AFL 2024 round two LIVE updates: Hawks, Demons square off at MCG; Second-half comeback takes Dockers to win

FREMANTLE 15.12 (102) d NORTH MELBOURNE 11.10 (76)

KEY POINTS

JACKSON STARS: Premiership star Luke Jackson reinforced why the Dockers prized him from Melbourne with a match-defining third term in a 26-point win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The Dockers trailed by 17 points at half-time (that had burst to 32 during the second term), having been cut open by the Kangaroos’ run, but Jackson sparked a remarkable turnaround which led to a seven-goal third term and a 23-point lead by the final break. That was enough for the Dockers to hold on, and remain unbeaten after two rounds. Jackson, the prototype modern ruckman, had seven disposals in the third term, including five clearances – the latter the same as the Kangaroos, for the term. Jackson’s ability to get the ball forward, including a goal of his own, was a sight to behold. “Our overall energy, we spoke about that half-time, we played our game in the third quarter,” Jackson told Fox Footy. “There were a few structural changes … we just wanted to go back to our game. Just stay in the moment, that’s what we are big on.” Jackson finished with 24 touches, seven clearances and 21 hit outs in a best-on-ground performance. Andrew Brayshaw, after a quiet start, and veteran Nat Fyfe were excellent, while the imposing Alex Pearce held Nick Larkey to only one goal. Brayshaw said the Dockers were “sliced up in the middle” in the first half, but his team was able to regroup at the main break. “We knew we just had to keep backing ourselves … there were a few critical contests we won, and that was infectious,” Brayshaw said. Coach Justin Longmuir has the Dockers purring, for they put 93 points on the board against grand finalist Brisbane last week, and had 102 against the Kangaroos. Next up is winless Adelaide in Perth.

ROOS WILL TROUBLE TEAMS: The Kangaroos, complete with their “North ball”, are a work in progress, but the half-back line they had, at times, against the Dockers will trouble most teams. Former hard-running Blue Zac Fisher, star rookie Colby McKercher and best-and-fairest Harry Sheezel, in only his second season, provided creativity and drive. The Dockers had few answers in the first term, particularly as they seemingly were outnumbered by the Kangaroos at every opportunity. And with clean ball users Fisher and Sheezel among those with ball in hand, it made it a tough start for the visitors, who trailed by two goals at the first change.

FAST ROOS IMPRESS EARLY: Speaking of “North ball”, this is the attacking game-plan Alastair Clarkson has devised, as most teams now are seeking to move the ball quickly, and score more through the corridor. The Kangaroos were ballistic in the first term, but it was a patient build-up through the win and to the pocket which led to a Cam Zurhaar goal in the second term which would have pleased close observers. That highlighted a maturity, a sense of when to run, and when to be patient, giving the Kangaroos a chance to compete against all opponents this season. We also liked Tom Powell’s performance, the hard-working Kangaroo backing up a career-high 26 touches last week, with 28 today.

KEY STATS

Kysaiah Pickett has booted the first goal after an untimely Hawks turnover.

In the moments after the goal, tempers flared as Melbourne took umbrage to some late hits on embattled star Clayton Oliver.

The Dees flew the flag for “Clarrie” as you would expect. Oliver has just left the ground under the blood rule, he looks to have a minor cut to the head.

It could be a fiery clash if this continues.

Dees 8, Hawks 0 with 13 mins to go in Q1.

FREMANTLE 15.12 (102) d NORTH MELBOURNE 11.10 (76)

KEY POINTS

JACKSON STARS: Premiership star Luke Jackson reinforced why the Dockers prized him from Melbourne with a match-defining third term in a 26-point win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. The Dockers trailed by 17 points at half-time (that had burst to 32 during the second term), having been cut open by the Kangaroos’ run, but Jackson sparked a remarkable turnaround which led to a seven-goal third term and a 23-point lead by the final break. That was enough for the Dockers to hold on, and remain unbeaten after two rounds. Jackson, the prototype modern ruckman, had seven disposals in the third term, including five clearances – the latter the same as the Kangaroos, for the term. Jackson’s ability to get the ball forward, including a goal of his own, was a sight to behold. “Our overall energy, we spoke about that half-time, we played our game in the third quarter,” Jackson told Fox Footy. “There were a few structural changes … we just wanted to go back to our game. Just stay in the moment, that’s what we are big on.” Jackson finished with 24 touches, seven clearances and 21 hit outs in a best-on-ground performance. Andrew Brayshaw, after a quiet start, and veteran Nat Fyfe were excellent, while the imposing Alex Pearce held Nick Larkey to only one goal. Brayshaw said the Dockers were “sliced up in the middle” in the first half, but his team was able to regroup at the main break. “We knew we just had to keep backing ourselves … there were a few critical contests we won, and that was infectious,” Brayshaw said. Coach Justin Longmuir has the Dockers purring, for they put 93 points on the board against grand finalist Brisbane last week, and had 102 against the Kangaroos. Next up is winless Adelaide in Perth.

