🏉 Opening Round is done and dusted — but the early clues for the 2026 AFL season are already starting to emerge.

🏉 In this episode of Footy Lowdown, Ash breaks down every match from the opening slate, unpacking the tactics, momentum swings and trends that shaped the first five games of the year.

🏉 There’s also a look at standout individual performances, the emergence of several exciting young players, and the moments that may prove more significant as the season unfolds.

🏉 Along the way, he shares his votes from each game, unveils the first Team of the Week, and reflects on the broader themes already shaping the competition.

🏉 Plus, Ash runs through the things he loved about the return of footy, the frustrations that come with the modern media cycle around the game, and the talking points that will carry into the next round.

🏉 With plenty of early storylines already bubbling away and a few clubs sending strong messages to the rest of the league, the 2026 season is only just getting started — and there’s a lot to unpack.

🏉 If you love footy and want to look beyond the scoreboard, this is your Opening Round deep dive.