The certainties for every remaining Round 2 game

Back for another week, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.

But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.

Here is what we consider certainties for the seven remaining games in Round 2 across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

N. Daicos 30+ disposals

The Collingwood superstar will be breathing a sigh of relief for the first time in 2025 with the Bulldogs unlikely to employ a full-time tagger.

After being kept to 21 touches by cramp and Toby Bedford in Opening Round and then 26 touches by Willem Drew in Round 1, Daicos should finally have some ability to run somewhat free.

The superstar has picked up 40+ disposals in the last two games he hasn’t been tagged, and while we’re not tipping him to go that nuclear this time, 30+ should be well within his grasp if Luke Beveridge doesn’t send a stopper his way.

He had 32 disposals, 16 clearances and two goals the last time the teams faced off, even with attention from Harvey Gallagher. He’ll hope to do that again on Friday night.

Lachlan Geleit

Essendon v Adelaide

Caddy to kick a goal

A lot is going to rest on the young forward’s shoulders on Saturday given the injury to Kyle Langford.

With no Peter Wright and Jake Stringer in the side from last year, Caddy could experience being the No. 1 aerial target for the first time in his career against Adelaide.

While it might mean he attracts a better defender, you’d expect the teenager to hit the scoreboard if the Dons are looking to find him inside 50.

Lachlan Geleit

Port Adelaide v Richmond

Rozee 25+ disposals

Almost the only Port Adelaide player that can hold his head high from last week, Connor Rozee got his 2025 off to a good start from a personal perspective with 35 disposals and five clearances.

While he may not reach those heights again, 25+ should be no issue for the Port skipper, particularly if Kamdyn McIntosh is sent Jason Horne-Francis’ way at the stoppage.

Without Zak Butters in the team, the Power are going to look to find Rozee to launch them forward, and he’ll back himself to do that against an inexperienced Richmond outfit.

Lachlan Geleit

St Kilda v Geelong

Wanganeen-Milera for 450+ meters gained and 20+ disposals

After a dismal showing in Adelaide resulting in a 63-point loss, St Kilda will be looking to show fans that it was merely a one-off.

Although, one of the bright spots within their performance against Adelaide was Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

He was able to take some pressure away for St Kilda defence totaling up 571 meters gained being helped that 21 of his 27 disposals were kicks.

Likely facing similar pressure from Geelong, he will need to have some more run and carry against Geelong but should be able to get past both totals.

Nicholas Quinlan

Brisbane v West Coast

Dunkley for 10+ contested possessions

Since moving to Brisbane in 2023, Josh Dunkley has been an important aspect to Brisbane’s midfield with his versatility to play as an inside and outside midfielder.

After an impressive game against Sydney which saw him achieve 27 disposals, 16 contested possessions and a goal, Dunkley looks set to continue this strong form.

In regards to his contested game, he has averaged at least 10+ contested possessions a game in five out of the last six seasons with the 2020 season being the exception.

And against a West Coast side who's midfield was well and truly beaten by Gold Coast, ten contested possessions should be well and truly achievable.

Nicholas Quinlan

North Melbourne v Melbourne

__Oliver and Petracca to combine for 50+ disposals __

While Melbourne is unlucky to have fallen short against the Giants by three points, there were plenty of positive signs for Demons fans.

In particular, the official return of Christian Petracca after injury and Clayton Oliver looking fit and healthy after a full pre-season under his belt.

Against North Melbourne, Melbourne should be able to once again dominate the disposals game like they did against the Giants and see Melbourne’s dynamic duo combine for plenty of touches.

And history is on their side.

Since 2018, both Oliver and Petracca have each only had one game against North Melbourne where either of them did not get at least 25 disposals.

Nicholas Quinlan

Fremantle v Sydney

Josh Treacy to kick at least one goal

With both teams looking for their first win of 2025, the pressure will be on both Sydney’s and Fremantle’s forward line who at times are hit and miss in being able to deliver a positive result.

For Fremantle, with Shai Bolton likely playing more of a forward role after his calf injury, this should give their forward line a different look with less focus on their talls and in particular Josh Treacy.

Treacy is currently on a 23-game streak of scoring at least one goal spanning all the way back to Round 24, 2023.

This is currently the longest streak going amongst current AFL players and we should expect that to continue after Sunday’s match.

Nicholas Quinlan

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