The AFL’s Opening Round has some extra spice!

There might be some extra feeling in Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney’s Opening Round clash after Giants CEO Dave Matthews returned serve to Mason Cox for the American’s social media dig.

As part of the Opening Round fixture revealed this week, the Magpies face the Giants at Giants Stadium on Saturday night.

Watch the 2023 AFL Draft live on Monday November 20 from 7pm AEDT, exclusive to Fox Footy and Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

Leveraging the NRL’s blockbuster Las Vegas Round 1 schedule, Cox, who’s never shy to speak openly, took to the X application to have a cheeky crack at GWS’ home base.

“Round 1 NRL goes to Las Vegas. AFL premiers go to … A showground for livestock”, Cox posted on X in reference to Giants Stadium hosting the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

It didn’t go down particularly well with Matthews, who hit back at the premiership Magpie on SEN radio on Friday.

“To be honest, it’s D-grade comedy at best,” Matthews told SEN’s The Captains Run.

“I guess that’s his thing. I guess it resonates with some people. I didn’t see it, someone showed it to me.

“I guess our players and fans are looking forward to giving him a warm welcome when he does get here, assuming he’s in the side.”

Collingwood defeated the Giants by one point in this year’s preliminary final as part of Craig McRae’s epic premiership run.