ROUND NINETEEN!
The longer the rolling fixture exists, the worse it gets. Again, with the Bombers front and centre in prime time. Last week’s games made some things clearer, while also creating some chaos. We are into the pointy end of the season, with some teams seeking to play spoiler, while others are simply trying to hold on to their September dreams. Here’s what’s in store this weekend.
Be forewarned: while I am the Mongrel Punt’s resident oracle for all things AFL, I hold no liability for your poor betting decisions and the use of my predictions in your multis. So, please, gamble responsibly.
So, strap yourselves in for the Prophet’s Predictions for Round Nineteen.
The Guarantee
This is relatively straightforward, but the Giants FINALLY get a win against Essendon at Marvel Stadium (they haven’t beaten them at the venue since 2016). There is surely no possible way that the Bombers, who blood their 13th debutant on Thursday Night, secure the four points.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
The Hawks lose again and potentially drop outside the top eight. They were entrenched in the upper reaches of the ladder for much of the season, but Hokball now looks gettable. I do think that they win in Tassie on Saturday, especially given the mini-injury crisis at the Power that has suddenly occurred. If the Hawks drop this, then they probably don’t deserve to play finals.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
The Tigers to go west and steal four points. It is unlikely, given some of their personnel challenges, and the Eagles propensity to lift at home. With that said, the Tigers play on momentum and adrenalin. If they are in with a sniff late, as we saw last week, they can score in a hurry. This may not be the most highly skilled game, but it should still be a fun watch.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
The Blues get a win as the Dees fail to return from the snow. This game could stink it up on Saturday Night; yet another terrible prime time fixture. The Blues have been horrible all year and the Dees not much better. These two sides have played in some close games in recent years, so it is far from a foregone conclusion. But, with trade speculation about Demons players again surfacing, and coach Simon Goodwin doubling down on the lovefest and stability of the club (good joke, Goody), there is a likelihood of the Dees capitulating and losing to the irrelevant Blues.
Essential Result (Must Win)
The Western Bulldogs. As they venture North to contend with the Lions at the GABBA, the Dogs carry a tag of flat-track bullies. Specifically, Marvel-track bullies. Away from Marvel, they struggle. Against top 8 sides, they struggle. If this Dogs side is ever going to put to bed these insinuations, then it needs to be Friday Night against the Lions.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
The umpires and the AFL. There have been some ridiculous fines and suspensions this year, namely when it comes to umpires. There is big talk about umpire safety, but what about player safety from umpires getting in their way? Why do they not get fined or miss games? It’s time the league actually took a stance against umpires getting in the way of the players.
Yes, this is satirical but also yes, I am somewhat serious. Umpires, get out of the way!
The Must Watch (match-up or game)
The final game of the weekend, the Crom v the Sun. Adelaide Oval will be PUMPING for the Sunday Twilight game. I’m surprised this wasn’t put in Prime Time, or standalone, but this should be a great watch. Can the Suns defence curtail the Crows big power forwards? Can the Crows bat deep enough in their midfield to limit the impact of Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell? Do the Suns have enough firepower to outscore the Crows? It should be fun game to watch and I’m backing in the two teams to be above the line of 210+.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Dockers to beat the Pies. They have been in some great form, and while the Pies resort to normal programming of the MCG, they have some injuries, and can give them space given they remain six points clear on top. A loss makes top spot spicy in the run home.
I don’t think the Pies will drop two in a row, but the Dockers could ply spoiler. Their forwards are great, and their midfield is elite, the big questions is can their defenders stand up, or will Jamie Elliott get hold of them again?
Let’s see what the Purple Haze can do!
It’s a Big Weekend For …
The Cats. They were pretty insipid last week. Couldn’t hit targets, couldn’t transition the ball, couldn’t stick tackles … it was a hard watch. I expect them to bounce back, although they do face a bit of a bogey side in the Saints. While it may be in Geelong, somewhere that the Cats may feel more confident, the Saints play the Cats well, and Ross the Boss coaches against Chris Scott well. Beating the Cats is St Kilda’s Grand Final, but I expect a response from the Cats and four points, keeping them in touch with the top four.
The Don (player of the round)
Just because I love the way he goes about it, let’s back in Harley Reid to put his team on his shoulders against the Tigers. 20+ disposals and 3+ goals for Harley.
On a more educated suggestion, Brodie Grundy has been the top ranked player since R12 in the league, according to Champion Data – they who must not be named. With no Tristan Xerri for the Roos, Grundy is primed to go big again this weekend.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Given the way the Cats have moved the ball going forward, Alix Tauru is every chance of having a good day. 5+ intercept marks and 15+ disposals for the Flying Viking.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
I hope Aaron Cadman can back up his career best six goals last week. His side takes on a beleaguered Essendon, so he has a chance to go big again under the roof of Superhero Stadium. Back him in for at least 5 goals.
The Winners (currently on 98; last week 7)
Greater Western Sydney
Brisbane Lions
Hawthorn
Sydney
Carlton
Richmond
Geelong
Fremantle
Adelaide
These predictions were made with only Thursday Night teams revealed. 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
