Footy Tragic

Geelong vs Carlton:

Looking Good:

• Paul Chapman: Chappy was unstoppable early, racking up 44 points in the first quarter alone. It is great to finally see him play a DT finals campaign, and with Bomber’s promise he won’t rest any players, we should expect to see him again next week for WCE at Skilled Stadium!
• Joel Selwood: Selwood had a slow start, but as he tends to do, he controlled the game for large stints when it was really up for grabs. He finished with 27 disposals and 6 tackles in another brilliant game.
• Marc Murphy: If the Blues had won, Murph would have been the best player afield – he did everything he could to put the Blues in a good spot to win, racking up 30 disposals and 6 marks for the game.

Disappointing:

• Paul Bower: Bower stood Pods and lacked any sort of rebound, getting just 6 disposals for himself. Looks devoid of all confidence and is no longer being trusted by his coach either. Needs a solid pre-season and has the potential to be a great 2011 pick.
• Eddie Betts: After Betts was one of the key playmakers when the Blues beat Geelong earlier in the year, in this game he was nowhere to be seen, kept to just 10 disposals for the game.
• Gary Ablett Jnr: After looking back in form last week, Ablett was trusted as captain by plenty of coaches. Unfortunately, to ¾ time he had just 52 points to his name, causing plenty of frustrated coaches. Luckily, he banged home three final quarter goals to notch up 95 points – still not good enough as captain though.

Blip on the Radar:

• Joel Corey: Whilst many of people will be looking towards Corey as a potential Grand Final smokey, I believe that he is not worth the selection prior to the biggest game of the year. We know he is a great dream teamer, but 2010 has just about been a write-off thanks to continual problems with injuries. Fortunately though, next week will be just his 10^th game, qualifying him for a discount on his 2011 price!

St.Kilda vs Richmond:

Looking Good:

• Nick Dal Santo:
  

  Nicky Dal had a brilliant game for the DT, disposing 22 of his 36 disposals by foot and kicking three goals. He loved the freedom given to him as Richmond attempted to shut-down Goddard instead. Has had a few quiet weeks in a row so it is good to see him back in the good books.

• Leigh Montagna: At half time, Montagna looked set to break the possession record held by Robert Harvey, however he fell a few short of the record, finishing with 42 disposals for the game. Was prolific for most of the match and the Saints’ best playmaker until hurting his hammy late in the game – he should be OK for next week, although I wouldn’t be surprised if he was rested.
• Jack Riewoldt: This kid is amazing – he sealed his first Coleman medal at the ripe age of just 21 by kicking another seven goals. The Saints double and triple teamed him, but couldn’t find a way to stop his effectiveness. Once he gets his confidence, he doesn’t seem to have a pause button.

Disappointing:

• Adam Schneider: Schneids hurt his knee early in the first quarter in a marking contest and looked out of sorts all day. Very disappointing after such a great past month. He should be OK for next week, but again has the potential to be rested.
• Chris Newman: Newman was well held by Peake and was largely ineffective until he moved further forward later in the game. Oppositions seem to be working him out, so he needs to quickly learn the art of breaking a tag.
• David Armitage: Armo played his first game in a couple of months and just couldn’t get in any sort of rhythm. In fairness, he was rushed back from a knee injury, but when you cross the line you are considered right to play. Will be lucky to hold his spot next week with Hayes and Jones returning.

Blip on the Radar:

• Justin Koschitzke: Kosi kicked five goals and looked to be hitting the contests with much more confidence. Over the past few weeks he has looked to be building into some form, but it must be remembered that in this game he was playing on second gamer, Gourdis. Next week he will face Rutten, a player who regularly has Kosi’s number – don’t think you are a genius  and bring him in this week, he will only cause you pain.

Hawthorn vs Fremantle:

Looking Good:

• Shaun Burgoyne: To prove the lack of quality opposition, Burgoyne racked up a personal best 37 disposals whilst seemingly having no opponent. He also kicked four goals in a simply brilliant display, proving the exact reason why Hawthorn gave so much to recruit him. He is pure class.
• Cyril Rioli: Week one back from suspension and Cyril was gold, weaving his regular magic on his way to 21 touches, 9 marks, 6 tackles and three goals. He will find himself presented with a bit more pressure next week against Collingwood, but he at least will go into the game with some form under his belt.
• Luke Hodge: Hodge wasn’t the next best out there, but it was great to see him back hitting some form after a few down weeks. He did cork his knee late in the game, but the word is that he will be OK for next week. He got 23 touches and a brilliant 8 tackles for the game.

Disappointing:

• Mark Harvey: Seriously – what a jerk, resting eight of his best players including Sandilands, Pav, Mundy and Fyfe – all DT regulars in 2010! At least people with plenty of Hawks in their team can thank him, but I’m sure there were plenty of DT semi finals lost by his selfish display at the selection table.
• Byron Schammer: Maybe he has already been told he won’t have his contract renewed, but he looked totally uninspiring and uninspired through all four quarters. Obviously he didn’t want to use this game as an opportunity to push for finals selection.
• Wayde Skipper: The fact he rucked against a depleted Freo team and still didn’t win was pretty poor. Luckily he still got a bit of the ball, but it wasn’t enough for owners who had 211 sitting on their bench.

