From the hyped to the hopefuls, it was time for a new group of AFL debutants to hit the ground running as the new AFL season began.

Some players came in carrying more expectations than others, but the pressure was on for all once games got underway.

As always, players had a variety of roles and time on ground, depending on team needs and other factors.

From the first bounce of the round to the last, let's take a look back at how the first-gamers went.   

Lachlan Cowan — Carlton

Cowan was a tactical substitution after three quarters of the game on opening night at the MCG — he had picked up eight touches and laid two tackles in defence for the Blues. He also showed good hands, taking a couple of solid marks.

The young defender was subbed out after playing 53 per cent of game time. It will be interesting to see if or when Carlton give Alex Cincotta a chance — he and Cowan look to be the race in two as the permanent replacement for the season for the injured Zac Williams off half-back.

Oliver Hollands — Carlton 

The brother of the Suns' Elijah, Hollands had an excellent introduction to the AFL on the wing for the Blues.

He had 11 touches — five kicks and six handballs — took two marks and laid three tackles in his 81 per cent of game time. But it was more than numbers that caught the eye.

His running ability stood out and his whole-hearted effort in the first quarter where he found himself one against two in defensive 50 — the two being Tom Lynch and Maurice Rioli.

Hollands closed in, won the ball and managed to clear his lines as Blues fans roared their approval. He did not look out of place in one of the AFL's marquee games of the season.

Harry Sheezel — Nth Melbourne 

The clear stand-out of the opening round — Sheezel had impressed in preseason outings, but not even the most one-eyed of Kangaroos fans would have banked on his production against West Coast.

He had 34 disposals, including nine contested possessions and six intercept possessions, three score involvements and a goal assist, not to mention a monster 631 metres gained.

This all came off half-back — Sheezel looked like he had been playing at AFL level for ages, and you get the feeling he will be just as dangerous when he spends any significant time forward. He's the kind of player North will be building their side around for the next decade.

Noah Long — West Coast

Long played his role in the Eagles comeback — which ultimately failed — as a small mid-forward.

He had seven contested possessions out of 10 overall, used the ball well when he had it and showed good pace and intensity to try and pressure the Kangaroos.

He laid two tackles inside 50 and celebrated an important goal when he was left alone at the end of a chain to kick one from the goal square to keep West Coast hopes alive late in the final term.

Reuben Ginbey — West Coast

In the same game, a new Eagles midfielder proved he was well up to speed. Ginbey was fierce, laying 12 tackles and winning seven contested possessions.

He found himself in amongst it, firing out 11 handballs to just four kicks — a Matt Priddis-like ratio — but he also showed he had the pace to run into space and the kicks he did have showed his ability to hit targets. His three score involvements wouldn't have hurt either.

Campbell Chesser — West Coast

It was a quiet game first-up for the Eagles' first-gamer, but it was never about the stats, more the experience after Chesser missed all of 2022 with a nasty ankle injury from a practice match.

He had five disposals from nearly 70 per cent of game time, but after the match coach Adam Simpson was keen to point out that for Chesser and a number of others who had missed substantial periods last year it was about getting a game under the belt. Time will tell.

Will Ashcroft — Brisbane

After all the hype, there were some concerns when the Lions' star father-son selection took a while to get his first touch. But once he did everyone was reminded why he was so widely-sought after.

His timing and his disposal were excellent — but really, all you had to see to understand his potential was his goal in the second quarter.

He ran towards a bouncing ball, took possession inside 50, calmly avoided being flattened by Darcy Byrne-Jones and then steadied, stepped inside and slotted a perfect right-foot shot from 35.

He'll be just fine, Brisbane fans. More than fine.

Judd McVee — Melbourne

The Demons went into their opener against the Western Bulldogs with big expectations, but they didn't need the late withdrawal of Steven May at the heart of their defence.

WA draftee Judd McVee came into the side and was more than serviceable against the Bulldogs' forward line.

At 185cm he wasn't there for his big marking, although he had four intercept possessions (14 overall), including a solid running mark to cut off one Dogs' attack.

More impressive was his cool disposal, helping the Dees going forward out of defensive 50. One for the future.

Bailey Laurie — Melbourne

Also making his debut for the Demons was former Oakleigh Chargers running mid-forward Bailey Laurie. Given the options at his team's disposal, Laurie had less opportunity and was subbed after 47 per cent of game time.

But everything he did do was spot on — from his tackle on Ed Richards that set up a goal for Ben Brown, to his coolness post-turnover to find Kyle Chandler close to goal to set up another major.

Bodhi Uwland — Gold Coast

Suns' Academy player Bohdi Uwland had a veritable AFL baptism of fire, coming up against the losing grand finalists with a point to prove on a sauna of a night at Carrara.

He did well, albeit there were times where he looked a little overwhelmed (like many of his teammates) against the rampaging Swans.

He had 20 disposals including nine intercept possessions, one clearance and two inside 50s — a more than solid outing — but further opportunities may be limited with Lachie Weller and Wil Powell on the verge of a return. 

Max Michalanney — Adelaide

The Crows' father-son selection debuted in Adelaide's loss to the Giants.

His numbers weren't huge off half-back — 12 disposals, three marks, one tackle from 79 per cent game time. But there were good signs.

He out-marked Jake Ricciardi on the last line of defence at one point, positioned himself well, and was a clean kick who wasn't afraid to take chances, either with the ball or choosing targets.

Cam Mackenzie — Hawthorn

Like the rest of his team, Mackenzie faded a bit in the second half as the Bombers ran over the Hawks. But his 18 touches were a strong start, and he will definitely be one to watch during the season.

Mackenzie showed great awareness, being able to be where he needed to be to set up attacks, and had speed to go. Even more impressive for the first-gamer was his ability to hit a variety of kicks, and to know the right kick for the right occasion.

Just ask Chad Wingard, whose early goal of the year contender was set up by Mackenzie's quick burst and solid delivery — although Wingard had to do it the hard way after getting the ball half-spoiled.

Alwyn Davey Jr — Essendon

He drifted at times, but the Bombers’ father-son pick showed he will be a valuable addition. Davey showed he was willing to work hard on a wing or up forward.

He showed eye-popping speed and an ability to close down opponents that put the Hawks under the pump.

His goal before half-time was a perfect little cameo — a well-timed leap to outpoint a Hawks defender, good hands to take the mark and then kicking truly before a bit of prime-time celebration.

Mattaes Phillipou — St Kilda

This South Australian draftee — who will not turn 19 until two days after Christmas Day — came in and looked very comfortable against Fremantle.

He has a good head on his shoulders, in game one he never rushed his decisions but let opponents commit before making his move.

Six score involvements including one goal assist was a nicer stat line than the 16 touches, and his mark and goal late in the first half showed composure. He could have had a second after taking a pack mark deep inside 50, but advantage led to a Saints goal anyway. A strong start.

Anthony Caminiti — St Kilda

The Saints' injury woes meant that 19-year-old Caminiti, who went undrafted in 2021, got his chance against Freo.

He answered the call. At close to 2m tall he offers a solid target — he took two marks, one contested, but Ross Lyon would have been happy with the way he presented despite a lack of possessions.

He has a strong kick — a big roost from outside 50 could have given him his first goal but it sprayed wide.