Footy Tragic

West Coast vs Melbourne:

West Coast:

• Sam Butler was fantastic, especially early, playing off halfback. He played a very similar role to that of the injured Beau Waters, sitting behind the play to help with the switch – kick, mark, kick, etc. If he can keep up this role consistently, he has massive dream team potential, although by the time we see him as a safe bet, he will probably be too expensive anyway.
• Ash Smith really impressed me in his first game of the year. We haven’t had ANY good mid-priced defenders this year (except, I guess Adcock) so it was great to see him have some effect of the game. He shared the attacking half-back role with Butler and looked really confident and competent (bar a couple of mistakes late in the game). He was ranked #1 at WCE for rebound-50s during his 8 games last year, so it is certainly the role they want him to play. Certainly one to watch closely again next week as a potential sideways target for a Stanley/Duigan/etc.
• Dean Cox played a lot of time behind the ball and it really helped him rack up the touches, especially early. He won his dual with Jamar in the ruck and as usual he covered the ground really well. Those who selected him as captain with the partial lockout would have been pretty happy.
• Daniel Kerr played his best game in almost two years. He started reasonably slowly, but as the game wore on there were some real signs he was recapturing some of his vintage form – underground handballs, strong tackles and fantastic work rate epitomised his game – whilst personally I would be a bit hesitant to put him in my team, he is fantastic value, especially if he can keep this sort of form up.

Melbourne:

• Jack Trengove was the Demons best, but was still not amazing. Won 22 touches through the middle and typically uses it well, although some of his decisions can sometimes be a little poor.
• Rohan Bail was also pretty good, predominantly playing through the midfield. He won a fair amount of contested ball and tacked really well, and although not a DT player just yet, he does play like someone capable of racking up the pill sometime soon.
• Brad Green was terrible – the Dees currently look like a bottom-four side and right now they need their skipper to be performing, not fumbling around the half-forward line like he currently is. Once again he had no effect of the contest and failed to lift his team when required.
• Jack Watts played one of his better games of his career, working well up the ground and taking a few good contested grabs. He is still learning and developing, so don’t even consider him yet for your DTs, but it is good to finally see a bit of life in the kid.

 

Sydney vs Carton:

Sydney:

• Shane Mumford dominated the stoppages, winning 43 hitouts and 9 tackles. Although he only managed just 12 disposals, the about stats, plus his two goals, were enough to push him up to 131 DT points – the highest of the game. For the past two years he has been a solid ruck option for DT and is great to watch, so shouldn’t be discounted if you are chasing a big man.
• Ben McGlynn was the man up forward for the Swans and as usual, managed to find plenty of space like no one’s business! He booted four goals and looks fit and lively. I have always like McG for DT – certainly worth considering!
• Kieren Jack played well, up until suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter (had racked up 50 points to that point). He played on, but was much quieter – it has since been announced by the Swans that he will now likely miss next week.
• Adam Goodes was very quiet, playing his typical role at CHF. He had a few opportunities, but generally squandered them. Just didn’t seem to be his day, however I think he should bounce back pretty quickly.

Carlton:

• Chris Judd… Three votes… Again. Whilst everyone talks about who deserves the Brownlow this year, is there really any doubt that Juddy will be up for it again, considering his current form and the love-fest the umpires have with him? 33 touches, 8 tackles and another BOG performance.
• Marc Murphy was very good again through the middle, winning plenty of ball inside and outside packs. However, it has been suggested by Ratten that he will not play this week and then miss again the following round due to the bye. So if you are keen on him, perhaps wait a fortnight before committing.
• Andrew Carrazzo is frustratingly, scarily, inconsistently inconsistent… One week he is used in an attacking role through the midfield, the next he is used as a dour defender… and in this game he spent a half doing both! I can’t get a read on him or his role at all… and for that reason I think it is probably best to just avoid thinking about him altogether!
• Jarrad Waite was really poor, playing again in the forward line. He did manage 14 touches and a goal, but it was his whopping six frees-against (18 points worth), that really turned me off his game.

 

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide:

North Melbourne:

• Todd Goldstein was great all day for the Roos, in a round that seemed to be dominated by great ruck displays. Won 35 hitouts and 22 disposals, showing his worth not just as a tap ruckman, but around the ground too.
• Brent Harvey was unsurprisingly very good, clearly wanting to drag his team up from the bottom of the ladder, with a performance that included a very good attempt at goal of the year. Harvey is always very good when he gets his back up at the media, but his only issue is consistency.
• Sam Wright was another who impressed me – he does seem a bit like a downhill skier, but regardless, his three-goal performance was one of his better this year as he proves his worth in the team.
• Jack Ziebell played the first half of the game like he was another player with something to prove, after all the talk of him getting dropped. Unfortunately though he injured his calf in the third term and was subbed off.

Port Adelaide:

• Hamish Hartlett was again one of the better Port players – they better pray he doesn’t do his hammy again, otherwise they will be stuffed. He has really come into 2011 with little fanfare, but the few games he has played have been fantastic, especially for someone who has had such a limited pre-season. I just wish I could trust his body as I would almost be tempted by him at this rate!
• Kane Cornes was decent in his first game back from the SANFL – he hasn’t changed his game at all from a few weeks ago, but I really don’t think that is a bad thing! He isn’t really the DT stud he was a few years back, but has surely done enough to hold his spot in the Port lineup.
• Daniel Motlop had one of his better games this year, booting four goals, although proved his immaturity with some bad free kicks when the game was in the balance. I did enjoy him looking to the umpires for a free kick when punched by a North cheer squad member though… yeah, nice try!

