Footy Tragic

An AFL Dream Team and SuperCoach Weekly Wrap – all 8 games discussed and dissected from a DT point of view

Geelong vs Carlton:

Geelong:

• Joel Selwood was brilliant YET AGAIN in this game – he is such a strong four-quarter performer and is incredibly consistent. Playing again through the midfield his workrate was exceptional and he pretty easily smashed any opponent thrown at him by Carlton. Barring his first quarter injury in round one, Selwood has averaged over 120 DT points a game, making him one of the most consistent mids this year.
• Paul Chapman bounced back into some form after a couple of quiet weeks. Whilst he still doesn’t seem 100%, cracking the ton was a nice was of suggesting he isn’t too far away. He played a lot more time forward, but I wouldn’t let this put you off considering now he is under $400k.
• Stevie Johnson was fantastic early and did most of his work in the first half, with 68 DT points scored to half time. He kicked three goals from 19 touches and 7 marks. His form did look good, although it was disappointing to see him drift out of it in the second half.
• Nathan Vardy was pretty quiet in his debut game – as a young tall, you wouldn’t expect too much from him at this stage of his career, but playing mainly as a tall forward he was pretty anonymous. I’ve heard some people talk of bringing him in as a fourth ruck, or to get cash from Zac Smith – personally I don’t see him scoring enough or playing enough this year to be worthwhile.

Carlton:

• Heath Scotland was the best for Carlton, playing mainly through the middle and with brief stints off half-back. He was especially good in the tight second half, which included a very big third term. He’s looking in some good form, and although he is the most expensive defender at the moment, he could be worth the punt – somewhat unique too.
• Marc Murphy was another Blue to have a very big second half, working very hard through the midfield to keep his side in the chase. He won 32 touches and 6 marks – another midfielder proving to be able to score consistently high in 2011.
• Nick Duigan was impressive in the backline, despite making a few poor errors. He looks a real leader for the Blues back there, commanding his troops around like and old veteran – to me, this really confirms his spot in the team – he never stops working and will be rewarded for his effort.
• Chris Yarran was pretty disappointing – Stokes played a very tight role on him, really restricting his output. Fortunately for his coaches, he at least had seven tackles to go with his seven disposals… At least this shows some workrate, but games like this are really going to kill his average.

 

St.Kilda vs Melbourne:

St.Kilda:

• Leigh Montagna bounced back emphatically from his one week suspension, playing the hard-running midfield role which made him such a prolific DTer last year. He worked to space really well, finishing with 38 touches, 6 tackles and 2 goals.
• Nick Riewoldt was another Saint to impress – he has shown glimpses of form the past fortnight and this week against the Dees the signs became even clearer. He kicked 3 goals and worked up the field a lot, often playing on a wing or even as a ruckman. I hope you didn’t get frustrated and trade him out as he certainly looks to be getting back to some good form.
• Brendon Goddard played the majority of the game off half-back, and although he finished with 37 possessions, it sort of bellies his game. He WAS good – just not 37-possession-good. It was at least good to see the ball in his hands a bit and a win should help him a bit too.
• Brett Peake’s game is going to make things a little hard for Jason Gram owners – he played Gram’s role really well and although he doesn’t possess the disposal skills of Gram, his workrate is far better. Also not working in Gram’s favour is the fact Sandringham had the bye this week, meaning he didn’t get a chance to impress for a recall.

Melbourne:

• Michael Evans was impressive in his first game for the Dees, joining the DT-ton club straight away with 27 touches, 9 marks and 6 tackles. His workrate around the ground was his strength and he looked to have no trouble working between contests, nor did the speed of the game seem to trouble him. The Saints didn’t give him any attention though, so perhaps a little more work may be applied in the future, yet it was great to see first-up his DT ability.
• Jack Watts played one of his best games for the Dees, working well up the ground and competing pretty well up forward. He kicked two pretty opportunistic goals, but won 25 touches and 9 marks playing a lot of time through the midfield. It’s great to start seeing some improvement from the kid.
• Jordan Gysberts was another to impress – honestly I have never been particularly keen on the kid in his career yet, but he did some good things through the middle against the Saints – enough for them to even give him a bit of attention in the second half! Finished with 26 touches and 7 marks.
• Aaron Davey had an absolute shocker, being totally tagged out of the game by Clint Jones. He lined up on half-back and never got into the match, finishing with just 9 touches. Dean Bailey has already been pretty vocal since the game about how poor Davey played – he has hinted at dropping him, although I don’t think he really will.

 

Port Adelaide vs Fremantle:

Port Adelaide:

• Robbie Gray was the best for Port after having some pretty poor games this past month. He still mainly played up forward with occasional stints on the ball, but he really managed to get a bit of the ball in this game and as usual, he used it pretty well. He finished with 3 goals of his own alongside 22 touches.
• Ben Jacobs was much better this week after having a shocker of a debut. He looked much more confident at the level and didn’t make nearly as many errors. He played through the middle and in the backline and it already looks like Primus is happy giving him a large involvement in the game. Will be the player to trade in this week if you are in need.
• Troy Chaplin started the game as any other this week, loose in defence, but he had to switch onto Pavlich in the second half in a tagging role when Thomas couldn’t run with him – this move took Chaplin to the midfield and even the forward line, but it didn’t translate to DT-scoring potential, with him racking up just 20 points in the second half.
• Danyle Pearce had a shocker, unable to break the Crowley tag all game. Unfortunately, he did what he used to do and went into his shell rather than working through it, resulting in his poor score and subsequent subbing.

Fremantle:

• Nick Lower was great against his old side, finally showing the scoring potential he presented to us in the pre-season. He played purely through the midfield and racked up 28 touches, but shone with his 6 inside-50s and 5 score-assists. For now at least, he suddenly looks like a keeper in the backline.
• Nat Fyfe had another great game, leading the disposal count for the game with 30. He was especially good early in the game as the Dockers set up the win, managing 59 points in a huge second quarter. Whilst a lot of coaches aren’t trading in Fyfe as they ‘missed the boat,’ it’s starting to become clear that despite his price, Fyfe is just about a must-have!
• Aaron Sandilands was strong as usual in the ruck, convincingly beating Brogan with 33 hitouts and 12 touches around the ground. Unfortunately though, he injured his foot early in the fourth term and didn’t return. Mark Harvey doesn’t sound too concerned, but it seems likely he will miss at least next week. Hopefully Zac Smith can rack up another ton next week to satisfy the masses!
• Tendai Mzungu had his debut for Freo, but unfortunately didn’t get to come on until late in the third quarter as the sub. He looked fine in the minimal time we got to see him – hopefully using him as a sub was just to get him through this game and won’t be a regular occurance!

