ROUND TWENTY-TWO
Just three games remain in the home and away season. A logjam remains on the ladder. Can teams start to separate themselves? There’s still so much to play for – including pride – and also much to lose. How is it all going to play out? As we head into Round Twenty-Two, 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-Two.
The Guarantee
The Giants will be game, but will ultimately have no answer to the rampaging Lions up in Brisbane. After a horror start, the Lions are arguably the Premiership favourites, and are close to securing a top two finish. Can they be stopped or is this the year Chris Fagan finally leads his side to Premiership glory?
Also, seasons will end for some sides this weekend. We’ve had such an entertaining seasons, with many sides remaining in contention this far in. However, the hanging in can be taxing. Expect some teams to fall away.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
For all North Melbourne’s progress, they fail to win a game that they should. People might think that it’s not that bad, but realistically, if you’re a developing team, when you face someone you should beat, you need to. It’s a must for North and would be a catastrophe if they didn’t.
That said, given the AFL’s penchant for tinkering, it’d be a nightmare I’d they just decided to apply the snake formula for finals, and the top 8 missed out because the AFL decided they “wAnTeD tO TrY something NeW”. After all, the AFL just do whatever they want and don’t listen to the fans.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
I really like what I’ve seen from Richmond’s Seth Campbell this year. He, along with a number of his young teammates, have had opportunities to show their worth this year. I think the Tigers have a player in Campbell and will back him in to have his best ever game against the Saints.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
I have two bold calls this week.
First, Hawthorn beat the Blues. The punters may think there isn’t much between the two sides, but there’s an underlying expectation that Carlton wins. However, I think their implosion will continue, as they are shocked by the Hawks.
Second, Port Adelaide re-create their magic from last week and savagely dismantle the Demons on the MCG Saturday Night. It’s difficult to win by 100+ in consecutive weeks, so, I’ll be a little generous. My bold call is that Port beat Melbourne by 60+ plus points, establish themselves in the top 4, and relegate Melbourne to missing finals.
Essential Result (Must Win)
It’s season over for the loser of Essendon v Gold Coast. They face-off under the lid of Superhero Stadium on Saturday Night. The Suns are about as useless as cassette tapes in 2024 when it comes to away games. They need to, for their own sake, find a way to win when not at home. And the Bombers may be holding onto the dregs to try and not make this yet another failed season. Who wins this? It probably doesn’t matter as both sides would be making up the numbers if they make finals.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
The Swans. A month ago, the discussion was how far clear they would be on top of the ladder. Now, they could miss the top four if they dint arrest their slide. They face a Magpies side trying to defend their title, and clinging to hope of making the top 8. Finals are done if the Pies lose, and Sydney are done if they lose.*
The Must Watch (match up or game)
For the sake of ladder implications, Brisbane v GWS and Geelong v Freo are two of the main ones.
But let’s not sleep on the last game of the round. The Crows are out of the running for finals, but it doesn’t mean they can’t cause some chaos in the run home. They almost pinched the win against the Cats last week, and now they Have a chance to derail the Dogs. It should be a fun game to watch! (Even though the Crows will have no answer to the Dogs forwards).
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Aussie Stingers – the Women’s Water Polo Team – are going for gold late Saturday Night. So is Jessica Hull, the second fastest qualifier for the women’s 1500m track event. Two underdog chances for gold. Could they do it and get us to 20 gold medals for the first time ever? Let’s hope so!
The Don (player of the round)
Second week in a row selecting Jeremy Cameron here. Maybe he’s an easy choice e or I’m losing my edge – I might need to re-find it. Jezza has been doing everything in his power to ensure the Cats make finals and maintain a hope of the top 4. A win in the West will put them inside the 4 with two winnable games to come. In game 250, Jez kicks 5+ goals.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
While the Rising Star race may have become a two-horse race, it’s still good to identify some of the future stars. Josh Draper has had a breakout year for the Dockers. This weekend, he may be required to spend some time on Jeremy Cameron. If so, it’ll be a very fascinating watch, especially given I think Jez will play well.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Dylan Moore to continue his incredible season with 20+ disposals and 2+ goals in a dramatic Hawks upset.
The Winners (currently on 120)
Sydney*
North Melbourne
Brisbane
Fremantle
Essendon
Port Adelaide
Hawthorn
St Kilda
Western Bulldogs
Drop us your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned over the coming weeks to see how the Prophet goes with his predictions.
*Friday night related content written before the game.