 

Adelaide vs St.Kilda:

Adelaide:

• Kurt Tippett was one of the major reasons for Adelaide’s win – especially with his three majors in the first quarter. He continued to out-body and out-position Dawson early, but quietened down when Fisher moved on to him in the second half. The Saints have a habit of playing players into form, so I wonder if this will be the case for Kurt.
• Richard Douglas looked much better in this game than he has all year – it is really interesting, whenever Vince didn’t play last year, his DT scores were much much higher than when he did play, and it seems the same has happened here. Vince will likely play again next week, so if history is a good predictor, then we should expect Douglas’ score to drop back down.
• Luke Thompson was really impressive in just his third game – I payed special attention to his game as I have heard a lot of positive feedback on him from Crows fans, and he didn’t disappoint. He provides surprising amounts of rebound for a guy of his height and competes OK when in defence. They certainly don’t mind him with the ball in his hands, and with Davis missing the rest of the year, he should be able to secure his spot in the side for the rest of the season.
• Sam Jacobs absolutely dominated in the ruck and was another player with a big hand in the win – he smashed McEvoy in the hitouts and competed well around the ground. He will likely find himself facing the MRP this week though after an intentional and high hit to Gram.

St.Kilda:

• Nick DalSanto was great for the Saints and was a real four-quarter performer, although his best work came in the third term as they fought back. Fought well through a tag from Doughty and picked up 29 disposals.
• David Armitage would likely be winning the Saints’ best and fairest so far this season as he has been one of the few consistent performers week-in, week-out. He had another great game, winning huge amounts of contested possessions and clearances – especially in a huge third term.
• Sam Gilbert started in defence but moved to full-forward for the second half and looked much better. He is still hugely out of form (and he has a few friends…), but his move to the forward line actually looked pretty good, except for the fact he missed all his shots on goal…
• Nick Riewoldt really struggled for much of the game, being blanketed by Davis up until his injury and Rutten from then on. Went off with concussion in the third term and never returned as he suffered from blurred vision. There is no word yet from the Saints as to whether he will play next week, but he is another senior Saint struggling for any form.

 

Richmond vs Brisbane:

Richmond:

• Nathan Foley finally proved his worth, after teasing us over the past two weeks. He was a star in the midfield, racking up a massive career-high 40 disposals! He is back to his best form of a couple of years ago and looks capable of come consistent scoring now that the injuries are behind him. If you already have him, well done, if not, I worry that this train may have already left the station.
• Dustin Martin put in another huge effort, starting the game in ripping form (54 points in the first quarter) and finishing with 35 touches. This kid is a star and together with Foley, Cotchin and Deledio proved how good Richmond may finally be… in a year or two.
• Brett Deledio moved to the midfield after half time, after spending the first half in his usual half-back role. He racked up plenty of ball here and looked in very good form. With the likes of Martin and Foley running amok, opposition teams won’t be able to tag Deledio every week and I think this may mean we start to see a bit more of him through the guts – the fact Conca has taken to AFL like a duck to water also helps a little!
• Jack Riewoldt booted another five goals from anywhere he wanted, proving that he is going to be a force again in 2011. His price is now starting to creep back up after it’s initial bottoming out, so if you are keen on him, this is the week to pounce! Wait too long and you will miss out on the bargain!

Brisbane:

• Jack Redden’s season is just getting better and better! This is his third game in a row over 120 points and he is absolutely flying – 28 possessions and 8 tackles from this game. I just love watching this kid, yet week after week I say that he probably won’t be able to keep these high scores up… well Jack, I give up! Get him in your team now!
• Tom Rockliff is another young Lion just going about his business week to week, casually averaging over 100 DT points. There is a lot to like about Rockliff (and it is not just how much he reminds me of Swan) – he wins his own ball, uses it pretty well, is consistent, loves DT, etc etc. Another great unique pick for any team! Would be a great Captain vs Gold Coast next week!!
• Jed Adcock didn’t let me down this week after being traded into my squad. Played his same role off half-back and despite copping the Jake King tag, he still nearly squeezed out a ton. May it continue, even with Drummond due back next week!
• Matthew Leuenberger owners may be wise to cash in on the big man ASAP – whilst he has been pretty good this year, Vossy has moved him to the goalsquare on a somewhat permanent basis, virtually killing his DT scoring ability. Whilst he could still rack up some reasonable scores here, he will be anything but consistent.

 

Essendon vs Gold Coast:

Essendon:

• Kyle Reimers played pretty well… I mean it’s pretty hard to say any Essendon players were AMAZING considering how much Gold Coast just fell over… but credit where credit’s due, he did a pretty darn good job, booting 8 goals for the game, playing as a small forward. Don’t be expecting this every week… Even Mark Williams would have been able to kick a goal or two in this game.
• Ben Howlett was great for the Bombers and probably their most productive with the ball in the midfield, being responsible for countless forward thrusts and scores. Racked up 29 disposals and although he slowed down a bit later in the game he would be pretty unlucky if he didn’t at least get a couple of Brownlow votes.
• Stewart Crameri had another great game, booting four more goals to clock up his second ton in a row. He is such a lively player across half-forward that it is impossible not to enjoy watching him. Wins a lot of ball up field and takes his chances inside the 50 – what more could you want?
• Michael Hurley owners would have been desperately disappointed that he spent the entire game playing in defence, rather than up at CHF where all the fun was happening. He still won 17 disposals, but it was nothing compared to what he could have had if playing up front. I doubt this will be a permanent role change for him though – I’d say he was just playing full-back to cover for the injured Fletcher.

