AFL Round 2 Tips & Preview - Best bets for Round 2 of the AFL home and away season

Seven matches are scheduled across the round with several clubs enjoying the early bye. Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood and Geelong sit out this week, leaving 14 teams in action from Thursday through to Sunday. Here is our early preview of the Round 2 matches, including suggested bets.

Hawthorn can continue their strong form with a win over Sydney at the MCG in what shapes as one of the standout contests of the round. The Hawks were dominant in their recent performance against Essendon, generating 69 inside 50s and controlling territory through their disciplined kick-mark game. Karl Amon and Jarman Impey provide important drive from half back while the midfield group led by Jai Newcombe and Josh Ward continues to generate strong supply forward. Sydney remain dangerous through the rebound run of Nick Blakey and the scoring presence of Joel Amartey, but Hawthorn’s ability to control tempo at the MCG should give them the edge.

The Western Bulldogs can make a statement with a win over Adelaide in what shapes as a high-scoring contest at Adelaide Oval. Adelaide come off an impressive win over Collingwood with Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty proving dangerous targets inside 50 while Josh Worrell and Wayne Milera generated strong rebound from defence. The Bulldogs, however, boast one of the competition’s most powerful midfield groups with Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar capable of dominating clearances and territory. If the Bulldogs control stoppages and provide quality entries inside 50, Aaron Naughton should have enough opportunities to influence the scoreboard.

Gold Coast appear ready to continue their strong start to the season with a win over Richmond at the MCG. The Tigers showed positive signs despite their loss to Carlton, generating strong territory and inside-50 numbers but failing to capitalise in front of goal. Gold Coast arrive with one of the most dangerous attacking setups in the competition with Noah Anderson driving the midfield and Ben King providing a potent forward target. If the Suns control stoppages and move the ball cleanly they should create enough scoring opportunities to prove too strong.

St Kilda can push the Giants in what has historically been a tight matchup at ENGIE Stadium. The Saints have shown encouraging signs early in the season with Jack Sinclair and Marcus Windhager providing midfield drive while Max Hall has emerged as a reliable forward option. GWS remain dangerous at home with Lachie Whitfield and Toby Greene capable of breaking games open, but injuries to several key players have affected their midfield structure. Expect a competitive contest where St Kilda can remain within striking distance.

Fremantle can bounce back strongly at home when they face Melbourne at Optus Stadium. The Dockers possess one of the league’s strongest midfield combinations through Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson, while their defensive structure remains among the most reliable in the competition. Melbourne were impressive in attack last week with Max Gawn dominating the ruck and Jacob van Rooyen kicking six goals, but they conceded plenty of territory. Fremantle’s midfield strength and home-ground advantage should give them the edge.

Port Adelaide look primed to respond strongly at Adelaide Oval when they face Essendon. The Power still boast significant midfield talent through Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis while Mitch Georgiades continues to provide a dangerous forward presence. Essendon rely heavily on Zach Merrett to drive their midfield and have struggled defensively when opposition sides generate repeat inside-50 entries. If Port Adelaide can control territory and apply their usual forward pressure they should be difficult to beat at home.

North Melbourne look capable of continuing their encouraging early-season form with a win over West Coast at Optus Stadium. Harry Sheezel has been dominant through the midfield while Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell provide strong support around stoppages. Nick Larkey remains a reliable target inside forward 50 and should receive plenty of opportunities if the Kangaroos control territory. West Coast remain in a rebuilding phase and continue to struggle defensively when opposition sides sustain pressure, which gives North Melbourne a strong opportunity to secure the victory.