The 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season is set to return on June 11, less than two months after it was paused due to COVID-19. Collingwood and Richmond will lead the charge in a round of blockbuster matches, providing fans the footy feast they’ve been so keenly awaiting.
While matches will recommence behind closed doors, the AFL’s broadcast partners are ready to roll and have committed to delivering a quality product online, on-screen and on the airwaves. Find the AFL’s broadcast guide For the Toyota AFL Premiership Season up until Round Five here.
Round 2 preview:
Collingwood v Richmond: Thursday, June 11
Traditional rivals Collingwood and Richmond renew hostilities this Thursday night at the MCG to reignite the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. With both clubs looking impressive, notching up big wins in round 1, all signs point to another hotly contested clash for these fierce cross-town rivals.
Geelong v Hawthorn: Friday, June 12
Could we be set for yet another modern-day thriller between the Cats and the Hawks? The footy public certainly hopes so! The Hawks will be making the trip down to GMHBA Stadium for the first time since 2006 to take on a formidable Geelong outfit, who boasts an incredible record on their home deck. With the likes of Dangerfield, Selwood, Mitchell and Sicily on display, this is a game not to be missed!
Brisbane v Fremantle: Saturday, June 13
This Saturday afternoon the Lions will host the Dockers in what will be the first of a four-game block at the GABBA to start the season. The Lions will be keen to notch up their first win for 2020 and assert their home ground advantage over their WA counterparts. The Nat Fyfe-led Dockers will also be hungry to bounce out the isolation period with a win after their narrow loss in round 1.
Carlton v Melbourne: Saturday, June 13
The Blues and Demons will play for keeps when the ball is bounced this Saturday afternoon. Both teams suffered a loss to start the season, meaning the impending resumption of play is so crucial. With Patrick Cripps and Jack Viney battling it out in the middle of Marvel Stadium, it will be intriguing to see which team gets on top early.
Gold Coast Suns v West Coast Eagles: Saturday, June 13
The Gold Coast Suns and Metricon Stadium will host West Coast on Sunday afternoon, with the Eagles so rampant in their round 1 win at home. With the Eagles playing out of the isolation hub on the Gold Coast, Stuart Dew’s men will be keen to showcase their raft of young talent on their home ground against a formidable opponent.
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows: Saturday, June 13
Round 2 is set to showcase the latest instalment of the time-honoured South Aussie showdown between cross-town rivals Port and the Crows. Bragging rights will be up for grabs to see who can retain the number 1 mantel piece status with both sides gearing up to work their way back up the ladder in 2020.
GWS Giants v North Melbourne: Sunday, June 14
There will be a big, big sound in the west of Sydney when the GWS Giants take to Spotless Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Giants will lock horns with North Melbourne after both teams posted a win in their respective round 1 encounters. The Giants will be keen to build on their impressive form from last year; and will need to be at their best when they come up against a rejuvenated North Melbourne outfit, who stunned St Kilda with a come from behind victory in round 1.
Sydney v Essendon: Sunday, June 14
Sunday afternoon footy heats up with Sydney playing host to Essendon on the hallowed turf of the SCG. A Buddy-less Swans demonstrated they are by no means a one-man band with the likes of Heeney and Hayward chipping in for six goals between them in round 1. Essendon were another one of the victors that emerged from the season start with the all-important four points, with contributions from Townsend, Stringer and Fantasia showing there will be multiple avenues to goal for the Bombers in 2020.
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs: Sunday, June 14
The final match of round 2 concludes with the blockbuster of St Kilda playing host to the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. Both were tipped for finals aspirations in 2020 and both clubs will be out to ensure they net an early win for the season. It’s prime time footy at its best this Sunday night so don’t miss a second of the action!