Preview of every Round 2 match-up
Footy is finally back and there is one man who will be looking forward to getting out there more than most. Who will get the season reboot off to a flying start? Here is a preview of every match in Round 2.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Footy is finally back and there are a host of blockbusters coming up in the first round of the competition’s restart.
Perhaps the biggest of the lot is the first AFL game since March 22 - reigning premiers Richmond up against Collingwood under lights on Thursday night.
Who will get the season reboot off to a flying start?
Chris Cavanagh and Gilbert Gardiner preview every match in Round 2.
THURSDAY
Collingwood v Richmond, MCG, 7.40pm
Last five meetings: Richmond 3-2.
TAB odds: Collingwood $2.30, Richmond $1.65.
Chris Cavanagh says: Toot, toot. It’s time to stoke the fire and get the Tiger train rolling again. Richmond hasn’t yet unfurled the 2019 flag and won’t until fans can return, but that won’t stop Damien Hardwick’s side chasing another one. Don’t be surprised to see Grand Final hero Marlion Pickett in the ruck at some stage, the club’s new Shaun Grigg. But the Magpies showed back in Round 1 they are not going to be any pushover this year as they swept aside the Western Bulldogs by 52 points.
Get your footy fix on KAYO ahead of live matches returning soon. Watch classic battles from the 60s to today, docos, news and more. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
FRIDAY
Geelong v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, 7.50pm
Last five meetings: Hawthorn 3-2.
TAB odds: Geelong $1.52, Hawthorn $2.55.
Chris Cavanagh says: The mind games have already begun, with Alastair Clarkson reminding the Cats that his side won by 52 points last time they ventured down the highway in 2006. Clarkson also declared the Cattery was just “green grass” with “four goalposts at either end”, saying the ground holds no fears for his side. Hawthorn will give Jaeger O’Meara (facial fracture) and Blake Hardwick (chest) every chance to play. The Cats are set to be at full strength, minus Jack Steven.
SATURDAY
Brisbane Lions v Fremantle, Gabba, 1.45pm
Last five meetings: Fremantle 3-2.
TAB odds: Bris Lions $1.33, Fremantle $3.30.
Chris Cavanagh says: The Dockers are about to spend at least a month in Queensland but this won’t be a warm welcome against a Lions side which finished second on the ladder last season. Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe drove trucks during his time off and will need to generate plenty of drive through the midfield if the young Dockers are any chance. The Lions’ only injury issue is Marcus Adams, but Fremantle will be missing its two best key defenders Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce which will make the going tough.
Carlton v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm
Last five meetings: Melbourne 4-1.
TAB odds: Carlton $2.50, Melbourne $1.55.
Gilbert Gardiner says: Patrick Cripps says it's time for action out on the field, well, carn Carlton, let's see these famous green shoots turn into Old Dark Navy Blue warriors. Huge chance for outsiders Carlton to perform at odds with Harry McKay and Eddie Betts among the likely inclusions but recycled Hawk-turned-Blue Marc Pittonet would be excused for sleeping with the light on ahead of the battle with peroxide Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn.
Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm
Last five meetings: Adelaide 3-2.
TAB odds: Port Adelaide $1.48, Adelaide $2.65.
Gilbert Gardiner says: Quick, bounce the ball so we don't have to listen to bored administrators whinging about the 'prison bar' jumper design. The Power by plenty would be the smart play as the Crows rebuild their list and club identity on the run. Port Adelaide to be at full strength, with Ollie Wines (shoulder) and Charlie Dixon (adductor) back after both missed Round 1 with respective injuries. Adelaide key defender Tom Doedee also set to return from a long-term knee injury.
Gold Coast v West Coast, Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm
Last five meetings: West Coast 3-1 (one draw).
TAB odds: Gold Coast $6, West Coast 1.13.
Gilbert Gardiner says: In recent seasons, Gold Coast has appeared to be most dangerous at the start of the year, only then to fall in a heap. What a golden opportunity Queensland border controls and the AFL hub project could be for the Suns’ guaranteed home-ground advantage. Hard to get a gauge on West Coast without exposed form but at their best would be winning by triple digits. Suspect the burden of isolation and hub life will result in a lot closer scoreline come Sunday.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERALD SUN FOOTY PODCAST HERE
SUNDAY
GWS Giants v North Melbourne, Giants Stadium, 1.05pm
Last five meetings: GWS Giants 3-2.
TAB odds: GWS Giants $1.32, North Melb $3.40.
Gilbert Gardiner says: Let’s be honest, there is enough talent in the Giants’ line-up alone to start a team in Tasmania. As central as Rhyce Shaw has been to the revitalisation of North Melbourne the rookie coach would need to be Harry Houdini to pull off an upset of giant proportions. Giants stars Callan Ward and Zac Williams on track, while the Kangaroos must decide whether Nick Larkey (foot) has done enough to play.
Sydney v Essendon, SCG, 3.35pm
Last five meetings: Sydney 3-2.
TAB odds: Sydney $1.85, Essendon $2.
Gilbert Gardiner says: Are they playing for the Joe Daniher Cup? Unfortunately for Essendon and Daniher (groin), the gun but luckless forward must make do with watching the clash on television. In better news, Bombers, skipper Dyson Heppell and Cale Hooker are among possible inclusions. But Orazio Fantasia – go on, say it, ‘Orazzzeeeooo’ – misses out with a quad injury. If Sydney ‘full forward’ Isaac Heeney boots another bag of goals the Swans might wonder if they need Lance Franklin (hamstring) anymore.
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium, 6.05pm
Last five meetings: Western Bulldogs 3-2.
TAB odds: St Kilda $2.55, Bulldogs $1.52.
Chris Cavanagh says: If you think Donald Trump has had a bad week, imagine how the loser of this game is going to feel. The Dogs were as soft as a feather in their 52-point Round 1 loss to Collingwood, while the Saints coughed up a 31-point lead to lose to an undermanned North Melbourne. In a 17-game season, both sides need to make amends — quickly. Could there be a few sparks when new Bulldog Josh Bruce takes on his old side for the first time?
MORE AFL NEWS:
North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw doubles down on comments about Round 2 plane companions Essendon