It was a divisive moment in footy circles when the AFL announced a new interchange cap rule that would restrict sides to just 75 rotations per game. 

Some could see what the league was trying to do, others harboured concerns about the potential increased risk of injury among other things. 

There was a sense that clubs may struggle to keep below the new threshold.

So, would it surprise you to learn that only four of the 18 clubs reached 75 rotations in Round 1?

Or that Hawthorn used the least of any club across the weekend tallying just 67?

"He was the dominant man on the field." Read Sam Mitchell's rundown of each player in Box Hill's practice match win on the weekend. 

Interestingly, the Hawks' opponents Essendon registered the next fewest with 69 to its name.

Carlton, Richmond, Adelaide and Sydney were the quartet that reached the cap.

Of the 111 minutes of game-time in Hawthorn's victory over the Bombers, the Hawks' pair of key defenders Sam Frost and Kyle Hartigan led the way for their side, playing 97 per cent each.

Reigning Bombers best and fairest winner Jordan Ridley was the only player on the ground to play every minute.

Dylan Moore, Jacob Koschitzke and Will Day were the other three Hawks to play over 90 per cent of game-time, while, at the other end of the spectrum, small forward duo Tyler Brockman and Olly Hanrahan played 65 and 66 per cent respectively. 

This strategic element will continue to be an area of the game that fans will watch with interest throughout the season. 

 

The number of rotations each club tallied in Round 1

Carlton - 75

Richmond - 75

Adelaide - 75

Sydney - 75

Gold Coast - 74

Melbourne - 74

Brisbane - 74

St Kilda - 74

Fremantle - 74

Collingwood - 73

Geelong - 72

Port Adelaide - 72

North Melbourne - 71

Western Bulldogs - 71

GWS - 70

West Coast - 70

Essendon - 69

Hawthorn -  67