GWS GIANTS v FOOTSCRAY
Thursday, April 22, 7.15pm @ Blacktown International Sports Park
The Giants will be looking to bounce back from an opening-round Derby loss to the Swans, but it will be tough against one of the flag favourites, who kicked off their season in convincing fashion against Gold Coast.
It’s A Big Week For: Jesse Hogan enjoyed a strong return from injury with eight marks and 3.2 against the Swans, but is likely to need another big performance to force his way into Leon Cameron’s forward line despite its inaccuracy last week.
Prediction: Footscray by 17
GOLD COAST v SYDNEY
Saturday, April 24, 9.45am @ Metricon Stadium
A good win for the Swans last week, but their depth will be tested with the injuries in the AFL. However, the Suns’ list is much more hobbled and it is tough to see them bouncing back from their big loss in Round 1.
It’s A Big Week For: Rory Atkins was recruited from Adelaide to provide much-needed experience at AFL level. He had 26 disposals in the VFL and if that wasn’t enough to earn a call-up, orchestrating a win in this would be the best response.
Prediction: Sydney by 23
CARLTON v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday, April 24, 11am @ Ikon Park
How the Blues bounce back from the disappointment of giving up a five-goal lead at home to Southport will be the key to their performance here. Despite being at home again, it is a big step up against a team chasing its 22nd win in a row.
It’s A Big Week For: Former GWS No.5 draft pick Will Setterfield ended up with a tagging role at VFL level last week, and while he did a good job for almost three quarters on Jacob Dawson, the Sharks’ midfielder was crucial in the last quarter of his team’s historic win. AFL spots are available for the taking and Setterfield needs a big game to take one of them.
Prediction: Brisbane Lions by 28
SOUTHPORT v ASPLEY
Saturday, April 24, 1pm @ Fankhauser Reserve
Both teams come into this supremely confident after contrasting but equally impressive wins first up. If the Sharks can nullify the Hornets’ fast start, it will set up a classic contest, with the home ground being perhaps the only difference.
It’s A Big Week For: Matt Eagles has a big job whoever he lines up on. Fraser Thurlow and Brayden Crossley were key players for the Sharks resting forward last week and The Recruit winner will need to nullify their influence. He could also spend time on speedy goalkicker Billy Gowers.
Prediction: Southport by 4
NORTH MELBOURNE v FRANKSTON
Saturday, April 24, 1pm @ Arden St
A golden opportunity for the Dolphins to go 2-0 after winning just one match (against the Kangaroos) in 2019. Danny Ryan’s men have often followed up a great performance with a disappointing one, so must protect against a letdown.
It’s A Big Week For: Josh Begley was the matchwinner against Coburg and his chances of getting another AFL chance in the mid-season draft will skyrocket if he can repeat the dose on the road against a North team in full rebuild mode and coming off a hefty defeat.
Prediction: Frankston by 15
COLLINGWOOD v ESSENDON
Saturday, April 24, 2pm @ Victoria Park
A courageous victory for the Magpies will be undone if they can’t beat a battling Bombers on their home patch, but Anzac footy brings out the best in the underdogs and an upset could be on the cards.
It’s A Big Week For: Ruckman Max Lynch is due to play his 50th VFL game for the Magpies for 18 goals. Tyler Brown was dropped from the AFL last week and responded with 22 disposals, although only seven of those were kicks. He needs to back it up to earn a recall from Nathan Buckley.
Prediction: Collingwood by 14
BOX HILL HAWKS v NORTHERN BULLANTS
Saturday, April 24, 2pm @ Box Hill City Oval
Both suffered convincing defeats last week, but it would be the Hawks who were much more disappointed. Casey’s ‘land of the giants’ was far too good, but this presents a golden chance for Sam Mitchell to get his first win against an inexperienced Bullants team.
It’s A Big Week For: 211cm behemoth Ned Reeves dominated in the air with 41 hitouts against Majak Daw, but Casey won the clearances and inside-50s comfortably. Reeves has a chance to really make his mark against lionhearted but undersized Bullant Daniel Hughes.
Prediction: Box Hill Hawks by 25
RICHMOND v CASEY DEMONS
Saturday, April 24, 2pm @ Swinburne Centre
After an easy win last week, the Tigers face a stern early test against a big Demons’ team pumped up for the club’s 750th VFA/VFL game. How their defence handles Sam Weideman, Ben Brown, Mitch Brown and Majak Daw (pending AFL selection) will decide this contest.
It’s A Big Week For: Ryan Garthwaite is the Rance-Astbury marshal of the VFL defence without being able to break into the powerful AFL backline. If he can handle this challenge, he must surely come into AFL calculations again.
Prediction: Richmond by 7
PORT MELBOURNE v SANDRINGHAM
Saturday, April 24, 2.30pm @ ETU Stadium
The Borough will be smarting after being blown out of Queensland by Aspley in the first quarter last week, while the Zebras were never in the contest after quarter-time against Richmond. Expect a fierce response from Gary Ayres’ men.
It’s A Big Week For: Port Melbourne is already under the pump after an extremely disappointing opening quarter against Aspley. You can never write the Borough off, but they need to respond quickly to get back on track.
Prediction: Port Melbourne by 19
WERRIBEE v WILLIAMSTOWN
Saturday, April 24, 7pm @ Avalon Airport Oval
These teams turned on two of the games of the season in contrasting conditions in 2019 and another one can be expected. The Seagulls cruised home last week with a new-look team and will be confident of another road victory.
It’s A Big Week For: Michael Barlow took the coaching reins from Mark Williams late and has a team capable of challenging at the pointy end. But he wouldn’t want to go 0-2 after consecutive home losses. In a short season, a lot is riding on this result.
Prediction: Williamstown by 2
COBURG, GEELONG byes
