Some teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack – both the good, and the bad. What do we make of the ladder: is it set, or will be there be further changes to the top 8? Are North the wooden spooners already, and set to pick another midfielder rather than a key position player? There is still plenty to unfold in season 2024 and as we head into Round Eight, 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 Eight.
The Guarantee
We will see 180K+ at the MCG across Friday Night and Saturday Night. Four big teams, jockeying for position, trying to stamp themselves on the competition. And I anticipate that the crowd numbers will match the gravity of the match ups.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
I don’t wish injuries on any players, but I feel as if the Power are playing with fire picking Connor Rozee to line up in the Showdown not even a week after “nicking” his hamstring. It’ll be a nightmare for the Power if he makes it worse.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
I think West Coast at home are a big chance against the Bombers. As are Richmond at home against the Dockers. Do not be surprised if either of these teams defy their ladder position and secure four points this weekend.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
After his comments about an opposing club on a podcast, expect the stocks of Sam Draper to rise exponentially. So much so that AFLPA President Patrick Dangerfield resigns his post and appoints Sam Draper as his successor for “not dogging the boys” and speaking up for his Dogs colleagues.
In all seriousness,
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Port, Essendon, Fremantle, and the Gold Coast.
Those four sides go in as favourites in their matches. There is an expectation upon all of them to win. But not all of the matches are straightforward. They will be challenged, and it’s how they respond to those challenges that is the big story. Can they stamp themselves on season 2024 and stay in touch with the top 8/entrenched in the top 8, or will they falter, leading fans to question their resolve yet again?
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Showdown is always good. The Sydney Smash has layers of drama – thanks Cooper Hamilton for the latest installment. And the Q Clash will be a veryinteresting watch – can the Suns end their older brother’s season?
But, it’s hard to go past Friday Night, Carlton v Collingwood, a full MCG. Have the Blues arrived? Can the Pies continue their salvage mission? There’s a lot on the line as fierce rivals enter the colosseum that is the home of football. The Pies are missing some key pieces from their midfield, and we know of the Blues players missing. Can Carlton take their next step and solidify a place in the top four? This game is there for them to announce themselves on the grandest of stages.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Geelong and Adelaide midfields to hold their ground and relatively breakeven against their opponents more esteemed midfield groups.
The Cats have some inexperience in the middle, but can be devastating from centre clearance into scores. Expect them to bring the heat against the Dees. And I am really bullish about the Crom in the showdown. They’ll have to match Port at the source and you just know that they’ll be up for the fight of their lives.
The Don (player of the round)
I’m backing in the Bont to dominate the Hawks 25+ disposals, 6+ clearances, 2+ goals. Lock it in!
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
This might seem an easy option, but I think that when we look back on Brownlow Night, we will hear H. Reid 3 votes for his round eight match.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Max Gawn to break 50 hit outs against the Cats (if it’s Rhys Stanley in the ruck). And Jack Viney to lead the game in clearances.
The Winners (currently on 42)
Port Adelaide
Carlton
GWS
St Kilda
Geelong
West Coast
Richmond
Western Bulldogs
Gold Coast
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.