Who wins & why? Tips & predictions for Round 2, 2026

Round 2 is here already, but we've only got seven games!

Nonetheless, we've scoured the form and come up with our tips and predictions for a fascinating weekend.

Check out our tips and predictions for each game below.

HAWTHORN v SYDNEY

Thursday - 7:30pm AEDT - MCG

Now 1-1 to start the season, Hawthorn responded to their Opening Round defeat with a comfortable 62-point win over Essendon in Round 1. Jack Gunston and Nick Watson continued their superb starts to their respective campaigns, combining for 27 disposals and nine goals as the Hawks piled on 145 points on Friday night. A relatively clean injury list – bar Will Day’s continued absence – Hawthorn enters in good shape, with the advantage of an extra day’s break.

Flawless to kick off the new season, Sydney are flying in 2026. Two wins from two, Dean Cox’s second campaign has started supremely well, with new recruits Charlie Curnow, Jai Serong and Malcolm Rosas adding significant firepower to the Swans’ premiership contention. However, the club’s rosy start has been dealt a major blow with superstar Errol Gulden set to miss four months with a shoulder injury. Beyond Gulden, Isaac Heeney will also miss on Thursday night with a hamstring complaint.

Both off the back of big wins, Hawthorn host the Swans in what presents as a danger game for this flawless Sydney side. Despite comfortably beating an undermanned Brisbane, Sydney enters this contest without both Heeney and Gulden – two of their most important cogs and primary movers through the midfield.

The Hawks catch them at a good time, off the back of a dominant showing against the Bombers and against a weakened midfield. A 20-point win for the Hawks in the reverse fixture last year, is there scope for Hawthorn to ruin the Swans’ early high? With home ground advantage and some significant absences, we think so.

Prediction: Hawthorn by 9 points.

Jaiden Sciberras

ADELAIDE v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday - 7:40pm AEDT - Adelaide Oval

Adelaide began their 2026 season in strong fashion, heading to the MCG to pick up a win against a fancied Collingwood side. Many were tipping the Crows to drop somewhat in the wake of last year’s straight sets finals exit after finishing minor premiers, but based on their opening performance, that may not prove to be the case. The Crows welcome back superstar forward/midfielder Izak Rankine in this one after he missed the end of the 2025 season due to suspension.

Luke Beveridge’s side are flying to start 2026, beating Brisbane away and GWS comfortably at home to begin their campaign. With a near fully fit list to pick from, the Dogs are running on top of the ground and have looked as dangerous as ever in attack. The Dogs’ list is absolutely primed to contend for a premiership in 2026, and winning big away games like this against fellow contenders will make many believe they can win it all come season’s end.

This matchup should be a tight one. Both sides have genuine claims to be among the AFL’s best this season. The Bulldogs have more talent overall, but their weakness in key defence can be exposed by Adelaide’s greatest strength - their tall forward line. Still, the Bulldogs have looked too electric in attack and through the middle so far this season to pick against them. It won’t be easy for either side, and this will be a statement win for whoever gets over the line.

Prediction: Western Bulldogs by 11 points.

Lachlan Geleit

RICHMOND v GOLD COAST

Saturday - 1:15pm AEDT - MCG

It was one of those ‘what if’ games for the Tigers last weekend. Their season opener against Carlton ended in a dramatic four-point defeat at the MCG. If not for some untidiness with the ball – namely Tom Lynch’s erratic 2.7 – it might have been a different result. But there were enough positive signs including debutant Sam Grlj’s 19 touches off half-back and Sam Lalor’s strong two-goal game. It gets no easier for the Tiges with Damien Hardwick and his flag-favourite Suns next up.

A very crisp start from Dimma’s Suns who have enjoyed two 50-plus victories (56 and 59 points) to get the season rolling. They were on their way to an absolute fill-up against West Coast last Sunday when they led by 62 points at half-time before letting the Eagles back in ever so slightly. Christian Petracca has started his Suns career like a house on fire, booting four goals from 23 touches last week, and captain Noah Anderson ripped in with 34 disposals after a quieter Opening Round.

Despite the home comforts of the ‘G, this might be out of reach for Adem Yze and his Tigers. Hardwick’s Suns could be the real deal in 2026 and they’ll be licking their lips at the prospect of playing a rebuilding side. The Suns have won six of their past seven against the Tigers, including an 84-point smacking when they kept Yze’s side to just two goals in Round 21 last year. Expecting Gold Coast to walk away with a reasonably comfortable victory, but for the young Tigers to again show promising signs.

Prediction: Gold Coast by 36 points.

