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.
Sydney vs Brisbane
Uncontested possessions
Uncontested possessions damaged the Swans in the grand final last year, and in the heavily-anticipated rematch, Sydney will again strive to lock down the Lions in their first appearance since their premiership win.
Recording an absurd 267 uncontested possessions, the Lions blitzed Sydney with swift uncontested ball movement for a flurry of second quarter goals. The amount of Brisbane uncontested possessions was 45 more than their season average, which already ranked seventh in the league, as well as 26 uncontested possessions higher than Essendon's season average of 241 (which ranked first in the AFL).
Sydney's poor performance was also reflected in their low uncontested possessions for the game. Averaging 217.7 for the season, the Swans recorded just 189 on grand final day, only trumping West Coast's 2024 season average, highlighting the poor showing.
Both sides will be battling for their first win of the season, and whichever club can break the game open when holding possession will likely secure a crucial early-season victory.
