‘They can’t lose!’ Bold flag tip, star ‘deserves an apology’ and ‘awful’ flop — AFL mid-year crystal ball

We’re halfway through the AFL season — and instead of reflecting on how wrong our summer predictions, we’re throwing forward from now.

From the conventional premiers, Brownlow and Rising Star tips to the biggest surprise packets and disappointments … and more.

In the latest episode of the Midweek Tackle digital-only show ‘Tackle The Headline’, Herald Sun reporters Lauren Wood, Jon Ralph and Glenn McFarlane nominate look into their mid-year crystal balls and predict who’ll claim some of the top AFL awards and titles.

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PREMIERS

Lauren Wood says: “It’s really hard to go past the Pies.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “I tipped Brisbane to beat Collingwood in the Grand Final at the start of the year – but I’ve now flipped that. I’ve gone the 2023 repeat: Collingwood to win it from Brisbane.

Jon Ralph says: “Collingwood can’t lose! They win by eight goals, whoever they play, put down the glasses right now – the Fox Footy boys, you can aggregate that one if you want! All the way to a home Grand Final, qualifying final, get another week off, play one game in 22 days … the dynasty awaits.”

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BROWNLOW MEDAL

Lauren Wood says: “Geelong’s leading man Bailey Smith is firmly in Brownlow Medal contention. I’m cheering for him merely for the speech factor, I think it’d be fantastic. And not to wish ill on the Cats, but imagine (Smith’s speech) if they’d lost a final two days beforehand. I think it’d be absolutely huge.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “I’ve predicted this guy for three years in a row, so at some stage I’m going to be right, but Nick Daicos. Imagine the night there – Peter might even get up on stage with him.”

Jon Ralph says: “You need a superstar or a very good player who’s playing superstar-like football – and Bailey Smith is doing that. Think about the hair game, Matt Priddis with the beautiful ringlets, Shane Woewodin with the tips, the beautiful red hair of Adam Cooney, Matty Richardson nearly won it with his half-mullet. Bailey has got great hair great headband, amazing football – tick, tick, tick.”

RISING STAR (besides Levi Ashcroft)

Lauren Wood says: “Levi Ashcroft is right up there in terms of leading that pack … But I think Nate Caddy is making a really late push. You talk about flashiness, I think he’s going to catch a few eyes in the back half of the season.”

Jon Ralph says: “Speaking of the hair game … Murphy Reid. Let’s give some respect to the Fremantle star. Four goals in a quarter on debut down there in Geelong, he’s got 14.9 so far this year. He sets them (goals) up, he kicks them – let’s give some respect … I think Murphy Reid might just shock a few.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “We all talk about Levi Ashcroft, but I’m going to go left of centre and say Archie Roberts is putting together some sort of season for the Bombers. In that zone where they’ve had so many issues, I think he’s been outstanding.”

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COACH OF THE YEAR

Lauren Wood says: “Luke Beveridge has been much talked about as coaching in the form of his life. A new contract looms in the next week or two. He’s tough to go past, for mine, for coach of the year.”

Jon Ralph says: “I’m going for Adem Yze. He potentially could’ve had five or six wins – he’s only got three on the board so far. Based on expectations, a lot of people thought ‘I’m not sure about Adem’ – now we think this bloke is the coach for the long-term future.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “Matthew Nicks for me. I had him as my ‘coach under pressure’ at the start of the year, so I’ve got to now come towards him. If everything went right, they (the Crows) can win it. What a story that would be for Matthew Nicks, who’s been under so much pressure.”

BEST OF 2024 DRAFT CROP

Lauren Wood says: “I’ve got a four-year-old in my house who would never forgive me if I don’t say Sam Lalor.”

Jon Ralph says: “Taj Hotton. We haven’t seen him yet. Pick 12, a player who’s got massive potential with a bit of Shai Bolton-style stuff. People might mock me, but I’m going for the bloke who no one’s seen yet.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “Carlton’s had a really tough year … but Jagga Smith, I’m going to say he is going to get through this knee situation, come out next year, take a little bit of time to get going — but he is going to be an absolute superstar.”

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BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

Jon Ralph says: “Carlton or Sydney – can’t split them.”

Glenn McFarlane says: “Sydney for me. Awful.”

BIGGEST SURPRISE

Glenn McFarlane says: “Adelaide and Richmond – Richmond have been outstanding.”

Jon Ralph says: “Bailey Smith, you deserve an apology. We all thought he wasn’t worth Pick 17 … and tried to downgrade what he would be. But he has been absolutely sensational on the football field, as big a surprise packet as anyone. Bailey Smith deserves that credit, well done Bailey.”

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