After a partial start to the 2025 season, with just two games played in Opening Round, the year will officially feel underway with the first of many nine-game rounds to begin on Thursday night.
Key statistical categories often determine how well your club performs, and indicate which side is controlling the contest. Last week, Sydney's scores off turnover was their key metric to watch. The Swans scored just 23 points off turnover on Friday, 32 fewer points than their 2024 average, resulting in a fairly comfortable loss to the Hawks.
With nine blockbuster fixtures to continue the season, we'll delve into the key statistical category that needs to be mastered for each mouthwatering Round 1 clash.
Richmond vs Carltonย
Contested possessions
If the Tigers are to compete with Carlton on Thursday night, Richmond will need to vastly improve their ability to win a hard ball.
Richmond placed last for contested possessions per game in 2024, averaging just 121.9 per game, while the Blues averaged a league-leading 138 per game.
A similar discrepancy will undoubtedly see the Tigers outplayed and they could be staring at a large deficit by full-time.
However, the inclusion of powerful midfielder Sam Lalor provides a glint of hope that the 2024 Pick 1, alongside Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, can match Carlton's midfield consisting of Patrick Cripps, Adam Cerra and Sam Walsh.
While the odds of a Round 1 victory are heavily stacked against the Tigers, matching the Blues' midfield could, at the least, create some headaches for Michael Voss' side.
