<p>With a full book to choose from last week, we managed to land more than a few.</p> <p>Five winners, including bags of goals to Darcy Fogarty and Ben King, whilst we were unlucky on a couple with Max Holmes heading to the bench for the final five minutes stuck on 24 disposals and Kai Lohmann going down injured.</p> <p>Still, no complaints here. Let’s see if we can run it back in round 2 where there’s a slate of juicy contests to run the rule over.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, news, odds and betting tips for all of this week’s action, check out my AFL round 2 tips and predictions below, or follow me <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/feed/profile/view/56/ist_ambassador_deeplink_action">on the feed</a> and see them there!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Hawthorn Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Thursday, March 20, 7:30pm AEDT – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Things got out of hand for Carlton last week when the Tiger Cubs ran all over the top of them in their season opener in front of 80k.</p> <p>Things do not get any easier – in fact it gets a whole heap harder with the high-flying Hawks on the runway.</p> <p>The Hawks are also a real match-up problem for the Blues, thanks to the variety of small hard-running forwards and mids they can throw at them.</p> <p>Silvagni, McGovern and Haynes are going to be chasing much smaller speedier types around the MCG.</p> <p>Connor Nash will go to Patrick Cripps around the ball whilst Tom De Koning will face the physical Lloyd Meek in the middle.</p> <p>Mabior Chol will play a pivotal role keeping Jacob Weitering engaged and occupied.</p> <p>The Hawks will be far too zippy for Carlton, no matter how desperate they play after their dismal performance last week.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-hawthorn-9021055">Hawthorn by 21 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Nick Watson 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, March 21, 7:40pm AEDT – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs perhaps received the least credit of all the winners last week, but they certainly deserved more praise in my book.</p> <p>Stars absent all over the place but still enough in the tank to do the job. Impressive.</p> <p>Their opponents this week will not make the same self-inflicted wounds the Roos did. So, the Dogs will need to be better again. Aaron Naughton was enormous, winning the ball and hitting the scoreboard.</p> <p>Tim English was handled in the ruck by Tristan Xerri, so the heat goes right on English, who has dipped badly in form since his All-Australian season and subsequent injuries. Darcy Cameron should not be dominating this battle.</p> <p>Another great clash, where the Pies go in as favourites, but the Dogs can again perform with more than a few men down.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/western-bulldogs-v-collingwood-9021054">Collingwood by 17 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Nick Daicos 35+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Adelaide Crows Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, March 22, 1:20pm AEDT – MCG</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A fantastic temperature test for both at the G. Adelaide were electric and dominant last week at home against the undermanned Saints, whilst Essendon were brave and committed but ultimately outclassed by Hawthorn.</p> <p>They lose Kyle Langford – their main avenue to goal, so plenty will now be asked of the kids, Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako.</p> <p>Adelaide’s midfield group has improved significantly. It’s deeper and more dynamic these days and allows periods for Rankine and Dawson to go forward.</p> <p>Essendon can get an advantage here though. Merrett, Caldwell and Durham lead the way with roles from Perkins, Martin, Jones and Duursma.</p> <p>With the Dons’ scoring issues, I’m expecting the Crows to get a golden opportunity to take an early road victory.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-adelaide-crows-9021057">Adelaide Crows by 10 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> SGM – Darcy Fogarty 2+ goals and Matt Crouch 30+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Port Adelaide vs Richmond Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, March 22, 4:15pm AEDT – Adelaide Oval</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>OK, lose this and Ken might voluntarily walk off the plank. Port could not have been any worse last week in a big stage environment against the Pies. They were totally rudderless and looked lost in every line.</p> <p>The bounce back needs to be immediate and ferocious. I’m expecting a natural come down from the Tigers off the back of such an emotional, energetic and unexpected win over the Blues.</p> <p>With an undersized and under-manned defensive unit, Mitch Georgiades gets a look at some goals after going hungry last week.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/port-adelaide-v-richmond-9021056">Port Adelaide by 51 goals.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Mitch Georgiades 3+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>St Kilda vs Geelong Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, March 22, 7:35pm AEDT – Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Not a heap was expected from the Saints considering the injury issues and the clear lack of talent on their list.</p> <p>However, what they served up in Adelaide early last Sunday was less than desirable.</p> <p>The fans expect – and deserve – more this week. An obvious game style would be a good starting point.</p> <p>Because their opponents, Geelong, will be ready to go after sharpening their teeth against the Dockers at Kardinia Park last start.</p> <p>Gryan Miers, Brad Close, Ollie Dempsey and Tyson Stengle continue to prove how important small creative players are these days, whilst Shannon Neale more than held his own aerially opposite to some handy Freo defenders.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/st-kilda-v-geelong-cats-9021058">Geelong by 24 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Shannon Neale 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs West Coast Eagles Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, March 23, 1:10pm AEDT – The Gabba</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What on earth could we be in for here!? Occasionally, when a team is expected to win by a million, complacency can set in, and an ‘ugly’ 45-point win ensues.</p> <p>However, a hungry Lion captures and kills, so hopefully that’s what we see here. For West Coast, all they can do is fight the good fight.</p> <p>Harley Reid was quiet last week, yep, but so was experienced mid Tim Kelly. He needs to be better for his team.</p> <p>Guys like Rayner, Bailey, Ah Chee and a returning Charlie Cameron will give small Eagle defenders a big headache you’d wager.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-west-coast-eagles-9021059">Brisbane Lions by 88 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Eric Hipwood 3+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Melbourne Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, March 23, 3:20pm AEDT – Marvel Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Roos were a frustration last week, never truly giving themselves a chance to beat an undermanned Dogs squad.</p> <p>Whilst Melbourne did what they seemingly always do – win contested balls and inside fifties but lose the game.</p> <p>We saw glimpses from the newbies and Caleb Windsor’s work was excellent. I still maintain he should be used as an inside-mid.</p> <p>Steven May’s presence will be needed to quell Nick Larkey whilst the Roos forwards will need to spend time keeping Lever and Petty accountable aerially. Also, big Max versus big X will be a ripping fight.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-melbourne-9021061">Melbourne by 5 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Caleb Windsor 20+ disposals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs Sydney Swans Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Sunday, March 23, 6:10pm AEDT – Optus Stadium</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What a genuinely fascinating game we have to close out AFL round 2, as the 0-2 Swans face the 0-1 Dockers – who were properly woeful last week.</p> <p>The positive for Sydney is the opposition they’ve faced, and the closeness of their games thus far. The negative is the indistinct change to issues they faced in big moments in the past.</p> <p>I’m cooling on the Swans by the week and have been since John Longmire stepped aside.</p> <p>I never got warm on Fremantle and will be watching with interest this week. The size of Optus Stadium gives them chances to be expansive and aggressive in attack. If they take them though, is another question altogether.</p> <p>Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss get nice matchups and given supply, should be able to kick goals. Not sure who wins but damn sure I don’t want to be the losing team.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/fremantle-v-sydney-swans-9021060">Fremantle by 10 points.</a></p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>SGM - Josh Treacy 2+ goals &amp; Jye Amiss 2+ goals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>AFL 2025 Premiership Odds</h2>