AFL Round 2 Tips: Key Matchups & Predictions (2025)
- 2kBetting Team
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Here are our AFL Round 2 Tips.
The 2025 AFL season is underway, and Round 2 is set to deliver some blockbuster clashes that will shape the early standings. With teams eager to make a statement, this weekend’s action will test midfield battles, forward efficiency, and defensive resilience.
Let’s break down the biggest games of the round, analysing key matchups, tactical insights, and team form heading into these crucial contests.
🐯 Richmond vs Carlton – Traditional Rivals Clash Under the Lights
Thursday, March 13 | 7:30 PM AEDT
🏟️ MCG, Melbourne
AFL’s traditional Thursday night rivalry is back as Richmond and Carlton lock horns at the MCG. The Tigers, still adapting under their new coaching regime, are looking to rediscover their trademark pressure game, while the Blues have their sights set on pushing deep into September.
Key Matchups:
• Tom Lynch vs Jacob Weitering – A heavyweight battle between a power forward and one of the game’s best key defenders.
• Tim Taranto vs Patrick Cripps – Two midfield bulls will go head-to-head in the contest.
• Shai Bolton vs Sam Docherty – Can Bolton’s creativity break through Carlton’s structured defence?
What to Watch For:
• Richmond’s ability to apply forward pressure – Can they force Carlton into turnovers?
• Carlton’s midfield dominance – If Cripps and Sam Walsh control the clearances, the Blues could run away with it.
• Scoring efficiency inside 50 – Both teams have had accuracy issues in the past; who converts better?
Hawthorn vs Essendon – A Classic Rivalry Renewed
Friday, March 14 | 7:40 PM AEDT
🏟️ Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Two clubs with rich history and passionate fan bases meet in what could be a season-defining game early in the year. The Bombers are looking to solidify their finals credentials, while Hawthorn’s young list continues to develop under Sam Mitchell.
Key Matchups:
• Dylan Moore vs Jordan Ridley – Moore’s ability to hit the scoreboard will test Essendon’s defence.
• Jai Newcombe vs Zach Merrett – A midfield battle between two explosive playmakers.
• Kyle Langford vs James Sicily – Langford has proven himself as a goal threat; can Sicily limit his impact?
What to Watch For:
• Essendon’s fast ball movement – The Bombers thrive on transition play.
• Hawthorn’s ability to contain inside 50 entries – Can they hold firm against Essendon’s forward line?
• The physicality of the contest – These two teams never back down from a scrap.
🦢 Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions – A Battle of Premiership Contenders
Saturday, March 15 | 4:15 PM AEDT
🏟️ SCG, Sydney
Two top-four hopefuls go head-to-head in a game that could have big implications later in the season. The Swans have bolstered their midfield depth, while Brisbane remains one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the competition.
Key Matchups:
• Isaac Heeney vs Hugh McCluggage – Two dynamic midfielders capable of influencing the game both in the middle and up forward.
• Zac Bailey vs Jake Lloyd – A crucial battle between an elite goal-kicking midfielder and an experienced rebounding defender.
• Sydney’s defence vs Joe Daniher & Eric Hipwood – Can the Swans contain Brisbane’s tall forwards?
What to Watch For:
• The contested ball battle – Midfield supremacy will be critical in this matchup.
• Brisbane’s ability to score from stoppages – One of their biggest strengths.
• Sydney’s home-ground advantage – The Swans play the SCG better than most.
Collingwood vs Port Adelaide – A Saturday Night Showdown
Saturday, March 15 | 7:35 PM AEDT
🏟️ MCG, Melbourne
The Magpies and Power both have high expectations in 2025, and this clash will test their premiership credentials. Collingwood’s fast, aggressive playstyle faces off against Port Adelaide’s explosive midfield and elite clearance work.
Key Matchups:
• Willie Rioli vs Brayden Maynard – A fiery contest between a dangerous forward and a lockdown defender.
• Jordan De Goey vs Connor Rozee – Two of the league’s most exciting midfielders will go head-to-head.
• Collingwood’s forward line vs Port Adelaide’s back six – The Magpies’ chaotic style can be difficult to stop.
What to Watch For:
• Collingwood’s pressure game – Their forward pressure is elite.
• Port’s ability to control stoppages – Can they dominate clearances and slow the Magpies down?
• The battle of the high half-forwards – Expect plenty of scoreboard impact from both teams’ attacking midfielders.
Melbourne vs GWS Giants – The Dees Test Their Depth
Sunday, March 16 | 3:20 PM AEDT
🏟️ MCG, Melbourne
The Demons are again one of the teams to beat in 2025, boasting a deep midfield and defensive resilience. Meanwhile, GWS continues to prove that they’re more than just a rebuilding side, with a strong mix of experience and emerging stars.
Key Matchups:
• Christian Petracca vs Tom Green – Two midfield powerhouses will battle for dominance.
• Jacob van Rooyen vs Sam Taylor – A test for Melbourne’s young key forward against one of the league’s best defenders.
• GWS’s ball movement vs Melbourne’s defensive wall – Can the Giants break through?
What to Watch For:
• Melbourne’s midfield depth – Do they have too many weapons for the Giants to handle?
• GWS’s ability to compete in the contest – Can they hold their own at stoppages?
• Melbourne’s forward line chemistry – They’ve been inconsistent in the past.
🏆 AFL Round 2 Storylines to Watch
🔹 Can Carlton finally stamp their authority over Richmond? – The Blues have underperformed in this fixture for years.
🔹 Will Collingwood’s chaotic game style overwhelm Port Adelaide? – The Magpies thrive in high-pressure situations.
🔹 How will Sydney handle Brisbane’s forward firepower? – The Swans’ backline faces a major test.
Final Thoughts
Round 2 offers a mix of traditional rivalries, top-four battles, and crucial early-season tests for clubs looking to build momentum. With high-pressure matchups and tactical battles across the board, this weekend’s action is set to deliver key insights into how the 2025 season will unfold.
Expect big moments from star players, tactical shifts from coaches, and plenty of drama as teams fight for early-season dominance.
Check the AFL Fixtures and Results
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