Footy Tragic

 

This round was one of those rounds where if you escaped all the little hurdles along the way, you would’ve done very, very well, and if you got hit hard, or even just got a taste of it, you were going to head backwards in a big way.

Personally, I went backwards, having to carry Steve Johnson, Brent Stanton, Steele Sidebottom, Lance Franklin, Greg Broughton, and Mitch Robinson, but I went OK considering. I think there were many in a much worse position, and the late withdrawal of Sam Jacobs would’ve hit hard too, considering the ruck coverage is non existent.

Speaking of rucks, you’d be pretty happy if you had to play Jon Giles this week. It looked like a favourable match up from the outset, having to go up against Cameron Wood, but Kevin Sheedy did say pre-game that Dean Brogan was due back next week, which should see Giles return to his average scoring.

Scott Thompson is the big story. As I’m writing this, the Match Review Panel’s decision will be handed down any minute. As I said when it happened, I didn’t think there was anything in it at all, but that means he’ll probably get five weeks. My form in ‘Match Review Panel Lotto’ isn’t great. My one big issue with the way these incidents are judged is the fact they’re analysed in slow motion. Play that in real time and you’ll find Scott Thompson doesn’t have much time to react at all. It’s become a farce. The effect it has on fantasy footy is big too. Well, first of all it meant Steve Johnson played one second of the entire match, and secondly Scott Thompson is very popular.

If you have Brent Stanton also, well then that also adds to the pain. Not only has he been in some terrible form, it now looks like he’s pinged his hamstring. I don’t see how he doesn’t miss weeks, but I’m no doctor. On the contrary, it might not be a bad scenario if you have Sam Gibson on the bench. On the show we talked about a tweet we received during the week asking if it were plausible to start Sam Gibson over Brent Stanton. At first instinct you naturally laugh, but then we sat down and thought about it, and it didn’t sound so stupid! In hindsight, it was brilliant, and Sam Gibson was sensational. He’s proven now he can find the footy at the top level, so you should have no hesitation in starting him if you need to.

I’m going to have a guess here and say Scott Thompson would be the first player ever to have 40 disposals and not break the Dream Team ton. It’s quite incredible really. Five free kicks against doesn’t help, but there was no uncontested possession and tackling action from ‘ST’.

On the other hand, Andrew Swallow played the perfect game, laying an amazing 17 tackles (just two short of the record set by Jude Bolton). He’s quietly had an amazing season, and I think we’re starting to see the next generation of fantasy football premiums rise up this season.

Andrew Swallow is one of them, with Brett Deledio, Dayne Beams, Trent Cotchin, Steele Sidebottom, Andrew Gaff, Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden, Brad Ebert, Keiren Jack, and a few others.

That’s why I’m really big on the ‘eight starting midfielders’ idea, so we can get more of these guys into our teams and have more scope to pick the next ‘breakout’ players.

Toby Greene watch; another lazy 35 disposals. He is so, so good. Even though they got smashed by a far more superior outfit, it was great to see the young GWS players really stand up. Adam Treloar continued his stellar debut season, and Tom Scully arguably had his best game in the orange.

The Collingwood premiums delivered as we expected them to, and even Travis Cloke got in on the action which would’ve been a massive relief for his long suffering owners. Dane Swan kicked a lazy five goals, and I’m almost ready to call a back to back Brownlow sweep for Swanny (although my heart says Cotchy will take it out).

Keiren Jack continued his stellar form, and also delivered a very handy 158 SuperCoach score. He did feature in Kristian’s Kaptains, so I hope you jumped on board!

Gary Ablett also stayed true to his history against the Swans. His stats are ridiculous. If you take out his injury affected score last year, his last six games against the Swans have produced a Dream Team average of 144 and a SuperCoach average of 180!

Nathan Fyfe returned to the park and slotted straight back into the swing of things. His kicking was a little rusty, but I reckon that had more to do with the game itself. It was not one to be remembered.

That’s about it for the wrap this week!

 

There were a heap of high scores and some potential carnage with donuts and stinkers (before putting words into your mouths – Stevie J and Stanton!) so hit us up with your winners & weiners…or Zorko’s and Duffield’s as we like to call them.

 

Let’s face it, fantasy football in 2012 hasn’t been kind. For a lot of us, it’s already looking like a year to forget. If that’s the case, then this time of the year can get a little depressing.

