Carlton vs Collingwood
Thursday March 25, MCG, 7:20pm AEDT
Team News:ย Nathan Buckley has confirmed there will be some changes to the Pies lineup after a flat round one display but will opt against any wholesale changes, Steele Sidebottom will return in a massive boost for the Pies midfield. Trey Ruscoe and Ollie Henry were quiet and will make way for Sidebottom and Callum Brown.
Carlton will unveil new recruit Zac Williams after he served his one-game suspension and forward Jack Martin will return from a calf complaint to add some speed and class. Eddie Betts got through a VFL practice game last week and kicked 2 goals but remains out of the side to face the Magpies.
Lochie O'Brien (omitted) and Jack Silvagni (shoulder) make way for Williams and Martin.
Prediction: If form from last weekย is anything to go off, Carlton will be too good in attack. Carlton by 17 points.
Geelong vs Brisbane
Friday March 26, GMHBA Stadium, 7:50pm AEDT
Team News: Patrick Dangerfield will serve the first game of his three-week suspension this week, while Sam Menegola was subbed out during the Cats' loss to Adelaide - but looks set to get up for Friday nights crunch game against Brisbane. The Cats will still be without Jeremy Cameron as well, giving Josh Jenkins another chance to lay claim to a key forward spot.
The Cats were out-hunted last weekend and will again be the hunted despite the loss, with the Lions coming off the back of an even worse performance and away from home.
Brisbane will rely more on a lift from the 23 than anyone coming back into the team. Their intensity has been questioned over the past week and they will need to respond. Loser of this could be in some trouble going by history, as only 5 teams have made the finals from 0-2 in the past decade.
Prediction:ย Kardinia Park might just be the deciding factor in this one.ย Cats by 4 points.
Sydney vs Adelaide
Saturday March 27, SCG, 1:45pm AEDT
Team News: Who would have thought these two would be undefeated coming into round 2? It's almost a free shot at the stumps for both clubs.
Lance Franklin is set to play his first game in over a year as he returns from a number of soft tissue injuries. Hayden McLean looks the most likely to make way for Franklin with the Swans unlikely to make too many changes. James Rowbottom is in some doubt with a knee complaint.
The Crows will be without Jake Kelly after he suffered a concussion and Luke Brown suffered an Achilles issue that will likely see him miss. There are a few names waiting in the wings but there isn't much in the way of defensive cover. David McKay may slot in to maintain some experience in the league's youngest team, while Matt Crouch will miss again.
Prediction:ย Buddy may add the fire power to see the Swans fly to 2-0. Sydney by 11 points.
Port Adelaide vs Essendon
Saturday March 27, Adelaide Oval, 4:35pm AEDT
Team News: Port are humming and will be looking for an easy kill against the wounded Bombers. Orazio Fantasia will be in the spotlight as he faces his former club off the back of a four-goal haul on his Power debut.
The Power are heading to the break on fire ๐ฅ
Fantasia gets his second and extends their lead! #AFLNorthPower pic.twitter.com/RyCxImOf52
— AFL (@AFL) March 21, 2021
Port Adelaide implemented their medical sub when Riley Bonner injured his hamstring before Travis Boak suffered a nasty cork. Boak will be good to go however Bonner will miss. Connor Rozee is available and Ken Hinkley said he was "very excited" for him to return but wouldn't rush him back. Hamish Hartlett is also fit for selection.
The Bombers were brilliant in the second quarter against the Hawks before falling away in the most dramatic fashion. Jake Stringer is available but won't be rushed back, while Archie Perkins was impressive in the reserves.
Prediction:ย Port Adelaide will be in cruise control for most of the day here. Port Adelaide by 42 points.
St Kilda vs Melbourne
Saturday March 27, Marvel Stadium, 7:25pm AEDT
Team News:ย The Saints were super tough in the wet away from home against GWS in a brilliant win. Missing a number of first-choice players the Saints rallied late in the last term to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.
There will be welcomed returns for Max King and Zak Jones who both return from injury, but who goes out remains to be seen. Jack Bytel and Tom Highmore were both good enough to retain their spot while late inclusion Dan McKenzie looms as one of the unlucky ones to drop out.
Watching the replay again and the first contest in the first minute from Tom Highmore wouldโve been one highlighted in the review ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/NZovIIVIwi
— Brad (@bitey26) March 23, 2021
Melbourne weren't ultra convincing against the undermanned Dockers but they got the job done. Tom McDonald showed glimpses of his 2018 form which was a massive boost to the Demons' injury-hit forward group. Jack Viney, Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd all played in the VFL last week and will put their hand up for selection in Round 2. You'd assume Viney gets back in with Melksham and Hibberd battling it out for the substitute position.
Prediction:ย Both teams impressive in their own right last week. Saints inclusions should get them over the line.ย Saints by 10 points.
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne
Saturday March 27, Metricon Stadium, 8:10pm AEDT
Team News:ย The Suns were gallant over in the West before being beaten by a touch of experience and maybe some more seasoned legs. They lose Matt Rowell to a PCL injury, which was a cruel blow for the young Sun.
Gold Coast were mightily impressive last weekend and will like their chances against a North Melbourne team who were pretty plain after quarter time. The 'Roos tried their heart out against the Power but were never in the contest.
Curtis Taylor will miss after suffering a nasty concussion late in the game. The 'Roos were also missing Jed Anderson, Taylor Garner and Aaron Hall who will be pushing for selection, while Robbie Tarrant and Luke McDonald are still a few weeks ago. Anderson and Hall are expected to be named.
Prediction:ย The Suns were very close last week and will be thrilled to return home and host a vulnerable North Melbourne.ย Gold Coast by 31 points.
Hawthorn vs Richmond
Sunday March 28, MCG, 1:10pm AEDT
Team News:ย The Tigers are another club who will likely name the player they substituted out of the game, with Nick Vlastuin likely to feature after a knee complaint ended his season opener early.
The reigning premiers managed to secure a hard-fought win over the Blues in Round 1 and will be boosted with the inclusion of skipper Trent Cotchin, who has overcome a case of Gastro. Bachar Houli remains another week away as he battles a calf complaint.
The Hawks were brave in a come-from-behind victory over the Bombers on Saturday night. Their kids were good enough to retain a spot and Connor Downie may be a chance to break into the 22 after debuting as an unused substitute.
Prediction:ย The Hawks were brave last week but the Tigers are a different beast. Tigers by 35 points.ย
Western Bulldogs vs West Coast Eagles
Sunday March 28, Marvel Stadium, 3:20pm AEDT
The Eagles grinded their way to a victory last week over the young Gold Coast Suns, but will need to be on their game once again to get over the Bulldogs. This game is no doubt a battle of the midfield, with both teams' strength in the centre square.
Eagles skipper Luke Shuey is set to miss again with a hamstring issue as they look likely to go in unchanged. Brendon Ah Chee was good in the WAFL last week and could slide in as the sub.
The Dogs were good but didn't put the Pies to the sword. The score read much closer than what the game felt however. Easton Wood won't be rushed back, while Jason Johannisen is still out of favour and will find it hard to get back in this week. Number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan kicked five goals in the VFL last week to put his name forward for an AFL debut.
Prediction:ย The Eagles had issues when away from home last year and this is a stiff first test on the road.ย Western Bulldogs by 9 points.
