It’s another huge round of AFL action this weekend and Round 2 begins at the MCG with the high-flying Hawks against the struggling Blues at the MCG on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Carlton got off to a great start in Round 1, building a strong lead over Richmond before halftime and looking like they were heading for an easy win. But the young Tigers shook things up, coming from behind to pull off an unexpected victory, leaving coach Michael Voss’ side with a lot to prove about living up to the hype.<\/p>\n
Hawthorn have eight points already on the board before most teams had even played their first match. But what really stands out is how the Hawks are playing\u2014they’re full of flair and confidence, scoring big and showing everyone they’re a serious top-four contender. They’ve kicked away against the Swans and Bombers in back-to-back games, so should be confident against a wounded Carlton side.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Carlton are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. Hawthorn are 7-3 in their last 10 games at the MCG.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Blues are 3-2 against the Hawks in the last 5.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Hawks are 10-1 ATS as a favourite and they love playing at the MCG. Carlton’s performance against Richmond was well below their standards, so expect them to be fired up. But I think the Hawks playing style will trouble them.<\/p>\n Hawthorn -16.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n Same Game Multi<\/strong><\/p>\n Will Day has already kicked 4 goals this season, including 1 in each game. Jai Newcombe got 25 disposals last week and has hit 25+ in 4 of his last 5 games.<\/p>\n Hawthorn -16.5 \/ Will Day Anytime Goalscorer \/ Jai Newcombe 25+ Disposals = $4.40<\/a><\/p>\n The Dogs are turning back to its roots for its centenary celebration, but they showed last week against North Melbourne that they’re also looking ahead. Despite being hit by injuries, with five key players sidelined, the Bulldogs still fielded nine players with fewer than 50 games of experience and managed to pull off a win against the Roos. They\u2019re relying on their younger players to step up and make a statement on this big occasion.<\/p>\n After Collingwood’s disappointing loss to GWS in the Opening Round, many jumped to the conclusion that they were too old and slow. But the Magpies quickly bounced back with a strong win over Port Adelaide at the MCG. Even though they fielded one of their oldest teams ever, they’ve proven they still have the energy and experience to take on the young Bulldogs with confidence.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Bulldogs are 5-9 at this venue since 2018. Collingwood are 7-3 in their last 10 games at the MCG.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Since 2018, the Magpies are 5-3 against the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pies are a different team at the MCG, highlighted by a massive win over the Power last week. I think they’ll be able to keep the Dogs from scoring over 81.5 pts, especially with the likes of the Bont and Treloar out for the Doggies.<\/p>\n Bulldogs Under 81.5 pts = $1.87<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s no love lost between Essendon and Adelaide after last year\u2019s tight matches, including a controversial win for the Bombers and the Crows snapping a seven-match losing streak in their clashes. Essendon is taking a new approach this season, looking to step back with hopes of making a big leap forward, but they\u2019ll have no excuses against a team in a similar position.<\/p>\n Adelaide kicked off their season with an impressive win over St Kilda, but they still need to prove they can consistently perform anywhere and anytime. After seven seasons without finals, the Crows are eager to show they\u2019re ready to move past that rough stretch, and a win at the MCG for the first time since 2017 would be a massive statement.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Essendon are 4-5 (1 draw) in their last 10 games at the MCG. Adelaide are 0-9 at this venue since 2018.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 5 meetings, the Bombers hold a 4-1 record against the Crows.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Crows have an awful record at the MCG and while they were great last week, that was at home. So I think the Bombers can take advantage of playing at the same venue in back-to-back weeks.<\/p>\n Essendon +6.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n Port Adelaide couldn’t have asked for a worse start to coach Ken Hinkley’s final season, as they were outrun and outplayed by Collingwood in their only home game at the MCG this year. However, they’ll be back in more familiar territory and have a chance to bounce back against a Richmond team that many thought would struggle, but has already shown it can surprise people.