ROUND TWENTY
Each club has a handful of matches left. Each round has matches with significant finals ramifications. There’s still so much to play for. How is it all going to play out? As we head into Round TWENTY, 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 Twenty.
The Guarantee
Shock of the round, but I’m going to call it a guarantee … the Pear, Port Adelaide, who play well at Marvel and have a decent record against the Blues, will win under Friday Night Lights. #doitforKen will be alive and well going into the weekend.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
Look away now, Bombers fans … having been entrenched in the Top 8 for much of the season, Bombers fans have dared to dream about finally ending their finals win drought. They’ve had some recent hiccups, but the finals train will be well and truly derailed if the Saints run over the top of the Bombers.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
It’s weird putting this as unexpected when the Suns haven’t lost at home all season, but with the form the Lions are in, it’d be an unexpected win for the Jekyll & Hyde Suns. Given the Suns will be in full Hull mode, they are a legitimate chance. I’m tempted to tip based solely on location, but, it’s the pointy end of the season which means that in Queensland, big brother shines while little brother crumbles.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
Despite the likely late in of Rhys Stanley for Geelong on Saturday, do not be surprised if North Melbourne beat the Cats. In fact, I’ll go so far as to tip Kanga Kanga Kanga this weekend on the Apple Isle. The Cats stunk it up last week, and given the likely heavy legs they have, North will beat them around the ball and generally just work harder.
Essential Result (Must Win)
Hawthorn have done all the hard work to be in a position to play finals footy this year. It’d be catastrophic for them to miss by losing to the Crom this weekend. It’s the last game of the round, Adelaide are buoyed by their win last week and wanting to finish well, while the Hawks have continued to show they could be a threat in September. The Hawks have shown up and showed out against other contenders. Can they do it in Adelaide against a side they probably should beat?
On the flip side, the Dogs had a wonderful win against the Cats last week. They now face a Swans side missing key players. If they want to be players in September, then the Dogs must go to Sydney and steal the four points.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Both Carlton and Sydney are facing injuries to key players and, for the Swans in particular, this is the first real formidable challenge they’ve had to navigate in season 2024. How both teams respond and navigate this period with some key players will go a long way in determining how their respective finals campaigns play out.
The Must Watch (match up or game)
Collingwood vs Richmond. On paper, it doesn’t seem interesting, but with the Pies season over. They may as well tank and give Freo as best possible pick; just to be nice guys.
In all seriousness, Sunday at the ‘G is very interesting. Richmond are literally looking to the future and just want to see effort. The Pies mathematically can make the 8, but they look cooked and disinterested. While they likely win, it’ll be really interesting to see if the Pies can muster a response.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The last time there was a derby, West Coast obliterated the Doker. In this instance, I can’t see a repeat. However, I do expect the Eagles forwards to kick accurately and keep it close. Expect the likes of Waterman, Allen, and Darling to kick 8+ between them.
The Don (player of the round)
Big Max Gawn is back for the Demons, so their ill-fated ruck experiments of recent weeks will end. And with finals on the line, question marks over the clubs culture and leadership, expect Max to have a career game.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Zane Duursma returns to the North side this weekend. With his sides midfield set to dominate, and plenty of ball to be found up forward for North, expect the young bloke to have a great game.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Friday Night footy, this game is won in the midfield, I’m backing Zak Butters to have 25+ disposals and kick 3+ goals to get the Power across the line.
The Winners (currently on 106)
Port Adelaide
North Melbourne
Brisbane
Essendon
GWS
Fremantle
Collingwood
Western Bulldogs
Hawthorn
Drop us your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned over the coming weeks to see how the Prophet goes with his predictions.
You can buy Jimmy a coffee for his efforts if you like? He puts in the hard yards to bring you these free articles… and he does like a coffee.
Hit the link below and give Jimmy his caffeine fix.
Or, you could join The Mongrel as a member and leave the mainstream echo chamber behind
