It's relief for Collingwood and strife for the Brisbane Lions, after the premiers repeat their grand final victory to get off the mark for 2024 at the Gabba.
In one short hour, the AFL confirmed what had been an open secret in the Aussie Rules world — that players who tested positive for illicit drugs were sitting out games with concocted injuries. It's a system designed to protect players, but at what cost to integrity?
Round two of the 2024 AFL season confirmed more surprise contenders, guaranteed another high-profile night at the tribunal, and left one key side looking at a defensive rebuild. Here are the biggest talking points from every game of round two.
GWS wraps up round two with a solid win over West Coast in Perth, with Essendon's Peter Wright set to face the tribunal on Tuesday night for the hit that left Sydney's Harry Cunningham concussed.
Essendon coach Brad Scott throws his support behind Peter Wright and backs the Bombers' physical approach following their fiery 30-point loss to undefeated Sydney at the SCG.
A Bombers star faces scrutiny after a high bump sparked an early brawl with the Swans, while earlier Melbourne's win was soured by injuries to two key players.
Chris Scott and Matthew Nicks raise concerns about the safety of players after the Crows' Ben Keays helped bring to ground a spectator who ran onto Adelaide Oval during the Cats' 19-point win.
Geelong continue an upward trend with a win on the road over Adelaide, but the game is marred by a pitch invader running right into the middle of play.
St Kilda says Mason Wood could have faced 'something far more serious' after a collision at the MCG leaves him with concussion and a broken collarbone.
St Kilda clinches an impressive 15-point win over the still winless Collingwood, as Jack Higgins kicks a controversial boundary-line classic to ice the game.
Researchers at Deakin University find that 85 per cent of sportswomen have had their wellbeing affected by online harm, calling for sporting clubs and organisations to work together to solve the problem.
Sitting winless after two rounds, Collingwood faces a tough test against St Kilda to get its first win on the board — and the Magpies coach has a message for the club's fans.