We are already on the cusp of our third weekend of footy. Round 2 we will see eight games, where 16 teams will battle it out, with many clubs looking for their first win of the season as Brisbane and Carlton have byes this week.
Must-watch games this weekend include the first clash of the round when St Kilda take on Collingwood at the MCG.
Another blockbuster is set for Saturday night when Sydney hosts Essendon at the SCG, where a new story is always written when these two teams play.
Sunday will see Richmond host Port Adelaide at the MCG, with the Tigers hoping to get their first win of the season, though Port will not make this easy.
It's going to be another big weekend of footy and below we have focused on a player who is going in under the radar, a player who needs to step up, a player that's sure to gain plenty of attention, a big matchup, a player potentially could look at a new role and a player who is on a comeback.
Under the radar: Caleb Windsor
Caleb Windsor has had a great start to his AFL career and is getting more confident in his game as he gets more experience. He seems to be flying under the radar and it won't be long until he receives a Rising Star nomination.
He is very clean, level-headed, has aerobic power and a high level of endurance. Only 18 years old, he seems to only be getting stronger and better each game, if he continues his form he will become a huge threat in the AFL while working alongside the likes of Petracca and Oliver.
This week Windsor will fly under the radar and it's anticipated he will make an impact on the game and cause problems for the Hawks
Needs to step up: Collingwood's tall forwards
Collingwood's key forwards have had an inconsistent start to the season, not being able to convert or take contested marks.
For Collingwood to get their first win of the season tonight they need the likes of Brody Mihocek, MasonCox, Darcy Cameron and inclusion Reef McInnes to step up and use the forward craft we know they have.
The past two weeks they have lacked effort and intensity. Collingwood is having issues getting the ball in their forward 50 and when the ball is coming into their forward line they are having problems keeping possession and locking the ball in.
Their forward line is pretty experienced with Mihocek leading the charge, so there's no excuse that they lack experience or talent. There is a need for the Collingwood forward line to step up when they take on St Kilda and be the dangerous forward line they are capable of being and have done in previous years.
All eyes are on... James Sicilyย
All focus will be on James Sicily going into Round 2 after a poor performance last week against Essendon was followed by a successful trip to the AFL Tribunal. All eyes will be on him and if he will be able to stand up against the Demons while potentially getting tagged again.
Sicily made no significant contribution to the game last week, receiving attention solely for his altercation when he kicked Essendon half-back Andrew McGrath. He only managed 11 touches last week and for his team to be competitive this week against Melbourne he will need to have a greater impact on the game and as captain for the Hawks.
If he gets another tag will he again be taken completely out of the game and have another poor performance? We'll see.
The big matchup: Soldo vs. Nankervis
The biggest matchup for Round 2 will be on Sunday afternoon between former teammates Ivan Soldo and Toby Nankervis, with the pair battling it out in the ruck.
This will be the first time these two take on each other following Soldo's move to Alberton.
Soldo had an impressive first game for the Power last week and will be eager to continue his form. He will want to get the upper hand on his ex-captain Nankervis and prove he is the better ruckman. Nankervis will have to be in the best form to shut down Soldo who is in great shape.
A new role? Aaron Naughton
Should Aaron Naughton return to his roots with a move to the backline for the Bulldogs?
The discussion this week has been about Luke Beveridge utilising Naughton's talent by having him in an overcrowded forward line.
The Dogs still have key forwards Rory Lobbย and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and can use Sam Darcy forward. The Dogs have a serious weakness in their backline excluding Liam Jones and they are all over the place in defence.
Naughton is a great intercept marker and was traditionally a defender, moving him back would see him able to utilise his talent more and would be the best option for the Bulldogs at the moment. Naughton against the Dees only managed one goal and six disposals, he is a wasted talent at the moment being used in the forward line and for the Dogs to be contenders this year something needs to change and shifting Naughton to the backline seems the best solution.
On the comeback: Taylor Walker
Crows key forward Taylor Walker is expected to return this week when the Crows host Geelong at home.
The Crows forward line struggled last week without Walker, and it's anticipated he will have an instant impact when he returns to be a handful for Geelong defenders.
Walker is returning after recovering from a back injury that saw him miss the Crows' first game of 2024, where Adelaide suffered a six-point loss to the Suns.
If Walker is back to his best this weekend he will be a big danger in their forward line, not only with his talent but as a crucial part in the Crows' forward 50 with his leadership.