Gold Coast:

• Jarrad Brennan has come into a bit of form, which is nice to see, as he is a great player to watch when full of confidence. He is playing through the middle and across the half-forward line and won himself 23 possessions, 10 marks and 8 tackles.
• Gary Ablett was good again, but overall pretty quiet from his lofty standards. The initial goal for many was to trade him in after the Suns’ second bye, but this is becoming less of a good idea due to the continual thrashings being handed to the Suns. It may be better to watch for a change in form later in the year, but right now, personally, I will be looking elsewhere.
• Sam Iles played his second game and was pretty good, playing across the half-forward line. He was a big ball-winner for the Suns in the VFL last year and they have already shown a want to play all the senior players (except Krakouer) and work on a rotation policy with the kids, suggesting Iles should be pretty likely of keeping his spot. If you need some cash in the midfield, he could be the ideal trade target.
• Charlie Dixon had a shocker – you know you are doing poorly when you have been outscored by Karmichael Hunt. He managed just the three disposals in a game where he really suffered from a lack of supply.

 

Collingwood vs Western Bulldogs:

Collingwood:

• Andrew Krakouer went from being dropped last week to being one of the DT shining lights this week. I hope you weren’t one of the many to trade him out this week! He started in the forward line, but moved to the midfield not long into the second quarter and played so much better than he has all season. He no longer looked so slow and his two brilliant goals in the last quarter showed he has a bit of confidence in him. Now with a negative breakeven, it seems he still has a couple of weeks of price rises left in him!
• Heath Shaw won the best-afield medal, but really I thought he was just a big winner from Collingwood’s massive last quarter, racking up 55 DT points from that quarter alone. In saying that, he was still a very good player, just not hugely influential on the outcome.
• Steele Sidebottom played very well at half-forward, booting three good goals and setting up a number of others. He has a cool head for a young kid and seems to play the same way regardless of the score. Won 28 touches and 11 marks.
• Brad Dick was pretty poor, spending his entire game playing as a small forward. He made several poor disposal errors and too often went straight for the goals, even if there was a better option elsewhere. Second game into the season he has an excuse and I doubt he will get dropped, but I wouldn’t be considering him for your team any time soon.

Western Bulldogs:

• Robert Murphy was great and probably the best on ground up until the last quarter. His run from defence was fantastic – he is so much faster than I really realised and he can use the ball very well. He moved forward later in the game and proved a headache for the Pies there too – his only downside is that he doesn’t win stacks of ball, but is at least consistent. With the lack of anything better in defence this year, he should at least be considered.
• Ryan Griffen was next best for the Dogs, although he loses some cred for missing a couple of vital goals later in the game. As is typical of Griff, he used the ball really well and managed to rack up a bit of it (26 touches).
• Daniel Cross was great in the clenches and won stacks of contested ball. He does really need to learn how to kick this ball, but he does do everything else so well that we will let it slide. He continues to be a forgotten man in DT, but there really should be no reason for it – get on him – you won’t be disappointed!
• Mitch Wallis played his second game and looked pretty good. He played forward for the majority of the match, with his forward pressure a real highlight. He did venture into the midfield later in the game and won a really important clearance when the game was in the balance. Should keep his spot for a little while as they develop his as they have with Libba.

 

 

THE ART OF DOWNGRADING

The flavour of the month at the moment is who we will be upgrading to. I thought I’d take it down just a little…….

I was having a good look at my team this afternoon and starting planning out a ‘map’ of a perfect scenario trading plan. I tend to do this every season around round eight or so, but I decided I might go a bit earlier this year due to my struggling, but ever so slowly improving side.

The great thing about downgrading, and I think it’s probably the most important part of Dream Team, is that it sets apart a lot of teams come the business end of the season.

There is a lot of research that has to be done before acquiring a downgrade player as the likely scenario is that they’ll be in your team for the rest of the season.

For one reason or another they weren’t in their respective team’s best side from round one, but we have to predict if they’ll lock in their spot in the side for the remainder of the year.

Most players that come in mid-season are players that have suffered injuries or have been in ripping second division form.

I reckon it is well worth paying close attention to the VFL, SANFL, WAFL etc, to get a good grasp on who’s performing and whether these players have the traits to step it up at AFL level.

I also find it quite handy for the coming seasons, as some of these players aren’t ready for AFL just yet, but once they notch up another pre-season under their belt, they’ll often find themselves a spot in round one the following year if they display quality AFL traits ala Jasper Pittard from Port Adelaide this season.

The perfect downgrade target is obviously a player who will score well if needed, but I think their job security is much more important when disaster inevitably strikes late in the season.

Personally, I tend to stick with players from struggling clubs, because if their season is shot by round eight, they’ll normally head down the youth path, and regardless of form, they’ll give them game time.

Also, there is an argument to downgrade to players who haven’t even played a game yet. This is the wonderful aspect about Dream Team, back your eye. If you think a player is going to come in and dominate in a month’s time, but you have no option but to trade him in now, then go ahead! I go down this path a lot, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s what our venting thread is for!

The idea of today’s article is to provide a mini-portfolio for Dream Teamers out there of possible downgrade targets and this should help put your mind at ease if you’re starting to panic thinking that there is no one to downgrade to.

The Nic Duigan’s and Dyson Heppell’s of this world are getting ever so close to their peak price, so it’s time to start thinking about trading. I’ll run through my downgrade targets for the defenders and ruckmen today, and then the midfielders and forwards on Tuesday.

