ROUND NINE
We’ve passed through two months of the season, and there are stories aplenty. What AFL stuff-ups will there be this weekend? Will there be any surprise results? Tune in to this weekend for the rollercoaster of emotions and headlines to come.
Be forewarned, while I am the Mongrel Punt’s resident oracle for all things AFL, I hold no liability for your bad betting and using my predictions in your multis. So, please, gamble responsibly.
So, strap yourselves in for the Prophet’s Predictions for Round Nine.
The Guarantee
Brisbane leaks their player notes for Carlton at half-time because they know there will be no response from the Blues.
Sorry, Blues fans, but this trip to the GABBA has come at a bad time. I expect the Lions to demolish any form of resistance left in Michael Voss.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Scott Pendlebury gets stranded on game 432 and cannot break the record. I’m absolutely over the articles and discussions about this, but the AFL would melt down and implode if Pendles got injured on Saturday Night and couldn’t return.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
Saturday Night in Darwin presents a really interesting match. The Saints have recent history on their side (9-2 in the last 11 encounters against the Suns), and the Suns decimate teams at the top end. Form might lead towards the Suns, but given the Saints ability to lock down games, this will present a test for Damien Hardwick’s men.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
I don’t know if this technically qualifies as a bold call, given they go in as marginal favourites, but I’ll take the Power from Port to beat the Dogs at Adelaide Oval. We’ve seen great improvement from the Power in recent weeks, and I anticipate that will continue despite possible returns for the Dogs.
Essential Result (Must Win)
I expect that they will win, and they go in as favourites, but the Orange Team, sorry, the New South Wales Giants need this!
Having had their colours lowered last week in the Expansion Cup, they need to get a good win and some percentage – enter Essendon at the perfect time. Will Essendon have a delayed response to the Brisbane Whiteboard? Or will they continue to float in obscurity? Time will tell.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
West Coast. They aren’t winning, and this might be weird, but after being embarrassed by the Tigers last week, when they didn’t have to travel, the Eagles venture to Superhero Stadium on Sunday and face the Demons. If the Eagles get blown away again, they probably surpass Carlton as the big news story in the AFL – that’s not a good thing!
The Must Watch (match-up or game)
Thursday Night Footy, out West, the Doker vs Hokball.
Two in-form sides who like to play quickly, love the contest, and have big forwards capable of kicking a big score. This should be a fun watch and is a real opportunity for the Dockers to change the narrative of good side, but not yet … to they could win the whole damn thing … with a result going their way.
I’m especially intrigued by the potential ruck match-ups in this one.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Richmond defenders … Just so that the last game of the round is moderately interesting, I’m hoping for a strong performance from the Richmond defenders against the talented Crom forwards – especially given I expect that they will see a lot of the ball down there.
It’s a Big Weekend For …
North Melbourne. After a strong showing against the Cats at Cat Park, and despite finishing the game at a standstill and getting blown away, they need to back that performance up this week. Yes, they host the rampaging Swans at Superhero Stadium, so it’s a tough game and unlikely win for Norf, but it’d be a setback to not show up and be blown away from the start. We need to see some resilience from them.
Also, keep an eye on the Tristan Xerri v Brodie Grundy match-up. Both are in great form and this could be some serious fun.
The Don (player of the round)
Nick Daicos will want to respond after Oisin Mullin kept him pocketed after the sides met last year. Bailey Smith will want to respond on the big stage under the bright lights after a quieter performance last week.
One of Naicos or Bazlenka will dominate. And their side most likely wins.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
I’m really enjoying the work that Will Edwards is putting in at the Swans. He has slotted into the defence really well, and I expect he will continue to be a really solid contributor.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Aaron Cadman to kick 6+ goals against the Bombers.
The Winners (currently on 48; last week 7)
Fremantle
Brisbane
Port Adelaide
Sydney
NSW Giants (going early with the name change)
Gold Coast
Geelong
Melbourne
Adelaide
Predictions were submitted with only the Thursday Night Football teams named. 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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