Greene starts in fine style
Toby Greene has made a bright start in his 250th game.
GWS skipper Toby Greene is playing his 250th game.Credit: AFL Photos
He’s kicked the Giants’ first goal with a snap that just cleared the line.
It came against the flow of play with the Blues having dominated territory for the previous five minutes.
Carlton 2.1 (13)
GWS 1.2 (8)
Curnow honours Walls
Carlton fans are giving a warm applause in memory of Robert Walls at 12.42 pm. The 12 marks the number of years Walls played at Carlton, while 42 was the number Walls wore.
Charlie Curnow marked the occasion by kicking the first goal of the game.
Charlie Curnow celebrates his goal against the Giants.Credit: AFL Photos
Crowd update
About 15 minutes before the game, there are a lot spare seats at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues were are expecting a crowd of around 35,000 to 40,000, I was told, but it looks to be more in the 20,000s right now.
Perhaps, the early 12.35pm start has caught out a few Blues fans, or maybe they are voting with their feet after a disappointing 4-6 start to 2025.
The subs
There are no late changes for either team.
Jaxon Binns will start as the sub for the Blues, while Harry Rowston is in the vest for the Giants.
One dropped mark wasn’t going to stop Nick Haynes. Carlton knew that
As you get ready for the first game, have a read of Peter Ryan’s piece on Carlton defender Nick Haynes, who is taking on his former club for the first time since his departure last year.
Nick Haynes was not surprised when a mark he dropped during the final quarter of Carlton’s shock loss to Richmond in round one was replayed over and over again to exemplify the Blues’ performance.
Cooper Sharman and Nick Haynes of the Blues compete for a mark.Credit: AFL Photos
“It stood out like dog’s balls,” he said.
As far as first impressions go, it was less than ideal for the veteran defender who crossed to Carlton after an outstanding 13 seasons with the Giants.
However, he didn’t sugarcoat what happened nor did he wilt under the scrutiny.
Instead, he drew on his experience to gain perspective and went back to work.
Welcome to Super Saturday
Hello to everyone, wherever you many be joining us from today.
It’s a big day of footy, headlined by a rare triple treat in Melbourne.
First up at Marvel Stadium are Carlton and Greater Western Sydney, two clubs who have failed to live up to pre-season expectations in the first half of the season.
Then we’ll head to the MCG for a possible finals preview between Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions, who are both coming off losses.
There are two games tonight. North Melbourne take on Collingwood in the second game at Marvel Stadium for the day, while Walyalup host Yartapuulti at Optus Stadium.