 

DEFENDERS

DYLAN GRIMES $110,000

Dylan’s played the three games this year, and the reason I still list him as a downgrade target is because he won’t be going anywhere price-wise anytime soon. Having said that though, I think his place in the Richmond side is now well and truly safe. Hardwick is a very loyal coach, and he’s given the big jobs to Grimes already. With the returns of Luke McGuane and Alex Rance last week, Dylan played his best game to date. His defensive spoiling is first rate, and because he reads the game so well he’s often intercepting opposition kicks. You could do much worse than Grimes in my opinion; I think he’s a certainty to play out the season.

KARMICHAEL HUNT $109,400

Again, much like Grimes, if you’re looking just for pure job security, Hunt is another good bet. I was a very big critic early on, but I actually don’t think he’s played too badly. If he didn’t have to play the big roles, I think he would’ve settled in much easier, but the loss of Coad, and now Bock for a week will hurt him. Hutchins, who I really like, is now in the side, so hopefully he’ll give Hunt a bit of a chop out. Once he gets more games under his belt, we’ll see his scores rise a little as well.

XAVIER CLARKE $103,800

Clarke’s now ready to go after his knee reconstruction, but we’ll have to see if he’s selected to play this week. What we do know with him is that he’ll score pretty well for his price. He also has the midfield dual position link which is handy, and it’ll probably be a good idea trading him into your midfield if you’re game enough. Xavier does come with injury history of epic proportions though which is definitely something to think about.

BEN JACOBS $100,500

Like Xavier Clarke, Jacobs has the midfield link which is fantastic. I’m pretty sure most of us would’ve had him locked and loaded into our Dream Teams until it was announced he had glandular fever. Ben was one of my favourites from the draft, as I mentioned on the pre-season show, and he’ll be a Dream Team monster in years to come. There is no doubt he’s in Port Adelaide’s best 22, and once he’s right to go, get him straight in.

CAMERON PEDERSEN $98,400

Pedersen would have to be one the unluckiest blokes to get dropped in VFL/AFL history after the performance he put up in round one for his side. Twenty disposals, five marks and fourteen hit outs wasn’t enough for Brad Scott to give him another run given he had to ruck solo as well. You’d think the Kangaroos are flying. If he doesn’t play this week, Scott has lost the plot already. He’s a brilliant downgrade option scoring wise, but the Kangaroos are all over the place at the moment. I think the axe will be swung at Arden St, but I think it will affect the small blokes more like Jack Ziebell and Cameron ‘FML’ Richardson. Here’s hoping.

MATTHEW WATSON $92,500

I’m absolutely dumfounded as to why Brett Ratten has guys like Jeremy Laidler and Simon White in the team ahead of this kid, but then you look at who he selects to be his full-forward in Shaun Hampson and you kind of start to understand. Be aware that Watson has already played two games, so once he gets selected again, his price will go up immediately. Watson is a good bet for a 50-60 average as he’s most likely to play a third tall role in his first season, generally a good role for Dream Team. He likes to kick as well which means good things!

PAUL PUOPOLO $92,500

The little man has been in brilliant form for Box Hill early in the season as I suspected would be the case. He’s ready to go development wise, and he’s just a little too good for VFL level, so it would be just a matter of time before he starting knocking the door down for a spot in the Hawthorn side. Having said that, he’s no guarantee to keep his place at all when he gets into the seniors, and it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to the quicker pace of the game. He’ll score solidly, without being outstanding, with handballing and tackling being his main avenue for scoring.

MICHAEL HIBBERD $92,500

Here’s another defender with the very handy midfield dual-position. I know Dan has some pretty big queries on him last time we discussed Hibberd and I can’t say I disagree. While he showed some pretty good signs in the NAB Cup series, the standard goes up just a couple of other notches in the real stuff. With Essendon being in such great form at the moment, it will firstly be hard for him to break into the side, but secondly he could very well be an easy scapegoat for any poor performances Essendon might have. Hibberd is very much in the best 22-28 players at the moment, and he’ll need some injuries or outstanding performances to really stamp his spot in the side.

 

RUCKS

JARRAD REDDEN

I only suggest this because things could start getting messy down at Port Adelaide. Daniel Stewart is really not a ruckman at all and Dean Brogan is starting to get injuries. Redden is a true tap ruckman, and I think, entering his 4th AFL season now, will be given a few chances to show what he can do in the seniors. He won’t score all that well, but if you have the Tippett/Petrie link, then who cares?

BRAD MORAN

I was very close to blindly selecting Moran this year just hoping he’d get games instead of picking Zac Smith. I’m glad I didn’t. Having said that, he’s on the cusp of a senior game. I really like Moran as a player, and I think he is really talented. He’s a very good scoring back up as well. If I were Neil Craig, I’d be playing him ahead of Maric, but now with Jacobs back, and the good form of Shaun McKernan, it’ll be hard for Moran to break in.

TOM DERICKX

Derickx is currently my front-runner for the Zac Smith downgrade. I think he’s an absolute shoe-in to get games as he’s rated very highly at the club, but a heel injury has set him back a few weeks. He’s played two games now for Coburg, with pretty limited game time. Once he gets his match fitness up, I have no doubt Hardwick will slot him in, and he’ll score well.

LACHLAN KEEFE

Keefe is one injury away to a key back or Darren Jolly from a senior debut. He’s the next in line in my opinion, with Cameron Wood not taking his chance against Richmond. He’s more suited to the key back role, but at 203cm he’s a handy ruckman as well. I was really impressed with him in the pre-season; he has come on in leaps and bounds since last year.

BROC MACAULEY

If you want him, you’re going to have trade him in NOW, as his price goes up next week! Zac Smith’s price hasn’t peaked yet, so I doubt many will go down this route, but if you’re desperate for cash you could. Just keep in mind though, when Jonathon Brown is back in a few weeks, Broc will be the first to go.

