AFL Round 2: West Coast Ends Losing Streak, Essendon Faces Mounting Pressure

Round 2 of the 2026 AFL season delivered a stunning upset in Perth, as West Coast snapped a 14-match losing streak, while Essendon continued to struggle, falling to a heavy defeat against Port Adelaide. The weekend as well saw Fremantle forward Patrick Voss fined for misconduct.

West Coast Eagles Overcome North Melbourne in Thrilling Comeback

West Coast secured their first win since Round 11, 2025, overcoming a 30-point deficit to defeat North Melbourne 17.9 (111) to 15.4 (94) at Optus Stadium. The victory, West Coast’s first in 308 days, was fueled by strong performances from Elliot Yeo (19 disposals, two goals), Harley Reid (30 disposals) and Jamie Cripps (three goals).

The Eagles’ young talent also shone, with No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma kicking two goals and securing a stunning pack mark, while No.4 pick Cooper Duff-Tytler also contributed two goals. Jobe Shanahan and Archer Reid each added a pair of majors, alongside mature-age recruit Milan Murdock.

Harley Reid endured a physical contest but remained influential throughout the game.

Essendon Bombers Suffer Second Consecutive Defeat

Essendon’s demanding start to the 2026 season continued with a 63-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. The defeat leaves the Bombers with a percentage of 55% and extends their losing streak to 15 games, the second-longest in the club’s history. The margin blew out to 80 points in the final quarter.

Essendon coach Brad Scott expressed concern over a growing sense of “selfishness” within the team, stating that players appeared demoralized and focused on individual concerns rather than team performance. Despite the poor start, Essendon recruit Brayden Fiorini affirmed the team’s support for coach Scott.

Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee sustained a serious hamstring injury during the third quarter, requiring him to be helped off the field. Miles Bergman also suffered a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Mason Redman and Dyson Sharp also sustained injuries during the match.

Patrick Voss Fined for Misconduct

Fremantle forward Patrick Voss has been fined $1500 for taunting Melbourne’s Harrison Petty. The incident involved Voss mimicking crying after the quarter-time siren, referencing a previous incident involving Petty and Lions captain Dayne Zorko. The AFL does not have a specific taunting rule, but deemed Voss’s actions unsportsmanlike and unacceptable.

Looking Ahead

Round 2 highlighted the contrasting fortunes of West Coast and Essendon, with the Eagles demonstrating resilience and potential, while the Bombers face significant challenges. The injury to Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee will also be a concern for the Power as the season progresses.