Round 2 started dismally with the subpar Collingwood v Richmond draw but from there on, the games were fascinating.
As is the case with each and every round of AFL footy, there are those who stood out and those who somewhat underperformed.
We have waded through the performances of all 18 clubs to find for you the individuals (or groups) who were the stand outs for your team and the ones who left a bit to be desired.
Stand out: Matt and Brad Crouch
The Crouch brothers, Matt and Brad, were their usual industrious selves in Adelaide’s massive Showdown defeat to the Power. Between them they amassed 51 disposals (26 to Matt and 25 to Brad), 31 of which were contested, and 15 clearances. No teammates got even close to those numbers. It was a terrible night all over for the Crows but that pair in particular did not stop cracking in all night.
Reilly O'Brien was serviceable in the ruck in what was a competitive duel with Scott Lycett.
Must improve: The rest of the team
It’s hard to single out any individuals. It was a woeful performance which saw almost the entire team, barring a few, underperform massively. Coach Matthew Nicks was bitterly disappointed, describing it as “bruise-free footy” which resulted in a “really embarrassing performance”. If having to single one out, Paul Seedsman was particularly quiet with just four kicks, seven handballs and zero tackles. You’d expect more from an experienced player but he certainly wasn’t alone.
Andrew Slevison
Stand out: Brandon Starcevich
In just his fifth game, Brandon Starcevich showed he’s going to be a key part of this Brisbane side for a long time. He picked up 17 disposals against Fremantle, used the ball particularly well (76% disposal efficiency), took eight marks and had seven rebound 50s. The 20-year-old has had to work hard to break into this Lions team, but he showed great chemistry across half-back next to the likes of Daniel Rich and Darcy Gardiner.
Must improve: Lincoln McCarthy
The Lions were pretty consistently strong across the board on Saturday, with everyone playing their role well. Small forwards can sometimes have quiet days and this was just one of those for Lincoln McCarthy. He finished with nine disposals for the afternoon and didn’t have much impact across the game. McCarthy is very much an impact player who will have his quiet days and this was likely just one of those.
Nic Negrepontis
Stand out: Jacob Weitering
There are some Carlton fans out there who owe Jacob Weitering an apology after criticising the young key defender’s development in recent years. The former number one draft pick has now beaten two players who have troubled the Blues in recent years. He kept Tom Lynch to minimal influence in Round 1 and backed it up by completely shutting out Tom McDonald against the Demons. Now in his fifth season, Weitering has the strength and experience to back up his smarts and craft and it’s a big win for the Blues.
Must improve: Sam Petrevski-Seton
Petrevski-Seton has been Mr.Consistent for Carlton since he debuted and likely played his worst half of football on the weekend. Normally reliable with footy in hand, he turned over the ball early and gave up position defensively, resulting in an early goal for Melbourne. He finished with 20 disposals and worked his way into the game, but playing across half-back Petrevski-Seton needs to be more accountable for his man and there will be a great reliance on his counter-attack on turnover with Nic Newman now out for the season.
Nic Negrepontis
Stand out: Josh Daicos
Collingwood fans would be incredibly excited to see a Daicos starring at AFL level. He was arguably the best player on the ground in the first half and finished with 24 disposals at 87 per cent disposal efficiency. He provided run and carry on the outside of stoppages for the Pies through the midfield and ran hard both ways, highlighted by his five rebound 50s. Daicos’ form through the midfield gives Collingwood another weapon in an already star-studded group and he also possesses smarts in attack.
Must improve: Jordan de Goey
At a glance, De Goey picked up 17 disposals, had a few shots at goal and won a couple of clearances, but he had a night to forget by foot. De Goey only had five effective disposals and three clangers as he tried to do too much by foot. He also missed two shots on goal that could have decided the game. Thursday night was an incredibly strange game and it’s fair to say everyone involved gets a mulligan heading into Round 3.
