In the lead-up to the opening round of the 2022 AFL season, it’s interesting to reflect on the Round 1 goalkicking exploits of Richmond ‘Immortal’ Jack Titus.

The Tigers’ Team of the Century full-forward and all-time leading goalkicker at the Club, with 970 goals in 294 games, was renowned for getting his season off to a flying start.

Titus made his senior debut with Richmond in Round 12, 1926 and played five games all-up that season. The following year he managed only one appearance and then 10 in 1928.

But after kicking four goals in the opening round of the 1929 season against Collingwood at Victoria Park, Titus established himself as an integral member of the Tigers’ line-up.

In 15 Round 1 matches from 1929-1943, Titus booted a total of 67 goals, with a best return of nine against North Melbourne (1938 at Punt Road).

His opening round form is even more impressive if you confine it to the period from 1934-42, when he booted 51 goals in nine games.

Here is a summary of Titus’ Round 1 goalkicking performances from 1929-43.

1929 v Collingwood, Victoria Park – four goals.

1930 v Collingwood, Punt Road – three goals.

1931 v Carlton, Princes Park – two goals.

1932 v St Kilda, Punt Road – five goals.

1933 v Melbourne, MCG – zero goals.

1934 v Melbourne, Punt Road – eight goals.

1935 v Footscray, Western Oval – six goals.

1936 v St Kilda, Punt Road – six goals.

1937 v Melbourne, MCG – four goals.

1938 v North Melbourne, Punt Road – four goals.

1939 v Melbourne, MCG – five goals.

1940 v Footscray, Punt Road – four goals.

1941 v Collingwood, Victoria Park – four goals.

1942 v Footscray, Punt Road – five goals.

1943 v Carlton, Princes Park – two goals.