Blip on the Radar:

• Josh Gibson: Gibson played a great game, but the fact he was playing on Ryan Murphy (who amazingly still kicked two goals!) means it doesn’t count. Look at all the scores on either side of him and understand that in blowouts like this, anomalies happen.

Collingwood vs Adelaide:

Looking Good:

• Dale Thomas: Continued his fine form with a 26 disposal, two goal game on the half-forward line. Was one Pie who looked to give his all through the four quarters and deserved BOG status.
• Graham Johncock: His run off the backline is great and he seems to be a  very tricky player for the opposition to shut down. Finished with 27 disposals and five tackles as one of Adelaide’s best players.
• Steele Sidebottom: This was one of Steele’s better games of the year and showed his continual progression to a very good player. He hasn’t hit star status yet, but the fact he is playing in a winning culture and has been given plenty of opportunities to learn, Steele could be a great DT pick in years to come.

Disappointing:

• Kurt Tippett: He told us he was back last week, but it seems to have just been a flash in the pan. Kicked just the one goal whilst being stood by Nathan Brown.
• Chris Dawes: Dawes has been on a high much of this year, but faltered against Rutten, admittedly one of the better full-backs of the competition. Will have another hard task next week against Gilham.
• Harry O’Brien: Harry must have been a bit surprised when Young sauntered over to him pre-bounce, unlikely expecting to be given the hard tag usually reserved for Shaw. Unfortunately he didn’t perform under the pressure and the Pies looked worse for the lack of his run from defence.

Blip on the Radar:

• Ben Rutten: Rutten is a full back. Rutten sometimes likes kick-to-kick. Rutten is not the player you want the week before Grand Final. In fact, if you consider putting Rutten in your team before the Grand Final, then I want to join your league next year.

Sydney vs Western Bulldogs:

Looking Good:

• Kieran Jack: God I love this kid – if he can keep this form up and present it to us again through the 2011 pre-season, he is looking like a very good mid-priced pick. Whilst he has been a tagger for most his career, this game saw the Bulldogs send Picken on a run-with role on him, hardly stopping his influence. He finished with 25 possessions, five tackles and two goals.
• Jude Bolton: Bolton wasn’t necessarily racking in the disposals, but he certainly laid a few tackles, racking up a tally of 11 for the game. Also kicked a couple of goals.
• Matthew Boyd: Boyd was hardly prolific, but he at least fought hard, earning his regular 25-odd disposals and 7 tackles. His teammates certainly struggled against Sydney, but the great thing about Boyd is that he will always win his own ball – no need to rely on others for his supply.

Disappointing:

• Daniel Giansiracusa: Gia was rubbish – he epitomised the form he was showing prior to his recent return to the midfield. Dropping marks, playing a metre off the ball and never putting his head over the ball. He was smashed by Rhyce Shaw and did very little to be competitive…
• Adam Cooney: Did his hammy 2 mins into the game and it was night over for him after just a single handball… fortunately he was tackling someone when it went ping so he got an extra four points for that!
• Nick Malceski: Started up forward which was strange, and it certainly didn’t help his scoring. He never managed to get into the game and scored accordingly.

Blip on the Radar:

• Mike Pyke: This big score from Pyke was proof that Sydney’s gamestyle lends itself to high scores from ruckmen. Mummy’s early injury meant that Pyke rucked alone, but don’t expect him to do it often, although he did play well.

Melbourne vs Port Adelaide:

Looking Good:

• Cameron Bruce: Started the game once again in brilliant form, hitting the 50 points mark before quarter time. He was part of every scoring chain for Melbourne, finally let of the leash of playing roles, which he has done for most of the year. Unfortunately, Kane Cornes moved to him in the second term, slowing him down a bit, yet he still managed to finish with 39 disposals and 7 marks.
• Kane Cornes: Was matched up on Bruce for most of the match, but was hardly playing too tight. He himself racked up 26 touches and ran off Bruce at every opportunity.
• James McDonald: In his second last game he gave it everything he had, throwing himself into 10 tackles and picking up 27 disposals. Chances are he will have a huge final game as he says goodbye to the Melbourne faithful at the MCG next week.

Disappointing:

• Brad Green: Green played forward for all of the game, being well held by Carlile. He booted just the one goal for the game and it came very late. This was a very disappointing score from a player who has been in some very good recent form.
• Brett Ebert: Injured his knee early in the game and unfortunately it has been assessed as an ACL rupture, meaning he could miss the majority of 2011. This is a big blow to Port as Ebert was their leading goalkicker to this point of the season.
• Troy Chaplin: Chaplin again couldn’t handle the pressure of a forward tag and simply shut down. He has gone most of the season seemingly unnoticed by the opposition, but his great reading of the play and interceptions have finally gotten the credit they deserve… unfortunately.

Blip on the Radar:

• Michael Newton: Newton seemed to be included for a chance to prove himself for a 2011 contract – whilst he played OK, there was little to suggest that he was worthy of a new deal.

