The AFL continue to be tone deaf to the fans – the true custodians of the game – by making dumb decisions. Oh, you want a day Grand Final? Nah, wE wANt to Be COoL … here’s a Twilight Grand Final. And don’t get me started on how timekeepers can lose 30 seconds off the clock suddenly … they have one job! It’s a good thing that most of what we are seeing on-field is fun to watch.
Be forewarned, while I am the Mongrel Punt’s resident oracle for all things AFL, I hold no liability for your bad betting and using my predictions in your multis. So, please, gamble responsibly.
So, strap yourselves in for the Prophet’s Predictions for Round Three.
The Guarantee
Now that the South Australian election is over, we will hear about Gather Round being locked in for SA before Easter. The current contract expires this year, but it is seemingly a no-brainer and a home run for the AFL to keep it in SA. (which is probably why they won’t).
And a more tongue-in-cheek take …
After all the articles and discussion about Nick Daicos being unhappy at Collingwood, and it stemming from him not winning the Pies BnF last year – I didn’t say it, social media did – Craig MacRae gives him his full allotment of Coaches votes – all 15 – this weekend.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
More hamstring injuries are leading to early-season rule changes. Realistically, we are only talking about this because of the high-profile players injuring their hamstrings. If it were squad players, very little would be said.
It’s on the conditioning staff to ensure the players are ready to go, and on the players to prepare sufficiently. Injuries happen in sports. We never like them, but they are a part of the business. AFL – please resist the urge to change the rules because of this.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
I won’t tip this because I don’t think it will eventuate, but I will make a case for the Saints to beat the Lions this weekend.
The case is simple … it’s at Marvel. Something happens to the Saints when they play under the roof. They are all of a sudden like The Undertaker at Wrestlemania … almost impossible to beat there. I expect the Saints will be up and going against the 0-2 reigning Premiers, but the Lions are no pushover.
I expect the Lions to take four points, but don’t sleep on St Kilda at Marvel.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
This goes with what I write a little further down about Clarko, but my money maker is that North Melbourne completely implode, lose to the Bombers, and Clarko is no longer the coach by Tuesday next week. This game has North implosion written all over it … and they ruin the joy for all footy fans.
How? Well, if Essendon make it to April 17 winless, then the hours since their last win, will be the same number of days since they last won a final. And we all want that to come to pass.
Essential Result (Must Win)
The Orange Team. They are still somewhat inconsistent, but still are a good side. And the Pies have frailties in front of the ball and defensively as well. If there’s ever a chance for the Giants to make a statement, it’s on Friday Night under the roof … yes, the Pies playing a home game not at the MCG. I wonder what Eddie will have to say about that …
If the Giants are going to grow up as a football team, they win this game. This isn’t discounting Collingwood, because they still remain a good side, but the Giants have the better available list and should win this. If they don’t, well, it could be another year of being talked up and disappointing for the Giants.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
Alistair Clarkson. After North had a commanding win in round one against the Power from Port, they failed to back that up over in the West. They took the early lead and then, seemingly, became the NBA stars in Space Jam who lost their ability … and the Eagles ran over them.
Clarko’s legacy is barely hanging on. His job is even more precarious. And this weekend, he must coach his charges against the insipid, uninspiring Bombers.
– side quest: who in AFL House thought that this was the ideal game for a standalone Saturday night fixture?
North should win this on exposed form. That is exactly why they will probably lose the game. And losing this game should be the final chance for Clarko … North have not improved in his time at the club. And a loss emphasises that.
The Must Watch (match-up or game)
This might sound weird, but I’m low-key keen for the 3.15pm game at the MCG on Sunday between Carlton and Melbourne. Maybe I’m losing it, but some of their recent matches have been a great watch, the Dees are improving, and Carlton, well, who knows with them … it should be an interesting battle around stoppages and through the midfield.
The Dees likely have more firepower, but we know that the Blues have the ability to, on the rare occasion, kick a big score.
Because I’ve said this is a must-watch, watch it be a trainwreck.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
I’ve seen a lot of people writing off the Crows this weekend. Now, I don’t think I can tip them given the players that are unavailable for them, but they still have weapons that can present a challenge to a Geelong side who are still finding their feet this year.
The Cats have had slow starts in both games thus far and the Crom are a side you don’t want to give momentum to … no matter who they are missing. Expect this to be close, in the rain.
It’s a Big Weekend For …
The “I want to be a $2 million man” Mr I can’t believe it’s not Butters … with all the discussion about his future, his unconvincing comments last week after the Power’s win, and the payday flagged earlier this week as his demand for a club … Zak Butters needs to deliver. The Power play the Eagles in Adelaide … Butters needs to dominate. But he then needs to dominate against the good clubs, too.
Also, for Tasmania in the VFL. Will the crowd turn out again? Will the boys from the Apple Isle get another win? They need to back up last weekend.
The Don (player of the round)
I’m going to Luke Jackson here. Against a Tigers side sans Toby Nankervis, Jackson should be the most influential and most dominant player on the ground … comfortably. Here’s to 3+ goals, 20+ disposals, 10+ clearances, and 200+ supercoach points. Make him your captain, folks!
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
Jacob Farrow makes his debut for the Bombers. Another young player with the weight of the world on his shoulders as he dons the sash … here’s hoping he seamlessly slides into that side.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Patrick Cripps to bully the Dees mids and have 20+ contested possessions and 12+ clearances.
The Winners (currently on 12; last week 5)
Geelong
Collingwood
Brisbane Lions
Fremantle
North Melbourne
Port Adelaide
Carlton
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
