ROUND SEVEN
We’ve finally reached fixture parity – not in terms of fairness – simply in terms of teams having played the same number of games, with some further inconsistency from the AFL judiciary throw in. As we head into Round Seven, 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 Seven.
The Guarantee
Even if Geelong beat the Blues on Saturday, people will not buy-in to the Cats and their form. The argument will be that the Blues are not at full strength, etc. The undefeated Cats deserve some respect for getting to that position … it seems though, that many in the media want to say that because teams expected to be in finals in pre-season have faltered thus far, it means Geelong aren’t that good. Saturday Twilight will answer a lot of questions.
Aside from my frustration at the media not completely respecting the Cats start, I expect the Dees, fresh off a rest (just another lack of parity scenario with the fixture) to comfortably account for the Tigers. The Dees will have reset after an insipid showing against the Lions two weeks ago, and be ready to attack the next phase of season 2024. If you tip on the AFL website, they are my gauntlet tip for this week.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
We’ve seen umpire errors potentially cost teams games, way too many score reviews, pitch invaders, woeful kicking for goal, inconsistent tribunal results, a game delayed by lightning, among other things, and we are only 6.5 weeks into the season. There’s been a bit of everything. So, what could possibly go wrong this week? Well, some scenarios for clubs could be: Carlton’s key forwards get umpired like the rest of the comp, meaning they barely register a score; Essendon lose their edge and get embarrassed on the big stage; North get lost in transit and end up at the wrong ground (some might argue that’s a better result for their fans); and Brian Taylor actually gets every players name right meaning the average pundit has nothing to complain about.
So, after all of these unrealistic things, let’s go with the standard nightmare of idiots in the crowd yelling, etc, during the minute silence on ANZAC Day (or during the pre-game ritual at any game).
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
See below. Outside an Eagles surprise, probably the Saints going to Adelaide Oval and creating a Power outage. They have shown moments, the Saints, but are inconsistent. After being whacked last week, I expect a response – much like the Dogs gave one last week.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
I don’t know why, and especially so since Harley Reid will reportedly be rested for the trip, but I just have this feeling that the Eagles might win a third in a row and surprise the Suns. Whether I’m willing to reflect this in my tips remains to be seen.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Port and Crows need to win their respective games, and should. Failure to do so would be catastrophic for both sides.
However, the game with the most stakes is Saturday night, Fremantle hosting the Dogs. 9 v 8, three wins apiece. A win keeps them in touch with the 8, while a loss puts some distance. Both teams need to win.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
Everyone is talking about Geelong v Carlton – a Cats home game at Carlton’s home ground (had to put that in) – as the match of the round. And it probably is merited (will be interesting to see how the Cats defence curtail McKay and Curnow with no Tom Stewart). However, something always happens on ANZAC DAY with the Bombers and Pies. It’s one of those days where it’s rarely a blowout, and players want to shine in that spotlight.
Expect that now that the Bombers are showing something, albeit with some luck, and the Pies seem to be finding form, and the occasion, we get a good game. There’s rain forecast, it’ll be cold, and so, perhaps, we get a modern re-telling of that famous “ZAHARAKIS!” finish.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
While I don’t think the Hawks will beat the Swans – but who really knows this year? – I like what Dylan Moore does, and how seamlessly Jack Ginnivan has fit into the Hawks mix. Expect them to combine for 5+ goals and keep the Hawks in it for a while.
The Don (player of the round)
I’m changing this up this week. I don’t expect this player to be the best player of the round, but given his longevity, and how close he is to breaking a significant milestone, let’s all raise a glass to Scott Pendlebury who should, barring a catastrophic injury, break 10,000 disposals during the ANZAC Day clash against the Bombers. Depending on who’s data you read he needs 4 or 5 disposals to hit that mark. If he does it all in kicks, then he’ll have 5000 kicks and 5000 handballs. Come on Pendles, give us the symmetry.
Fun Fact: Scott Pendlebury has a basketball background.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
If the Suns get enough supply forward of the ball, then it could be the day that Jed Walter properly announces him to the competition. Watch this space.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
After a flat week against the Pies, I expect Rozee and Butteers at the Power to both have 25+ disposals, at home, against the Saints. If they don’t, the Saints are a very good chance of bringing the four points back to Moorabbin.
The Winners
Melbourne
Collingwood
GWS
Port Adelaide
Adelaide
Geelong (in hope)
Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast (with not much confidence)
Sydney
These predictions were all made with only Wednesday 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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