Collingwood vs Richmond

Thursday June 11, MCG, 7:40pm AEST

Team News: Both clubs enter the long-awaited return with strong sides and 1-0 starts following convincing round one performances to kick-off their 2020 campaign.

Sydney recruit Darcy Cameron is set to make his debut in the absence of Mason Cox, who was ruled out of the clash with a knee injury.

Collingwood will also be without star onballer Adam Treloar, who remains 1-2 weeks away from a return. Promising youngster Jaidyn Stephenson has been overlooked for a return, with Nathan Buckley remaining satisfied with his round one side that belted the Western Bulldogs by nine goals back in March.

The Tigers look to have no notable injury concerns, with Bachar Houli's calf complaint set to cause no setback in his chances of playing.

The reigning premiers will welcome back Jack Higgins after the 21-year-old underwent brain surgery last year, meaning the Tigers will have  a fully fit side set to run out onto the field in hope of making it two wins from two.

Prediction: One to go down to the wire. Richmond by 8.

Geelong vs Hawthorn

Friday June 12, GMHBA Stadium, 7:50pm AEST

Team News: While Jack Steven has made a miraculous return to full contact training this week, his position in the side will remain under question with his limited amount of track time.

Josh Jenkins is another recruit that will be forced to wait to make his debut with his new club, remaining on the sidelines for another few weeks with a back injury.

Defender Jake Kolodjashnij is another key Cat to miss out on the clash following his pre-season hip surgery.

Hawthorn will have a number of names racing against the clock for selection, with Blake Hardwick and Jaeger O'Meara both remaining in question.

Hardwick participated in the Hawks' intraclub game last week while being forced to play under limited contact, while O'Meara's facial fracture places him in unclear territory to play against the Cats.

Prediction: Cats set to collect their first four points in another classic against the Hawks. Geelong by 15. 

Brisbane vs Fremantle 

Saturday June 13, GABBA, 1:45pm AEST

Team News: The Lions will be looking at a number of changes from their round one defeat to Hawthorn. Fresh recruit Grant Birchall was a late withdrawal from match and is likely to line up in round two to make his club debut. Even Robertson could likely be the name to make way for the four-time Hawthorn premiership player.

Defender Marcus Adams is one name confirmed to be sidelined following an operation on his foot, with Chris Fagan potentially looking at Callum Ah Chee to for some added speed.

One player to be thankful for the league hiatus is Stefan Martin, who suffered a PCL injury in round one and is set to make a remarkable comeback for round two.

The Dockers have several decisions to make for their forward line, with forwards Jesse Hogan and Cam McCarthy making the flight to Queensland. McCarthy's chances of running out this weekend look limited, with a number of questions to be answered following his shock collapse at training.

Fremantle are also set to welcome David Mundy, Nathan Wilson and Saints recruit Blake Acres into Justin Longmuir's side.

Prediction: Lions to get season back on track. Brisbane by 31. 

Carlton vs Melbourne 

Saturday June 13, Marvel Stadium, 4:35pm AEST

Team News: The Blues are set to add some much needed flair to their attack, with Eddie Betts set to make his miraculous return to Carlton alongside promising youngster Harry McKay.

Matthew Kreuzer's absence and Tom De Koning's unavailability will likely spell good news for Hawthorn recruit Marc Pittonet, while Caleb Marchbank and Charlie Curnow will remain on the sidelines with knee complaints.

All eyes will be on the Demons team selection for round two, with Harley Bennell set to make a stunning return to the league with Melbourne in round two.

Christian Salem and Nathan Jones will be two names to come into the side to play Carlton after missing their round one clash while third overall pick Luke Jackson is also set to make his way into Melbourne's 22.

Prediction: Two sides hungry for an early win, Dees just. Melbourne by 7.

 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Max Gawn of the Demons is tackled by Patrick Cripps of the Blues during the round two AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide vs Adelaide

Saturday June 13, Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm AEST

Team News: Both sides are in line to welcome back a host of key names for The Showdown.

Port will welcome back Ollie Wines, Charlie Dixon and Riley Bonner, with the trio adding in pace and power to the top-placed Power.

Any injury cloud surrounding Robbie Gray is set to clear by Saturday, with Ken Hinkley confirming his place in Saturdays side.