ROOS WILL TROUBLE TEAMS: The Kangaroos, complete with their “North ball”, are a work in progress, but the half-back line they had, at times, against the Dockers will trouble most teams. Former hard-running Blue Zac Fisher, star rookie Colby McKercher and best-and-fairest Harry Sheezel, in only his second season, provided creativity and drive. The Dockers had few answers in the first term, particularly as they seemingly were outnumbered by the Kangaroos at every opportunity. And with clean ball users Fisher and Sheezel among those with ball in hand, it made it a tough start for the visitors, who trailed by two goals at the first change.

FAST ROOS IMPRESS EARLY: Speaking of “North ball”, this is the attacking game-plan Alastair Clarkson has devised, as most teams now are seeking to move the ball quickly, and score more through the corridor. The Kangaroos were ballistic in the first term, but it was a patient build-up through the win and to the pocket which led to a Cam Zurhaar goal in the second term which would have pleased close observers. That highlighted a maturity, a sense of when to run, and when to be patient, giving the Kangaroos a chance to compete against all opponents this season. We also liked Tom Powell’s performance, the hard-working Kangaroo backing up a career-high 26 touches last week, with 28 today.

KEY STATS

We will now turn our attention to Hawthorn v Melbourne which is minutes away from starting at the MCG.

Neither side has made a late change and both are on the field at the MCG and completing their final run throughs.

Mild and sunny conditions await the players at the MCG.

Jack Gunston (Hawks) and Marty Hore (Dees) will start as the subs.

Dockers ruckman Luke Jackson has praised his side for rediscovering their best in the second half today.

Jackson was among the best players on ground with 24 possessions, two goals and 21 hit outs.

“Just our energy, we wanted more energy and in the third quarter we played our game and had more energy around the ball,” Jackson told Fox Footy.

“We had a few structural changes but North were pretty good in that first half, we just wanted to get back to our game.”

The Dockers were poor in the first half, blazing in the second as they came back to beat North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

The Roos led by 17 points at half-time but couldn’t keep with the Dockers after the break as they kicked 10 goals to three to take the win.

The Kangaroos have shown resilience to remain in this contest, for the Dockers had threatened to blow this game apart.

They may ultimately rue some wasted opportunities, with Larkey one of the culprits.

The Dockers pushed forward and Bailey Banfield end up with a mark inside the 50m line.

He went back and kicked his second goal. That should be enough.

Freo 95, Roos 70 with five mins to go.

A poor kick from the Dockers in defence drifted back and hit the bottom of the point post.

It was a tough call to make as the ball hit the very bottom of the post but the field umpire said the ball had bounced first and it was a throw in.

The replay said otherwise.

It couldn’t be reviewed as it wasn’t a score.

Roos fans are fuming and so they should be.

Freo 89, Roos 70 with six mins to go.

The Roos have a little hope left as Tom Powell runs forward and take a pass form Simpkin and then went back and kicked the goal from distance.

He has been superb today with 25 disposals and two goals.

Four goals will win it for the Roos.

Freo 89, Roos 69 with 10 mins to go.

Fremantle have subbed Nat Fyfe off and send Jaeger O’Meara into the match.

The Dockers tweeted that Fyfe was being managed.

Jye Amiss has drifted into the goal square and kicked a goal after a great pass from Michael Walters.

Freo 89, Roos 62 with 13 mins to go.

North Melbourne sub Eddie Ford has come on for Charlie Lazzaro in what looks to be a tactical change.

They have a lot of work to do to get back into this match.

Freo 82, Roos 60 with 17 mins to go.