Nic Negrepontis
Stand out: Andrew McGrath
The 2016 number one draft pick is now a bona fide midfielder and in the crunch of Essendon’s narrow victory over Sydney on Sunday, his class stood out. Darcy Parish may have been the match-winner with 13 last-quarter touches and the winning goal but alongside Zac Merrett in the middle, McGrath was one of the side’s most impressive performers with 23 touches and a game-high seven tackles.
Must improve: David Zaharakis
The Dons veteran has been a solid citizen for over a decade now but alarm bells would be ringing after two below-par performances to start the season. In Sunday’s see-sawing contest, the game swung with the balance of play in the middle and with captain Dyson Heppell still working his way back after a long injury layoff, Essendon could do with Zaharakis playing a more prominent role around the lesser-experienced midfielders. He’s likely to be given a few more weeks to work his way into the season so it’s not panic stations just yet.
Laurence Rosen
Stand out: Michael Walters
The Dockers have plenty of work to do to get back into the season after two losses but Walters stood out once again, kicking two goals, laying five tackles as part of an overall game that included 28 touches. What stood out at the Gabba on Saturday night is just how important Walters is to the Dockers and just how vital he’ll be in any resurgence from Justin Longmuir’s side after their poor start. Walters was involved in 10 of Fremantle’s 19 scores against Brisbane – the question now is who’s ready to step up and help him out forward of the centre (apart from Nat Fyfe of course).
Must improve: Matt Taberner
Taberner is everything you want in a key forward – he can take a strong mark, he covers the ground well and is tall and agile in the front half. But in a tight game like Saturday's clash was, kicking just two goals from five shots could be seen as the difference between causing an upset or losing to the Lions. If the 26-year-old can find the ball more regularly and clean up his goal kicking, he’s got a big role to play for the Dockers this year.
Laurence Rosen
Stand out: Joel Selwood
Back in his favoured midfield role, Selwood starred for Geelong in their thumping win over Hawthorn. The Cats skipper was instrumental in the victory finishing with 28 touches, eight clearances and 364 metres gained in a best-on-ground performance. Selwood looked fresh and revitalised following the COVID-19 shutdown.
Must improve: Gary Rohan
Gary Rohan managed just five disposals and a goal in Friday night’s victory over the Hawks. Rohan was quiet in the first half before sustaining an injury in the third quarter. The forward’s performances have dipped since starting like a house on fire last season and he could make way for new recruit Jack Steven in Round 3.
Alex Zaia
Stand out: Matt Rowell
What more can you say about last year’s number one draft pick? On Saturday night, the 18-year-old played with poise, power and precision beyond his years and he’s certain to earn this week’s Rising Star nomination and is now immediately favourite to win the award at the end of the year. It’s hard to believe that was only his second game of senior football.
Must improve: Pearce Hanley
It’s hard to pick out any of the Suns players here considering how big their 44-point shock win over West Coast was but veteran defending Pearce Hanley would want to improve on his 12-possession game moving forward. In saying that, he remains a calming and vital presence in the Suns back half.
Laurence Rosen
Stand out: Callan Ward
It was great to see Callan Ward back in action for the Giants. The former club co-captain returned from a serious knee knjury for his first game since Round 4 last year and led the way for his side with 21 disposals, a goal and six score involvements. He wasn’t quite back to his battering best but you wouldn’t expect that in game one for 14 months. Just to have him back out there would have been enough for GWS but for him to be both their best player and to get through unscathed are positive signs for him individually, even if the Giants were well beaten by the Kangaroos.
Must improve: Jacob Hopper
Overall, it was a dirty day for the Giants who would have been looking to start the season 2-0 with a pair of comfortable home wins. If last season’s runners-up want to really challenge again, they’ll need their developing youngsters to fully support their established stars so that’s why it was a bit disappointing to see the output of Jacob Hopper. There is never a knock on his tenacity and willingness to compete but 13 disposals at 38% efficiency is well below what is expected of a player of his ilk. He was fabulous in the opening round but lowered his colours slightly against the Roos.