Mitch Georgiades will be one of the unlucky names to make way following a calf injury, with his place in the side potentially up for Jack Watts' return from a quad complaint.

Crows defender Tom Doedee will make his return from an ACL injury he sustained in round one last year, meaning first round selection Fisher McAsey could be the luckless withdrawal.

Adelaide youngster Ned McHenry is in line to make his AFL debut and could be the name to replace Tyson Stengle, who will miss following his drink driving suspension.

Prediction: Crows have a lot to prove in 2020 and the Showdown is a good place to start. Adelaide by 20. 

Gold Coast vs West Coast

Saturday June 13, Metricon Stadium, 7:40pm AEST

Team News: The Suns suffered a number of setbacks during the league suspension, with recruit Brandon Ellis (calf), Anthony Miles (hamstring) and George Horlin-Smith (foot) all sustaining recent injuries.

The trio of absences could mean youngster Sam Flanders is in line to debut for the club alongside Jarrod Harbrow, Alex Sexton, Rory Thompson, Pearce Hanley and Jack Hombsch all named to potentially return.

Unfortunate youngster Izak Rankine will have to wait another week to make his debut while David Swallow will miss with a one week suspension.

West Coast will likely welcome back forward-ruck utility Oscar Allen to pair to shed the workload for Nic Naitanui, meaning Tom Hickey could be the unlikely name to be taken out of 22.

Mark Hutchings will remain sidelined for another two weeks with a knee injury while Jarrod Cameron's limited training schedule will prevent his selection for another week.

Prediction: Assumed to be an easy one for the Eagles. West Coast by 55. 

Greater Western Sydney vs North Melbourne

Sunday June 14, GIANTS Stadium, 1:05pm AEST

Team News: Looks to be almost all good news for the Giants, with Callan Ward set to make his anticipated return alongside star runner Zac Williams.

The inclusions mean promising draftee Tom Green could be forced out of the starting side, once again leaving Leon Cameron with a great problem.

Sam Jacobs will hold his position in the side despite Shane Mumford's return.

North find themselves with several names set to miss Sunday's match, with Nick Larkey (foot), Majak Daw (chest) and Kayne Turner (foot) all set for the sidelines.

Larkey's loss will be the gain for either Mason Wood, Lachie Hosie or Tristan Xerri, while defender Marley Williams will miss the clash with his final week of suspension.

Prediction: Giants set to be too strong for the Kangaroos. Giants by 33. 

Sydney vs Essendon 

Sunday June 14, SCG, 3:35pm AEST

Team News: The Swans will have a number of holes to fill in their forward structure, with Lance Franklin, Sam Reid and Ben Ronke all forced out with injury.

The Swans are also sweating on ruckman Sam Naismith's fitness following a sore hamstring and will wait as late as Thursday to find out his position in the side.

George Hewett will return to the side after missing round one.

The Bombers once again find themselves battling soft tissue injures as they look to piece together 22 magnets.

Forward pair Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Orazio Fantasia will miss Sunday's match with ankle and quad injuries respectively.

All eyes will be on Dyson Heppell as he remains touch and go with a foot injury along with Conor McKenna, who will be close to a return following his stint in isolation.

Speedster Mason Redman joins Joe Daniher on the sidelines as he deals with soreness while Patrick Ambrose and Cale Hooker are cleared to play.

Prediction: Both sides lacking fire power up front, Swans midfield to get the job done. Swans by 16. 

St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs

Sunday June 14, Marvel Stadium, 6:05pm AEST

Team News: The AFL's hiatus has become a blessing for the Saints injury list, with Ben Long, Jade Gresham and Jake Carlisle  all cleared of any injuries.

Jack Steele remains the only name in question for Sunday following a wrist injury, with the club keeping a close eye on his fitness at training this week.

Five names that missed the Bulldogs disastrous start to 2020 will likely line up for Luke Beveridge this weekend.

Lin Jong (hamstring), Tory Dickson (adductor), Tom Liberatore (knee), Patrick Lipinski (concussion) and Rhylee West (knee) will find themselves right in contention for selection.

Zaine Cordy is another name that could be up for selection but has spent some time away from the main group, alongside Taylor Duryea and Roarke Smith who remain 1-2 weeks away from a return.

Prediction: Big ins for the Doggies as they get their season back on track. Wester Bulldogs by 18.