AFL Teams Round 2 2026

Hayden Young has been ruled out of Fremantle’s Round 2 clash with Melbourne after another soft-tissue injury.

Meanwhile, Sydney’s double superstar blow has been confirmed, with gun midfield pair Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney to both miss Round 2’s blockbuster opener against Hawthorn.

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Young - who was limited to nine games last season - won’t play against the Demons in Perth on Saturday night after scans revealed a hamstring strain.

“Hayden reported some awareness against Geelong, but he remained functional and was able to play out the game,” said Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty.

“With ongoing awareness early in the week, he was sent for scans, which have revealed a hamstring strain.

“While the strain is low-grade, given Hayden’s history, we will gather all the information and assess him functionally over the next week before setting his return to play timeline.”

The dynamic left-footer’s 2025 campaign was derailed by repeated hamstring injuries, with the 24-year-old consulting with specialists in Doha in the offseason to address his soft-tissue issues.

Meanwhile, Sydney’s Heeney suffered no structural damage to his hamstring last week against Brisbane, but with a five-day break between games, he hasn’t been risked by the Swans, with optimism he’ll be available after their Round 3 bye.

The smooth-moving Gulden, meanwhile, will miss up to four months after undergoing shoulder surgery this week, the club opting for the best long-term option rather than risking repeat dislocations if he tried to play through the issue.

The pair are replaced by Corey Warner and Caiden Cleary, with the Swans opting for pace by leaving three talls as their emergency options.

The Hawks are unchanged from the side that demolished Essendon in Round 1, as Sam Mitchell persists with a two-ruck setup featuring Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek.

Hayden McLean or Peter Ladhams could be a late inclusion to counter the pair for Dean Cox’s side.

The rest of the Round 2 teams will be announced Thursday 6:20pm.

See the latest team news on the six remaining games here in Team Tips.

ROUND 2 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEDT)

HAWTHORN v SYDNEY SWANS

Thursday March 19, 7:30pm at the MCG

HAWKS

B: J.Scrimshaw, T.Barrass, J.Impey

HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick

C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon

HF: J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, N.Watson

F: S.Butler, M.Lewis, J.Gunston

FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe - C, J.Weddle

I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, N.Reeves, C.Macdonald, M.Chol

EMG: H.Morrison, C.Dear, M.Hill

No changes

SWANS

B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, C.Mills - C

HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, R.Bice

C: J.Serong, J.McInerney, M.Roberts

HF: M.Rosas, J.Jordon, Co.Warner

F: J.Amartey, T.Papley, C.Curnow

FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Rowbottom, Ch.Warner

I/C: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, C.Cleary, J.Lloyd, L.McDonald

EMG: J.Hamling, P.Ladhams, H.McLean

In: - Co.Warner, C.Cleary

Out: - I.Heeney (Injured), E.Gulden (Injured)

ADELAIDE CROWS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Friday March 20, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval

CROWS

TBA Thursday evening

BULLDOGS

TBA Thursday evening

RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS

Saturday March 21, 1:15pm at the MCG

TIGERS

TBA Thursday evening

SUNS

TBA Thursday evening

GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA

Saturday March 21, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium

GIANTS

TBA Thursday evening

SAINTS

TBA Thursday evening

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE

Saturday March 21, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium

DOCKERS

TBA Thursday evening

DEMONS

TBA Thursday evening

PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON

Sunday March 22, 3:15pm at Adelaide Oval

POWER

TBA Thursday evening

BOMBERS

TBA Thursday evening

WEST COAST EAGLES v NORTH MELBOURNE

Sunday March 22, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium

EAGLES

TBA Thursday evening

KANGAROOS

TBA Thursday evening

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