Andrew Slevison

GWS v ST KILDA

Saturday - 4:15pm AEDT - ENGIE Stadium

After a somewhat surprising win against the Hawks in Opening Round, GWS was brought back to earth and then some in Round 1. It was a case of déjà vu at Marvel Stadium against the Bulldogs having now had back-to-back 80+ point losses against the red, white and blue with Marcus Bontempelli running amok. The absence of Tom Green was particularly noticeable with no Giant able to replicate his clearance dominance throughout the match as they were beaten badly at stoppage.

With an 0-2 record, the pre-season optimism is quickly fading amongst St Kilda fans. In two winnable matches against Collingwood and Melbourne, the Saints struggled to hold their composure in the final moments which has proven costly. With expectations as high as they are considering the moves made and money spent during the trade period, the pressure is already on Ross Lyon to deliver results.

With the Saints staring down the barrel of a 0-3 start, there is certainly pressure on Lyon’s men to beat an injury-affected GWS. But as the Giants showed the Hawks, they are still capable of playing their Orange Tsunami game plan with great effect despite their personnel problems. Having won all of their encounters against St Kilda since the 2023 Elimination Final, the Giants should continue their winning streak.

Prediction: GWS by 13 points.

Nicholas Quinlan

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE

Saturday - 7:35pm AEDT - Optus Stadium

Fremantle are coming off a tough loss to Geelong in Round 1 having led by as much as 35 points against the Cats in the second quarter, and will be looking to get their first win of the season in front of their home crowd.

The Dockers are coming up against an energetic Demons outfit who impressed in their first outing under the leadership of new coach Steven King. There were notable performances from the Dees’ brigade of youth with Jacob van Rooyen, Caleb Windsor and debutant Latrelle Pickett playing important roles alongside another vintage performance from skipper Max Gawn.

King sent youngster Koltyn Tholstrup to tag Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera which was largely a success with the Saints superstar only having 18 disposals. Could Tholstrup be sent to one of Fremantle’s inside midfielders such as Caleb Serong or Andrew Brayshaw?

It’s also the first time that premiership Demon Judd McVee comes up against his former side having been traded at the end of last season. He joins his old teammate Luke Jackson who will be looking to win the ruck battle against his former mentor Max Gawn.

The Dockers at home should respond this week and have the advantage of a particularly more experienced midfield than the young Dees. However, King’s Melbourne is a different proposition in 2026 and expect them to take the game on with some fast ball movement.

Prediction: Fremantle by 19 points.

Harry Cumming

PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON

Sunday - 3:15pm AEDT - Adelaide Oval

It was a forgettable Round 1 for both sides who will be wanting to square the ledger after starting the season 0-1.

Port Adelaide were soundly beaten by 46 points at the hands of North Melbourne last week in Josh Carr’s first game as head coach of the Power. Carr will be searching for a big response from the midfield of Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis who were humbled by the Kangaroos and lost the clearance battle 40-29.

It’s hard to work out which club has had a worse week but perhaps Essendon get the chocolates with the footy media putting the spotlight on a Bombers side who were disappointing in their first outing for the season against the Hawks. Much of the conversation has surrounded whether the Bombers appear to be getting worse, before they get better, in which case it’s best not to mention how many days it’s been since they last won a final.

A win this weekend can change the narrative very quickly. And a loss… well it’s going to turn the pressure right up at this early stage of the season.

The Power should come out on top with the home ground advantage and give Carr his first win as coach. For Essendon’s sake, this cannot be a blowout and expect to see another big performance from Zach Merrett.

Prediction: Port Adelaide by 11 points.

Harry Cumming

WEST COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday - 6:10pm AEDT - Optus Stadium

This game has traditionally been a bottom-of-the-table blockbuster in recent years with all seven of their past games together being settled by 15 points or less.

But Sunday’s matchup could be different.

North Melbourne are coming off an impressive 46-point victory over Port Adelaide, and while Port are set to slide down the ladder this year, North dominated all the stats.

The Kangaroos managed 370 disposals, 119 marks, 51 inside 50s and 40 clearances – seriously impressive numbers for a team which has been knocking on the door to emerge for years.

Conversely, West Coast were dominated by 59 points against flag fancies Gold Coast. Around the ground, the Eagles only managed 328 disposals, 98 marks, 39 inside 50s and 34 clearances – a glaring difference from the Kangaroos.

With North Melbourne full of confidence after their Round 1 victory, expect the Kangaroos to break the streak of close games between these two clubs. The Roos could slightly rise the ladder this season, while West Coast will likely remain a cellar dweller.

Prediction: North Melbourne by 27 points.

Connor Scanlon