Round 2 AFL Tips 2026 | SGM Bets & Predictions

Hawks quickly recalibrated after their first round loss to GWS, by smashing the Bombers out of the G last week. Still, I’m not convinced this is a statement of Hawks being the real deal – but more how bad Essendon really are.

Speaking of the real deal, enter the Sydney Swans. If the bollocking they gave Carlton in opening round wasn’t enough – the smashing of Brisbane last week definitely is.

The G might give an edge to the Hawks, but I don’t think they’re on the same wave length Sydney are at the moment – and I think the Swans will call them out.

Last year the Dogs looked really good in patches – this year those patches seem to be 120 minutes long. They absolutely thumped GWS last week, who came off a hot win against Hawthorn.

And on the flip side of this Freaky Friday situation, Adelaide who looked unstoppable most of last year – have regressed to being good patches, a bit clumsy and unfit – after their arm wrestle with the Pies last week.

The Crows will like this on their turf, and while they’ve got a three headed monster up forward – the Dogs’ two headed monster in is just as vicious. Plus they have Bont.

Bulldogs to win and jump to being the favourite to win the Grand Final.

The Tiges almost did the funniest thing last week, and would have succeeded if Tom Lynch could kick straight. Some good signs for the young and rebuilding Richmond last week, especially in Lalor and Sam Grlj – who shot up as a Rising Star contender.

Gold Coast are on the run, but seems like they showed the Eagles a mercy last week, by falling asleep at half time. The game was sewed up by then anyway, so not belting them on a Sunday night in Perth and conserving some energy might be the right call – but I feel like they should’ve been killers.

Last year the Suns dropped this one when they absolutely should not have, so they should find their killer instinct and not let this happen again. But, I cannot see it happening.

GWS looked like a completely different team last week. After a strong win against Hawthorn – they ironically got absolutely dog walked by the Dogs, and just looked out of sync and clumsy. But, hot one week and off the other is their forte.

Speaking of out of sync and clumsy – I wouldn’t be surprised if St Kilda’s growth strategists start reviving Blockbuster next. Their incredible fall from hype has at least made Essendon look less shite, and made them losing funnier than Carlton.

GWS will recalibrate at ENGIE, and if Ross the not so Boss thinks it’s a good idea to bench your star 2 million dollar player when the game is in the balance – then I’m curious and horrified to see what his game plan is against the Giants.

Freo showed some serious ticker last week, taking the long flight over and jumping Geelong. Although they didn’t get the chocolates, if they can get that far at the Cattery – they’ll get further elsewhere.

Melbourne also proved a massive point last week, sticking it to the overpaid Saints after they had literally the biggest fumble of all time last year against them – proving they remembered that better than anyone.

I think it’ll be a bit of a one off for the Dees though, and we’ll get a taste of how scary it’s going to be playing Freo in Perth.

Essendon all but confirmed another long season for us fans, after a very ordinary performance against Hawthorn, and made my annual “why did you make me support this team” call to Dad come much sooner than hoped.

Although Kane Cornes saying Hawthorn would have had a sigh of relief for not getting Merrett was ridiculous, I 100% agree to get them off prime time – so this is a welcome change of schedule.

Speaking of Kane Cornes, his old mob isn’t much better. In one of the more rougher games on the retina last week – Port came off second best against a not too threatening Kangaroos.

Although it’s over in Adelaide, and Essendon are hardly a formidable opponent – due to how bad Port were last week, I’m backing the Dons in a one off one of the few wins they might get for the year.

After years of high draft picks and mediocrity – Have the North finally came to play? I don’t think so, Port were just worse on the day. While there were some better signs from North, the general play was a bit sloppy with a lot of missed opportunities – and they’ll need to tighten up a bit more.

Although they’re hardly vsing the team of the century in West Coast, the Eagles did have a crack last week in the second half against the Suns – and actually won the second half, over in Gold Coast.

I think that was mostly just the Suns turning off the gas, but I do think West Coast will try make the most of this opportunity. I just think North will just be ready for it.