The next wave of excitement in the Australian Football League (AFL) is upon us, with Round 2 featuring several highly anticipated clashes that fans won't want to miss. Kicking off the week is the showdown between Hawthorn and Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the 'G') on Thursday, March 20, 2025. This matchup sets the stage for a thrilling week in the sport, packed with drama and intrigue.
As the weekend unfolds, Friday's highlight will be the Western Bulldogs taking on Collingwood, not just for the competition stakes but also to celebrate the Bulldogs' 100-year centenary under the 'Footscray' name. With such a storied celebration, the match promises to deliver an electric atmosphere. Then to wrap up the weekend, Fremantle will face Sydney on Sunday, March 23, 2025, adding to the week’s excitement.
However, it's not all smooth sailing in the AFL world. The controversial suspension of North Melbourne's Jackson Archer is turning heads and igniting debates after he was handed a three-match ban following a collision that resulted in Luke Cleary being knocked out during the Kangaroos vs Bulldogs match last week. Initially, Archer was cited by the Match Review Officer (MRO) for careless conduct after the knee-on-knee incident, a decision that was upheld by the Tribunal on Tuesday night, March 18, 2025.
Archer's teammate, Harry Sheezel, has publicly stood by him, arguing that the incident was simply an unfortunate accident rather than a reckless act. "At the time, honestly, I had no idea an incident had happened. I was just eyes on the ball," Sheezel remarked in a candid discussion with SEN’s Dwayne’s World, evidencing how quickly things can unfold during a game.
Reflecting on the moment, Sheezel explained, "I don’t think he expected Luke to go to ground. Then by the time (he went to ground) I think he realized that it was a bit too late to pull out and their momentum went into each other." His points raise crucial questions about the nature of player safety in a sport known for its physical confrontations.
Moreover, Sheezel noted that Archer's actions might have warranted a different outcome: "I think, according to the rules, that he probably should have got a free kick... He had every right to go for the ball in that situation." The sentiment echoes a growing call within the league to reassess how contact is penalized during games, especially in moments of split-second decision making.
Interestingly, Sheezel believes that the incident was not a case of blatant recklessness. "I guess the point could be that he was reckless, and he should have shown more duty of care, but I just think it’s just so hard as players in those split-second moments to make those decisions," he reflected, suggesting that there is a shared responsibility on the field.
This incident brings to light the ongoing conversations around player safety and the complexities that come with managing contacts between athletes in fast-paced scenarios. As Sheezel aptly put it, "I don't think anyone was in the wrong in that situation. Luke had every right to go for the ball, Jackson had every right to go for the ball, and it was just one of those unfortunate situations.”
While the fallout from the Archer-Cleary collision continues, fans and players remain eager for the upcoming rounds of play. Presently, GWS and Gold Coast have the week off, giving fans and players time to reset and recharge for when the competition resumes. Just around the corner, these teams will also be looking to capitalize on any opportunities to climb up the ladder.
As Round 2 unfolds with all its built-up intensity, each match carries not just the weight of victory or defeat, but the lingering implications of player conduct and its interpretive nature within the powerful arena of professional Australian rules football. The eyes of many will surely be on these games as the week progresses, awaiting to see how players respond in the face of scrutiny and excitement.