Veteran Heath Shaw picked up just six touches in a most uncustomarily quiet outing.
Andrew Slevison
Stand out: Sam Frost
There weren’t too many shining lights for the Hawks but Sam Frost played a solid game in defence. He ended the night with 14 disposals and nine marks. Three of those grabs were contested and he had 10 intercept possessions as he fought valiantly to quell Geelong's attack. He did get plenty of opportunities as the ball was down his end a fair bit but he kept putting himself in the right positions.
James Frawley did a very good job on Tom Hawkins for most of the night, denying him a solitary score out of Geelong's 17.6.
Must improve: The midfield
Tom Mitchell, James Worpel, Liam Shiels and co. were trounced by Geelong’s midfield. The Hawks had 64 less uncontested possessions, 31 less contested as well as 18 less clearances in their 61-point loss. Alastair Clarkson was extremely critical of his side’s on-ball brigade: “Our midfield lowered their colours tonight. They won inside the contest and then smacked us on the outside. They played outstanding footy and made us look, I couldn't even say second-rate, maybe third or fourth-rate.” That pretty much sums it up.
Andrew Slevison
Stand out: Christian Petracca
Petracca has been threatening to explode for a number of years but 2020 could be the season where he stamps his authority as one of Melbourne’s most important players. Saturday’s one-point win over Carlton was peculiar for a number of reasons but one thing which stood out was Petracca’s class in his game which included 24 touches as well as two goals. You get the sense this is only the tip of the iceberg for the prolific talent.
Must improve: Bayley Fritsch
Fritsch remains an underrated presence in Melbourne’s forward line but his errant goal kicking almost cost Melbourne a valuable four points on Saturday. From his five shots at goal, he only converted one. He also went at 33 per cent efficiently from his nine touches – something he’ll no doubt be looking to improve on. The 23-year-old is one of the Dees’ most versatile players but has a bit to work on ahead of next weekend’s clash against Essendon
Laurence Rosen
Stand out: Cam Zurhaar
Cam Zurhaar was the one who capped off North Melbourne’s good work, booting three goals using a mix of smarts and strength at the contest to put GWS to the sword. A tackling machine and with a love for the contest, Zurhaar is quickly developing into a high-impact medium forward similar in build to the likes of Jordan de Goey and Christian Petracca. If he can continue to kick goals and set the tone up the ground with tackling and big bumps, Zurhaar will be an asset for the Roos all season.
Must improve: Mason Wood
With Nick Larkey out injured, this was Mason Wood’s shot at stepping up and taking his spot in the side as the secondary key forward. Unfortunately for Wood, he had a very quiet afternoon, finishing with seven disposals, no marks and no goals. The Kangaroos kept the ball on the same side of the ground all afternoon to keep the game congested, but needed a secondary marking target next to Brown and Wood wasn’t quite able to provide it.
Nic Negrepontis
Stand out: Connor Rozee
Connor Rozee would have left Port Adelaide fans salivating after his classy display in the crushing Showdown win over Adelaide. Rozee spent more time through the midfield and won eight clearances to go with his 17 touches, six tackles, two goal assists and 338 metres gained. Fellow youngsters Zak Butters (21 and eight tackles) and Xavier Duursma (17 and three goals) also shone for the Power.
Must improve: No one
Every Port Adelaide player did their job and performed to a high level in the club-record Showdown win over their bitter cross-town rivals.
Alex Zaia
Stand out: Trent Cotchin
The skipper led from the front on a very strange night of football. The Tigers were under fire early but Cotchin held strong before he was the architect of his side’s comeback in the eventual draw. He drove the ball inside 50 on six occasions (an equal team high) while leading the way with seven clearances plus five tackles and 23 touches, willing himself to contests in true Cotchin style.
