The clash between Grundy and former teammate Max Gawn was an eye-catching duel even if it did not greatly influence the result as Sydney surged in the last term to clinch a 22-point triumph over Melbourne in the season-opener on Thursday night.

It was instead the Swans' undermanned midfield bolstered by Isaac Heeney spending more time at the goalface that propelled the hosts to a 12.14 (86) to 9.10 (64) win at the SCG.

06:20

Highlights: Sydney v Melbourne

The Swans and Demons clash in Opening Round

Heeney lined up at the first centre bounce and went on to be the most impactful player around the stoppages in a role that has been much-teased since his debut season in 2015.

The 27-year-old led the way against the Demons' star-studded midfield in the absence of skipper Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams, with 26 disposals (18 contested), 13 clearances and a goal in a superb display.

Chad Warner (26 disposals, one goal) added valuable support in the second half after only eight touches before the break, as Tom Papley (20, one) also spent time in the middle while adding a spark up forward.

00:36

Warner lights up SCG after hitting one sweet for six

Chad Warner lifts his side with a stunning effort from outside 50

Half-back Nick Blakey was just as crucial after half-time as the Swans looked to lower their eyes more when moving the ball forward after Demons defender Steven May had dominated the air.

Clayton Oliver showed few signs of a disrupted pre-season as he returned to the Demons' senior set-up for the first time this year and immediately made his mark.

The star midfielder might not have been quite as clean as usual but made his presence felt with 29 disposals and six clearances as the Demons stayed in touch until the final term.

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By the numbers: Opening Night

There were no concerns with Christian Salem's ball use as the smooth mover shifted from half-back and into the midfield as the Demons looked to get more from their forward 50 entries. 

But it was Jack Viney who stood tallest in the Melbourne midfield with a game-high 31 disposals (14 contested) as well as seven clearances, seven tackles and two goals. 

Bayley Fritsch booted four goals for the Demons, including three in a blistering third term that looked like turning the match in the visitors' favour.

The Swans led by only two points at the last change but slammed on five goals to two to race away and start their 150th season in fine fashion.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 00:25

    McDonald takes flight - Opening Round MOTW, presented by Qatar Airways

    Logan McDonald takes a nice grab late in the fourth quarter.

    AFL
    Mark of the Week
  • 00:32

    Florent brilliance - Opening Round GOTW, presented by Origin Energy

    Ollie Florent kicks a magical goal from 50m to open the Sydney Swans account for 2024

    AFL
    Goal of the Week
  • 08:48

    Post-Match Press Conference, Opening Round

    Watch Sydney’s press conference after Opening Round’s match against Melbourne.

    AFL
  • 01:36

    "I love these boys and I love this footy club" - Papley

    Tom Papley reflects on a memorable win at the SCG that saw the club enjoy some special 150 year celebrations.

    AFL
    News
  • 01:50

    Grundy shines against Dees

    Brodie Grundy shines in his first outing for Sydney, winning the battle against ex-teammate Max Gawn in an enthralling contest

    AFL
  • 01:46

    "Some games mean more, and this is one of those" - Blakey

    A proud Nick Blakey reflects on a historic win in Opening Round at the SCG.

    AFL
  • 06:20

    Highlights: Sydney v Melbourne

    The Swans and Demons clash in Opening Round

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Team Song: Sydney

    Watch the Swans celebrate their Opening Round win

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Warner lights up SCG after hitting one sweet for six

    Chad Warner lifts his side with a stunning effort from outside 50

    AFL
  • 00:43

    McLean makes amends for horror miss

    Hayden McLean squanders a gilt-edged opportunity right in front of goal before sparing his blushes moments later with a major

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Papley picks the drop of the footy to perfection

    Tom Papley scores an electric goal after guiding through a beautiful effort at full pace

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Florent’s freakish running banana opens season in style

    Oliver Florent lands a remarkable first goal to kick off the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

    AFL
  • 01:19

    Umpires and players unite in touching tribute

    Both clubs and umpires come together to pay respects to AFL goal umpire Jesse Baird and partner Luke Davies

    AFL
  • 01:55

    Opening Round Team Selection, presented by QBE

    Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he goes over the team for our Opening Round clash with Melbourne.

    AFL
    Team Selection
  • 01:09

    Longmire announces Grundy and Jordon debuts

    Go behind the scenes at a team meeting as John Longmire confirms Brodie Grundy and James Jordon will make their club debuts in Opening Round.

    AFL
  • 10:46

    "We know the Demons' strengths, but we can't forget ours either" - Longmire

    Hear from John Longmire as he fronts the media ahead of Opening Round at the SCG on Thursday.

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Horse needs YOU

    Horse has a callout to all of our members ahead of Opening Night at the SCG

    AFL

SYDNEY                       3.3       4.3       7.10      12.14 (86)
MELBOURNE              1.6       2.8       7.8       9.10 (64)

GOALS

Sydney: Hayward 2, McLean 2, Florent, Fox, Heeney, McDonald, McInerney, Papley, Warner, Wicks
Melbourne: Fritsch 4, Viney 2, Langdon, Petracca, Van Rooyen

BEST 

Sydney: Heeney, Grundy, Blakey, Warner, Papley, Florent, Rampe
Melbourne: Viney, May, Salem, Petracca, Oliver, Gawn

 INJURIES 

Sydney: Nil
Melbourne: Bowey (shoulder)

SUBSTITUTES

Sydney: Sam Wicks (replaced Joel Amartey in the third quarter)
Melbourne: Jack Billings (replaced Bailey Laurie in the third quarter)

Crowd: 40,012 at the SCG