Essendon vs Brisbane:

Looking Good:

• Jonathan Brown: When Brown said he was 100% going to play, I took it to mean he was certainly playing. But perhaps what he meant was he was at 100% fitness as he certainly looked like it, bombing 4 goals 6 from 25 touches and a whopping 16 marks! He looked great and hopefully he can continue it into the Grand Final next week against Sydney.
• Michael Rischitelli: Brisbane must really be hoping this guy isn’t off to the Gold Coast as he has been a shining light this season – he again raked in the disposals, including plenty of contested ball. He finished with 28 disposals and 7 marks for the game.
• Daniel Rich: Rich has had a season to forget, but looked back to his 2009 best with a great display through the middle. He worked a lot harder to win the hard ball and pin-pointed it into the forward line on numerous occasions. He finished with 30 touches for the night.

Disappointing:

• Michael Hurley: Hurley stood Brown all game and was totally pantsed. He tried very hard but was regularly left one-out against Brown – a recipe for disaster.
• Mitch Clark: When Ryder was a late withdrawal, it would have been suspected that Clark would rack up the points, but unfortunately he continued his role up forward, netting just the one goal for his efforts. Four frees against didn’t help either.
• Angus Monfries: Played a defensive role on McGrath but did little attacking himself. Monfries has played this role well this year but struggled to show much form in this game.

Blip on the Radar:

• Leroy Jetta: Jetta looks to be a good player, but I don’t expect he will be much of a DTer, despite a couple of big scores this year. He played well this game but really came out of his shell late when Essendon chucked together a few last-gasp goals. He will be an inconsistent player at best so don’t be pencilling him into any teams for 2011.

West Coast vs North Melbourne:

Looking Good:

• Andrew Swallow: Once again racked up the hard ball whilst bucking the trend of in-and-under players by also kicking three goals. Nine tackles were also a great buffer for his 27 disposals.
• Dean Cox: Cox looked back into some good nick around the ground, picking up a number of stats (28 to be precise) as well as marking strongly in contests. Whilst it is a shame that his form seems to be hitting in the latter part of the year, we can at least take solace that maybe he will be able to return to his best in 2011.
• Andrew Embley: Played a good wingman’s role, picking up 33 touches. Although he wasn’t particularly accurate with his disposal, he is very good at winning his own ball, hence his large scores. He also chipped in with 10 marks, five tackles and a goal.

Disappointing:

• David Hale: Only the five disposals again for Hale – he has had an absolute shocker of a season and will be in great threat of having his contract terminated at the end of the year.
• Josh Kennedy: Kennedy was well held by Thompson and could only manage the two behinds. Unfortunately, Thompson also followed Kennedy up onto the wings, stopping him from getting disposals there too.
• Hamish McIntosh: After some good recent form, McIntosh dropped right off in the second half of this after starting well. Finished with just 13 disposals and a goal from the ruck after being thoroughly beaten by Cox and Naitanui.

Blip on the Radar:

• Scott Thompson: Thompson spent this game following Kennedy around the forward line and onto the wing, leading him to win a bit of the ball for himself. This won’t be a regular occurrence as he typically takes the forward closest to goal, but in this situation he was the only Roo capable of matching Kennedy physically.

Expert: Dan
Team: Hank Scorpio EDT
Current Ranking: 2,283
Round 21 Score: 2,056
Trades Remaining: 0
Team Changes This Week:
In: Nick Riewoldt
Out: Shaun Higgins

Expert: Toby
Team: Fiora’s Hardnuts
Current Ranking: 1,599
Round 21 Score: 2,067
Trades Remaining: 0
Team Changes This Week:
In: Richard Douglas
Out: Shaun Higgins

Expert: Ben
Team: The Redbacks
Current Ranking: 1,051
Round 21 Score: 2,159
Trades Remaining: 0
Team Changes This Week:
In: Nick Riewoldt
Out: Shaun Higgins

GEELONG CATS v CARLTON

Geelong Cats

B: David Wojcinski, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt

HB: Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor

C: Paul Chapman, James Kelly, Jimmy Bartel

HF: Shannon Byrnes, Cameron Mooney, Daniel Menzel

F: Steve Johnson, James Podsiadly, Travis Varcoe

Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett

I/C: Corey Enright, Joel Corey, Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins

Emg: Taylor Hunt, Jeremy Laidler, Simon Hogan

In: Corey, Blake, Taylor

Out: Jeremy Laidler, Taylor Hunt, Brad Ottens (illness)

• No huge surprises here as the Cats have been talking about this all week – Ottens is the main casualty here to the virus (whilst both Bartel and Selwood are still under clouds).
• Corey will return, however i still wouldnt be picking him as a smokey thanks to his run with injury this year.

