The last time Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom played Brisbane, they tasted grand final victory. Three games later, they’re both out of form, and the coach is weighing up whether to give the veterans a rest.
Essendon young gun Archie Perkins has stood up for Peter Wright after the spearhead was criticised for his clash with a Swans favourite son. Meanwhile, the Demons received good news on the injury front for a pair of star defenders; and Saints big man Max King is headed to the tribunal.
As Collingwood coach Craig McRae looks for a spark for his winless team, his former coach Leigh Matthews says the reigning premiers are lacking energy, and the stats show five of their key midfielders are not performing at last year’s standards.
The AFL’s second round is in the books and, as usual, there is plenty to talk about after a weekend of upsets, controversy and magnificent solo performances.
Follow along for all the live action as the Western Bulldogs hunt their first win against a rampaging Gold Coast in Ballarat and Richmond face Port Adelaide at the MCG.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admits he’s made some difficult selection decisions in his bid to reward pre-season form, and one of the veterans who has been affected has backed the approach.
Ross Lyon has basically said the entire competition has worked Collingwood out. Yes, he dressed it up in coach-speak, but the plain English translation was simple: “We all know what they do and how to beat them now”.
Essendon’s Peter Wright has been sent straight to the tribunal and will likely face a three to four-week suspension for the incident that left Sydney’s Harry Cunningham concussed and unable to take further part in Saturday night’s game.