round two 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from the MCG in Melbourne.

“This is the kind of fast start you need for your season,” Nash told AAP after the Essendon win.

“Things are going well. We looked like us again there. We were pretty happy.”

“We know it’s only a week, turn around quickly and now we face a massive test against Sydney.”

A red-hot Sydney are a daunting prospect heading into Thursday night’s clash with the Hawks at the MCG, having comfortably won their first two games against Carlton and Brisbane.

“They have weapons and threats everywhere, especially in the midfield, which is where they have a lot of confidence and dominance,” Nash said.

“We will have to bring our A-game.

“He will have to be at the highest level. We know he will go to another level again.”

“But we stand out every week and we look forward to it.”

The Hawks’ midfield of Jai Newcombe, Nash, Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie got the job done in the periods against Essendon.

But Sydney are still fielding the likes of Chad Warner, Justin McInerney and James Rowbottom, albeit without stars Errol Gulden (shoulder) and Isaac Heeney (hamstring).

“There are threats everywhere. We’re going to have to make a plan for these kids,” Nash said.

“The biggest part will be doing it together as a group.

“That’s the beauty of our midfield. We try to distribute the load. It’s a really masterful midfield.”

AAP