Jack Higgins made a vibrant return to senior footy in his first game in 12 months following brain surgery while Bachar Houli was his customary assured self across half-back.
Must improve: Sydney Stack
Stack looked a long way off the player he was when he stormed onto the scene last year. Admittedly, continuity has been an issue for him in just his second season after copping an injury late last year doubled with this delayed campaign. However, he must be better than that to keep his spot in this Tigers side with plenty of talent waiting for a chance. Four possessions isn’t enough.
Jack Riewoldt also had a night to forget. He was held scoreless and to just six touches and two marks. His set shot to win the game late in proceedings fell short and was certainly not up to his usual standards.
Andrew Slevison
Stand out: Jack Billings
Jack Billings is blossoming into an ultra-consistent performer. Billings was best afield in St Kilda’s big win over the Western Bulldogs, collecting 24 touches, five tackles, three goals, three clearances, six score involvements and a game-high 470 metres gained. The former No.3 pick had a career-best season in 2019 and could go to a whole new level in 2020. Billings was ably supported by recruits Zak Jones and Dan Butler.
Must improve: Ben Long
It's difficult to single out a particular player after such an impressive collective display, but it was a quiet evening for Ben Long. Playing in a new role across half-back, Long finished with just nine disposals and had no real impact on the contest. With Dylan Roberton and Jimmy Webster waiting in the wings the 22-year-old might be feeling nervous about his spot ahead of Saturday’s match against Collingwood.
Alex Zaia
Stand out: Luke Parker
Co-captain Luke Parker led by example in Sydney’s narrow loss to Essendon. The big-bodied midfielder stood out for the Swans with 25 possessions, five clearances, four tackles and 323 metres gained. Jake Lloyd (29 and a goal) and Ollie Florent (27, seven clearances and 635 metres gained) also performed strongly.
Must improve: Isaac Heeney
Essendon’s defence successfully quelled Isaac Heeney, keeping the star Swan to just 10 disposals. After a four-goal haul in the Round 1 win over Adelaide, Heeney was held goalless against the Bombers and had no meaningful impact on the match. For a player of his quality, Sydney will hope for a greater output against the unbeaten North Melbourne on Saturday.
Alex Zaia
Stand out: Elliot Yeo
The Eagles were on the receiving end of a rampant Gold Coast performance which allowed the Suns to snap a 19-game losing run so there weren’t too many positives to take away. The midfield was solid enough, however, with Eliot Yeo leading the way. He was a bull in the middle of the ground, winning 11 clearances (including four centre clearances) while laying 13 tackles and amassing 16 contested possessions - all of which were game highs.
Andrew Gaff was prolific with 29 touches and Luke Shuey was as solid as always.
Must improve: Forward line
Despite the defeat, West Coast still managed 46 inside 50s (only three less than the Suns) for a return of 6.10 at a subpar forward 50 efficiency of 43%. Star forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling were unable to take advantage of the entries, combing for just two goals, while Liam Ryan kicked four behinds. Six goals against last year’s bottom side is not what you’d expect from the usually free-scoring Eagles who will be absolutely burning to bounce back against Brisbane.
Andrew Slevison
Stand out: Bailey Smith
It was a dark day for the Bulldogs, but Bailey Smith’s performance is something they can at least smile about. He finished with 29 disposals, six clearances five tackles and four score involvements. His spread from stoppages and poise on the outside was particularly impressive. Smith has taken the next step in his development and will be hoping the rest of the team can follow his lead and correct their issues.
Must improve: Tim English
For the second straight round, Tim English has been completely dominated in the ruck. Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall did as they pleased, winning hit-outs to advantage and setting up St Kilda’s run and spread from stoppage. English is a young, developing ruckman, but the Bulldogs’ midfield is at its peak right now and they need a ruckman who can break even and provide a contest. Unfortunately for the Dogs, they don’t have a ready-made ruckman on their list who can give English some protection as he develops.