unfortunately, fellow defensive tall Zach Reid was subbed off with a hamstring issue. Reid’s career has been derailed by hamstring surgery and back issues.

GOAL-KICKING AN ISSUE FOR HAWKS: The Hawks lacked potency inside attacking 50 last season, but appear to have eased their marking issues. Former Tiger and Sun Mabior Chol was a major presence, including having an early mark-of-the-year contender, while the return of Jack Gunston adds goal-kicking power. Small forward Jack Ginnivan, best afield to half-time, and fellow goalsneak, rookie Nick Watson, will also be a handful. Coach Sam Mitchell noted post match that last year’s finals series was heavily influenced by small forwards. In Ginnivan and Watson, the four-time premiership star believes the Hawks now have this base covered.

HAWKS SMASHED AT CENTRE BOUNCES: The Hawks have work to do at centre bounces (beaten 18-9 in centre clearances) and overall stoppages (beaten 39-32), while their accuracy in front of goal was an issue. Veteran Todd Goldstein, in his first game for the Bombers, had a whopping 41 hit outs in his battle with Ned Reeves (28), while Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield were clearance beasts. Former Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio drew praise from Mitchell for his 30 touches for his new club.

KEY STATS

It was six goals apiece in the second term as the two clubs traded goals and counterattacks.

The big question will be who can finish the match the stronger as the Giants had a battle with Collingwood last round while North Melbourne feature a very young side who are still building the fitness for high level AFL games.

Jesse Hogan has snapped a goal to push the lead back to 12 points following another fight back from North.

More troubling for the Kangaroos was star midfielder Harry Sheezel taking a blow to his ribs in the build up.

He was down for a bit but has kept playing.

Giants 60, Roos 48 with two mins until HT.

ESSENDON 17.5 (107) d HAWTHORN 11.17 (83)

KEY POINTS

DONS FOCUS ON DEFENCE: Essendon coach Brad Scott said defence had been a major focus over summer, the Bombers having too often leaked goals last season. In Ben McKay, they now have the defensive pillar they had been craving. The former North Melbourne fullback had a good afternoon on Mitch Lewis, taking five marks, while being the big body needed to handle pack situations. Unfortunately, fellow defensive tall Zach Reid was subbed off with a hamstring issue. Reid’s career has been derailed by hamstring surgery and back issues.

GOAL-KICKING AN ISSUE FOR HAWKS: The Hawks lacked potency inside attacking 50 last season, but appear to have eased their marking issues. Former Tiger and Sun Mabior Chol was a major presence, including having an early mark-of-the-year contender, while the return of Jack Gunston adds goal-kicking power. Small forward Jack Ginnivan, best afield to half-time, and fellow goalsneak, rookie Nick Watson, will also be a handful. Coach Sam Mitchell noted post match that last year’s finals series was heavily influenced by small forwards. In Ginnivan and Watson, the four-time premiership star believes the Hawks now have this base covered.

HAWKS SMASHED AT CENTRE BOUNCES: The Hawks have work to do at centre bounces (beaten 18-9 in centre clearances) and overall stoppages (beaten 39-32), while their accuracy in front of goal was an issue. Veteran Todd Goldstein, in his first game for the Bombers, had a whopping 41 hit outs in his battle with Ned Reeves (28), while Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield were clearance beasts. Former Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio drew praise from Mitchell for his 30 touches for his new club.

KEY STATS

North spearhead Nick Larkey has kicked two goals this quarter and has his side right back in the match.

Fox Footy commentator and goal-kicking great Jason Dunstall sais he rated Larkey as the most reliable kick for goal in the AFL.

“He’s the best set shot in the game,” Dunstall said about Larkey.

“If you wanted someone to kick for your life, that’s who I would want.”

Giants full forward Jesse Hogan just marked and goaled to extend the margin again, the Roos had got within 10 points.

Giants 53, North 36 with eight mins to go in Q2.

Giants star Josh Kelly plays his 200th game today and the Giants made half the banner in his honour.

Giants 40, North 18 with about 15 mins to go in Q2.

The Giants are in control after the first term but the Kangaroos made a good fist of fighting back in the latter stages of the quarter.

Tom Green leads the Giants with 11 possessions while Colby McKercher has had a team-high nine possessions for North.

Cam Zurhaar has snapped a great goal on his left foot as the Roos are working their way back into the match.

Zurhaar beat several defenders before bending the ball around and into the goals.

Riccardi has kicked his third with another set shot but North are much more competitive than they were to start with.

Giants 26, Roos 12 with three mins to go in Q1.

Zane Duursma has kicked the first goal of his AFL career with the No.4 pick sprinting into an open goal before being mobbed by nearby teammates.

Earlier today he and his other debutantes were presented with his jumper by his family.

Giants 20, Roos 6 with seven mins to go in Q1.

GWS Giants have powered out of the blocks in their clash with North Melbourne in Sydney.

Jake Riccardi has kicked two goals and the Giants have a three-goal lead.

Giants 19, North 0 with eight mins to go in Q1.