We are almost through the bye rounds. As we all scramble to ensure we have enough viable Supercoach options, we need to wait a few weeks for parity again, before the mad dash down the back nine towards the clubhouse is upon us. As we head into Round Fifteen, I’m the Prophet and these are my Predictions.
If you decide to base your multi off this, and it fails, I’ve warned you already that that is risky. I won’t be to blame. This is purely for fun, and to see how I go. Feel free to message the page or comment on the previous week’s version if you have any thoughts.
So, strap yourselves in for the Prophet’s Predictions for Round Fifteen.
The Guarantee
Chris Scott presented a coherent and sensible solution to the drawn-out bye rounds – an industry-wide shutdown for a week or two. All teams having the bye at the same time, therefore no fixture disparity by playing teams off their bye … or, in the case of last week, multiple teams having to play a team coming off their second bye, without having had one. Anyways, the guarantee is that because Chris Scott presented this idea, people will dismiss it as whinging, Vicbias, etc. It makes sense and you could even start the AFLW then, and have them run concurrently with the Men’s program in the back-half. Or, you play the U18 Championships in that break.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Look away now Cats fans … it’d be chaotic and the stuff of Wyatt Sicks nightmares for Patrick Dangerfield to tear his hamstring again on Friday. I cannot believe I’ve written that, it’ll like come back to bite me, but it is true.
For good measure, if the Dees lose to North … best leave the rest of that unsaid.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
I mentioned North above, they could do a really funny thing and get Simon Goodwin sacked. I still think Matthew Nicks is an unexpected winner – there’s a review occurring into the Crom football department and he was cleared as safe before it even started.
Fremantle has been pretty good for most of the season. But then, they also have the propensity to dish up trash. The same with the Suns. Being in Perth, you’d expect the good version of Freo and the terrible version of the Suns. I have some faith that this could be a coming-of-age game for the Suns. Let’s see if they can actually secure four points away from home.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
I could have reeled off the Cats or Suns winning. But, I’m going with the umpires. They are under immense pressure at the moment. Each week it feels like there are controversial late calls/non-calls that impact the result (I understand all calls have an impact, but you get my drift). I’m going to make the bold call that after Round 15, there have been no controversial instances late in games that cost a side the game.
Essential Result (Must Win)
Port needs to win if they are going to have any shot at finishing top four. They are on their home deck and have no excuses; especially with Zak Butters getting his suspension overturned for punching a bloke – it’s almost like the stars have aligned for the Power. The pressure is on them against thee rampaging Lions.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Absolutely Melbourne. North are North – yes, they were robbed last week against the Pies, I don’t care what the AFL says – but they aren’t in the top echelon of teams. Neither is Melbourne, though they think they are. If Melbourne are going to salvage anything in 2024, they absolutely must win. The ramifications for a Melbourne loss are huge. They have everything to lose.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
Friday Night. MCG. Two sides trying to prove their worth. In a dumb fixture quirk, Carlton and Geelong play each other for a second time, a mere 8 weeks after previously playing – and without having played everyone else. The Cats have been a bit outside of the box with selection, the Blues are expected, by the football public, to steamroll the Cats, and Jeremy Cameron loves to rip out Blues hearts. There are many stars on show, and much to play for for both sides. Everything points to a belter – even if Michael Voss’ midweek comment point to the Blues trying to emulate Ross Lyon’s brand of not scoring and boring their opponents into mistakes.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
Max Gruzewski is a name not many will know. But I think we all soon will. He’s been really effective for the Giants forward line in the VFL, and he gets his opportunity this weekend to really stamp himself as an AFL footballer. There’s no pressure on him, so it’ll be good to see what the kid can do.
The Don (player of the round)
My heart says to back in Jeremy Cameron. But, on form, I need to say Chad Warner. If I could bring any player from any club into this Cats side, it’d be The Chad. He has been phenomenal so far in 2024 and I expect him to continue that against the Giants.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Just because I like the name, I’m gonna back in Shadeau Brain to have a really good outing for the Lions. (and now watch him be the sub).
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
This might not seem like a bold prediction, but I’m thinking, under the roof at Marvel, with two potential All-Australians at either end. I’m predicting a combined 8+ goals between Jake Waterman and Kyle Langford.
The Winners (currently on 78)
Carlton
Port Adelaide
Sydney
Melbourne
Essendon
Gold Coast
Drop us your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned over the coming weeks to see how the Prophet goes with his predictions.
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