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It may only be Round 2, however after the upsets and controversies surrounding Round 1 of the 2014 AFL season, one can only feel that the footy is heating up once again as Richmond take on Carlton in the year’s first match at the MCG.
Round 1 of the AFL was terrific. There is no doubt that every game was intriguing for their own reasons.
Collingwood were taught a lesson by the hungry and fierce Dockers, while GWS showed just how good they might be.
On the second weekend of the split round, Essendon put all the controversy behind them yet again, while Geelong, West Coast and Hawthorn showed that they are all playing decent football in the early stages.
However as Round 2 so often is, this week it is about how the losers respond.
As much as the first Showdown at Adelaide Oval and the Friday night blockbuster between the traditional rivals Hawthorn and Essendon intrigue me, two other matches played on Thursday and Saturday will grab the attention of most of the footy world.
Richmond and Carlton will open the round at the home of football. This game becomes an important game for Carlton and almost a crucial game for Richmond given their draw in 2014.
The Tigers were disappointing against the Suns and although they hit the front early in the final quarter, they struggled to play consistent football all night despite winning most of the statistical categories.
Trent Cotchin was a shining light for the Tigers but more of their on-field leaders must stand up in this clash.
Brett Deledio, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin are key for Richmond and they all influence the teams second-tier players by their work-rate and use of the ball. For Richmond to win, I think they’ll need plenty of ball through to both Riewoldt and Ty Vickery, but this comes from the midfield group that will have its hands full once again.
Carlton started off well against Port Adelaide at Etihad and gathered a four-goal lead at one stage into the second term.
However a crucial drop off in intensity in the third term left the hosts in trouble as the Power tortured them in the second half, exposing them in every area on the ground.
Expect a response from the Carlton midfield group, who without Judd may be lacking some depth. However they will need to counteract this through their second-tier players.
Massive game at the MCG between two fierce rivals, Richmond will go in slight favourites. However, after last year’s elimination final I wouldn’t feel confident tipping against the Navy Blue.
Sydney and Collingwood at ANZ on Saturday Night Football, ahh, hows the serenity?! After having their worst loss in a while, John Longmire has been under the pump just a little in the media, something Nathan Buckley is just too used to.
Two sides that have had great battles in the past at this very venue, but one can only feel like this will be a game that Sydney should win.
I know it is only late March, however Collingwood are in trouble.
After playing tough and spirited football in the opening term against the Dockers, they became simply exhausted both physically and mentally.
After that, the Dockers piled on the goals while Collingwood struggled for opportunities. When they had them, they missed them as well.
No Reid and with an underperforming midfield, all the odds are against Collingwood. Will we see a response?
It is a huge match for the Pies and their supporters because it’s possible both Collingwood and Carlton will be 0-2 heading into the third round.
The remaining games in the weekend should be straight forward, however GWS versus St Kilda remains a tough game to tip. Can the Giants win for the first time in Melbourne or will the Saints go back to back and build some confidence over Alan Richardson?
Expect the Roos to be hungry and desperate against the Dogs, West Coast to show they’re the real deal in 2014 by thumping the Dees while Geelong and Fremantle will show their professionalism and desire for the flag against the two Queensland teams, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, respectively.
Round 1 was impressive, but Round 2 will be breathtaking as the footy returns to the agenda as we round out the month of March.
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