It’s only round one and the Eagles have already broken records — just not the ones they want

Opinion piece written by Mali Seward

The Eagles were left bitterly disappointed after suffering a record 87-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns during their season opener on Sunday afternoon. The loss highlights the backwards step the “rebuilding” Eagles have taken at the start of their 2025 campaign, with further criticism laid on 19-year-old star Harley Reid.

The Suns dominated in every key stat, winning contested possessions by 43, inside 50s by 33, and out-tackling the Eagles by 18—making it clear the hunger and intensity just wasn’t there for the Eagles.

Ex-premiership-winning Eagle Will Schofield hit back at the unwarranted criticism of Harley Reid, saying there are “100 more issues” at the club than Harley right now. Adelaide Crows club legend Rory Sloane was also quick to comment saying he found it “appalling” that Reid copped such criticism after just “one bad game.” The 19-year-old was grilled for a flop following soft contact from Charlie Ballard, as well as the way he engaged in multiple scuffles with many of the Suns players. Schofield thinks Reid needs to focus more on his own game and let “his footy do the talking” instead of picking fights throughout the match.

Reid has certainly been no stranger to the spotlight in the past 12 months, being one of the most talked about players last season after becoming the competition’s No. 1 draft pick. The criticism has certainly not just been on Reid, with the club changing their CEO, head coach, head of fitness, head of physio, and trading out many senior players; however, the dreadful start has not given Eagles fans any hope for the 2025 season.

Fans were quick to jump on social media, calling the performance “embarrassing,” “unwatchable,” and questioning what direction the club is even heading in after the club massively revamped their management team.

The team need to get back to basics. Priority number one? Pressure around the contest. They need to heavily tighten midfield, stick tackles, and stop leaking goals from turnovers. The forward line also needs to show a lot more structure, with the limited inside 50’s looking weak and unprepared.

There were a few small positives as Elijah Hewett showed composure and Jayden Hunt looked positive throughout the game. But right now, those moments are few and far between.

Looking ahead to Round 2, they face Brisbane away, and with the pressure already growing heavily on the Eagles, another heavy loss and the spotlight will only intensify. A loss is looking likely, with 99% of AFL tippers picking the Lions to win; the Eagles will be hoping to at least show some fight and composure even if a big loss is looming.

This week, they need to go out onto the pitch and let their footy speak. Otherwise, 2025 is going to feel like yet another throwaway, disappointing year for the Eagles and their fans.