 

 

If you have any other players you have any queries about, just drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!

 

 

WEST COAST EAGLES V MELBOURNE

West Coast Eagles

B: Ashley Smith, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn

HB: Sam Butler, Eric Mackenzie, 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, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood

I/C: Bradley Ebert, Nic Naitanui, Patrick McGinnity, Andrew Gaff

Emg: Will Schofield, Thomas Swift, Gerrick Weedon

In: Mark LeCras, Ashley Smith, Patrick McGinnity

Out: Mitch Brown (Hand), Will Schofield, Bradd Dalziell

• LeCras is the miraculous return here after apparently suffering a 6-10 week injury only a fortnight ago.
• No one too serious make way

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram

HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Luke Tapscott

C: Brad Green, Nathan Jones, Rohan Bail

HF: Jordan Gysberts, Colin Sylvia, Aaron Davey

F: Austin Wonaeamirri, Liam Jurrah, Jack Watts

Foll: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, Jack Trengove

I/C: Lynden Dunn, Cale Morton, Stefan Martin, Jamie Bennell

Emg: Matthew Warnock, Ricky Petterd, Addam Maric

• No changes, but how the hell is Petterd not in Melbourne’s best-22????

 

SYDNEY SWANS V CARLTON

Sydney Swans

B: Paul Bevan, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw

HB: Tadhg Kennelly, Heath Grundy, Nicholas Smith

C: Craig Bird, Kieren Jack, Martin Mattner

HF: Jude Bolton, Adam Goodes, Daniel Hannebery

F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Ryan O’Keefe

Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh P. Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh

I/C: Jarred Moore, Jesse White, Lewis Jetta, Andrejs Everitt

Emg: Lewis Johnston, Mike Pyke, Luke Parker

In: Tadhg Kennelly, Jarred Moore

Out: Gary Rohan (Knee), Alex Johnson (Hamstring)

• Kennelly comes in for his first game of the year after spending 3 weeks in the reserves.
• Johnson and Rohan make way… meh

 

Carlton

B: Christopher Yarran, Michael Jamison, Simon White

HB: Nick Duigan, Jeremy Laidler, Jordan Russell

C: Heath Scotland, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson

HF: Mitch Robinson, Jarrad Waite, Andrew Walker

F: Andrew Carrazzo, Shaun Hampson, Jeffrey Garlett

Foll: Robert Warnock, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy

I/C: Eddie Betts, David Ellard, Aaron Joseph, Edward Curnow

Emg: Setanta O’hAilpin, Dennis Armfield, Zach Tuohy

• No changes here, but it means that Yarran keeps his spot!

 

NORTH MELBOURNE V PORT ADELAIDE

North Melbourne

B: Brady Rawlings, Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson

HB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Daniel Wells

C: Shaun Atley, Brent Harvey, Samuel Wright

HF: Scott McMahon, Lachlan Hansen, Lindsay Thomas

F: Leigh Adams, Drew Petrie, Jack Ziebell

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Liam Anthony

I/C: Benjamin Speight, Ben Cunnington, Jamie Macmillan, Kieran Harper

Emg: Aaron Edwards, Cruize Garlett, Cameron Pedersen

In: Benjamin Speight, Jamie Macmillan, Kieran Harper

Out: Robert Tarrant, Cruize Garlett, Cameron Richardson

New: Kieran Harper (Eastern Ranges)

• Harper, an enigmatic half-forward comes in for his debut. He is quite fast with good skills – not a huge ball-winner though.
• Richardson is OUT – big news. Tarrant also makes way. Neither are emergencies, so will play VFL.
• Ziebell keeps his spot, despite all the talk of him being dropped.

 

Port Adelaide

B: Tom Logan, Alipate Carlile, Jackson Trengove

HB: Michael Pettigrew, Troy Chaplin, Jasper Pittard

C: Travis Boak, Matt Thomas, Cameron O’Shea

HF: Matthew Broadbent, Chad Cornes, Robert Gray

F: Brett Ebert, Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop

Foll: Dean Brogan, Hamish Hartlett, David Rodan

I/C: Kane Cornes, Paul Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Cameron Hitchcock

Emg: Jacob Surjan, Mitchell Banner, Jason Davenport

In: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Paul Stewart

Out: Steven Salopek, Jacob Surjan, Jason Davenport

• Three pretty surprising exclusions after the massive loss last week – Salopek the biggest name of the three.
• Kane Cornes is back and so is Brogan, although he is still under an injury cloud.

 

RICHMOND V BRISBANE LIONS

Richmond

B: Chris Newman, Alex Rance, Jake Batchelor

HB: Brett Deledio, Luke McGuane, Dylan Grimes

C: Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards

HF: Jake King, Tyrone Vickery, Shaun Grigg

F: Matthew White, Jack Riewoldt, Brad Miller

Foll: Angus Graham, Shane Tuck, Nathan Foley

I/C: Robin Nahas, Ben Nason, Reece Conca, Bachar Houli

Emg: Jayden Post, Jeromey Webberley, Bradley Helbig

In: Jake Batchelor

Out: Daniel Jackson (Suspension)

• Jackson is gone for a week with suspension, allowing Batchelor to play his third game.

