AFL round one 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from the MCG in Melbourne

When Richmond dynamo Sam Lalor announced himself to the football world last year, Jagga Smith had to watch from the sidelines.

Now, Carlton’s former No.3 draft pick Smith can finally go head-to-head with Lalor, who has two picks ahead of him at the end of 2024.

And none of their coaches can wait to see who comes out on top.

Smith, 20, missed his entire debut season after tearing his ACL last February but made 27 disposals on his debut despite Carlton’s disappointing opening-round defeat to Sydney.

Lalor, 19, scored twice from 18 qualifiers as Richmond stunned Carlton in last year’s first round, showing the forward midfield dynamo he can be in 11 appearances before hamstring injuries doom 2025.

“It’s really exciting for Jagga; I’ve known Jagga for a while and you hate to see little kids get hurt,” Richmond coach Adem Yze said.

“Of course you understand them when they are not playing, but when you get the chance to see them face each other it will be really exciting for both clubs.

“… He (Smith) is clearly going to be a threat that we have to worry about.”

Yze pointed out that Lalor will spend more time in midfield after his accurate strikes last season, and will probably be in the 60-40 forward midfield division.

The big, strong Lalor and the lighter, smooth-moving Smith will most likely face each other in the middle.

“I don’t think I want Jagga at full-back,” Blues coach Michael Voss said.

“I hope we can see it in the middle. They are both talented young men.

“We had to decipher all the evidence throughout the draft, they are both very different players: one is very power-oriented, and then there is Jagga, who we think is a player for us.

“I’m sure Richmond isn’t disappointed either. I’m sure their paths will cross, obviously we hope we can get the upper hand.”

Although neither team played in the final last year, the match is expected to attract a large crowd.

Yze refused to accept any questions about whether Carlton and Richmond deserved the season opener.

“This is a very important match and a very exciting game for both clubs,” he said.

“Even if you talk to the players who missed it today, the first round game against Carlton is a game you really want to play.

“Of course there’s that mentality for the players too, but for our club, their club and the tournament, reaching an average of 80,000 spectators every year, no matter how many years we’ve been doing this, I think that’s enough in itself.”

AAP