 

Brisbane vs North Melbourne:

Brisbane:

• Jack Redden was widely spruiked by his coach after the game and for good reason – he wasn’t the biggest ball-winner on the ground and nor did he have the most impact on the game, but his 12 tackles set the pace through the midfield, along with his 11 contested possessions (from 21 touches). He is a total tough nut who will always give his all to the contest – you will love him in your team.
• Jed Adcock was another of the best for the Lions, continuing on his amazingly consistent season to date (touch wood). He continues to mop up everything off half-back and racked up 26 disposals and 11 marks for the game. He is in great form and despite the score-line he always appears to be playing well – should be a target for you if you don’t already have him!
• Jonathan Brown came back into the team after 8 weeks on the sidelines, took a little over a quarter to adjust to the pace again and then went to town on the Roos. He finished with 4 goals and 13 touches from 11 grabs, throwing his name up as a legitimate forward option for the second half of the year.
• Tom Rockliff was initially a surprise subbing, with little knowledge as to why he was taken from the field in the third quarter. In the end it seems he sustained an ankle injury, which forced him out for the rest of the game. His average 59 points will be all his coaches remember him for though.

North Melbourne:

• Brent Harvey was the best of the Roos (again…) and one of only a few that would have held his head high after that performance. Without Harvey the Roos would really struggle – his drive through the middle is fantastic and he continues to provide an option until the final siren. I still feel he is too inconsistent for DT, but you could do much worse.
• Drew Petrie was one of the other few who had a positive impact on the game, booting 2 goals for the game, but also working up the ground for 20 disposals and 7 marks. One interesting note is his great kick to handball ratio, with 17 kicks and just 3 handballs for the game – great stats!
• Jack Ziebell was one of those to be really unimpressive, with just 12 touches for the game and no marks. He went head-to-head with Redden and with just 2 tackles compared to Redden’s 12, Ziebell was soundly beaten.
• Lachie Hansen was poor as well, playing three quarters before being subbed off. There is no query on why he was subbed though due to his zero impact on the game. With just 6 disposals and 3 uncontested marks for the game he was just taking up space. He was constantly beaten by Maguire and seemed unable to lead to the right spots. He is still young, but surely the Roos will be expecting more from him in the very immediate future – at pick #3 in the draft a few years back, it’s about time he delivered.

 

Richmond vs Essendon:

Richmond:

• Trent Cotchin was a deserved winner of the best-on-ground medal with a 29 disposal game (15 contested!) through the midfield. Not only that but he won 8 clearances and had a whopping 9 inside-50’s – the most for his team in both columns. We could tell from his first game that this kid would be a star, so it is great to finally see him getting a run of games to prove it.
• Brett Deledio continued on his consistent year with a game-high 34 disposals, playing a lot more time through the middle, rather than half-back. I feel that Hardwick has really been playing Lids in the backline so prevent him from copping all the attention in the midfield every week, but with the form of the likes of Cotchin, Martin and Foley, there is no chance the opposition will focus only on him! This move is great for his DT scoring too!
• Alex Rance played once of his best, if not his best, game for Richmond in the backline – although his numbers suggest a rebounding role, it was more his defensive work that was impressive, smashing Paddy Ryder when he was forward, keeping him scoreless. Rance did get a bit of the ball, but I don’t think this will be a regular occurrence – great to see this kid getting better, but he’s not who you need in your Dream Team.
• Tyrone Vickery was the other young Tiger to show some really good signs in his fourth year. He moved between the ruck and up forward, kicking two first-half goals. He often troubled Fletcher up forward with his pace, which was interesting. He took some good pack marks and finished the game with 3 goals from 10 possessions – still not huge, but he’s certainly improving.

Essendon:

• Dyson Heppel continues to be a revelation for the Bombers off half-back, not just fall his ball-winning skills (he won 15 contested possessions for the night), but also his poise and beautiful foot-skills. To quote someone from the site (thanks eebzubb), he is the gift that keeps on giving – looks like a keeper at this stage of the year! We can only hope now that some nuffies trade him out so he can be a bit more unique!
• Mark McVeigh was great in close, winning 16 contested possessions from his 25 touches of the night. He also racked up 9 tackles, doing a great job filling in for his injured skipper. To those who base trades on one good game, I wouldn’t be tempted in this case – McVeigh is a great role player for Essendon, which means he could find himself anywhere on the field week to week, killing any sort of DT potential.
• Leroy Jetta is just the type of player you hate when he plays your own team – sneaky, always seems to be on his own and hardly ever misses – but this doesn’t mean you should hate him as a player. Under Hird he has come along in leaps and bounds with what is clearly much more belief and encouragement, as well as consistent games. He is having a very good year playing mainly as a small forward, but you would have to wonder what sort of player he would be if Hird put him on the ball in 2012.
• Kyle Reimers was at his typical downhill-skier best, struggling horribly all night until being subbed off. His end-of-night stats sheet reads; 2 handballs, 1 tackle and 3 frees against, totalling -1 DT points. If you have him, I hope you didn’t start him on the field – now it’s time to get rid of him. At least he’s better than Mark Williams I guess…

 

Collingwood vs Adelaide:

Collingwood:

• Dale Thomas was the clear best on ground – even when Adelaide had the ascendency early, Thomas was a real spark for the Pies in the middle, winning clearances and tearing up the wing with the ball in hand. His final quarter was exceptional though, which included a stack on inside-50s, as well as his own torp goal which he kicked from outside the paint.
• Scott Pendlebury was good for most of the game, although he did have several quiet patches which didn’t help his scoring. Rory Sloane had the job on him and it did slow him down at times – the fact the Pies weren’t winning for most of the game also determined his lack of output as they all struggled to get their hands on it a bit. It was nice to see him crack the ton again, albeit a pretty low one.
• Dane Swan was pretty disappointing again from his lofty standards. He did cop a corky to his hip early in the game though and it really looking like it was restricting him a bit, so it wasn’t necessarily form-related. He still finished with 21 touches, but as well all know, this is not even half what he is capable of.
• Chris Tarrant was an interesting one – when he crossed back to the Pies from Fremantle, there was a lot of talk about whether he would be given his forward role back, or whether he would continue as a dour defender. To date he has played all season at full-back, but he was swung forward against Adelaide and it really worked – he didn’t look at all lost up there and kicked straighter for goal than he used to, booting 2 goals from 18 touches. You would not consider him for DT, as he will likely move back to defence, but it was good to see ANOTHER trick up Collingwood’s sleeve this season.

Adelaide:

• Chris Knights was Adelaide’s best, playing a lot more time through the midfield than he has all year. He still dropped forward for a few shots on goal, but he was one of their best players under the packs and really has a very good physique to be playing this sort of bullocking football. Hopefully this role continues as his fitness continues to build (and I think it will), because at this stage he is looking like a real keeper for the rest of the year.
• Scott Thompson was another Crow who had a great game, also winning plenty of ball from under the packs. He was particularly good early in helping set up the big lead for the Crows, racking up 68 of his points in the first half. He is another of the consistent mids this year who should be considered – he also has one of the best score ceilings, meaning he can bring in some amazing scores from time to time.
• Brodie Smith continues to impress and will be one of a few youngsters in running for a Rising Star nod this week. He was very solid off half-back and appears to have a lot of composure and maturity about him. It’s too late to bring him in now, but if you started him, I hope you still have him as it looks like there is still a bit of money to be squeezed out of him yet.
• Kurt Tippett started the game on fire, booting 3 goals in the first quarter and looked like he would be the difference between the two sides. But Reid really got on top of him after quarter time and he was barely sighted again, scoring just 1 DT point after half time – very disappointing.

