ROUND TWENTY-FOUR
As the great Paul Roos once said: “Here it is!” He was referencing a Swans Premiership, I’m merely referencing the final round of the 2024 home and away season. How is it all going to play out? As we head into Round Twenty-Four, 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-Four.
The Guarantee
There are any number of things I could guarantee this weekend. From Zach Tuohy, in his final appearance at Cat Park, launching a barrel at some point (hopefully it’s a goal from the centre square); to Joe Daniher burying his old side; to Carlton spoiling everyone’s interest by winning thus making the final game a dead rubber, there’s lots to see this weekend.
However, the ultimate guarantee speaks to next week, as the AFL Awards begin, and we see the All-Australian Team feature 15 midfielders with some named in positions they’ve never spent any time in. Don’t worry, at the Mongrel Punt, we pick players in their rightful positions. Stay tuned for the REAL AA Team announcement next week.
Also, going out on a limb albeit in an educated fashion, the Lions will kick 20+ goals against the Bombers, and if the Cats are legit, then they’ll go out and kick 30 goals against a depleted Eagles defence. Jezza for a perfect 10, anyone?
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Just for the sheer drama of it happening, the discussion points around it, and to see reactions on the day … Hawthorn’s ultimate nightmare is having finals ripped from them by Alistair Clarkson. Now, given how rampant and effective Hokball has been, it is very long odds of Norf creating an upset. However, it’s Clarko, he will get them up for this. It will be a very fascinating watch on Saturday.
*I expect the Hawks to win this one pretty comfortably. If results go their way, they could host a final. Who would have thought that coming into this season?
A finals-bound side suffers an injury to a key player or multiple injuries. Heck, even multiple teams lose players for September action. If you’re a praying person, a superstitious person, believe in luck … whatever your belief set is, pray, cross your fingers, paint a wall, whatever it is you do, please do that this weekend. As fans, we want the best of the best available for the duration of the finals. No hard luck story this year!
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
All the discussion is about Collingwood for Friday Night Footy. They can’t make finals (short of four other teams absolutely capitulating and conceding record scores while having record losses) and they haven’t been altogether inspiring consistently. Nick Daicos will go full ‘All Ego’ trying to get three votes and his teammates will feed him the ball. The danger with this, though, is losing sight of actually trying to win. The Demons are trying to prove a point that things aren’t as bad as they have been reported or may seem. They were super professional in accounting for the Suns last week, and expect more of the same this week as the Dees finish strong.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
I don’t think that the Rising Star Award is as set in stone as others think. Yes, I’d love to see Ollie Dempsey win it – and he would deserve it – but don’t sleep on the Saints’ Darcy Wilson. After a huge game last week, he has the chance to go big again against the Blues and perhaps win through recency bias. Dempsey’s teammate Lawson Humphries will probably be the victim of not playing enough games but has shown he’d be a worthy winner. Add in George Wardlaw and Bodhi Uwland and we then have five players who will feature heavily in the votes.
Also, even if he wasn’t suspended, I don’t think Harley Reid would have won. Sure, the media hype and journo’s probably get him across the line, but the likes of Dempsey and Wilson have been consistent all year. Sam Darcy would have likely won had he not been rubbed out.
If you were forcing me to pick a winner, then it’s probably Dempsey, but it’ll be close.
Essential Result (Must Win)
The Suns of the Gold Coast Sky just absolutely have to win this. Yes, it’s away from home, yes, they struggle away from home, but it’s against Richmond. The Tigers are struggling, and are set to lose a number of high-profile experienced stars from their line-up for 2025. And while they will want to salute some retiring stalwarts as they ride off into the sunset, it is imperative for the Suns to win this.
The Cats feature in this one as well. If they lose and Brisbane wins, they fall out of the top four. So, a win is a must. A big win, coupled with the Giants and Power losing, could see the Cats finish as high as second. Lots to play for for the lads in the hoops.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Carlton and Fremantle. I know, these are the obvious answers but at this time of year, it’s incredibly obvious. These are the two teams trying to fit into one spot in the top 8 (barring a catastrophe from the Hawks). They both play on Sunday – albeit the Dockers will know their lot when they run out.
The Saints are looking to play spoiler again at Marvel and give their fans something to cheer about. So, the Blues cannot take them lightly, lest a finals appearance not be in their hands. The Dockers, have had a seismic fall from grace and finals security. At the very least, they need to win at home this weekend for pride’s sake.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Dogs v GWS. We know the history, the issues, and the genuine dislike these two sides have for one another. Add in the finals ramifications – a potential top-four spot and home final for the Giants, and the Dogs needing to secure finals … this is all set for 12.30pm (Vic bias time) on Sunday. While it may only be in Ballarat limiting the crowd, it’s sure to be as, WWE Superstar Sheamus would say, a BANGER! The locale probably gives the Dogs a slight advantage.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Crom capitulated a bit last week and their response is probably going to lead to Josh Rachele seeking a trade from the club. Fans are crying out for players to show some personality – clubs shouldn’t be stifling that. He almost got his side across the line a few weeks back against the Cats in Geelong and other games as well.
That rant aside, and while I don’t expect the Crows to win, I expect we will at least see a response, albeit fleeting, before the Swans run away with the game in the second half.
The Don (player of the round)
Brisbane will want to secure a home final – that’s likely their best outcome outside of Geelong being horrendously bad and losing to West Coast. I expect Lachie Neale to have a really big night and secure more votes in a push for his third Brownlow Medal. Neale and his midfield colleagues will be too dynamic and powerful for the Bombers.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Shannon Neale has his break-out game. The young Cat has been solid, without being great, in his run so far with the Cats. He’s good for at least a goal a game, but his output needs to increase come finals. Perhaps this weekend, with there being no Tom Barrass (who has played his last Eagles game) and no Jeremy McGovern in defence, Neale has the opportunity to have a day out and kick 5+.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Bryan Danielson keeps his career alive by winning the lesser promotion’s (AEW) World Title.
Aside from that, while I may have mentioned that the Crows might keep it competitive for a while, expect Isaac Heeney to go large – 20+ disposals, 4+ goals, and 0 Brownlow votes (because the AFL will want to avoid the farce that is a suspended player – and for a nothing action – winning the medal).
The Winners (currently on 124)
Melbourne
Geelong
Gold Coast
Hawthorn
Brisbane
Sydney
Western Bulldogs
Carlton
Port Adelaide
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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