There is no such thing as a certainty in footy.
Or is there?
We’ve got certainties for Friday night footy, but with five other games in Round 12, we’ve taken a close look to come up with one certainty for each team for the remaining matches.
Take a look at our certainties for the rest of the weekend’s action.
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Adelaide v West Coast
Walker to kick at least two goals
Despite not having a contract extension offered to him yet, Taylor Walker is having a solid year for the Crows, kicking 18 goals from seven games.
As we know, West Coast have struggled in defence this year, which was made even more evident in Round 11 when the Western Bulldogs had 16 different goal scorers.
If Adelaide’s midfield can get on top of the Eagles, there should be plenty of opportunities for Walker to hit the scoreboard, and his typically accurate kicking for goal will likely see him capitalise on the chances he gets.
And after missing last week’s game due to health and safety protocols, he’ll be desperate to make an impact in front of the home crowd and send a message to those deciding his future at West Lakes.
Kennedy and Darling to combine for 3+ goals
As per usual, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling will be the focal point of the Eagles' attack as they look to get their second win of the year against the Crows on Saturday.
Kennedy is averaging almost two goals a game, and Darling is averaging just over one, and with the way Adelaide have been defending lately, they should be looking to boost those averages in Round 12.
The Crows have conceded plenty of big scores in recent weeks, and now that Jordon Butts will miss the clash with concussion, it might pave the way for Kennedy and Darling to wind back the clock.
Sam Watson
Gold Coast v North Melbourne
Rankine to kick two or more goals
Former No.3 draft pick Izak Rankine has found some solid form in the last month.
While he’s only averaged a goal a game in his last four outings, he’s beginning to find the ball as he averages more than 15 touches across those games.
Add in his uptick in tackles and overall impact, and you’ll find Rankine has been key behind the Suns winning three of their last four.
While he’s only kicked the four goals in those games, he’s kicked seven behinds – averaging nearly three scoring shots a game.
As we’re expecting the Suns to roll the Kangaroos and give their forwards plenty of opportunity, expect Rankine to pounce on a few chances inside 50 and get reward for his hard work.
McDonald to pick up 20+ disposals
North Melbourne defender Luke McDonald has been one of the shining lights for the club in 2022.
With the Kangaroos being battered in defence, McDonald has stood up to average nearly 22 touches and six marks a game.
As Gold Coast looks set to control the majority of play on Saturday and give their forwards plenty of opportunity, expect McDonald to bear a heavy load as he tries to mop up and rebound from defensive 50.
20 touches is a more than achievable goal for the half back in this encounter.
Lachlan Geleit
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Melbourne v Sydney
Petracca to have 25+ disposals
After a quiet match against the Dockers last week where he managed just 10 disposals, Christian Petracca will be looking to respond against the Swans.
The 2021 Norm Smith medallist is averaging 28.5 disposals this year, the last time he played the Swans, he accumulated 28 possessions alongside his one goal.
Fellow midfielder Clayton Oliver looks destined to have someone run with him such is his recent dominance – leaving Petracca to do as he pleases, hopefully!
He should eclipse the 25 barrier.
Lloyd to have 25+ disposals
Jake Lloyd was back to his best last week against Richmond accumulating 26 touches.
Lloyd is one the competitions best accumulators of the pill, last season he managed 25 disposals or more in 19 of 22 games last season.
His last five outings against the Demons have seen a return of 28, 28, 26, 34, and 31 – surely he gets over 25 on Saturday night on the large MCG surroundings.
Hugh Fitzpatrick
Hawthorn v Collingwood
Mitchell to gather 25+ disposals
Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell has racked up some huge numbers against Collingwood in the past.
Mitchell’s disposal numbers in his last six games against the Magpies make for impressive reading: 50, 35, 54, 33 and 44.
It’s fair to say the 2018 Brownlow Medallist loves playing the Pies.
Mitchell’s numbers are slightly down on previous years, though he’s still averaging a tick over 27 touches.
Can the star Hawk continue his prolific form against the Magpies?
Crisp to collect 20+ touches
Jack Crisp is having another super impressive season.
The consistent Magpie was one of his side’s best in last week’s win over Carlton, collecting a team-high 27 disposals.
Across the 2022 season, Crisp is averaging 26.4 touches and hasn’t finished with less than 20 possessions since Round 1.
Crisp, who will play his 175th consecutive game on Sunday, will be key if Collingwood is to get the better of Hawthorn to stay in touch with the top eight.
Alex Zaia
Fremantle v Brisbane
Ryan to pick up 15+ disposals and take 4+ marks
Luke Ryan has been building nicely in recent weeks, evidenced by his season-high 29 disposals in last week’s big win over Melbourne.
The defender is averaging 20.3 disposals and seven marks in 2022 and against a Lions side that gets plenty of ball forward, he should get plenty of opportunities on Sunday evening.
Ryan takes the majority of kick-ins for the Dockers so getting himself to at least 15 touches is high on the cards and he should also take four or more marks on the expanses of Optus.
Andrew Slevison
Lyons to amass 20+ disposals
Brisbane midfielder Jarryd Lyons has again been a model of consistency in 2022.
From 11 appearances thus far, Lyons has picked up 20 disposals or more in all but one game.
While that down game came last week against GWS, he’d back himself to bounce back as it was only his second game below the 20-touch watermark since 2020.
With the Dockers strong around the contest, they’ll back themselves in to beat Brisbane head-to-head at the stoppage, allowing Lyons to operate with relative freedom.
Expect the big midfielder to bounce back in a big way on Sunday afternoon.
Lachlan Geleit