ROUND TWELVE
I want to briefly comment on the AFL worlds loss this week – Brad Scott memes as Essendon Coach. Thought I was going to say something else, didn’t you? And you’d be right.
Neale Daniher has set the benchmark for having a positive attitude despite near impossible conditions to endure. He has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for so many and I hope that all of us who had the privilege to marvel at what he has done in recent years, can live with the same tenacity and hope that he had. Fought the fight, made a difference, and leaves a legacy. Vale, Neale.
Anyway, back to regular programming …
Why do we have five weekends of footy impacted by teams having a mid-season bye? Why do we even have a mid-season bye? The AFL is again making strange decisions and us, the fans, are the one’s who must endure the consequences.
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 Twelve.
The Guarantee
There won’t be a dry eye in any stadium this weekend as the AFL celebrates the life of the late Neale Daniher before every game. Please, fans, don’t be idiots and ruin this.
Beyond that, we won’t see the typical ‘new coach = a win’ bounce for the Bombers this weekend. I mean, sure, they are playing the Eagles, who themselves can be hit and miss, and so there could be a world in which this happens that isn’t hard to imagine … I just think the Eagles will get it done.
The Ultimate Nightmare (Worst Case Scenario)
The Tigers get more injuries during their trip to Sydney to face the Swom and play men down during the game. The Tigers have had no luck on the field this year, with players consistently getting injured. It’s almost like they did something to Danhausen, and he’s responded with a curse.
Hopefully, for the sake of the Tigers, there are no fresh injuries at any level this weekend.
The Outsider (unexpected winner)
I am not brave enough to tip this result, but after what the Orange Team did to the Lions last weekend, they could pose some challenges to the Dees, should the Giants show up for four quarters.
They reminded everyone of what they can do when they are invested in the contest and the game and need to score. And the Dees, while gallant, fell just short against the Dogs and will want to rebound. It’ll be a fascinating watch, especially the side story of Clayton Oliver up against his former side for the very first time since his off-season move North.
The Money Maker (Bold Call)
Again, I don’t know that I am brave enough to make this tip officially, but Carlton are 3-1 in their last four v the Cats. For some unknown reason, the Cats seem to struggle against the Blues at the MCG, the scene for Friday Night Footy.
The Cats are purring and, on form and paper, should win this comfortably. But until the Cats actually win one of these again, then it’s all aboard the Geelong Doomer Pessimist Train!
Essential Result (Must Win)
I have two teams from the same game in this one. Freo are comfortable on top of the ladder, as they ride a 10-game win streak. The Lions have lost their last two and look second-rate.
If the Lions are going to arrest their slide, they need to do so this week, at home, with their opponents travelling the width of the entire country. A loss, and it is almost season over for the Lions.
For the Doker, well, they would want to solidify top spot. Remain that game clear of the Swans and maximise Wharfie Time at home. This is probably the game that shows if the Dockers have grown up and taken the next step to full-blown Premiership contenders. It is a must-win.
For both sides, there’s a lot at stake, so strap in for what should be an entertaining and high-scoring affair.
Most at Stake (Vulnerable)
I feel like I’ve said this a few times in recent weeks, but the Saints have a lot at stake. After their off-season spending spree, they have failed, thus far, to live up to the pre-season hype. They aren’t going to get too many more opportunities to ‘kickstart their season’, and so, on Thursday Night, it’s time for the Saints to do something and claim a scalp.
The Must Watch (match-up or game)
Pat Voss v Harris Andrews does have a nice watchability to it – can we get a designated camera on this? It will be more interesting than Pendles Cam!
But, I’m quite intrigued by Bont v Nick Daicos – and, as such, the Dogs v the Pies. The Dogs are so good at Superhero Stadium, and the Pies don’t venture there very often. Both have some injuries (one side more than the other) and are clinging to spots in the Wildcard zone.
There is a lot at stake for both teams. Both have the ability to really turn it on and kick a decent score. But both can also be shambolic in defense. Many shenanigans will ensue and storylines to watch in this one.
The Unexpected (underdog performance)
The Saints midfield face a big challenge against the Hawks rucks and the Hawks mids. If the Saints midfielders – Sam Flanders, Max Hall, and the like – especially those who can win it on the inside and spread with speed, get involved in the game, this becomes a much more interesting watch and a less predictable match up.
We know the Saints play Marvel well. Can they show up when needed?
It’s a Big Weekend For …
Will Day’s shoulders and sore foot. After a solitary outing in the VFL after a long injury layoff, the smooth mover for Hokball returns to the senior side. The big question now rests on how resilient his body is and whether it can fully withstand the rigours of AFL football. A lot on the line for Will and his side.
The Don (player of the round)
A Swans bounce back in terms of result, and after his lowest rated game of the season last week, I expect Isaac Heeney to dominate against the Tigers. Pencil him in for 25+ disposals, 8+ clearances, and 4+ goals.
The Underboss (rookie of the round)
If someone from the midseason draft is selected this weekend, let’s go with them. Otherwise, I really like what Jack Ison has been doing. And the Cats have this innate ability to allow opposition young players to have the game of their life.
The Cats fan in me hopes that doesn’t happen, but the footy lover in me hopes he can show off his skills on the big stage. I will also throw a young Cat in here as well – Mitch Edwards. He’s been thrown some big challenges this year, and is holding his own. I’d love to see him get some external recognition.
Individual Brilliance (predicting a stat accomplishment like x goals or marks)
Kozzy Pickett, in Alice Springs, kicking 4+ goals. Lock it in!
The Winners (currently on 69; last week 5)
Hawthorn
Geelong
Sydney
Fremantle
Western Bulldogs
Melbourne
West Coast
Predictions were submitted with only the Thursday Night Football teams named. Drop us your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned over the coming weeks to see how the Prophet goes with his predictions.