ROUND NINETEEN
Contenders and favourites are faltering. Some are rising from the ashes (hello, Brisbane). And others are simply unpredictable.. There’s still so much to play for. As we head into Round Nineteen, 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 Nineteen.
The Guarantee
I feel like it’s so easy to go after the AFL in this article. But the guarantee is that we will get some MRO decisions that defy logic, make limited sense, and they likely get overturned anyway. It’s becoming a weekly meme.
Aside from the ineptitude of some elements of the AFL, this weekend will see some teams bow out of finals contention. With all but one match having a direct impact on the top 8, it’s set to be a fascinating round that highlights who is a legitimate Premiership threat and those who are simply making up the numbers
Also, the return of Finn Maginness means that Nick Daicos is in for, potentially, a rough night. Maginess has form against the younger Daicos and Nick himself has struggled for impact in recent weeks, thanks to some heavier than usual checking.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
The Pies season ends. For many, that’s a cause for celebration; unless you are missing some teeth, or like prison bars, or can’t spell Isaac correctly (Collingwood fans) that is.
Hawthorn have shown incredible development this year, and while the Pies are getting some players back from injury (albeit Dan McStay after 40 mins in the VFL last week), current form means backing in the Hawks. This result would likely end the Pies flag defence.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
This is a hard one this weekend. While there are some close to 50/50 outcomes, I expect that the home side (or the listed home side) wins in every game. The Crows could do the funniest thing, despite their obvious attempt at tanking by resting Tex, by beating the Bombers under Friday Night lights.
A few weeks ago, I did earmark the Saints and Eagles game as a potential boilover. However, with the emotion of Simmo leaving having been used up and more injuries to key players, it’s hard to see the Eagles mounting a challenge – even to the Saints.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
While I am tipping the Giants and their orange tsunami to extinguish the Suns, with so much at stake, now is as good a time as ever for the Suns to finally secure 4 points away from home. The Expansion Cup should be a very interesting contest that has significant top 8 ramifications.
Essential Result (Must Win)
Geelong want to entrench themselves in the top 4; and the Dogs want to re-enter the top 8. A loss for the Cats will impact their odds for the double chance, while a loss for the Dogs is probably lights out on season 2024. Saturday Night at the Cattery has a lot on the line in a must win match for both sides. The Dogs welcome back Aaron Naughton and Adam Trealor and are seeking to win in Geelong for the first time in what must feel like eons for Dogs fans. And for the Cats, blending their list with veterans and rockstar second last pick of the draft rising star nominees, it has been an up and down season, but they remain with a chance of yet another double chance.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
A few sides fall into this category, but at the top of the list this weekend is Melbourne. The last time the Demons faced the Doker it was an obliteration unlike we’ve seen happen to Melbourne in recent seasons. Since then, the Dockers have continued to play well and the Demons have found some level of form. Over in the West, the Dockers go in as favourites. Melbourne must win if their season is to keep the chance of not being a failure.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Big O v The Big G. Not good nicknames, I know. Oscar McInerney vs Brodie Grundy is one of a host of incredible matchups as the Lions host the rampaging Swom on Sunday. Grundy has always been essentially an extra midfielder as a ruckman, and his form has returned this year. He is on the cusp of an AA jacket and leading a dominant Swans midfield.
McInerney doesn’t get the credit he deserves a lot of the time. He plays a very important role for the Lions, can go forward and kick goals, and can go behind the ball and intercept. He’s super reliable and you know what you’re going to get from him.
Both these rucks are key components to their respective sides. Whoever comes out on top will make a significant contribution to their side.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
While it may only be against Richmond, but with the Power’s challenges forward of the ball and keeping their tall forwards on the park, it’s time for Ollie Lord, after significant off-season interest from the Cats, to take ownership of the Power forward line. He needs to work with Mitch Georgiades and ensure the Power kick a winning score – not just against the bottom side, but week in, week out.
The Don (player of the round)
Tim English will have a night out at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday. While Sam de Koning has shown a bit in recent weeks as a ruckman, English, at his best, remains one of the best ruckmen in the competition. I expect that English will be in the best three players on the field.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
On paper, Carlton v North Melbourne should be fairly one-sided. However, one of the strengths of North Melbourne is their midfield, which should lend itself to a really good contested and stoppage battle. The Blues have more class overall, but when the North mids get on a roll, they are fun to watch – in particular young Colby McKercher. He has done a lot right this year, and this could be a break out game for him. The way the Blues play will give North opportunities, and McKercher doesn’t need many to make an impact.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
High pressure, high intensity, and footy in the trenches. I’m making an ambitious prediction of 150+ tackles in the Hawks v Pies game. It won’t be a defensive slugfest the likes that excites Ross the Boss, but with two sides who’s success is often impacted by their pressure level, whoever can control territory and use the ball effectively, will win the game – their ability to put on pressure is a big contributing factor.
The Winners (currently on 99)
Essendon
GWS
St Kilda
Hawthorn
Port Adelaide
Geelong
Brisbane
Fremantle
Carlton
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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