Welcome back to Between The Sticks as we break down all the fallout from Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season.

We dive into Carlton’s win that didn’t quite feel convincing — despite a huge showing from Patrick Cripps — and what their second-half drop-off means moving forward. We also unpack Collingwood’s forward line struggles, defensive concerns, and whether it’s time to bring in fresh talent.

Plus, we reveal our Top Team & Flop Team of the Week, discuss the growing noise around umpiring and rule changes, and assess Essendon’s direction under Brad Scott. We also cover key Swans injuries and debate whether Tom De Koning can live up to his $1.8M price tag.