Carlton

B: Dennis Armfield, Michael Jamison, Marcus Davies

HB: Jordan Russell, Paul Bower, Bryce Gibbs

C: Heath Scotland, Richard Hadley, Kade Simpson

HF: Jeff Garlett, Jarrad Waite, Marc Murphy

F: Eddie Betts, Lachie Henderson, Shaun Hampson

Foll: Robert Warnock, Chris Judd, Aaron Joseph

I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, David Ellard, Shaun Grigg, Mitch Robinson

Emg: Sam Jacobs, Setanta O’hAilpin, Andrew Walker

No change

ST KILDA v RICHMOND

St Kilda

B: Jason Gram, Jason Blake, Sam Gilbert

HB: Clinton Jones, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt

C: Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Farren Ray

HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Leigh Montagna

F: Brett Peake, Nick Riewoldt, Stephen Milne

Foll: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Adam Schneider

I/C: Sean Dempster, Luke Miles, Adam Pattison, Jarryn Geary

Emg: Tom Simpkin, Rhys Stanley, Nick Heyne

In: Armitage, Pattison, Miles

Out: Robert Eddy (hand), Rhys Stanley, Lenny Hayes (back)

• Very surprising news to see Lenny out of the squad with a back complaint! Very disappointing too! Stanley also makes way.
• Armitage returns to the squad after returning from a knee injury and Miles will debut – he is a running small defender so it will be good to see him before AFL finals, although i wouldnt consider a rookie for your DT this week.

Richmond

B: Chris Newman, David Gourdis, Will Thursfield

HB: Brett Deledio, Kelvin Moore, Daniel Connors

C: Mitch Morton, Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards

HF: Troy Taylor, Jayden Post, Jake King

F: David Astbury, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Cousins

Foll: Angus Graham, Shane Tuck, Trent Cotchin

I/C: James O’Reilly, Alex Rance, Robin Nahas, Andrew Collins

Emg: Dean Polo, Andrew Browne, Ben Nason

In: Nahas, Thursfield, Rance, Cotchin, Taylor

Out: Matt White (leg), Daniel Jackson (leg), Ben Nason, Andrew Browne, Robbie Hicks

• Cotchin returns from injury, whilst Taylor will play his long awaited third game for the year.
• Nason is the surprising omission, whilst Montagna owners will be happy to see Jackon out injured (he typically does a good job at nullifying Joey).

HAWTHORN v FREMANTLE

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy

HB: Ben Stratton, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall

C: Xavier Ellis, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis

HF: Shaun Burgoyne, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne

F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Campbell Brown

Foll: Brent Renouf, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell

I/C: Chance Bateman, Carl Peterson, Wayde Skipper, Brendan Whitecross

Emg: Rick Ladson, Shane Savage, Liam Shiels

In: Rioli

Out: Rhan Hooper (soreness)

• Rioli will return from injury in what could be one of the most lopsided games of the round.

Fremantle

B: Dylan Roberton, Antoni Grover, Greg Broughton

HB: Justin Bollenhagen, Luke McPharlin, Jay van Berlo

C: Garrick Ibbotson, Paul Hasleby, Clancee Pearce

HF: Byron Schammer, Steven Dodd, Michael Walters

F: Ryan Murphy, Michael Johnson, Matthew de Boer

Foll: Kepler Bradley, Nick Suban, Paul Duffield

I/C: Clayton Hinkley, Rhys Palmer, Jesse Crichton, Zac Clarke

Emg: Des Headland, Ryan Crowley, Tim Ruffles

In: Dodd, Murphy, Palmer, Hinkley, van Berlo, Pearce, Bollenhagen

Out: Matthew Pavlich (soreness), Adam McPhee (soreness), Roger Hayden (soreness), David Mundy (soreness), Stephen Hill (soreness), Anthony Morabito (soreness), Nathan Fyfe (soreness)

• As predicted, Freo have gone to town on their list, resting seven of their best players whilst not recalling Sandilands! All of Pavlich, McPhee, Mundy, Hill and Fyfe are included in the list of outs. Owners of these players will now be faced with a very big question – to trade or not to trade!

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE

Collingwood

B: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Ben Johnson

HB: Harry O’Brien, Leigh Brown, Heath Shaw

C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey

HF: Alan Didak, Travis Cloke, Luke Ball

F: Dayne Beams, John Anthony, Steele Sidebottom

Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas

I/C: Jarryd Blair, Chris Dawes, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer

Emg: Simon Buckley, Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst

In: Ball, Goldsack, Anthony

Out: Paul Medhurst, Simon Prestigiacomo (corked thigh), Tarkyn Lockyer

• No surprise to see Medhurst and Lockyer out of the squad, whilst Ball is the big name inclusion.
• Jolly has been named to play, but doubts surely still linger on a late call-up for Fraser.

Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens

HB: Chris Schmidt, Phil Davis, Michael Doughty

C: Nathan van Berlo, Richard Douglas, Brad Symes

HF: Ricky Henderson, Kurt Tippett, Patrick Dangerfield

F: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane

Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly

I/C: David Mackay, James Sellar, Will Young, Matthew Jaensch

Emg: Shaun McKernan, Myke Cook, Brodie Martin

In: Jaensch, Walker, Young

Out: Nathan Bock, Chris Knights (hamstring), Bernie Vince (knee)

• Nathan Bock leads the list of outs thanks to his deferral to the Gold Coast. Vince and Knights are the other two players to make way – neither will play again this year.

