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.
Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne
Clearances
With an injury-hit Bulldogs side heading into Round 1, the time is now for North Melbourne to take a scalp and claim a Round 1 win.
With midfield concerns surrounding the Bulldogs due to the notable absences of Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli, the Kangaroos have an opportunity to capitalise on a strength of theirs.
Boasting top draft pick talents in the midfield, such as Harry Sheezel, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Colby McKercher and debutant Finn O'Sullivan, the Kangaroos' clearance numbers are expected to continue their upward trend from 2024.
Last year, the Roos averaged 36.9 clearances per game, which ranked the club tenth in the league, but above finalists Sydney and Hawthorn. It is evidently becoming one of North Melbourne's strong points, as young superstars continue to develop and emerge.
For the Bulldogs, a side who averaged the second-most clearances in 2024, it will be fascinating to see how they manage the exclusions of Treloar and Bontempelli. The two All-Australians ranked second and third for clearances per game in their team, while they ranked ninth and 16th across the entire league. Their omissions this week due to injury leave a large void and gives North Melbourne a sniff at an upset victory.
