AFL Round 2 preview, betting odds & market news

The first round of the 2021 AFL Premiership season provided fans with close contests, massive upsets and inspirational comebacks. The long and gruelling AFL campaign is off to a wonderful start, and the fixture for round two promises even more highlights. Here is a look at this week’s nine matches, with all odds courtesy of Sportsbet.com.au.

AFL Round 2 betting preview and odds

Carlton Blues $2.05 vs Collingwood Magpies $1.80
Even though the year has just started and both clubs are coming off a loss, you can expect a big crowd at the MCG for this battle between the Blues and Magpies. Collingwood posted the lowest score in round one after only kicking seven majors, while Carlton had 25 shots on goal. The Blues could be great value beyond $2 with leading AFL betting sites, but the Pies could bring back a few experienced players.

Geelong Cats $1.61 vs Brisbane Lions $2.32
After both the Cats and Lions went down in massive upsets last round, they now face off at GMHBA Stadium. Patrick Dangerfield will receive a suspension from the tribunal after bumping and knocking out former teammate Jake Kelly, while Jeremy Cameron’s hamstring injury will keep him out for another few weeks. This will be the best opportunity the Lions get in 2021 to knock off the Cats, but they are still hard to beat at home in Geelong.

Sydney Swans $1.44 vs Adelaide Crows $2.80
Coming off their massive victories in round one, the Swans and Crows will both be looking to get their second win of the season. The Crows were clinical against a very strong Geelong opposition, but the Swans were just as impressive against the Lions away from home. The young kids from Sydney will enjoy their first-ever home game at the SCG, while Lance Franklin will make his long-awaited return in front of the locals.

Port Adelaide Power $1.17 vs Essendon Bombers $5.10
This clash between the Power and the Bombers is shaping as the most one-sided contest in round two, according to the online bookmakers. Ken Hinkley’s men tore the Kangaroos apart in the second half of their contest, running away as 52-point winners in the biggest margin of the round. Since the Bombers could not hold a 39-point halftime lead against the Hawks, it seems they will struggle against Port Adelaide.

St Kilda Saints $1.58 vs Melbourne Demons $2.40
Dubbed as Spud’s Match, this special contest between the Saints and Demons will serve as a tribute to the late St Kilda legend Danny Frawley. With Max King cleared to return from concussion for this clash, the Saints are shaping up well to get their second win of the season. Melbourne did enough to see off Fremantle at the ‘G on Saturday afternoon, but the punters favour St Kilda for this one.

Gold Coast Suns $1.35 vs North Melbourne Kangaroos $3.25
Both of these teams are looking to improve this season, but the Suns are slightly ahead in their timeline compared to the Roos. Even though Matt Rowell went down with another injury in round one, the Suns will bring a very strong midfield core to this match, while their backline has improved beyond sight in the last few years. David Noble may have to wait another week before getting his first win as North Melbourne coach.

Hawthorn Hawks $4.70 vs Richmond Tigers $1.19
Alastair Clarkson’s Hawks pulled off a miracle opening-round comeback against the Bombers, but Damian Hardwick and Richmond are a completely different opponent. The Tigers were strong against the Blues even without their captain Trent Cotchin, who was a late out with illness. The Hawks midfielders looked good when they got on top in the second half, but you have to play four good quarters to beat the reigning premiers.

Western Bulldogs $1.64 vs West Coast Eagles $2.27
Both the Bulldogs and Eagles are pushing for a spot in the top eight this season, and this contest may serve as an early finals preview. Luke Beveridge’s men were good enough to beat the Magpies, but they should have smashed them in the end, leaving the door ajar for a West Coast upset this week. Easton Wood should return to the Doggies backline and help stop the triple threat of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen.

Fremantle Dockers $1.81 vs GWS Giants $2.04
The Dockers and Giants both started their seasons on the wrong foot, but there was still a bit to like about their performances in round one. The Fremantle midfield was exceptional against Melbourne, but Justin Longmuir’s charges struggled to kick forward efficiently. If the Dockers clean up their kicking, it will go a long way towards beating the Giants in a clash that could go either way.

AFL 2021 Premiership market update

It is no surprise the Richmond Tigers are at the top of the market after their strong performance against the Blues last Thursday night. It hasn’t hurt their cause that two big upsets have moved their biggest rivals, with the Cats and Lions both going down as hot favourites in round one. The Saints held off a hot GWS outfit despite missing a handful of their best 22 to injury, so they could well shorten from $13 once their stars return.