The 2025 AFL Opening Round: Hawthorn’s Statement Win Over Sydney

The 2025 AFL season kicked off in thrilling fashion with Hawthorn securing a hard-fought 20-point victory over the Sydney Swans at the SCG. The Hawks outlasted a strong challenge from the Swans, pulling away in the final quarter to claim a 96-76 win. The game provided a mix of standout individual performances, tactical battles, and a few concerning injuries that could impact both teams moving forward.

Hawthorn’s Commanding Finish

Despite a third-quarter surge from Sydney, Hawthorn proved the stronger side when it mattered most. Captain James Sicily led from the front, delivering a commanding performance that included crucial defensive stops and an important goal in the final term. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Hawks through the high-pressure moments.

Will Day emerged as a key contributor for Hawthorn, kicking three goals and providing energy through the midfield. Though he struggled with cramps in the latter stages, his early impact was pivotal in setting up the win. Day’s ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard is shaping him into a key asset for the Hawks this season.

The Hawks’ defensive structure was another highlight, with Blake Hardwick and Denver Grainger-Barras nullifying Sydney’s key forwards. Their ability to read the play and intercept Swans’ inside-50 entries helped limit Sydney’s scoring opportunities, particularly in the final quarter.

Sydney’s Fightback Falls Short

The Swans looked to turn the game in their favor during a dominant third quarter, reducing a 27-point deficit to just one goal. Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden were at the forefront of this resurgence, with Heeney’s strong contested marking and Gulden’s sharp ball use keeping the Swans in the contest.

However, Sydney struggled to maintain the intensity in the final quarter, as turnovers and inefficiency in front of goal proved costly. Their inability to capitalise on momentum swings ultimately allowed Hawthorn to regain control and finish strongly.

Coach Dean Cox, in his first official match in charge, will be encouraged by elements of Sydney’s play but will need to address consistency issues moving forward. The Swans showed flashes of brilliance but will need to tighten up their defensive structures and forward entries if they want to challenge top teams this season.

Key Injuries and Concerns

Hawthorn’s victory came at a price, with midfielder James Worpel suffering a suspected syndesmosis injury in the second quarter. If scans confirm the worst, he could be sidelined for a significant period. His absence would be a major blow to the Hawks’ midfield depth, especially given his strong pre-season form.

For Sydney, there were concerns over the fitness of Chad Warner, who appeared to struggle with a minor ankle issue late in the game. While he played out the match, his condition will be monitored closely in the lead-up to their next fixture.

Standout Performances

  • James Sicily (Hawthorn) – Led by example with his defensive work and a crucial goal in the final quarter.
  • Will Day (Hawthorn) – Kicked three goals and provided drive through the midfield.
  • Errol Gulden (Sydney) – One of Sydney’s best, using his precise kicking to create scoring opportunities.
  • Isaac Heeney (Sydney) – Took strong marks and was central to Sydney’s third-quarter resurgence.
  • Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn) – A rock in defence, limiting Sydney’s forward efficiency.

Tactical Takeaways

Hawthorn’s game plan was built around strong defensive structures and swift ball movement. Their ability to absorb pressure and then strike quickly in transition was key to their success. The Hawks’ midfield worked well to win contested possessions, with Jai Newcombe and Connor Macdonald providing plenty of drive.

Sydney’s reliance on quick ball movement through the corridor was a double-edged sword. While it helped them gain momentum in the third quarter, it also led to costly turnovers when Hawthorn was able to apply pressure. The Swans will likely look to refine their decision-making under pressure in future games.

Looking Ahead

Hawthorn will carry confidence into their next game, where they will face a challenging test against a strong Western Bulldogs side. The Swans, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they take on Fremantle. With a few areas to improve, both teams will be eager to make adjustments as the season progresses.

The AFL season has only just begun, but if the opening game is any indication, fans are in for an exciting year of football. With key matchups ahead and players already making their mark, the race for finals is well and truly underway.