 

Brisbane Lions

B: Tom Collier, Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock

HB: Pearce Hanley, Joel Patfull, Ashley McGrath

C: Tom Rockliff, Simon Black, Jack Redden

HF: Luke Power, Mitchell Clark, Jesse O’Brien

F: James Polkinghorne, Matthew Leuenberger, Todd Banfield

Foll: Broc McCauley, Andrew Raines, Daniel Rich

I/C: Cheynee Stiller, Matt Maguire, Claye Beams, Jared Polec

Emg: Matt Austin, Amon Buchanan, Bryce Retzlaff

In: Matt Maguire, Claye Beams

Out: Aaron Cornelius, Rohan Bewick (Hip)

• Bewick is out and will likely just miss the one week.
• Maguire and Beams return, but no sign of Drummond, who will likely have another week in the QAFL.

 

ADELAIDE V ST KILDA

Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Phil Davis

HB: Richard Tambling, Luke Thompson, Michael Doughty

C: Brodie Smith, Richard Douglas, Brad Symes

HF: Chris Knights, Taylor Walker, Nathan van Berlo

F: Ricky Henderson, Kurt Tippett, Matthew Jaensch

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly

I/C: Patrick Dangerfield, Brodie Martin, Shaun McKernan, Matthew Wright

Emg: Ivan Maric, Christopher Schmidt, Jack Gunston

In: Phil Davis, Matthew Wright

Out: Bernie Vince, Andy Otten

• Vince and Otten are both HUGE exclusions! Both appear to have been dropped and neither are named as emergencies.
• Davis will return to play on Riewoldt.

 

St Kilda

B: Sean Dempster, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker

HB: Jason Gram, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt

C: Brendon Goddard, David Armitage, Sam Gilbert

HF: Leigh Montagna, Jason Blake, Adam Schneider

F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jack Steven

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones

I/C: Andrew McQualter, Farren Ray, Alistair Smith, Will Johnson

Emg: Nicholas Winmar, Jamie Cripps, Arryn Siposs

In: Jason Blake, Will Johnson

Out: Justin Koschitzke (Ankle), Rhys Stanley

New: Will Johnson (Sandringham Dragons)

• Kosi is out with an ankle injury (although Lyon said mid-week that it was fine). Stanley is also rightly out after no effect last week.
• Will Johnson will debut at full-forward. He is a lively mid-sized forward, similar to Crameri, and has the capabilities of scoring relatively well for a KPP.

 

ESSENDON V GOLD COAST SUNS

Essendon

B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker

HB: Kyle Reimers, Kyle Hardingham, Mark McVeigh

C: Michael Hibberd, Jobe Watson, Angus Monfries

HF: David Hille, Patrick Ryder, Ben Howlett

F: Stewart Crameri, Michael Hurley, Leroy Jetta

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton

I/C: Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Andrew Welsh, Alwyn Davey, David Zaharakis, Jake Melksham, Dyson Heppell

In: Andrew Welsh, Alwyn Davey, Michael Hibberd

New: Michael Hibberd (Frankston)

• Hibberd will come in for his debut and has been named on the field, so will definitely play. He is a small defender with good ball-winning skills.
• Heppell is named, although he is on the extended bench, which is a tad scary…

Gold Coast Suns

B: Seb Tape, Jack Hutchins, Karmichael Hunt

HB: Jarrod Harbrow, Steven May, Josh Toy

C: Sam Iles, Jared Brennan, Trent McKenzie

HF: Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, David Swallow

F: Luke Russell, Josh Fraser, Brandon Matera

Foll: Zac Smith, Michael Rischitelli, Gary Ablett

I/C: Maverick Weller, Hayden Jolly, Daniel Harris, Daniel Stanley, Matt Shaw, Liam Patrick, Daniel Gorringe

In: Hayden Jolly, Matt Shaw, Liam Patrick, Steven May

Out: Nathan Bock (Suspension)

New: Hayden Jolly (Glenelg, SA), Liam Patrick (), Steven May (Southern Districts)

• Bock is out for a week with suspension, with May taking his spot in the backline
• Jolly and Patrick are both named on the extended bench. You wouldnt think there would be too many changes this week though.
• No Prestia named either, which is another blow to many teams!

 

COLLINGWOOD V WESTERN BULLDOGS

Collingwood

B: Chris Tarrant, Nick Maxwell, Heritier O’Brien

HB: Ben Johnson, Ben Reid, Heath Shaw

C: Dale Thomas, Dane Swan, Luke Ball

HF: Alan Didak, Travis Cloke, Leigh Brown

F: Leon Davis, Chris Dawes, Steele Sidebottom

Foll: Cameron Wood, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair

I/C: Alan Toovey, Brad Dick, Sharrod Wellingham, John McCarthy, Dayne Beams, Simon Buckley, Andrew Krakouer

In: Cameron Wood, John McCarthy, Simon Buckley, Andrew Krakouer

Out: Darren Jolly (Knee)

• Darren Jolly is the big exclusion – Wood will come in for him.
• You would think this will be the only change, with Krakouer likely just making it to the emergencies again.

 

Western Bulldogs

B: Lukas Markovic, Brian Lake, Lindsay Gilbee

HB: Dale Morris, Tom L. Williams, Robert Murphy

C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Liam Picken

HF: Callan Ward, Jarrad Grant, Dylan Addison

F: Josh Hill, Liam Jones, Justin Sherman

Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney

I/C: Brennan Stack, Jordan Roughead, Brodie Moles, Nathan Djerrkura, Mitchell Wallis, Thomas Liberatore, Jayden Schofield

In: Dylan Addison, William Minson, Liam Jones, Brodie Moles, Nathan Djerrkura, Jayden Schofield

Out: Shaun Higgins (Soreness), Ben Hudson (Soreness), Barry Hall (Ankle)

New: Jayden Schofield (East Fremantle)

• Three huge outs for the Dogs – Higgins, Hudson and Hall!!
• Minson will play in the ruck, whilst Moles and Djerrkura are two other likely inclusions.
• Wallis will definitely hold his spot, whilst Libba has been named on the extended bench.

