ROUND NINE
A third of the home and away rounds have been completed. Some teams are like a yo-yo – up and down – while others are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get (primarily the Dogs). Round Nine has some genuine 8-point games as all the top 8 face each other, while some lower ranked teams can stay in touch with the top 8 or fall away. Get the popcorn and beers ready, the season is starting to pick up! There is still plenty to unfold in season 2024 and as we head into Round Nine, 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 Nine.
The Guarantee
This could backfire spectacularly – like most of these predictions did last week – but, on the night he equals great mate Joel Selwood for the games record at the Geelong Football Club, Tom Hawkins will break his goalless streak against the Power. It just has to happen, right?
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
A similar incident to Callum Brown on Tom McCartin results in no ban because the player impacted doesn’t get injured. Leaving the AFL world, again, bemused as to why the AFL insists they suspend the action rather than the outcome when we know it isn’t true.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
Can we honestly have any faith in the Western Bulldogs after last week? There’s no cohesion, no playing for each other, and just going through the motions. Get Leading Teams in there like they did with the Cats in ‘07, and sort out what’s going on. So, all that said, don’t be surprised if the Tigers, decimated by injury, confined to playing all their kids, shock the Dogs much like the Hawks did last week … similarly, don’t be surprised if the Dogs come out and win by 10 goals. Legit Jekyll & Hyde the Dogs are.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
We see all teams in the top 8 play each other this weekend. My bold call is that two of the four matches won’t be close. I expect two relatively comfortable wins. I’m just not going to say which – give me your thoughts!
Essential Result (Must Win)
If the Crom are going to build their season after a great result in last week’s Showdown, they just must beat the Lions in Adelaide this weekend. It will give their season some life, and create a great launchpad.
On the flip side, it’s also must win for the Lions to try and regain any semblance of credibility with the footy public. Can they be trusted again or was last week the aberration?
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Carlton. They’ve last three of their last four, in cluding the last two, a loss tonight against the Demons will see them out of the eight and playing catch up through the back end of the season. They get some players back, so, if this club wants to show they have a spine and have learned resilience, tonight is the night to do so, in a real backs against the wall game.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
The Friday Night top eight double-header! On paper, these should be two pretty decent games. Whether it plays out that way, remains to be seen … also, don’t sleep on Adelaide v Brisbane. Lots to play for in that game, so, well and truly worth the watch on Sunday afternoon.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Suns midfield has been very good in 2024. On paper and form, etc, you’d expect them to easily account for the Kangaroos. While I think the Suns win in Darwin, where they have never lost, don’t expect the Roos mids to just roll over. I’m going to suggest that the Roos break even in clearance numbers.
The Don (player of the round)
I’ve put the rocket to the Blues as being the most at stake. If they’re going to curb their slide, then their skipper Patrick Cripps needs to have a big night. And I reckon he has the temperament to deliver.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Darcy Wilson and Caleb Windsor didn’t enter this season with the hype of some of the other first round picks, but they continue to deliver. I expect nothing different this weekend.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
The media this week have been discussing the form of Toby Greene. Is he carrying an injury? Has he lost his edge? Have teams figured him out? I just think that the Giants aren’t as reliant on Toby in 2024. After getting beaten up against the Swans last week, it’s time for the Giants to respond – led by their skipper. I’m backing Toby for 3+ goals against the Bombers.
The Winners (currently on 43)
Melbourne
Geelong
Sydney
St Kilda
GWS
Gold Coast
Western Bulldogs
Collingwood
Adelaide
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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