ROUND TWENTY-ONE
Four games for each club remain to determine whether they are on holidays in September, or competing for footy’s Holy Grail. There’s still so much to play for – including pride – and also much to lose. How is it all going to play out? As we head into Round Twenty-One, 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 Twenty-One.
The Guarantee
Brisbane have a questionable track record at the MCG. However, that doesn’t apply to all Melbourne venues. They enjoy conditions under the roof at Superhero Stadium. That will not change on Sunday against the Saints. It’ll be a reality check for the Saints – some fans getting extremely carried away after last week. The Lions will continue their surge, keep hold of second, and set themselves up for a renewed Premiership pursuit.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Gold Coast lose to West Coast, compounding another disappointing season. When the Suns are away from home, they struggle as much as the Australians do on turning Indian pitches. If they are going to muster and maintain any level of credibility as a professional AFL team, then they MUST beat West Coast on Friday Night. If the Suns fail … not even bringing in Dimma’s ex-Tigers players or every top 10 pick being from their Academy will help.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
The Australian Men’s Water Polo team. They have shown genuine nuisance value thus far in Paris, and have become giant killers. They will continue to do so and win a first ever Olympic Medal in the sport.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
Scott Pendlebury’s 400th doesn’t end well for him, or his club. The Blues ruin the celebration for their arch rivals, and end the Pies Premiership defence. While this is expected, the bold call part is that it’s not close. Blues by 40+ with Charlie Curnow to kick 7 goals.
Essential Result (Must Win)
The Cats are looming as potentially the only Victorian side that may earn a home final (they will want a top 4 finish, though). They go into their clash against the Crom as favourites, and should win. The Crom have shown nuisance value at times, but also have been pretty lacklustre. Expect the Pride of South Australia to turn up and provide a challenge, but with the Cats needing a win to stay in touch with top 4, the greatest team of all will make it 13 wins for the season thus far.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
The Demons are vulnerable, and under Friday Night lights, their season ends. The Dogs are flying and they play Marvel almost better than everyone. The Dogs midfield is in dominant forward, and we are seeing career resurgences across the field, and a flourishing forward line. The Demons won’t get close in this one, their era ends (if it even started), and that’ll be season 2024 done.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Battle of the Wooden Cooking Utensil should be an interesting watch. With an exodus looming at Tigerland, players are auditioning for new clubs. They also have some returning stars this week. North have improved, but still can’t win games. It’ll be fascinating to see who wants pick 1 and who wants to take a step forward in their progress and development, by securing 4 points. The Tigers are currently favourites. I like North in this one.
On the flip side, GWS v Hawthorn pits two younger sides, in form, up against each other in the nations capital. The Hawks are looking to climb into the 8, while the Giants want to hold onto their position in the 8. It’s a fascinating contest, set to be high scoring, and could go either way.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
While they are nominal favourites, most will still expect the Swans to emerge victorious. With the Power at home and needing a win to make it Kenough for the top 8, expect the Power to win the game. Dan Houston to limit the influence of Heeney/Warner when they rest forward and be the difference.
The Don (player of the round)
It’d be easy to select someone like Scott Pendlebury in game 400 – did you know he has a basketball background?
But it’s time for Jeremy Cameron to blow a game apart. He’s threatened a few times, but has been rather inaccurate in recent weeks. I’m backing the Cats sharp shooter to bag 5+ against the Crows.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Koltyn Tholstrup has so much untapped potential, and rockstar appeal. He comes back into the side for the Dees, and while his side may not win, I’m hopeful he gets to play the full game and shows us a few tricks.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Fremantle are riding a wave of great performances. They face a collapsing Essendon on Sunday, and should easily account for the most disappointing side of 2024. Josh Treacy, fresh off a new contract extension, to kick 4+ and lead the Dockers to a victory on the road.
The Winners (currently on 106)
Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast
North Melbourne
Geelong
Port Adeliade
Carlton
GWS
Fremantle
Brisbane Lions
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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