 

Sydney vs Hawthorn:

Sydney:

• Daniel Hannebury was good again for the Swans, picking up 27 touches and 4 tackles through the midfield, despite being given relatively close attention from Bateman. Still, like most of the Swans, he didn’t do anything too amazing to push Hawthorn and hence the final result.
• Adam Goodes had some good moments, but also so really quiet ones, although he was one of the better Swans for the day, especially early. He finished with 22 disposals (14 contested) as well as 3 tackles, playing most of his time as a midfielder. He is certainly in some pretty good form, although will still need his team around him to help him out.
• Nick Malceski was one of the better stories of the game and many coaches will be asking themselves whether it is safe to bring him in after just one game, despite the fact he is returning from his third knee reconstruction. He did look good coming off half-back and didn’t appear to have lost much of his confidence or drive as he did after his last reco. I’ll certainly be considering him for my team, but may wait a week or two first before pulling the trigger.
• Andrejs Everitt was poor, playing most of the game as a forward and hardly touching it. He didn’t touch the ball once after half time, despite having a pretty good opening term. I’m not sure if there are many coaches with Everitt still in their teams, but not only is he way too inconsistent, there are too many lows (and when he gets a low score, it’s horrible!) to make him even slightly worthwhile – get rid of him as soon as you can!

Hawthorn:

• Lance Franklin’s 6 goals and 6 behinds will make him best on ground, despite there being a couple of other good candidates. He was great all day, but didn’t actually start converting his chances until the second half, going into half time on 1.4. And amazingly for a forward, he was the second highest ball-winner on the ground with 28 touches – 19 of them kicks – playing a lot of time up the field to great effect. His price is about to skyrocket, so grab him now if you are keen!
• Grant Birchall was next best I thought, with his strong drive off half-back a real feature of the game. He finished the game with 30 touches and 9 marks, which was impressive. He has never been a great DTer (more of a SuperCoach option), but if there were a year we need a defender to stand up, it is this one. Honestly, I can’t see him pulling in too many 100+ scores this year, but we can always hope!
• Liam Shiels deserves a mention too – in just his third year he was Hawthorn’s best midfielder (again!), pulling in 24 touches and 10 tackles. He works so hard both inside and outside the packs, hence his ability to win so much ball. Will only get better and is still cheap if you like a bit of a punt. Those who started him are looking like geniuses now.
• Cyril Rioli returned from his hamstring injury and was pretty quiet, given the tight tag of Rhyce Shaw. Al Clarkson suggested last week that Rioli will spend a lot more time forward than in the midfield this year to help him properly get over his hamstring issues – this is exactly what happened here, with Rioli spending most of his game on a HFF. This won’t help his DT numbers, so don’t get too tempted to trade him in in a fortnight or so when his price drops.

 

West Coast vs Western Bulldogs:

West Coast:

• Josh Kennedy… 10 goals… What a game he played – I’ve honestly never been totally convinced by Kennedy as a player, but he’s had a super year so far and this game was just the icing on the cake. He monstered Williams, then Markovic and then even Morris on his way to his 10 beauties. His teammates looked to get the ball to him at every opportunity, but he worked hard to lead well, mark really well (5 contested marks, 10 uncontested) and his conversion was also great.
• Luke Shuey will get the two votes… in fact, it will still be a tough debate on whether should even get the three – he was brilliant all game and he really seemed to carry the momentum of the team, with five goals from the midfield that really blew open the contest. He also had a whopping 8 inside 50’s – the way he drove the ball in there again and again was a beautiful thing to watch… unless if you were a Doggies fan.
• Mark LeCras came alive late in the game to feature on the scoreboard with 3 goals, but it was the fact he played the majority of his game through the midfield which was the most exciting. He is actually a very good midfielder and if it weren’t for the fact he is also a great goalkicker, he would have been playing in the centre for years. He won 29 disposals and was another Eagle who racked up 8 inside-50s.
• Andrew Embley is surely on All-Australian pace this year with another great game on the wing. After spending the past couple of years looking rather disinterested, he looks to have the spark back which made him such a good player in the Eagles’ premiership years. He had 34 touches and 8 marks and at just 29 years of age, his best football isn’t necessarily behind him.

Western Bulldogs:

• Matthew Boyd was probably one of only a few Bulldogs who got a pass mark – he still wasn’t amazing. He still won 8 clearances – the most on the ground – but he would clear the ball out and no one would be there to receive his handball, which would have been frustrating. He tried his guts out, but with no support, what more can you do?
• Ryan Griffen was another who was good for the Dogs, but more-so early in the contest when they were only behind by a few goals. He did give the Dogs some spark and gave the Eagles something to worry about, but once the Eagles got their ascendancy, Griffin faded as the Doggies failed to get the ball to him.
• Lindsay Gilbee was awful after his 6 goals last week. He made some terrible errors and saw very little of the ball, failing to win anything that involved a contest. I said last week you can’t trust Gilbee as a DTer… well this is why.
• Brennan Stack was worst player on the ground for me, with Jarrad Grant and Tom Williams not far behind. But the real disappointment was Shaun Higgins – after spending 3 weeks on the sidelines for an apparent 1-week injury, he came back and gave the finger to all the coaches that held onto him. He looked fit, but off his game, running into trouble and only getting 6 touches before being subbed off. Not good enough.

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So after what was (without looking up any official stats) one of the highest scoring weeks of Dream Team, how did your team go?? Who were your heros and who were your villains?? And what was your final score (SuperCoach and Dream Team)??

