AFL round two 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from Optus Stadium in Perth

Christian Petracca’s hamstring injury will not only hurt the Gold Coast but will also impact his former club’s profitability following the afternoon carnage at the MCG on Saturday.

The Suns, led by Ben King’s equal career-high seven goals, cruised to a 68-point win over Richmond, but injuries to both teams will dominate the headlines.

While the Tigers lost both veteran forward Tom Lynch and captain Toby Nankervis to hamstring strains, it was Petracca’s injury that would have the biggest consequences early in the season.

He was injured in the third term when he was tackled from behind by James Trezise. He left the field and was soon seen on the bench with ice strapped to his right hamstring. The full extent of the injury will become clear after scans.

The 30-year-old former Demon, a Norm Smith Medal winner, was one of the best in the field, winning 20 heats and 285 metres.

The Suns have a bye next week and then meet the Demons at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Petracca will be remembered as a great player for Melbourne Football Club but he had a turbulent last two years at the club before leaving in last year’s trade window.

The Demons are expecting a crowd of 40,000 to 50,000 if Petracca plays, a club spokesman estimated Saturday. This will be a welcome boost for their financial situation. But without Petracca, expected attendance is likely to be significantly reduced.

Tigers will be without Lynch and Nankervis after Lynch and Nankervis were injured in the second term and Nankervis in the third term. After making a direct tackle on Nick Vlastuin’s goal, Lynch left the field with the back of his leg pointing upwards.

Coach Adem Yze said that the champion goalkeeper injured his right hamstring for the first time.

Without their senior forward, the Tigers looked almost rudderless and their pressure in the competition was significantly diminished. Lynch’s absence allowed the Suns’ defenders to launch more counter-attacks, with the Suns finishing with a six-goal lead and going into the main break with a 31-point lead.

Their game is built around overlapping runs and this was evident in the superb finish to the period.

King, Joel Jeffrey, Will Graham and Ethan Read, who was confirmed ahead of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s start to the season, were effective throughout the afternoon.

Midfielder Touk Miller was the best on the field with his running and carrying in midfield.

“It was a really good win,” King said.

Senior Tiger Jayden Short got plenty of possession, while junior receiver Sam Lalor put in a stellar performance.

In a year when the Suns were expected to be title contenders, they won three in a row by 50 points or more for the first time in their history.