The top 10 takeaways from round two

Zero Hanger takes a look at the ten things that caught our eye in round two.

Published by
Sebastian Clarke

From surprise losses to some horror injury news, we take a look at the ten things that we took away from round two.

Jack Riewoldt's injury

When the Tigers' star forward hit the turf hard on Thursday night, many feared for Riewoldt, with the 30-year-old clutching at his right wrist. It looked like Riewoldt was set for a lengthy time on the sidelines with reporters claiming the three-time Coleman medallist had broken his wrist resulting in a minimum two-months on the pine. The Tigers revealed on Friday morning that the Premiership hero had avoided surgery and will instead miss just a month with a ruptured ligament. Can the Tigers' hold up without their two spine-players?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 28: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers holds his wrist during the 2019 AFL round 02 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

The questionable umpiring

Sunday afternoon's clash brought all sorts of drama to social media with the Bulldogs storming home to win by 19 points after being 30 points down at three-quarter-time. At one stage, the Dogs had kicked three goals from their last four kicks prompting questionable umpiring decisions. The first one being made in the center of the ground that saw second-year youngster James Worpel run through the center circle after being previously warned not to do so by officiating umpire, Chris Donlon.

The second decision was made against Hawthorn hot-head James Sicily, who seemingly was shoving youngster Josh Schache when the free-kick was awarded to the ex-Lion, who steered through his fourth of the day. Hawks fans will be upset with this one.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 28: the umpire warns Patrick Cripps of the Blues for breaking the 6-6-6 rule during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at Ikon Park on February 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

A Dee-Molition

Simon Goodwin's men came into Saturday night's clash against the Cat' as slight outsiders to take away a win. You wouldn't have thought so when the two sides ran out on GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats came out whopping 80-point victors to leave the Demons scratching their heads. Melbourne's midfield had no issue collecting possessions with inside midfielder Clayton Oliver racking up a huge 44 disposals alongside Angus Brayshaw (33) and co-captain Jack Viney (27). But this must have the coaching panel scrambling to find the source of the Demons slow start to 2019.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Demons head coach Simon Goodwin enters the huddle at at three quarter time during the round 12 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jack Watts

When the former number one pick had a nightmare of an off-season, Watts was able to produce a stellar game last weekend accumulating 22 disposals and nine marks. The 28-year-old had many believing he was set for a comeback year.  That come-back year came to a crashing halt when the rejuvenated half-back-flanker was taken down in a tackle by Dale Thomas. Watts' ankle was caught under the Blues veteran resulting in the 196cm being stretchered off to the claps of the Port Adelaide faithful. It is unlikely we will see Watts again in 2019.

Jack Watts during the round 11 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Port Adelaide Power at University of Tasmania Stadium on June 2, 2018 in Launceston, Australia.

The Buddy Show

He was back and better than ever on Friday night, although he couldn't quite drag his Swans over the line at the SCG. Franklin booted three goals, including a "vintage Buddy" goal from the intersection of the 50-meter-line and the boundary. At 32 years of age, if Franklin is able to keep himself on the park, we can expect the Swans to bounce back from their poor start.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Lance Franklin of the Swans celebrates a goal during the round four AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

An unfurling for the ages

When the Eagles unfurled their flag on Saturday night against the Giants, many were looking toward the team entrance tunnel. Little did they know the flag would come from greater heights. The Eagles mascot, Rick "The Rock" Eagle performed a backflip from the top of the new Optus Stadium with the 2018 premiership flag in tow. Good luck to any teams looking to top the Eagles' stylish performance.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Auzzie the Eagle lands on the 2018 Premiership Cup during the 2019 AFL round 02 match between the West Coast Eagles and the GWS Giants at Optus Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The Roaring Lion

They were simply impressive on Sunday afternoon, kicking the last six of seven goals in the last quarter. The Lions ran out 20-point-victors as they put the foot down when they needed to. Neale was impressive once again with a personal high disposal count of 43, while ex-Crow Charlie Cameron also stood-out with four goals. It's all aboard the Lions express. Can they keep their undefeated streak going when they come up against fellow 2-0 impresses in the Power? or will they crumble at the Gabba this Saturday night.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Luke Hodge of the Lions runs with the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Are the Dogs back?

Their performance on the weekend had glimpses of the 15' and 16' Bulldogs'. They were fast, exuberant and most importantly, exciting. At three-quarter-time, the Dogs looked down and out trailing by 30 points to a side that knocked off the Crows a week earlier in the Hawks. The likes of Liberatore, Wallis, and Schache, who booted four goals seemingly lit up the stage after criticism hit the former pick two. Are the Dogs' a sneaky chance at challenging for the eight?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Tom Liberatore of the Bulldogs kicks whilst being tackled by James Worpel of the Hawks during the round two AFL match between the Hawthorn hawks and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The De-Scussion

After star Pies forward Jordan De Goey lit the MCG up on Thursday night, many prompted the discussion that the 73-gamer should be joining the million-dollar-club in the coming years. Some experts quickly shuffled the claims to the side, claiming the 23-year-old is yet to show consistency in the black and white. Is Jordan De Goey worth one-million a year?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Mason Cox of the Magpies (top) and Jordan De Goey of the Magpies celebrate during the 2019 AFL round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Woosha Out?

Many Bomber fans were left bemused by their beloved Dons on Saturday afternoon after John Worsfold's men produced back-to-back horror performance. Essendon fans are starting to become restless at the thought of missing finals for a second consecutive year after many predicted the men from the Tullamarine to feature in the finals. Some fans have even suggested moving the 350 game coach on. Fair to say he is coaching for his future over the next month.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - APRIL 29: Bombers head coach John Worsfold looks dejected after defeat during the round 6 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

 

Published by
Sebastian Clarke