Hawks Lead in Tense AFL 2025 Season Opener

The opening round of the 2025 AFL season saw the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks face off, with the Hawks narrowly leading 26-25 by the end of the first quarter after a score review overturned a Swans goal. The game was marked by high tension, including a 50-metre penalty that allowed Taylor Adams of the Swans to score earlier in the quarter. The Hawks, under scrutiny for their defensive strategies, face a challenging season ahead, as do teams like Fremantle and West Coast Eagles, who are under high expectations following recruitment and strategic changes. Fremantle is considered a potential premiership threat, despite skepticism about their maturity and consistency. Coaches like Adem Yze and Andrew McQualter are under pressure to rebuild and develop their teams amidst competitive odds.