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AFL Round 2 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match

Jesse Mclure

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Last updated: Tue 17 Mar 2026 11:58

Jesse Mclure 17 Mar 2026

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Jesse shares AFL Round 2 predictions and winning margins.
Sydney, Adelaide, and Gold Coast predicted to build momentum.
St Kilda positioned as the week's most valuable play.

Jessie from True Footy gives his Round 2 Tips in the AFL

AFL Round 2 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match

Round 2 is where early-season narratives start to take shape.

AFL Round 2 Tips 2026: Jesse’s Predictions & Margins for Every Match
Hawthorn vs Sydney Prediction
Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Prediction
Richmond vs Gold Coast Prediction
GWS Giants vs St Kilda Prediction
Fremantle vs Melbourne Prediction
Port Adelaide vs Essendon Prediction
West Coast vs North Melbourne Prediction
Round 2 Summary

Some teams look like genuine contenders, others are already under pressure, and a few are trying to prove Opening Round wasn’t a false read. With form lines beginning to settle, this is where sharp edges appear in the market.

From blockbuster clashes to potential upsets, here are Jesse’s tips and predicted margins for every AFL Round 2 game.

Hawthorn vs Sydney Prediction

Sydney have looked one of the most impressive teams to start the season, slicing through both Carlton and Brisbane with their ball movement. Even with Errol Gulden out, their transition game remains elite through Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney.

Hawthorn were strong against Essendon, but this is a clear step up in class. If Sydney control the outside game, they should be able to break the Hawks open.

Jesse’s Tip: Sydney by 13 points

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Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs Prediction

This shapes as one of the games of the round, with both sides in strong form. Adelaide’s forward line, led by Riley Thilthorpe and Taylor Walker, can stretch any defence, while the Bulldogs counter with Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton.

The Bulldogs likely hold the midfield edge through Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore, but Adelaide’s defensive setup and home-ground advantage at Adelaide Oval are significant factors.

Jesse’s Tip: Adelaide by 20 points

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Richmond vs Gold Coast Prediction

Gold Coast have started the season like a genuine contender, dominating both Geelong and West Coast with ease. Their midfield, now featuring Christian Petracca alongside Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, is one of the competition’s strongest.

Richmond were competitive against Carlton but lacked polish in key moments. Against a high-powered Suns outfit, that margin for error disappears quickly.

Jesse’s Tip: Gold Coast by 50 points

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GWS Giants vs St Kilda Prediction

St Kilda have underwhelmed early, but this matchup presents an opportunity to reset. The Saints tend to match up well against GWS, particularly when games become contested and scrappy.

The Giants’ midfield has shown vulnerability against stronger on-ball groups, and while St Kilda aren’t elite in that area, they can apply enough pressure to disrupt GWS’ transition game.

Jesse’s Tip: St Kilda by 7 points

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Fremantle vs Melbourne Prediction

Fremantle showed flashes of dominance against Geelong but faded badly after quarter time, raising questions about their consistency.

Melbourne, meanwhile, looked sharp against St Kilda, with Max Gawn still dominant and their transition game creating scoring opportunities. This shapes as a genuine danger game for the Dockers if they’re not at their best.

Jesse’s Tip: Fremantle by 18 points

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Port Adelaide vs Essendon Prediction

Port Adelaide come into this game under pressure after a disappointing loss to North Melbourne. With Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis, they still possess far more midfield class than Essendon.

The Bombers showed some competitiveness against Hawthorn but struggled defensively in transition. At Adelaide Oval, Port should be able to respond.

Jesse’s Tip: Port Adelaide by 20 points

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West Coast vs North Melbourne Prediction

North Melbourne have shown clear improvement and now look capable of stepping away from the bottom tier of the ladder.

West Coast were more competitive than expected against Gold Coast, but still lack the firepower to consistently match stronger midfields. North’s midfield, led by Luke Davies-Uniacke, should give them the edge.

Jesse’s Tip: North Melbourne by 22 points

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Round 2 Summary

Round 2 presents a mix of expected results and potential upsets, with St Kilda flagged as the biggest value play of the week.

If these tips land, Sydney, Adelaide and Gold Coast will continue to build early-season momentum, while teams like Port Adelaide and Fremantle face important bounce-back opportunities.