CARLTON V GEELONG CATS

ES – Fri May 20, 7:40pm

Carlton

B: Bret Thornton, Michael Jamison, Nick Duigan

HB: Andrew Carrazzo, Jordan Russell, Heath Scotland

C: Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler

HF: Eddie Betts, Jarrad Waite, Jeffrey Garlett

F: Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker, Christopher Yarran

Foll: Robert Warnock, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy

I/C: Setanta O’hAilpin, Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Mitch Robinson

Emg: Aaron Joseph, Lachlan Henderson, Simon White

In: Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler

Out: Aaron Joseph, Edward Curnow (Shoulder)

Geelong Cats

B: Josh Hunt, Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn

HB: Taylor Hunt, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright

C: Andrew Mackie, Joel Corey, Jimmy Bartel

HF: Steve Johnson, Joel Selwood, Mathew Stokes

F: Tom Hawkins, James Podsiadly, Paul Chapman

Foll: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, James Kelly

I/C: David Wojcinski, Mitch Duncan, Allen Christensen, Nathan Vardy

Emg: Tom Gillies, Steven Motlop, Josh Cowan

In: Darren Milburn, Taylor Hunt, Nathan Vardy

Out: Cameron Ling (Shoulder), Tom Lonergan (Calf), Daniel Menzel (Shins)

New: Nathan Vardy (Gippsland U18)

 

ST KILDA V MELBOURNE

ES – Sat May 21, 2:10pm

St Kilda

B: Sam Gilbert, Zac Dawson, Farren Ray

HB: Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt

C: Brendon Goddard, David Armitage, Dean Polo

HF: Brett Peake, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider

F: Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Arryn Siposs

Foll: Jason Blake, Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna

I/C: Clinton Jones, Jack Steven, Nicholas Winmar, Jamie Cripps

Emg: Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter, Ryan Gamble

In: Jason Blake, Leigh Montagna, Brett Peake, Nicholas Winmar

Out: Steven Baker (Suspension), Jason Gram, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter

New: Nicholas Winmar (Scarborough)

 

Melbourne

B: Joel Macdonald, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers

HB: Nathan Jones, James Frawley, Jack Watts

C: Addam Maric, Aaron Davey, Luke Tapscott

HF: Jordan Gysberts, Michael Newton, Colin Sylvia

F: Ricky Petterd, Brad Green, Liam Jurrah

Foll: Stefan Martin, Brent Moloney, Clint Bartram

I/C: Matthew Bate, Neville Jetta, Jordie McKenzie, Michael Evans

Emg: Jamie Bennell, Max Gawn, Jeremy Howe

In: Matthew Bate, Jared Rivers, Jordie McKenzie, Joel Macdonald, Michael Evans

Out: Lynden Dunn (Suspension), Colin Garland (Ankle), Austin Wonaeamirri (Knee), Jamie Bennell, Rohan Bail (Knee)

New: Michael Evans (Claremont)

PORT ADELAIDE V FREMANTLE

AS – Sat May 21, 2:10pm

Port Adelaide

B: Tom Logan, Alipate Carlile, Jackson Trengove

HB: Michael Pettigrew, Troy Chaplin, Jasper Pittard

C: Steven Salopek, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes

HF: Matthew Broadbent, Jay Schulz, Robert Gray

F: Brett Ebert, Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop

Foll: Dean Brogan, Hamish Hartlett, Matt Thomas

I/C: Danyle Pearce, Andrew Moore, Simon Phillips, Ben Jacobs

Emg: Chad Cornes, Daniel Stewart, Cameron O’Shea

In: Jasper Pittard

Out: Daniel Stewart

 

Fremantle

B: Greg Broughton, Antoni Grover, Paul Duffield

HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Luke McPharlin, Dylan Roberton

C: Matthew de Boer, Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe

HF: Stephen Hill, Kepler Bradley, Ryan Crowley

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Christopher Mayne, Michael Johnson

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Nick Lower

I/C: Rhys Palmer, Clancee Pearce, Jesse Crichton, Tendai Mzungu

Emg: Jay Van Berlo, Jonathon Griffin, Jack Anthony

In: Rhys Palmer, Hayden Ballantyne, Dylan Roberton, Tendai Mzungu

Out: Jay Van Berlo, Adam McPhee (Knee), Jayden Pitt, Jack Anthony

New: Tendai Mzungu (Perth)

 

BRISBANE LIONS V NORTH MELBOURNE

G – Sat May 21, 7:40pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Joel Patfull, Matt Maguire, Jed Adcock

HB: Pearce Hanley, Daniel Merrett, Cheynee Stiller

C: Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff, Jesse O’Brien

HF: Sam Sheldon, Mitchell Clark, Luke Power

F: Todd Banfield, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne

Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Jack Redden, Simon Black

I/C: Matt Austin, Bryce Retzlaff, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick

Emg: Tom Collier, Ryan Harwood, Claye Beams

In: Jonathan Brown, Matt Austin, Joshua Green

Out: Josh Drummond (Knee), Ashley McGrath (Hamstring), Ryan Harwood

New: Joshua Green (Clarence)

 

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson

HB: Daniel Pratt, Luke Delaney, Brady Rawlings

C: Daniel Wells, Leigh Adams, Brent Harvey

HF: Shaun Atley, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas

F: Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen, Jack Ziebell

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ben Cunnington

I/C: Scott McMahon, Cruize Garlett, Benjamin Speight, Kieran Harper

Emg: Ben Warren, Robert Tarrant, Liam Anthony

In: Luke Delaney, Ben Cunnington

Out: Nathan Grima (Hand), Samuel Wright (Shoulder)

New: Luke Delaney (Geelong U18)

 

RICHMOND V ESSENDON

MCG – Sat May 21, 7:40pm

Richmond

B: Chris Newman, Alex Rance, Jake Batchelor

HB: Brett Deledio, Luke McGuane, Bachar Houli

C: Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Robin Nahas

HF: Jake King, Tyrone Vickery, Shaun Grigg

F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Brad Miller

Foll: Andrew Browne, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley

I/C: Shane Tuck, Mitchell Farmer, Dylan Grimes, Bradley Helbig

Emg: Jayden Post, David Astbury, Jeromey Webberley

In: Shane Tuck, Andrew Browne, Mitchell Farmer

Out: Angus Graham, Shane Edwards (Cheek), Ben Nason

 

Essendon

B: Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker, Kyle Hardingham

HB: Henry Slattery, David Myers, Michael Hibberd

C: Brent Stanton, Mark McVeigh, Leroy Jetta

HF: Stewart Crameri, David Hille, Kyle Reimers

F: Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Angus Monfries

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, Dyson Heppell

I/C: Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, David Zaharakis, Jake Melksham

Emg: Brent Prismall, Travis Colyer, Alex Browne

In: Henry Slattery, Brent Stanton, Alwyn Davey

Out: Heath Hocking (Suspension), Jobe Watson (Hamstring), Travis Colyer

 

COLLINGWOOD V ADELAIDE

Collingwood

B: Leon Davis, Ben Reid, Heritier O’Brien

HB: Tyson Goldsack, Nick Maxwell, Heath Shaw

C: Dale Thomas, Dane Swan, Simon Buckley

HF: Chris Tarrant, Chris Dawes, Leigh Brown

F: Alan Didak, Travis Cloke, Steele Sidebottom

Foll: Cameron Wood, Scott Pendlebury, Luke Ball

I/C: Brad Dick, Sharrod Wellingham, John McCarthy, Dayne Beams, Lachlan Keeffe, Jarryd Blair, Andrew Krakouer

In: Nick Maxwell, John McCarthy, Dayne Beams, Lachlan Keeffe

Out: Alan Toovey (Chest)

New: Lachlan Keeffe (Queensland U18)

Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Luke Thompson

HB: Nathan van Berlo, James Sellar, Michael Doughty

C: Brodie Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas

HF: Chris Knights, Shaun McKernan, Rory Sloane

F: Jack Gunston, Kurt Tippett, Matthew Jaensch

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly

I/C: Myke Cook, Taylor Walker, Ricky Henderson, Christopher Schmidt, Aidan Riley, Matthew Wright, Richard Tambling

In: Myke Cook, Taylor Walker, Aidan Riley

New: Aidan Riley (Wollongong Lions)

SYDNEY SWANS V HAWTHORN

SCG – Sun May 22, 2:10pm

Sydney Swans

B: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Alex Johnson

HB: Tadhg Kennelly, Heath Grundy, Nicholas Smith

C: Nick Malceski, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh

HF: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Josh P. Kennedy

F: Andrejs Everitt, Adam Goodes, Ryan O’Keefe

Foll: Shane Mumford, Craig Bird, Daniel Hannebery

I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner, Brett Meredith, Lewis Johnston, Mark Seaby, Lewis Jetta, Luke Parker

In: Nick Malceski, Brett Meredith, Lewis Johnston, Mark Seaby

Out: Nathan Gordon

New: Lewis Johnston (North Adelaide (SA))

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Thomas Murphy, Paul Puopolo

HB: Matt Suckling, Josh Gibson, Grant Birchall

C: Shane Savage, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman

HF: Brendan Whitecross, Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels

F: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli

Foll: Jarryd Roughead, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell

I/C: Max Bailey, Rick Ladson, Jordan Lewis, Clinton Young, Ryan Schoenmakers, Jordan Lisle, Luke Breust

In: Max Bailey, Rick Ladson, Clinton Young, Cyril Rioli, Ryan Schoenmakers, Jordan Lisle

Out: Stephen Gilham (Knee), David Hale (Knee), Isaac Smith (Soreness)

New: Jordan Lisle (Blackburn/Carey Grammar/Oakleigh Chargers)

 

WEST COAST EAGLES V WESTERN BULLDOGS

PS – Sun May 22, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Shannon Hurn, Darren Glass, Ashley Smith

HB: Sam Butler, Will Schofield, Scott Selwood

C: Andrew Embley, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa

HF: Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy, Mark Nicoski

F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling

Foll: Dean Cox, Adam Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Chris Masten, Bradley Ebert, Nic Naitanui, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Andrew Strijk, Andrew Gaff

In: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Andrew Strijk

 

Western Bulldogs

B: Liam Picken, Lukas Markovic, Dale Morris

HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom L. Williams, Robert Murphy

C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Justin Sherman

HF: Dylan Addison, Liam Jones, Lindsay Gilbee

F: Jarrad Grant, William Minson, Daniel Giansiracusa

Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Callan Ward

I/C: Shaun Higgins, Brennan Stack, Easton Wood, Barry Hall, Brodie Moles, Mitchell Wallis, Thomas Liberatore

In: Shaun Higgins, Tom L. Williams, Easton Wood, Barry Hall, Mitchell Wallis

Out: Adam Cooney (Knee), Josh Hill

 

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It’s an interesting week for downgrade options. There are quite a few decent targets this week (I bet Toby couldn’t believe his luck last week when there was basically no one to write about). What makes the week interesting is that I know my team, and from what I’m hearing many others already have a fair bit of cash in the bank and are more looking to upgrade than downgrade.

 

Sometimes in DT/SC we find ourselves trying to catch every rising star (which is a contradiction in terms if you think about it) but it’s important not to sacrifice your upgrades because you feel you can’t miss out on these guys. It’s a great week to double downgrade if you don’t have much cash in the bank though.

 

For those sitting on some money you’d want to be well on your way with your upgrades if you’re considering a double downgrade simply to catch these guys (with good options like Jacobs, Mzungu, Parker, GC’s Tom Lynch and maybe even Josh Green also on the horizon). For what it’s worth, the tact I’ll likely be taking this week ($200K in the bank) is one downgrade and one upgrade. As I listed above, there’s a great crop coming through over the next couple of weeks that I can do the same next week and still walk away with some good cash + two upgrades + two fresh cash cows. I think this next fortnight is where teams will really start to make their move.

 

Anyway, onto the personnel…

 

Bryce Retzlaff – Brisbane (DEF/FWD)

DT: $97,600. Scores: 46, 16 = 31 avg.

SC: $110,200. Scores: 61, 16 = 38.5 avg.

I like the way Retzlaff attacks the ball and I reckon he’ll be an important player for the Lions in the future. He’s got great size and it looks like he’ll fill out just fine, but for now he’s an underdeveloped key position player on a struggling team. That’s not a fantasy friendly scenario and his DP status isn’t very helpful, as there’s not a hell of a lot of popular DEF/FWD to link him with.

 

Summary: I reckon he’s got a future, but I’d give him a wide berth…

 

Michael Hibberd – Essendon (DEF/MID)

DT: $92,500. Scores: 68, 72 = 70 avg.

SC: $103,600. Scores: 68, 57 = 62.5 avg.

After such a promising pre-season we were all looking forward to slotting him in as a DP player who could score well. He had that quad injury in between the NAB Cup Final and Round 1, which saw him miss a few weeks and despite not being named he was a popular Round 1 selection in many fantasy teams.

 

He was a bit stiff to be dropped after his first game, but someone had to make way for Fletcher. In his two games (against GC and Brisbane, mind you) he’s look comfortable at AFL level, as he did in the pre-season. It’s a real tease though, because his spot in Essendon’s best 22 isn’t as secure as you’d like your cash cows to be.

 

For the short term he’ll hold his spot with Hocking and Watson both going out. Sure, there are some players to come back as soon as this week like Stanton, Prismall and the slightly better Slattery, but I’m confident he’ll hold for a week or two. Is that good enough? He could hold beyond that, but it’s a bit more of an uncertainty as all they’re 1-3 weekers start returning. He’s already been stiff to be dropped once, but to make a counter argument his scoring potential is great and he has DP status that if you link well you have a higher probability of hiding him if he is dropped. A euphemistic way of looking at his fringe spot in their team is that he’ll be the first one in whenever they get an injury/suspension.

 

Summary: A big decision for fantasy coaches with the age old question: scoring potential vs. job security. I don’t doubt his ability to score, but he’s a strong chance to be in and out of this Essendon team, thus stunting his cash flow and making him an unreliable back up.

 

Paul Puopolo – Hawthorn (DEF)

DT: $92,500. Scores: 62, 85 = 73.5 avg.

SC: $103,600. Scores: 57, 70 = 63.5 avg.

He’s an exciting player, Puopolo. Hawthorn have lacked a bit of pace over the last couple of years and it’s clearly something they addressed in the draft with this guy (and the next I’m writing about). He’s a livewire defender who many have likened to Jarrod Harbrow, but that comparison doesn’t quite sit well with me, apart from the fact he uses pace to break the lines. I think Puopolo is more like Jake King (when he was in the backline). Where Harbrow weaves his way through traffic, Puopolo would rather crash his way through.

