This is something new this year. While I’ve christened myself the prophet, my track record with predictions is questionable at best. Something I’ve always been told is that if you do something with confidence, people buy it. So, let’s just put that to the test.
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.
I’ve taken inspiration from AFL360 with some of these, because, well, it’s fun to forecast what could happen. So, strap yourselves in for the Prophet’s Predictions for Round One.
The Guarantee
I wanted to avoid saying anything to do with my club straight off the bat, but I think we are a lock to see the Cattery full as they unveil the new Joel Selwood Stand. Perhaps Cats fans might actually learn to make some noise now.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
I have two that are relevant. 1, more ACL injuries to players in the early rounds. We saw it with Sam Docherty and Keidean Coleman last week, and we would hate to see it again this week. 2, after the MRO set a precedent during the pre-season, we’d hate to see them be inconsistent again. That said, it would give us something to write about.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
Most people seem to think the Bombers will beat the Hawks. I don’t think it’s that clean-cut. Essendon are yet to convince me that they are any good, and having a ridiculous eight-year plan emphasises that. Don’t be surprised if there’s a little bit of spice in this one to set the tone for each clubs season.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
He has his detractors across the competition and multiple clubs, but I think Mabior Chol will start life as a Hawk in a great way by kicking 4+ goals.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Carlton and the Suns. Both teams had great wins in {redacted} and will want to follow that up with a second win. Both will be challenged; the Suns having the harder matchup.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
Most people will say Friday Night for many reasons but don’t sleep on Saturday afternoon at the MCG. Two young sides, with different levels of pressure and expectations on them, will renew hostilities. Tune in
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
It may only be against West Coast – so some might not consider it a big deal – but I expect to see Port’s new key defenders (Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher) combine for 7+ intercept marks and allow Aliir Aliir to control that backline.
The Don (player of the round)
While last week was below the standard he set during 2023, on the bigger MCG I expect Errol Gulden to show out as the Swans ruin the Pies flag unfurling.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Hard to go past Ryley Sanders in his first official hit out as an AFL player.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
In consecutive weeks, Brodie Grundy will play his two former sides. Last week, he gave Max Gawn a bath, and Darcy Cameron is no Max Gawn. Expect Grundy to have a night out at the home of football with a stat line of 20/20/10 – at least 20 hitouts, 20 disposals, and 10 clearances … and the three Brownlow votes.
The Winners
Carlton
Sydney
Hawthorn
GWS
Cats?
Gold Coast
Melbourne
Port Adelaide
Brisbane
These predictions were all made with only Thursday Night teams released. 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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