SYDNEY SWANS v WESTERN BULLDOGS

Sydney Swans

B: Paul Bevan, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw

HB: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Tadhg Kennelly

C: Lewis Jetta, Brett Kirk, Jarrad McVeigh

HF: Daniel Hannebery, Ryan O’Keefe, Josh Kennedy

F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Jesse White

Foll: Shane Mumford, Jude Bolton, Kieren Jack

I/C: Trent Dennis-Lane, Martin Mattner, Gary Rohan, Nick Smith

Emg: Brett Meredith, Sam Reid, Patrick Veszpremi

In: Smith, Rohan

Out: Ben McGlynn (cheekbone), Jarred Moore (concussion)

• Many coaches will be both surprised and happy to see Rohan return with good timing. McGlynn is a big out for the Swans after his massive game on the weekend.

Western Bulldogs

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris

HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee

C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Liam Picken

HF: Brad Johnson, Liam Jones, Robert Murphy

F: Daniel Giansiracusa, Barry Hall, Jarrad Grant

Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen

I/C: Brodie Moles, Nathan Eagleton, Callan Ward, Mitch Hahn

Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Dylan Addison, Jordan Roughead

In: Hahn, Cooney, Harbrow, Hudson, Grant

Out: Will Minson, Shaun Higgins (calf), Andrejs Everitt, Jordan Roughead, Easton Wood (hamstring)

• Another wealth of changes at the Dogs with Higgins and Roughead the big names going out of the side – Higgins is unlikely to play again this year, whilst Roughy is a week to week prospect.
• Cooney, Harbrow and Grant return, whilst doubt still lingers on their match fitness after suffering from the flu this past week.

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE

Port Adelaide

B: Paul Stewart, Alipate Carlile, Andrew Moore

HB: Nick Salter, Troy Chaplin, Danny Meyer

C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, Travis Boak

HF: Cameron Hitchcock, Jay Schulz, David Rodan

F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Stewart, Brett Ebert

Foll: Dean Brogan, Danyle Pearce, Robbie Gray

I/C (from): Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent, Matt Thomas, Jack Trengove, Jay Nash, Michael Pettigrew, Marlon Motlop

In: Nash, Pettigrew, D.Stewart, M.Motlop

Out: Tom Logan (concussion)

• Nothing much of news here – Stewart is a timely inclusion for plenty of forward lines, but nothing else here is of real DT relevance.

Melbourne

B: Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock, Clint Bartram

HB: Cameron Bruce, James Frawley, Jared Rivers

C: Brad Green, James McDonald, Nathan Jones

HF: Jack Watts, Liam Jurrah, Colin Sylvia

F: Austin Wonaeamirri, Lynden Dunn, Jamie Bennell

Foll: Mark Jamar, Jack Trengove, Tom Scully

I/C (from): Cale Morton, Brent Moloney, Paul Johnson, Jordie McKenzie, Michael Newton, Rohan Bail, Matthew Bate

In: Moloney, Newton, Bate, Warnock, Morton

Out: Aaron Davey (leg), Joel Macdonald (ankle)

• Davey is out for the rest of the year with a broken leg, whilst Moloney finally returns from his own injury. It is also good to see Bate and Morton back in the side.

ESSENDON v BRISBANE LIONS

Essendon

B: Henry Slattery, Michael Hurley, Heath Hocking

HB: Stewart Crameri, Cale Hooker, Brent Stanton

C: Courtenay Dempsey, Jobe Watson, Mark McVeigh

HF: Leroy Jetta, Jake Carlisle, Angus Monfries

F: Patrick Ryder, Jay Neagle, Kyle Hardingham

Foll: David Hille, Ben Howlett, Jake Melksham

I/C (from): Sam Lonergan, Brent Prismall, Travis Colyer, David Myers, Kyle Reimers, Marcus Marigliani, Michael Quinn

In: Prismall, Jetta, Marigliani, Myers, Quinn

Out: Ricky Dyson (knee), David Zaharakis (knee)

New: Marcus Marigliani (Frankston/rookie list)

• Prismall makes a possible return whilst Marigliani is another Essendon rookie named to debut. Too late in the season to consider though, sorry Marcus.

Brisbane Lions

B: Jed Adcock, Daniel Merrett, Ashley McGrath

HB: Pearce Hanley, Joel Patfull, Cheynee Stiller

C: Michael Rischitelli, Daniel Rich, Jack Redden

HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Luke Power

F: Todd Banfield, Mitchell Clark, Jared Brennan

Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Simon Black, Tom Rockliff

I/C (from): Ryan Harwood, Justin Sherman, Brent Staker, Troy Selwood, Tom Collier, James Hawksley, Travis Johnstone


In: Brown, Selwood, Sherman, Collier, Hawksley

Out: Matt Maguire (ankle), Albert Proud (illness)