 

Mature aged players are very much in vogue and his years of experience at Norwood in the SANFL hold him in good stead for an immediate AFL impact. He does have a tendency to burn the ball a bit, so long term he’ll be more of a DT player, but at rookie price you’d be a picky coach to bemoan 10 less SC points on the average if he’s still putting up the 60’s and 70’s you need him to. His contested ball will likely offset some of his turnovers by foot.

 

Summary: He’s a fantastic option if you’ve got a defender maxed out (or near enough to…or is dead wood).

 

Isaac Smith – Hawthorn (MID/FWD)

DT: $92,500. Scores: 89, 59 = 74 avg.

SC: $103,600. Scores: 102, 57 = 79.5 avg.

From a numbers perspective, I’m a little bit surprised at how well Smith has taken to playing AFL footy. I thought he’d be a highly effective player, but not necessarily a big ball winner, but he’s put up some nice numbers in his first two games. One thing that really impressed me was how well he ran out his first AFL game, considering he only had a five day break after Box Hill’s previous game.

 

Like Puopolo, Smith adds some much needed pace to the Hawks line-up. I think his speed (and obviously performance) make him a pretty important player to the Hawks already. I’m not suggesting high up in the pecking order, but not low enough to have his spot in great danger. His DP capabilities are an added bonus.

 

Summary: Another one with a lot to like. Has scored well so far and should keep a 60+ average. Job security solid (not spectacular, but solid) and has a valuable DP link.

Simon Phillips – Port Adelaide (MID)

DT: $97,600. Scores: 26*, 49 = 37.5 avg.

SC: $110,200. Scores: 26*, 55 = 40.5 avg.

* Started as a sub in his first game this season.

The former Sydney Swan worked hard to get back onto an AFL list and after a couple of years at Norwood and the Power acquired him from Gold Coast as a pre-listed player the Suns could on-trade. He’s likely to get more of a go as a small forward and while he can play up the ground, it can be a tough place to play sometimes. He’s also competing with the likes of Daniel Motlop and Cam Hitchcock.

 

Summary: He hasn’t got huge scoring power and there’s better options in the midfield this week and on the horizon.

Arryn Siposs – St.Kilda (FWD)

DT: $92,500. Scores: 31, 55 = 43 avg.

SC: $103,600. Scores: 36, 79 = 57.5 avg.

Siposs is a legitimate option, who could fly under the radar this week. He’s got such a lovely kick and has looked really good in his two games so far. Even that first game where he didn’t have much involvement he turned heads by kicking his first AFL game in the dying stages of a tight one from outside 50, ignoring the Nick Riewoldt lead, to boot. I don’t want to drag this site into the gutter, but the snickometer detected movement in Toby’s pants.

 

The heat has been on St.Kilda’s lack of development for a couple of weeks now and Lyon has indicated he’ll be playing a lot more kids this week and I can’t imagine he’ll be dropping the kids he’s developing to bring in other kids, especially since Siposs has been a very distant lighthouse in the thick fog that is St.Kilda’s 2011.

 

Summary: It’s safe to say Isaac Smith, Tom Lynch (GC) and Tendai Mzungu will be more popular and probably safer options, but I don’t think Siposs will be the worst pick going around. He’ll be unpopular simply because of the week his price bubble burst.

Nathan Gordon – Sydney (MID)

DT: $97,600. Scores: 48, 23^ = 35.5 avg.

SC: $110,200. Scores: 47, 30^ = 38.5 avg.

^ Subbed off in his second game.

Gordon is one of the true success stories of the NSW Scholarship Scheme. Other alumni such as Taylor Walker and Craig Bird would’ve been drafted anyway, but this is a kid who was probably given a go purely because of the system. That doesn’t matter much for fantasy, but it’s a cute story nevertheless.

 

Gordon is a hard working midfielder, who by no coincidence came into the Swans side when Kieran Jack went down with his ankle injury. He’s not got great scoring potential, I don’t think he’s got a very safe spot in the Swans side and there are viable alternatives this week and in future weeks.

 

Summary: A polite no.

 

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And here we go again, for a look around the country to see if there’s any gems coming through for our DT/SC teams. Or maybe there’s some players that you’re just wondering how they’re going. For the most comprehensive report of all the clubs state league affiliates on the internet, you’ve come to the right place at Footy Tragic.

Adelaide

There wasn’t a great deal pushing through for the Crows on the weekend. Bernie Vince and Andy Otten both missed because of injury.

 

Of those in action, Taylor Walker kicked seven goals, but didn’t appear to improve the defensive efforts he was dropped for. Kristian and Toby often stir me about how big a fan of this bloke I am, but Neil Craig doesn’t seem to be. You’d have to query if Craig rates his seven goals if he didn’t show improvement in the defensive side of his game. I don’t want to make this an editorial, so I’ll just leave it there…

 

Brodie Martin and Aidan Riley showed a bit of form for Sturt. Martin scored three goals and was named sixth best with a 19 touch performance, while Riley continued his good form this season with 22 touches and two goals.

 

Brisbane

Josh Green could be in line for an AFL debut after picking up 27 touches and three goals against GWS. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on as a prolific ball winner and an excellent cash cow option. Patrick Karnezis was another rookie who did well, kicking four goals as a forward. His body is still a bit underdeveloped, but he should be a show for some games later this year too.

 

For those holding Jared Polec, he was named fifth best so should be thereabouts for a senior recall. Claye Beams was kept as emergency cover for AFL, so he didn’t play.

 

Carlton

While Carlton had the bye, Brock McLean was kept out of VFL action last weekend and Ratten has suggested he’s a likely replacement for Ed Curnow this week.

 

Ryan Houlihan made his return and played a little bit over half of the game, with his precision kicking being a feature. He might need a game or two at the Bullants, but he won’t be far away from AFL action.

 

Irishman Zach Tuohy continues to push for senior selection with another good performance where he was named fourth best for the Ants, while Wayde Twomey was named third best. Matthew Watson struggled a little bit defensively, though he was naturally using the ball well.

 

Collingwood

I traveled out to Vic Park this week, so got a first hand look at Collingwood vs. Geelong. Alex Fasolo impressed me a lot. I was a little surprised to see him as low as fourth best, because I had him as BOG. His overhead marking for a player of his size (181cm) and in such bad conditions were super impressive. He finished with two goals and I would estimate 25-30 touches. He’s got a booming kick too. If he was on a weaker team he’d be playing right now and as it stands now I reckon he’ll be pushing strongly for AFL selection.

 

Dayne Beams was a class above. I don’t think he necessarily had the greatest game, but some of the things he did was just simply above VFL level, especially with his handballs out of traffic. He’ll be back soon. John McCarthy was pretty good, but I don’t reckon he’ll be much more than depth. Some of his kicks were a bit shaky.

