The 2025 AFL season has kicked into high gear with Round 2 featuring some exciting matches, notably the clash between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match began on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. AEDT, following intense anticipation after Carlton's unexpected loss to the Richmond Tigers in Round 1.
Carlton started strong last week, holding a commanding 41-point lead in the second quarter but faltered in the face of Richmond's remarkable comeback, eventually losing 69-82 in front of a packed MCG crowd. This stunning upset raised questions about Carlton's ability to convert leads into victories. Despite the defeat, Carlton fans hoped for redemption as they burst onto the field against a formidable Hawthorn side.
The Hawks have been on an impressive run, securing victories against the Sydney Swans and Essendon in their earlier matches. They entered this round placed second on the ladder, trailing the Giants by just a few points on the scoreboard. Hawthorn's recent triumph over Essendon, marked by a decisive 26-point victory, showcased their tactical strength, earning them significant praise from fans and commentators alike.
However, Hawthorn's success was dimmed by the news of defender Jack Scrimshaw's three-game suspension for striking Jordan Riley around the head. The team would have to adjust their strategy without Scrimshaw, but they seemed confident in their depth and overall performance.
As the game unfolded, Hawthorn's experience and organization shone through. The team capitalized on Carlton's struggles, with standout performances from players like James Sicily, who opened the scoring for the Hawks and kept their momentum flowing. The MCG echoed with cheers as Hawthorn surged to a 16-point lead early in the game, establishing a commanding presence on the field.
Carlton, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm. Star forward Charlie Curnow returned from injury but was noticeably off his game, with analysts like David King noting, "Curnow doesn't look right, he can't move – he can't get near it do much to help his side's quest for victory." Compounding their challenges, Carlton was also battling without Harry McKay, who was sidelined with illness, further depleting their offensive firepower.
Despite the hurdles, Carlton managed to chip away at the lead, but the disparity in their inside-50 entries was telling; the Blues only managed four marks compared to the Hawks' ten, indicating the uphill battle they faced in sealing crucial scoring opportunities.
Looking ahead, the competition continues to heat up with Adelaide set to face Essendon on Saturday, March 22 at the MCG, kicking off at 1:20 p.m. AEDT. Adelaide comes into this match with high hopes after their dominant performance against St Kilda in Round 1, where they showcased their depth and teamwork. Senior Coach Matthew Nicks expressed his desire to maintain an unchanged line-up in light of last week’s success, stating, "When you perform the way you do and you perform well you want to keep the side similar." With all players available, including wingman Chayce Jones, the Crows are keen to capitalize on momentum.
The match against Essendon provides both teams with a pivotal opportunity to secure essential points early in the season. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as both clubs have exhibited strong potential so far. Adelaide's ability to maintain their form away from home will be crucial, as will Essendon’s response following their defeat to Hawthorn.
The 2025 AFL season is definitely shaping up to be a rollercoaster, filled with surprising comebacks and strong performances. As the matches unfold, experts and fans alike are tuning in to see how teams adapt and overcome challenges. With more exciting clashes ahead, including the Western Bulldogs’ tussle with Collingwood and Port Adelaide facing Richmond, each game this round will inevitably affect the standings significantly.
Round 2 promises not only thrilling matchups but also opportunities for teams like Carlton to regain their footing and show their resilience after a tumultuous start to the season. As the action continues at the MCG and beyond, the football world watches closely, eagerly anticipating how the landscape of this season will take shape.