• Brown has been named after seemingly passing his fitness test, although he will surely be tested again before the game, so ensure you have an emergency present.
• The Goose comes out of the side at just the wrong time, which may hurt some defences. Fortunately, most people have traded him out by now…

WEST COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE

West Coast

B: Will Schofield, Eric Mackenzie, Ashley Smith

HB: Beau Waters, Matthew Spangher, Shannon Hurn

C: Andrew Embley, Chris Masten, Matt Rosa

HF: Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy, Andrew Strijk

F: Ashton Hams, Callum Wilson, Mark LeCras

Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Brad Ebert

I/C (from): Tim Houlihan, Jordan Jones, Quinten Lynch, Patrick McGinnity, Nic Naitanui, Koby Stevens, Lewis Stevenson

In: Hurn, Hams, Houlihan, Masten, J.Jones, Stevenson

Out: Adam Selwood (shoulder), Tom Swift, Brad Sheppard (shoulder)

New: Jordan Jones (Geelong Falcons)

• Hams makes his return from suspension, whilst Masten and Stevenson are some returning youngsters. Jordan Jones will make his debut if he makes the cut from the extended bench.
• Selwood and Sheppard are both out with injuries – i am unsure at this point whether they are season ending.

North Melbourne

B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Brady Rawlings

HB: Daniel Pratt, Nathan Grima, Scott McMahon

C: Leigh Adams, Brent Harvey, Sam Wright

HF: Ryan Bastinac, Aaron Edwards, Daniel Wells

F: Ben Cunnington, Lachlan Hansen, Ben Warren

Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Andrew Swallow, Levi Greenwood

I/C (from): Leigh Harding, Cruize Garlett, David Hale, Corey Jones, Matt Campbell, Marcus White, Jamie Macmillan


In: Jones, Hale, Campbell, White, MacMillan

Out: Lindsay Thomas (knee), Todd Goldstein (calf)

• Nothing too exciting here (which isn’t a bad thing!) – Goldstein makes way with a calf injury, which MacMillan returns. Thomas is also out with a knee injury that has ended his year.

Dear Footy Tragics,

While not exactly a “kid”, another Gold Coast player worth serious consideration in 2011 is Karmichael Hunt.

Hunt was born in New Zealand on 17 November 1986, so he will be 24 years of age by Round 1 of 2011. Hunt stands at 186cms and has slimmed down to 86kgs after his six month stint playing Rugby Union in France for Biarritz Olympique.

Hunt commenced his decorated NRL career in 2004 as a 17 year old, playing for the Brisbane Broncos. Hunt was one of the stars of the NRL, representing the Queensland state of origin team and the Australian test team (which he chose over New Zealand) on numerous occasions.

Turning our attention to Aussie Rules, Karmichael Hunt has played 8 games of VFL football for the Gold Coast this year, kicking 3 goals and being named in the best twice. Hunt is best suited to playing on a half back flank or in the back pocket, which allows him to run in a straight line and best utilise his very strong tackling ability.

I don’t expect Hunt to regularly rack up 20 plus possessions for the Gold Coast Suns in 2011, but I do expect him to average 5 – 6 tackles per game. This equates to approximately 20 DT points in tackles alone, meaning Hunt needs to only pick up 10 possessions and a few marks to generate a DT score of approximately 60 points per game.

Given the fact Hunt will most likely be available to select as a dirt cheap defender and he is likely to play most games for the Suns in 2011, he is worth very serious consideration.

Good luck!

As the season draws to a halt, I can understand that some of these articles can become a bit irrelevant. That is why I want to write the first of my reflective pieces about season 2010. Over the next week or so, expect articles to shuffle around a bit as we all look back on a season that has been, as well as casting our eyes forward to 2010. Today I will reflect back on my ‘Who’d You Rather’ series from this year, determining who won some of the key battles in hindsight. Next week I will attempt a piece looking ahead to next year and the changes that may arise, whilst Ben will continue to look at the Gold Coast list. Our last official article of the season will be a ‘Season Wrap’ in the place of the ‘Weekly Wrap’ article on Monday week. From there we will certainly be staying active on the site over the off-season and we encourage you to do the same. We will attempt to keep up to date about all the key Gold Coast signings, plus my favourite week in the AFL calendar - Trade Week. We will be on top of the draft too, with our expert on the kids, Dan looking at all the talent for 2011. Articles will be announced soon as we still establish our structure, but remember that Dream Team is really won in the off-season, so having a great DT knowledge base leading into picking your 2011 team will give you the best possible head-start over your mates. And you KNOW that Footy Tragic will be the place for all this info throughout the off-season!

Who’d You Rather: The Hindsight Edition

Round 1: Mark Seaby vs Todd Goldstein

To kick things off, I compared two developing mid-priced ruck options. To this point, Seaby had averaged 104.5 over two games and Goldstein 86.5 and 84% of people said Seaby was the best option. However, from this point on, Seaby averaged 35.5 points over four games, including a season ending mid-game injury in round 6 - a game where he scored just one point! Goldstein proved to be a better option -  whilst he didn’t have a breakout year as predicted, he did go on to average 74.8 for the rest of the year, finishing as the 6^th highest scoring ruck of the season.