 

I noticed Mick Malthouse (not a good DT/SC option these days) having a very long talk with Lachlan Keeffe at quarter time. In fact, all the players were in position by the time MM had finished and after Keeffe went to line up he had to send John Ceglar to the bench. He played a bit in the ruck, but really he’s a key position player who can pinch hit in the ruck.

 

Tom Young and Scott Reed were also very good. Young’s rebounding in the first quarter was spectacular and while he can look like a bit of a headless chook I liked the way he took the game on. Reed was strong defensively and took a “slips catch” mark in the last few minutes that basically saved the game for Collingwood.

 

Essendon

It looks like Essendon will be hoping for the likes of injured players, such as Hurley, Stanton and H.Slattery to return this week, because there wasn’t a great deal going on with Bendigo.

 

Brent Prismall (my girlfriend – a Bombers fan – said I had to write “Dismal” in brackets) had a good game and was named BOG by Bendigo and he’s the most logical replacement for Watson in the midfield. Ricky Dyson was another who pushed his case for a recall and while a lot of the reports suggest the others merely had cameo roles rookie listed ruckman Josh Jenkins pretty much had to do it on his own and Irishman Michael Quinn was named in the bests too.

 

Fremantle

With their deepening injury crisis (McPhee now ruled out for 6-8 weeks) Freo will have been hoping for some standout performances in the WAFL. Unfortunately one of their best performed youngsters Viv Michie picked up 18 touches and a foot injury that will keep him out for about six weeks. It’s a pity, because Michie was on the verge of debut.

 

Rhys Palmer will be a monty to come back in after picking up 24 touches, seven marks, six tackles and 3.1 for East Freo. An emergency last week, Jon Griffin picked up another 45 hitouts last week, but on return from injury Zac Clarke was impressive with 10 touches and 32 hitouts. In other news there are murmurings from Mark Harvey that Tendai Mzungu is set for a return from injury, but possibly straight into the AFL!

 

Geelong

I couldn’t be as glowing in praise for the Geelong guys as I could for the Collingwood guys that I saw. I was most looking to seeing for myself Mitch Brown and Nathan Vardy and I was left very disappointed. It was admittedly not a good game for talls, but Brown was anonymous and Vardy dropped at least three simple marks, though he did end up with two goals.

 

Steven Motlop was very quiet early, but he kicked three second quarter goals and ended up with four. He’s very elusive when he has the ball, but needs to be involved more often. I didn’t mind the games of Josh Walker and Jon Simpkin in the backline.

 

Gold Coast

Gold Coast went down pretty hard to Sydney reserves and it didn’t sound like there were a stack of positives for them. Charlie Dixon was very good early on and was getting out on the in form Lewis Johnston, however the Swans moved the bigger Jesse White onto him and blanketed him thereafter.

 

Harley Bennell was tagged out of the game by Brett Meredith. Josh Toy was played in a deep defensive role, so wasn’t able to provide much of the rebound he’s renowned for. Maverick Weller was named in the bests for the Suns, but he was tagging Moore, who was dominant for Syndey, so that was an odd selection.

 

Hayden Jolly found plenty of the ball, but he burnt it a bit too. He’ll be a good cash cow when he gets his chance. Jack Hutchins and Dion Prestia didn’t play reserves, as they were travelling emergencies for their AFL side.

 

Hawthorn

With David Hale going down on Sunday it would’ve been encouraging for Hawks fans that Max Bailey had a good game. It was his fifth game in a row, so he’s starting to get a bit of continuity and it was the first time he was named in the bests for Box Hill. Fellow promising ruckman Luke Lowden was also reportedly good.

 

Rick Ladson looked a class above, but after Hawthorn’s good win and with Cyril due back he might not necessarily be straight back in. With Gilham and Stratton out for the year, Ryan Schoenmakers will be a lock to come in this week. He had an interrupted pre-season, but has played four VFL games now and will have to fill a hold in the Hawks backline.

 

Derrick Wanganeen was opportunistic and kicked a couple of goals. He’s a sneaky small forward type, while pre-season superstar Tom Schneider was solid again. Jordan Lisle was named in the best players and kicked three goals, but apart from his goals didn’t particularly catch the eyes of followers at the game.

 

Melbourne

The exciting Tasmanian Jeremy Howe had a massive game, kicking three goals and taking seven marks. Casey coach Brad Gotch praised his ability to play different roles and the hit up option he was giving the Scorpions. This guy is an amazing excitement machine, but is probably a bit raw for AFL at this stage.

 

Ruckman Max Gawn was quite good too. With Jamar out for a little while longer they’ll probably just keep rolling Martin as their #1 ruck for now, but the Dees are excited about the massive Gawn (208cm). Michael Evans is another who has been going well this year. He’s a hard working midfielder, who just continues to produce at VFL level and was named in the best players for Casey for the third week in a row.

 

In just his second game back from injury, and his first in VFL Seniors, Jordan McKenzie was one of Casey’s best, picking up 24 touches, while Joel Macdonald, Matthew Bate and Cale Morton all did their chances of a recall no harm.

 

North Melbourne

North only had a few players in reserves action, as they have a partial VFL alignment with Werribee and North Ballarat (Werribee had the bye). Liam Anthony was named BOG for North Ballarat and the Delaney brothers, Luke and Cameron were named in the bests.

 

Promising forward Aaron Black left the game early with a knee problem, but I haven’t been able to find any word on the severity.

 

Port Adelaide

There wasn’t much positive coming out of the SANFL for the Power. Chad Cornes had 27 touches, nine marks, four tackles and two goals, but it feels like his papers have already been stamped. After two good weeks in a row, if he’s not in this week you’d imagine he’s only there for emergencies or a farewell game.

 

Matthew Lobbe continues his return from injury for West Adelaide with two goals and ten touches.

 

In the Foxtel Cup the Port Magpies played the East Coast Eagles and the South Australian’s unsurprisingly smashed the NSW team. Mitch Banner and Jacob Surjan were instrumental in the midfield.

Richmond

Jeromey Webberley was an emergency for Richmond last week and was named in their best players for the third time in four games. There could be a couple of changes to Richmond’s side this week, so he would be one of the first in line for a call up. David Gourdis was also named in the bests, but there isn’t a lot of info coming out of this game, however it sounded like a dirty day for Coburg.

 

Kristian’s favourite Ben Griffiths played his second straight game for Coburg Reserves and was named in the bests and kicked two goals. A call up to Coburg Seniors should be on the cards.

 

St.Kilda

Ross Lyon has already signaled that he’ll be ringing the changes this week. He’s mentioned Tom Lynch, Rhys Stanley, Tom Ledger, Will Johnson and Nicholas Winmar. Lynch has been playing really well off half back this year for Sandringham, but be careful not to trade the wrong Tom Lynch in (the Gold Coast one at rookie price will be more popular after the Suns bye, no doubt).

 

Ledger raised a few eyebrows during the pre-season, but missed a couple of games early in the VFL year. He’s strung a few games together now and if the Saints go into full rebuild mode, he could be one to get a lot of games. Winmar has been very streaky so far this year, so tread carefully with him.