 

 

 

We thought it worthwhile publishing a new space to discuss all your trade plans for this upcoming round and onwards.

Are you offloading someone, bringing someone in, or are you starting a three-week plan to bring in a couple of new premiums (knowing full well that a bunch of injuries will likely ruin these plans)?

Or not sure what to do? Well post your options and your thoughts and hopefully your fellow Footy Tragics will be able to help you come to the right conclusion!

Looking forward to hearing about everyone’s round 6 movement!

 

Well, last week wasn’t the week for the waddling duck. He was pretty good, but those of us that had him captain have every right to turn our nose at a 104 after seeing Pendlebury and Boyd both score in the 160’s (and at half time of the last game as I’m writing this Selwood is on his way too). But we must move on to next week. Without Geelong, Hawthorn and Fremantle playing this week we have a smaller captain pool to choose from, but with Swan, Boyd and Pendlebury playing, who cares?!

Jack Grimes vs. West Coast

I’ll look at the speculative options each week, but they really need to have a stand out record against their opponent for me to give them a wrap. Grimesy fits the bill this week. He smashes the Eagles mercilessly. He’s played three games against them in his career, but only one of those at Subiaco. Check out his numbers below.

Last three vs. West Coast: 121.3 DT, 115 SC

One career appearance at Subiaco: 109 DT, 92 SC

Leigh Montagna vs. Adelaide

After a few lean weeks to start the season Montagna looked fantastic last week, albeit against Brisbane. He looked like his old self, running around the back for handball receives, cheap marks across half back. It’s that sort of play that makes him be a fantasy stud. Historically he has annihilated Adelaide, so he’d be an excellent captain choice this week.

Last three vs. Adelaide: 127 DT, 123 SC

Last three at Football Park: 105 DT, 114.3 SC

Nick Riewoldt vs. Adelaide

OK, straight up I’ve got to say that Roo’s numbers don’t look great against Adelaide. However, in the past Bock has done a lot of the good jobs on him. In fact, I remember the making of Nathan Bock was a massive game he had on Riewoldt early in his career (until then he was considered somewhere between a hack and a joke). Just from looking at Adelaide’s defensive structure it’s hard to see how they will contain Riewoldt this week. Rutten generally plays closer to goal, so would probably take a tall like Kozi (perennially considered half way between a hack and a joke) or Stanley. With Phil Davis not quite ready it could be a job that Luke Thompson gets in his third game. Good luck kid.

Last three vs. Adelaide: 96.7 DT, 95.7 SC

Last three at Football Park: 100 DT, 99.7 SC

Brendon Goddard vs. Adelaide

I know I probably shouldn’t recommend three captain options from St.Kilda, considering how bad they look at the moment, but I suppose the very reason that they look bad is that they’re carried by about 5-6 good players, have a few more solid contributors and about 10-11 Grade A potatoes. That’s right – it’s a longer word than spud, it takes longer to write, so is more of an insult. Anyway, Goddard looked good the other night and for those keeping count, yes he still has a week to run on the suspension I imposed on him from captain candidacy, but I’ve let him off on good behaviour. He looked good last week and has a great record against the Crows, but not such a good record at Football Park, just to add a bit of caution.

Last three vs. Adelaide: 116.3 DT, 123 SC

Last three at Football Park (true story, I just accidentally typed Goofball Park): 85 DT, 92.3 SC

Jobe Watson vs. Gold Coast

Watson has been on a tear so far this season. He seems to be one to have most flourished under James Hird (except maybe Crameri) but considering Watson was already a gun, this is huge fantasy news. He’s been backed in to kick the ball a lot more and as I mentioned last week has also added a goal kicking string to his bow. Gold Coast leak like a sieve and while he’s never played against them, his two games at the Docklands so far have been massive this year (130+ in two games in both DT and SC).

Never played Gold Coast.

Last three at Docklands: 109 DT, 119.7 SC

Brent Stanton vs. Gold Coast

The Bomber fans are calling for Stanton’s head. They think he should be dropped on the forums. It’s actually the most amusing thing with Essendon. When they win “Aw yeah, Stants was pretty good.” When they lose, “STANTS IS A HACK OMG IF HE EVER PLAYS AGAIN I’M GOING TO FIRE BOMB WINDY HILL” (which would pretty much just serve to piss off the local bowls club and fast track the move to their new facility). Anyway, I can’t imagaine he does get dropped and the criticism of Stants is probably fair – he’s a bit of a front runner. From a DT perspective (I will NEVER talk about Stants as a viable SC option) that’s great, because front runners SMASH the Suns.

Never played Gold Coast.

Last three at Docklands: 100.3 DT

Dane Swan vs. Western Bulldogs

If you have Swan IGNORE EVERYONE ELSE. Last year he put up cricket scores against the Bulldogs. Maybe not good cricket scores, but the sort that New Zealand might put up against another middle ranked nation like the West Indies or Australia. I definitely think it’s worth considering other captains this year and last week reaffirmed that – unfortunately it was the second time I had Swan captain when I almost went Boyd or Selwood. Anyway, if you put stock in history you simply can’t go past Swan this week.

Last three vs. Bulldogs (all in 2010): 142.7 DT, 149.7 SC

Last three at MCG: 117 DT, 125.7 SC

Scott Pendlebury vs. Western Bulldogs

The guy who used to rock a mo, but has dreadlocks instead these days has stepped it up another gear this year. In fact, last week in particular he found, like seventh gear or something. He’s got a great record against the Dogs too, so if you don’t have Swan you’d surely have Pendles, who is definitely worth a crack.

