Bennell, bolters and bragging rights: What your side wants to see in Round 2

Is Harley Bennell a Round 2 bolter? Photo: AFL Photos.

The moment we've all been craving is almost upon us.

We've all had plenty of time to formulate your team's dream scenario for the Round 2 restart... but will those come to pass?

What the fans want to see:

…a bit of that biff we saw at training translate into Showdown 48. Good attitude to bring against the cross-town rivals to get a win on the board.

…the first of a four-game winning streak. Four games at the ‘Gabba – with Fremantle, Adelaide and Port Adelaide in the mix – is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Charlie Cameron could get the Lions off to a flying start. Photo: ABC.

…Cripps and Co. dominating the clearances. With very few ruck options against premier ruckman Max Gawn, the Blues’ midfield brigade is going to need to bring their A-game.

…even more proof in the pudding into being a Premiership contender. The talk is rightly justified... a win against the reigning Premiers will get everyone buzzing.

…some creative options around goal. No Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will hurt, but Devon Smith and Jake Stringer at the feet of Jacob Townsend could pack the right punch.

…even more zip from Rising Star, Sam Sturt. Three goals against the Bombers almost turned the tide – definitely like what we’ve seen with this youngster after just one game.

…a home game masterclass against the old enemy. After all the talk, a triumph at Kardinia Park would be the perfect note to restart their 2020 campaign.... a loss, however, will have the Cats’ tail between their legs.

…the right signs to pinch a win in the coming weeks. Saturday against West Coast is likely to mark their 20th consecutive loss… 23 in a row would be pretty ugly.

An early win on the board is critical to the Suns. Photo: Fox Sports.

…Callan Ward. Incredibly underrated player and a sight for sore eyes for the GWS faithful.

Callan Ward is helped off the ground after rupturing his ACL last season. Photo: WWOS.

…a big stirring of the pot. Topple the Cats at their seemingly impenetrable fortress and you’ll get a few eyeballs your way… it might also justify the seemingly out-of-nowhere leap into being a ‘flag fancy’.

…a conservative approach to Harley Bennell. With just the two games in three seasons, you wouldn’t want to rush him in early.

Harley Bennell in action at Melbourne training. Photo: AFL Photos.

…to break the ‘mid-table team’ talk. A win against the Saints was a good start... a win against the Giants will pique a few doubters’ interests.

…a consolidated spot on top of the ladder. A healthy percentage boost against the struggling Crows would do just that.

…that backline in full flight. Bachar Houli’s use off half-back will remind everyone of why the Tigers boast one of the best defences in the league.

…a win on the board to make amends for Round 1. A tough month ahead, and this week against the Western Bulldogs is arguably the most winnable of the lot.

…Isaac Heeney to shoulder the responsibility up forward. Lance Franklin and Sam Reid out for an extended period hurts, but Heeney’s craft can help fill the void.

Isaac Heeney booted four goals in Round 1 against the Crows. Photo: Herald Sun.

…Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling to explode against the Suns. Quiet against the Dees in Round 1, but against a young defence have the chance to build a healthy buffer in the Coleman race.

…some scoreboard penetration. Just 34 points against the Magpies in Round 1, with last year’s leading goalkickers Sam Lloyd and Aaron Naughton held goalless.