 

Sydney

Nick Malceski and Campbell Heath both made their return from having LARS repaired knees. Malceski only played two and a half quarters, however is already been talked up as in the mix for AFL action this week.

 

Trent Dennis-Lane kicked seven goals and was named second best, so it looks like he could be back to some of his scintillating form that captured imaginations last year.

 

On rookie watch, Dylan McNeil was named fifth best after having a good duel with Suns on baller Marc Lock, while Lewis Johnston was very stiff not to be named in the best players. After getting the run around in the back line early at the hands of Charlie Dixon, he moved forward and kicked three goals in an impressive performance. He’d have to be getting close…

 

West Coast

It wasn’t a massive week for the Eagles reserves in the WAFL. Tom Swift picked up 26 touches and six marks for Claremont, while teammate Lewis Stevenson had 23 and 10 marks.

 

Bradd Dalziell was his usual ball winning self for East Fremantle, but will have a hard time breaking into such a strong performing West Coast side.

 

Western Bulldogs

It was a dirty day for the Bulldogs affiliate Williamstown in their top of the table clash with Port Melbourne. The good news for all those fantasy coaches that traded Mitch Wallis in before his third AFL game was that he was named BOG for Willy. Hopefully he’s not too far away from getting back in and making us some cash.

 

For the second week in a row rookie listed player Luke Dahlhaus was named second best for Willy. While the Dogs don’t have anyone on their long term injured list, unless there’s been a change in the rules since last year, all clubs can upgrade a rookie after Round 11. He’s a ball magnet, though needs to work on his disposal efficiency, but could be worth a sneaky look.

 

Another rookie listed player who is making an impression is Matthew Panos, who has kicked four goals two weeks in a row. Not bad, considering Williamstown only kicked six for the day! He doesn’t get a heap of the ball, but is a deadly accurate kick for goal. Patrick Veszpremi made his return from a hand injury and while he was apparently a little rusty will be better for the run.

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KRISTIAN’S KAPTAINS

Damn! Gold Coast has the bye this week! Not all is bad though. The two games I like this week where there are a surplus of captain options is the Geelong vs Carlton match, and the Collingwood vs Adelaide match; both in the perfect conditions of Etihad Stadium! Also for Boyd owners, I’m sure you would’ve been happy to see that he’s back at Paterson’s Stadium where he notched up a lazy 160 against Fremantle a few weeks back!

Firstly I’ll start with players who you should be wary of this week:

 

- Some of you may remember that awesome display Stevie J put on against the Blues a few years back scoring 163 Dream Team points. Don’t expect anything like that again, because if you take out that score, he only averages 54 against Carlton from his last four encounters.

 

- Matthew Pavlich only averages 77 against the Power. He’s playing at AAMI stadium this week, so I couldn’t see that improving all that much, even though Port Adelaide is a bit of a basket case at the moment.

 

- If you’re bringing in Luke Hodge this week due to his cheap price, don’t be tempted to make him captain. He only averages 76 from his last five games against the Swans and Sam Mitchell isn’t much better with an average of 82.

 

- The Bulldogs have been one of Dean Cox’s bogey teams. The big man only averages 90 against them. I say ‘only’ because he has such lofty standards and he has averaged over 100 throughout most of his career.

PAUL CHAPMAN

Just my luck, I traded him in two weeks ago and he dishes up two stinkers. He’s due for the big hundred, but Carlton aren’t a team to leak too many points to the opposition. I can see someone like Gibbs running with him all night which would definitely affect his scoring. Gibbs has done some very good run with roles this season, so I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ratten sets him up with the Chapman tag. Chappy’s had some success against the Blues in their last three encounters, averaging 110 Dream Team points, but he’s only played the Blues five times since 2005, so the evidence is not all that conclusive. One positive for Chappy this week is that he’s playing under the perfect conditions of Etihad Stadium rather than the shocking conditions he had to put up with last Friday night where there was little to no space. If you’re playing by the law of averages, Chapman is due, so he definitely is one of the guys I’ll be thinking about selecting as captain this week.

Last 5 games vs Carlton:

DT: 126, 103, 102, 89, 66

SC: 133, 110, 92, 104, 97

 

BRENDON GODDARD

I put plenty of faith in BJ last week and he threw it back in my face! Luckily I didn’t listen to myself and make him captain. What the hell is going on man? He’s playing like he isn’t interested at all at the moment. I have to give him one more chance though! I love the guy, and I just can’t for the life of me think he’ll be satisfied with the performances he’s been dishing up. In my opinion, Rohan Bail is Melbourne’s best run with player, and the guy I would think would’ve been best suited to the Goddard match up. Since he’s unfortunately gone down with injury, I can’t see who else the Demons will be able to put on him. He is due, and if you look at his record against the Demons, how could you possibly disagree with me?

Last 5 games vs Melbourne:

DT: 122, 107, 132, 116, 108

SC: 135, 79, 124, 147, 113

 

LEIGH MONTAGNA

‘Tags’ has had the week off to freshen up after his soft suspension, so he’ll be raring to go against Melbourne. The Demons are leaking midfield points like a sieve and I really can’t see anything stopping Montagna from having a day out, providing the Saints actually turn up to play this week. His record against Melbourne speaks for itself, and not only is he a Dream Team option this week; I’d strongly consider him for my Super Coach if you have him!

Last 5 games vs Melbourne:

DT: 135, 110, 146, 102, 108

SC: 155, 155, 146, 141, 125

 

DANE SWAN

I’m struggling to find a club he doesn’t have the ‘wood’ over and I think Adelaide might be the closest thing to it. He really hasn’t caught fire in any of the games he’s played against them, yet in his last five encounters with the Crows he’s scored over 100 in all of them, yet all those scores were under 115. What we can gather from that is the fact that the Crows keep him relatively under control but he’ll still churn out a nice, solid score for your team. The Pies are playing the Crows under the roof at Etihad ; a bit of a change from their last two games where they’ve been fairly water-logged. Swan’s been ‘down’ the last three weeks for his standards, but I expect him to explode this week. Swanny’s the safest, most reliable option out there.

Last 5 games vs Adelaide:

DT: 103, 112, 103, 115, 110

SC: 100, 93, 112, 100, 96

 

MATTHEW BOYD

Behind Dane Swan, Boyd is probably the most reliable captain option out there these days. He comes up against an ‘in form’ West Coast side, but it’s pretty hard to nullify Boyd’s ball winning ability regardless of the game situation. The wide expanses of Paterson’s stadium allows him to get his outside game going, with many more uncontested marks up for offer. I mentioned this before, but he scored a stunning 160 odd over there a few weeks ago against the Dockers. I wouldn’t expect the same thing to happen again but I wouldn’t at all be surprised if he has another huge game in him.

Last 5 games vs West Coast:

DT: 114, 94, 114, 105, 130

SC: 79, 120, 126, 86, 104