Voted: Mark Seaby - 84%

Winner: Todd Goldstein

Round 2: Jarred Brennan vs Jonathan Brown vs Cyril Rioli vs Ryan O’Keefe

This was hardly amazing advice either…  At the time, all four looked amazing, however form and injury have cruelled all of them at separate times through the year. Brown has had abdominal issues and has averaged 73.1 from this point and has missed five games in the process through injury. O’Keefe was great for a while, but after averaging 115 over the first three games, he averaged 82.7 -  at least he hasn’t missed too many games, but nine scores below 80 points have made it an average season at best. Brennan averaged 116 from the first three, and injuries derailed his year - he missed four games not long after this article and struggled to recapture his early form, averaging just 77 points and scoring above 100 points twice. Rioli looked for a while like his 130 points was a blip on the radar, but after averaging 65 points over the next eight games he then hit form, averaging 97 points for the next six – unfortunately he was then hit with a two week suspension on the eve of finals, meaning plenty had to trade him out.

Winner: Ryan O’Keefe

Round 3: Alan Didak vs Steve Johnson

At this stage of the year, neither player had hit form, with Stevie J averaging 86 points and Didak averaging 84. From this point, both have really hit form, with Johnson averaging 99.5 for the rest of the year and Didak averaging 102.5. Didak also played all remaining games, a fact Johnson can’t claim, having missed three games with suspension late in the year.

Voted: Alan Didak - 74%

Winner: Alan Didak

Round 4: Jordan Lewis vs Domenic Cassisi

Two players that were well down on their expected output for the year with Cassisi averaging 68 points to this stage and Lewis 76 points. Immediately after this article both players seemed to hit form with Lewis averaging 98 over the next six weeks, dropping below 100 just once; Cassisi similarly averaged 97 points over the next six. As the season comes to a close, Cassisi has averaged 94.6 since and Lewis has averaged 87.6.

Voted: Jordan Lewis - 70%

Winner: Dom Cassisi

Round 5: Ryan Hargrave vs Paul Bower

We can probably pretend this article never happened - whilst Hargrave was up and down for the remaining rounds, Bower has only played seven games since with an average of 55. Hargrave has at least averaged 84.5 points and only missed the two games, making him the clear winner.

Voted: Ryan Hargrave - 81%

Winner: Ryan Hargrave

Round 7: Lenny Hayes vs Dane Swan This isn’t a particularly difficult one to work out after Swan’s dominant season, although it is worth commenting that you wouldn’t have done too badly picking Hayes either for $40k less. Lenny averaged 113 points since this article with only two scores below 100 and six over 120 points. However, Swan makes these scores look pathetic, averaging a whopping 128 points since, scoring below 100 just once and scoring over 120 on 12 occasions (five of which were over 140!).

Voted: Dane Swan - 73%

Winner: Dane Swan

Round 10: Ash McGrath vs Sam Fisher

I went out on a limb this week and both ended up looking pretty good (until McGrath injured himself). Until the time of this article, Fisher was averaging 82.57 and McGrath 73.25. Since then, Fisher averaged 93 points and McGrath, whilst averaging 122 over the next fortnight, injured himself the next week and went on to score a rather average 55 points for the remaining rounds.

Voted: Sam Fisher - 80%

Winner: Sam Fisher

Round 11: Paul Chapman vs Gary Ablett

This was the battle of the balding Cats and Ablett was clearly the voters choice with 76%. However, since this date, both Cats have been a lot closer than people expected. Firstly, Chappy has missed only one game, whilst Ablett has played every one. Ablett has averaged an impressive 112.9 compared to Chappy’s 107. The fact Ablett has played all games and averaged five points higher makes him the clear winner.

Voted: Gary Ablett - 76%

Winner: Gary Ablett

Round 13: Jack Riewoldt vs Richard Douglas

Two players having clear breakout seasons, with Riewoldt leading the way at this point, averaging 93 compared to Douglas’s 87. However, as seems to happen with younger players, both have waned in recent weeks, with Riewoldt averaging just 68 points since this article. Douglas has still remained a good average of 92 points since the article, suggesting he has been the better performer. Also, for those looking at forwards to replace J Brown or Higgins this week, Douglas could be a great pick, especially with Vince now out for the year – Douglas should line up in his midfield spot.

Voted: Jack Riewoldt - 58%

Winner: Richard Douglas

Round 14: Lance Franklin vs Alan Didak

For the second time this year I looked at Didak - this time up against Buddy in what proved to be the closest vote of the year. To this stage, both players averaged 95 points for the season, however Didak’s was from more matches thanks to Buddy’s couple of trips to the tribunal. From here, Buddy averaged 104 points, however missed one more game from suspension. Didak managed 108 points whilst still playing all seven games between then and now, making him the eventual winner from this article.