<\/p>\n Richmond, last year’s wooden spooners, have made significant changes to their roster with an eye on rebuilding into a powerhouse over time. But their impressive season-opener, where the young Tigers stunned the Blues with a second-half blitz, has shown that the future might come faster than expected. Now, with the element of surprise gone, they face an under-pressure Power side eager to prove themselves.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Port Adelaide are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Richmond are 5-5 in their last 10 games at the Adelaide Oval.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 10 meetings, the Power hold a 6-4 record against the Tigers.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Tigers do have a decent record in Adelaide and the Power are missing Butters in the midfield. So I like the Tigers to continue the momentum from last week.<\/p>\n Richmond +37.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n St Kilda didn’t have high expectations heading into the season, but their first game against Adelaide was even worse than many feared. Coach Ross Lyon is known for getting his players to step up when they\u2019re under pressure, so the Saints will likely respond, even though they\u2019re up against a strong Geelong team that\u2019s come out firing this year.<\/p>\n Geelong wasted no time making a statement that they\u2019ll be a top-four contender again, easily taking care of Fremantle in their first home game of the year. However, the Cats haven\u2019t had the best record at Marvel Stadium, losing their last three games against the Saints, including the two most recent visits to the venue.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n St Kilda are 4-1 in their last 5 games at this venue. Geelong are 4-5 at this venue since 2018.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 10, the Cats are 7-3 against the Saints.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Saints seem to matchup well with the Cats (5-1 ATS) so hopefully they can bring that on Saturday night.<\/p>\n St Kilda +23.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n Brisbane quickly shook off any worries about a premiership hangover with a dominant win over Sydney in their Grand Final rematch. Despite dealing with some on- and off-field issues in the preseason and a growing injury list, the Lions have such strong depth that they should have no trouble celebrating the unveiling of their 2024 flag in style against West Coast.<\/p>\n West Coast had a rough start under new coach Andrew McQualter, getting blown away from the get-go as Gold Coast ran away with a record-breaking win. While the Eagles strengthened their lineup with some experience and class in the off-season, they\u2019ll need to rely on energy and effort to keep up with the reigning champs at Brisbane\u2019s home ground.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Brisbane are 8-2 in their last 10 games at the Gabba. West Coast are 4-5 at this venue since 2018.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Since 2018, the Lions are 6-1 against the Eagles.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n Not a lot of value in this game. The Eagles were woeful last week at home and I worry about them travelling to the Gabba against the 2024 premiers, who are playing their first game of 2025 at home. This could get ugly.<\/p>\n Brisbane Lions -60.5 = $1.90<\/a><\/p>\n North Melbourne missed a chance to start their season strong, staying with the undermanned Western Bulldogs but not quite doing enough to take the lead. The Kangaroos can take some positives from the narrow defeat to the Dogs and their close loss to Melbourne last year, but they need to start turning those close calls into wins to show they\u2019re on the right track.<\/p>\n Melbourne looked like they were finally moving past another off-season full of drama with a solid win over GWS, until the Giants kicked the last two goals of the game. The Demons did a lot right, but there\u2019s no time to dwell on that loss as they now face a Kangaroos team that pushed them hard last year, and they\u2019ll need to avoid an 0-2 start to the season.<\/p>\n Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n North Melbourne are 2-8 in their last 10 games at this venue. Melbourne are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n The Demons are 5-0 against the Kangaroos in the last 5 meetings.<\/p>\nWestern Bulldogs (8th) vs Collingwood Magpies (6th)<\/h3>\n
Essendon Bombers (14th) vs Adelaide Crows (5th)<\/h3>\n
Port Adelaide Power (18th) vs Richmond Tigers (7th)<\/h3>\n
St Kilda Saints (15th) vs Geelong Cats (4th)<\/h3>\n
Brisbane Lions (9th) vs West Coast Eagles (17th)<\/h3>\n
North Melbourne Kangaroos (12th) vs Melbourne Demons (10th)<\/h3>\n