As the AFL season progresses, all eyes are on the upcoming match where St Kilda could potentially destabilise Carlton for a second consecutive year. Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel is optimistic about St Kilda’s chances, recalling their crucial win against Carlton in Round 24 last season, which not only led to Carlton missing the finals but also required a fortunate loss by Fremantle for St Kilda’s own survival.
Currently, St Kilda appears to be in formidable form, having convincingly defeated Fremantle by ten goals in their last outing, while Carlton’s earlier three-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt with a loss against Adelaide. Should Carlton suffer another defeat this Friday, their record would plummet to 3-6, posing a challenging path ahead with upcoming games against Sydney and GWS leading into the bye.
Bartel is predicting a St Kilda victory, which would not only add pressure to Carlton but also complicate the tipping landscape for Round Nine. The round features a series of interesting matchups, including Fremantle hosting Collingwood without their key players, and a contest between Gold Coast and the Bulldogs, both of which strive for legitimacy in the competition. Additionally, the Showdown between Adelaide and Port traditionally promises a tight contest, while Richmond’s clash with West Coast will see teams aiming to avoid the wooden spoon.
In terms of expert predictions for the round, opinions vary. Bartel backs St Kilda among other teams, while his contemporaries hold differing views, with some favouring Carlton in select matchups. This diversity in projections underscores the unpredictable nature of the season, particularly as teams jockey for position and strive for a successful campaign.
As the fixtures unfold, supporters and analysts alike remain eager to see whether St Kilda can repeat last year’s performance against Carlton and which teams will emerge triumphant in what is shaping up to be an exciting round of AFL football.