Voted: Alan Didak - 54%

Winner: Alan Didak

Round 17: Adam Goodes vs Nick Riewoldt

In the final real ‘Who’d You Rather’  article, I pitched two forward heavyweights against each other -  both had had poor seasons to date with Goodes averaging 86 points for the season and Roo missing 12 weeks with a significant hamstring injury. At the time of writing this article, Riewoldt had played two games since returning, scoring 68 and 71 points. Goodes on the other hand had just played two blinders through the midfield, scoring 158 and 116 points. Both players have continued some good form since though with Riewoldt since averaging 111 to Goodes’ 104. Riewoldt’s DT finals form has been fantastic, averaging 132 points from the two games so far, making him the clear winner over Goodes who has averaged just 86 points in the finals series.

Voted: Adam Goodes - 59%

Winner: Nick Riewoldt

Dane Swan

2010 avg: 123.6

Last five avg: 125.6

Last five vs. Crows: 106.0

Swanny is the #1 choice as far as I’m concerned, once again. He chops the Crows, plain and simple. Since 2006 he has only scored one sub 100 (a 90 in 2008). That is eight tons in that period – four in a row before the 90 and four in a row since then. The only negative I can come across that form line is that in those last four tons vs. Adelaide his scores range from 103-115, so not the mega captain score you’d want from him.

His current form is much famed, but just to go over the numbers again, he hasn’t scored below 100 since Round 9 and in his last 11 games he’s only had three scores below 120. This is his first match-up against the Crows in 2010.

Scott Pendlebury

2010 avg: 107.6
Last five avg: 119.4

Last five vs. Crows: 97.4

His record vs. Adelaide doesn’t command captaincy material, but since Pendlebury has entered the AFL the Crows have been a pretty good side. Right now though, the Crows are not good and he’s arguably in career best form. He’s a very smart player and I can see him finding a lot of space through the midfield.

I went to the Coll vs. Ess game on Friday night and was keeping a close eye on his movement off the ball. We try to make this as objective as possible with statistical analysis, but my eyes couldn’t help but watch the way he moves to get the ball. He’d be a little bit more left field than the likes of Swan, Ablett or even Riewoldt, but if you want to go slightly unique Pendles would be my pick this week.

Gary Ablett

2010 avg: 119.9

Last five avg: 117.0

Last five vs. Carl: 105.0

Ablett’s form against Carlton is quite up and down. Earlier this year he was massive, despite the Cats getting pumped, scoring 145, but last year he only managed 71, before that it was 123, 109 and 77. Aaron Joseph generally goes to him, so I’d expect the same again. Despite his relative inconsistency against the Blues, he is starting to find some of that famous ominous form. He looked bloody scary on Saturday night against the Bulldogs and I reckon he’s just warming up for a huge September.

Nick Riewoldt

2010 avg: 95.4

Last five avg: 103.2

Last five vs. Rich: 91.4

OK, so none of the above numbers look that great, but obviously we know the story behind the top two columns. His in game injury and the way he’s slowly worked his way back into form have effected his 2010 and last five avg. As for what appears to be a poor record against Richmond can be explained by an in game injury on 55 points in 2008.

Admittedly, his record against Richmond if you take that game out is still quite modest. But Riewoldt in hot form still has to be considered in all situations. He looked great on the weekend (but he always does against the Roos) and he still needs to get some good footy into his legs before the finals. One thing to be wary of is if Lyon monitors his TOG late in a blow out game. He was benched a bit in the fourth on the weekend, but not before he racked up 142. You’d want to be sure he can rack up a cricket score (even a West Indies cricket score will do) before he starts getting managed late in a game. There’s that associated risk, but I’d only view this as something that’ll happen in the last 15 minutes of a game, by which time I’d expect him to have already put up a great score.

Brendon Goddard

2010 avg: 112.4

Last five avg: 110.2

Live five vs. Rich: 97.4

His last five vs. Richmond don’t seem too impressive, but early in 2006 he had a 46 against them. His last four against them is a more respectable 110.3. He’s starting to get some of his pre-flu form back and played a very attractive role down back last week. His last four games have been a low of 109 and a high of 119, but I can see him really cutting sick against Richmond. Who have they got to match up on him?

Other notes:

• Hayes doesn’t have a great record against Richmond and after a blistering first half last week he scored less than 30 points in the second half against the Roos.
• Buddy doesn’t have a particularly good record against Freo.
• Hodge just doesn’t look quite right at the moment (seems to be playing hurt) and he doesn’t have a crash hot record against Freo either. However, he has scored 110, 140 and 126 at Aurora Stadium this season!
• Montagna chopped Richmond for 146 earlier this year, but he looked lame on the weekend and cost dlow his semi final against me. Don’t reckon he’s looked that great since hurting his groin against Hawthorn a few weeks ago.
• Damn, Selwood is looking good. He doesn’t have a super record against Carlton, but you would still have to give him a look in this form.
• Chappy hasn’t played Carlton too many times in recent years – hard to make a call on him. His form all year means he’d never be a bad call, but there’s more that appeal to me this week.
• Boyd has a poor record at the SCG. You’d think the small ground would suit his inside game, but his highest score is 75 in four appearances at the ground. He has only played there once since 2007 though, so maybe this is less of a factor given how much he’s come of age since then. His recent form is as good as almost anyone’s.