Round 1, Loved.

So here we are, the first round of the AFL season is completed and we are that much better off. More things to talk about, more things to see and hear. The first round had it good parts, and the not so good parts. I will start you off with the five things I loved.

The Long Kick Returns.
For the past five or so years, long kicking to a contest had been frowned upon. Teams have been forced by their coaches to retain possession by playing percentages at all cost. The long kick down the line was often seen as the last resort, not so in the opening round. The long bomb from the kick in, from the wing and to the forward line is back. And with the long, high kick has brought his fancied, beautiful cousin, the high mark. Big forwards and ruckmen taking pack marks looks to be returning this year, and no footy fan can complain about that.

The Super Sub.
AFL copped come criticism over the new rule over pre-season, yet I felt the sub on the bench is definitely  good thing. Jared Waite was the first player ever subbed, bit of trivia. The sub rule has added a little bit of tactics, and fairness. In the case of an injury both teams remain relatively even with bench rotations which is only fair. The new tactics of bringing on a fresh player was very interesting as each teams managed the fresh player differently, although Sydney stuffed theirs up with the choice of Mark Seaby as sub.

Jimmy Bartel and David Hille.
Although Bartel copped a $900 fine, he was one of the shining lights during the disgusting match on Friday night, and his second half was magnificent. It was the left foot snap from the point post that captured the imagination, and woke me up. A deliberate go at the goals inspired the cats to a victory.
Hille flew high like so many ruckmen do, and his mark of the week was sensational. Putting his hand up for the yearly prize, he flew over his team mate to take a top grab.

Close Finishes.
With the exception of Collingwood dominating, and Essendon shredding the Bulldogs apart, every other game was on well into the third quarter. Each of those games lead to exciting last quarters which yielded a draw and two other results within a goal. The fans were rewarded for the wait to the start of the season, and who doesn't love an exciting finish? Well, I love and exciting finish at least.

Team Improvement.
Everyone has heard about the Bombers, and they played terrifically in the opener, if they keep this level of intensity up, they will easily make the finals. The West Coast Eagles also impressed me, the same outfit last year would of given away the match on Sunday once the Kangaroos stole the lead in the last quarter. Brisbane Lions also were a good surprise, playing good football and were sincerely robbed by injuries,