Last three vs. Bulldogs (all in 2010): 106.3 DT, 127.3 SC

Last three at MCG: 127.3 DT, 118.7 SC

Matthew Boyd vs. Collingwood

Speaking of finding seventh gear, 45 touches and seven tackles. Frigging boom! Boydy was also slightly epic last week. I know a lot have Swan locked in this year, but here’s one I’ll throw at you – Boyd has played four games this year and in the same round has twice outscored Swan in DT and SC. Those have also been Boydy’s last two games. This week I think Swan will outscore him, but I still predict there will be at least six more times this year when Boyd outscores Swan.

Last three vs. Collingwood (all in 2010): 126 DT, 106.3 SC

Last three at MCG (all finals in 2010): 93.7 DT, 80.7 SC

WHO’D YOU RATHER? – BATTLE OF THE UBER PREMIUMS

I thought I’d go from a different angle this week and compare two of the most ‘in-form’ midfielders in the competition. At this stage of the year, from rounds six to twelve, I generally like to bolster my midfield before anywhere else to get the absolute brute scoring power into my team.

Assuming most people have the legendary Dane Swan (if not, they’d want to bring him in quickly!), I decided to look at the two other heavy weights of the midfield position that I think will go #2 and #3 in the overall scoring come round twenty-four.

Both these players had a MONSTROUS Anzac Day and if you didn’t have at least one of them, you’ll find yourself a fair way behind the pack by the end of this round and in the future until you get them in!

The question is which one do you bring in first, or if you can’t afford to have them both, which one would you rather of course?

 

MATTHEW BOYD

The newly-appointed skipper of the Western Bulldogs has started season 2011 like a house on fire, taking his average of 115 last year, to a brilliant 123 in his four games so far. He boosted up that average with his score from yesterday of course, an amazing 162, from a career-high 45 possessions, 7 tackles, and 5 marks.

Boyd has become an elite running machine the past two years, picking up disposals at will but not losing that inside power he generates for the Bulldogs. He and Daniel Cross have been under rated by the football world for many years, but now that the Bulldogs have made two consecutive preliminary finals in a row, people are starting to understand why. I’m not sure where the Bulldogs would be at without these two guys honestly, as I rate them as the #1 and #2 inside midfielders in the competition at the moment.

From a fantasy perspective though, Boyd has torn himself apart from Cross and placed himself in the top five Dream Team superstars that you MUST have in your team in order to be worth anything really!

What sets Boyd apart from most players in fantasy land is his inside-out game. Boyd will never get you a score below 85 because he can adapt so well to any sort opposition, condition, ground or game-style.

If you put Boyd in a sunny Sunday afternoon at the MCG, he’ll score well because he runs so hard to create space for himself, and he’ll always rack up the cheap uncontested disposals.

Put him in a rainy, SCG slosh-fest against the Swans and he’ll still chop, with 15 tackles to go along with his 25 inside handballs!

Boyd is just the perfect Dream Team player and apart from Swan, is the one guy you can trust 100% with the captaincy.

I say this because he’s obviously adaptable to any game he plays, but also the fact that he’ll never get tagged. Opposition clubs will always look to stop Cooney, Griffen, Higgins and Murphy before they try to stop Boyd. His foot skills can be a little questionable at times, but if you’re getting the pill 40 times, you’re bound to make a mistake or two.

I really suggest getting Boyd into your team as soon possible, because waiting will cause more harm than good. I have a feeling he has a couple more 150+ games in him this season with the new sub-rule meaning he’ll be on the ground for longer. He also has his first bye out of the way and he’s one of the most durable players in the competition.

I am ashamed to say I’ve never had him in my Dream Team, but I can guarantee that run won’t last much longer! Jump on this train quickly.

 

SCOTT PENDLEBURY

Believe it or not, Pendlebury is very close to stealing Dane Swan’s mantle as the #1 Dream Teamer in the land. Only 6 points separate them after five rounds with Pendlebury only averaging a modest 129!

I’m a very proud owner of the dread-locked one, and I must say, he is super fun to watch! We all know he’s an out and out star of the game, but you really get to appreciate a player more when he’s in your Dream Team.

Yesterday Pendlebury scored a monster 166 points from 33 disposals and 3 goals. Five points per possession is not a bad figure at all!

He’s such a cool customer, in the way he just glides across the ground picking up possessions at ease. He has the rare ability to score more than 10 points in a minute, learning from his good mate in Dane Swan.

In contrast to Matthew Boyd, Pendlebury likes to sit outside the packs much more and be receiver. His kick to handball ratios are well up on Boyd, which gives him that extra advantage as well as good marking averages (an excellent over-head mark as well), and he’s also good for five tackles a game.

Pendlebury also likes to drift forward of the play and kick a goal or two a game as he reads the play so well. Of course playing in a brilliant Collingwood team will help front-running a little bit, but what do we care? As long as he keeps delivering these excellent score we’re happy!

I still have my reservations about how consistent he’ll be however. I’m probably being a tad pessimistic but I’m unsure Pendlebury is able to adapt to different game situations just yet, and it must be said, he’s had a pretty favourable draw. Pendlebury has also become the oppositions #1 threat, and they’ll start throwing their best tagger on him, but so far, he’s just brushed them aside with his elite aerobic capacity. I’m worried he still might be prone to the odd 70 game, but as long as he makes it up with a 150 the week after, then there’s not much to complain about!

If I had to choose one player, I think I’d lean towards Pendlebury JUST! My only deciding factor is the dominance of the team he is in, plus the youth he has over Boyd as well. What do you guys think?