ROUND TWENTY-THREE
We have reached the penultimate round of the home and away season. Mathematically, 11 sides can still make the eight. There’s still so much to play for – including pride – and much to lose. How is it all going to play out? As we head into Round Twenty-Three, 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-Three.
The Guarantee
Talkback radio on Monday will be fun. There are a number of potential results that see fans pick up the phones and dial in on Monday. The leading result there is if the Blues lose to the Eagles. To see/hear the capitulation of the club’s on-field performance backed by Blues fans losing it is definitely something. There are other results – a Pies loss, or a Cats loss, or a Dogs loss to North that could illicit a similar response.
R23 will see some upsets that have a significant impact on the finals series. Teams will drop games they should win while others might win with their backs against the wall. It’s going to be an intriguing round.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Fremantle loses, again. In this match, they are probably expected to lose. The Dockers are staring down a complete implosion that will see them miss finals. They are still missing key personnel, so reasons can be given. However, if there is any pride in this side, they show up at Engie Stadium with their purple haze and suffocate the orange tsunami. It will be a waste of a great season if the Dockers miss finals, meaning it’s a nightmare result for them to lose this week.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
The Saints play spoiler and disrupt the Cats push for a top 4, even top 2, finish. The Saints play Marvel well, and the Cats are travelling there for the first time this year on Saturday Night. Now, the Cats look to be building well and should win this. However, we have said that in many games this year and things haven’t been as clear cut. If there’s any upset this week, this looms large as one of them.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
Essendon beat the Swans, and their fans start to believe again. I really don’t need to elaborate. After last week’s heartbreak, Bombers fans will be on cloud nine again believing for finals … and won’t make it. But, maybe, in what will be a spiteful game, the Bombers can play with some energy and send off club stalwart Dyson Heppell with a win in his final game in Victoria.
Essential Result (Must Win)
West Coast must win this. I know that that might sound ridiculous, but with the significant outs that the Blues have, and West Coast being back home in Perth, if there’s ever an opportunity for the Eagles to show their growth and take a scalp, it’s Sunday afternoon. The AFL may as well fold the Eagles if they lose this.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Brisbane, Fremantle, Geelong all have must-win matches this weekend to solidify their finals credentials. Two are playing for top four positions, while one is playing to remain in the finals. The Cats and Lions go in as favourites in their matches, while the Dockers have their backs against the wall. If they are all going to prove to be Premiership threats, then they must win this weekend.
You could throw in the Demons here given a tumultuous week. Do they implode or galvanise on-field? They face the Suns on their home deck where they haven’t lost this week. The suns need many results to go their way while winning their final two games to make finals. It’s unlikely, but it’s time for them to win a game like this for momentum and belief next year.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Showdown is always top-billing. The drama, the hatred, and the entertaining football are always a must-watch. The Crom have won the last three showdowns. If they make it four in a row, then Port’s top four chances take a massive hit. Port should win, given what is at stake, but this season doesn’t do the obvious – or, at least, seldom does the obvious.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
I’m not going to tip Richmond, but let’s see if they can maintain a level of fight as the season rounds out. It’s easy to drop the head and look ahead to their September holiday’s, but with players playing for their careers and the Tigers trying to retain some stars, a good performance this weekend goes a long way to helping with that.
The Don (player of the round)
With Wardlaw and Sheezel in doubt for the Roos, it’s perfect for the Dogs midfielders to dominate, meaning the likes of Adam Treloar and Marcus Bontempelli can run amok and do what they want. Expect that to happen on Sunday.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Let’s throw a debutant into the deep end. Kieran Briggs is a monster in the ruck for the Giants. The Dockers injury crisis to its big men sees them bringing in Liam Reidy for game one. With finals on the line. Away from home. This is the sort of moment where legends are made. Over to you, Liam …
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Rowan Marshall to dominate Saturday Night with 20+ disposals, 40+ hit outs, 10+ clearances, and 2+ goals. This will get the Saints across the line.
The Winners (currently on 124)
Essendon
Gold Coast
GWS
Brisbane Lions
Adelaide
St Kilda
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
West 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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