But rather than dwell on that, why not take the chance to look ahead to next year? And what better way to do that than explore the next batch of draftees ready to burst on to the scene…

As always, big names such as Lachie Whitfield and Joe Daniher have dominated the papers. But as we know, there’s a lot more than the 2-3 names we keep hearing about. I can’t help but think that unless you’re an Essendon supporter or your team is gunning for the wooden spoon, you’re probably sick of hearing about them. So with that said, over the next week weeks we’ll try to discuss as many names as possible. First up is South Australian youngster Ben Kennedy.

 

Ben Kennedy (Likely Fwd/Mid)
Height: 174cm, Weight: 76kg
DOB: 03/03/1994
SA/ Glenelg

There wasn’t much more for Ben Kennedy to prove leading in to 2012. He’d already graduated through the AIS academy, had already been rewarded All Australian selection at the National under 18 Championships, and had already played regular senior football in the SANFL. So it was hard for Kennedy to add much more to his resume. Well, maybe one thing; He’s now a two-time All Australian! But like Daniel Rich a couple of years back, prospects like Kennedy tend to fall out of favour. Not in the eyes of the recruiters, but in the media. In the media, he’s no longer that new kid on the block. So despite the list of credentials, he’s managed to keep a relatively low profile only months from the draft.

Kennedy is similar in stature to Giants recruit Devon Smith, and like Smith I expect that he’ll debut early. The club that selects Kennedy will likely introduce him as a small forward where his craftiness and goal kicking ability won’t be out of place. But long term I think there are more strings to his bow. Despite a small stature, Kennedy is more than capable of winning his own football. He’s clever around the stoppages, and has that initial acceleration to create space where there is none. He wins clearances at junior level, and while he’s short, he has a stocky build that will fill out nicely, so with added strength I can see that part of his game further developing at senior level.

Thinking short-term, expect to see Kennedy used in a very similar way to Dayne Zorko at Brisbane. He’s clever around goal but his best asset will be his speed to chase, tackle and harass the opposition. He looks an awesome fantasy option, and an even better get for the club that he lands at on draft day. Supporters will love this kid.

 

 

 

As always, the entire show can be viewed below. The links beneath the video will take you straight to particular areas of discussion from the episode (this’ll work in most browsers).

For those wanting to do the naughty at work, click here to download the complete show as a podcast!

Note: If you notice that the podcast file you have downloaded has a .MP3 extension added, remove it. The only file extension should be .M4A. This will import into iTunes. Thanks!
 

The Footy Tragic Show (Full Episode):

Winners & Wieners
Captain Options
Team Selection News
Boys On The Bubble
Off The Pine

 

 

 

ESSENDON V HAWTHORN

ES – Fri Jul 27, 7:50pm

Essendon

B: Mark Baguley, Jake Carlisle, Kyle Hardingham

HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker

C: Dyson Heppell, Brent Stanton, Jake Melksham

HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Gumbleton, Stewart Crameri

F: Leroy Jetta, David Hille, Alwyn Davey

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Jobe Watson, Heath Hocking

I/C: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Angus Monfries, Ben Howlett, Alex Browne

Emg: Tayte Pears, Elliott Kavanagh, Cory Dell’Olio

 

In: Heath Hocking, Jason Winderlich, Alex Browne

Out: Ricky Dyson (Ankle), David Myers (Achilles), Cory Dell’Olio

 

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Josh Gibson, Benjamin Stratton

HB: Matt Suckling, Ryan Schoenmakers, Grant Birchall

C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young

HF: Brendan Whitecross, Jack Gunston, Jordan Lewis

F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli

Foll: David Hale, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell

I/C: Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shane Savage, Luke Breust

Emg: Max Bailey, Thomas Murphy, Kyle Cheney

 

In: Brent Guerra, Luke Hodge

Out: Thomas Murphy, Kyle Cheney

Milestones: Cyril Rioli – 100 games

 

 

GEELONG CATS V ADELAIDE

SS – Sat Jul 28, 1:45pm

Geelong Cats

B: Joel Corey, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright

HB: Harry Taylor, Josh Hunt, James Kelly

C: Andrew Mackie, Taylor Hunt, Mathew Stokes

HF: Jimmy Bartel, Tom Hawkins, Steven Motlop

F: Paul Chapman, Josh Walker, Mitch Duncan

Foll: Trent West, Joel Selwood, Steve Johnson

I/C: Jackson Sheringham, Allen Christensen, Billie Smedts, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Mitch Brown, James Podsiadly, Jordan Murdoch

 

In: Jimmy Bartel, Allen Christensen

Out: Matthew Scarlett (Suspension), Jordan Murdoch

Milestones: Joel Corey – 250 games

 

Adelaide

B: Luke Thompson, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty

HB: Nathan van Berlo, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: Bernie Vince, Scott Thompson, David Mackay

HF: Jason Porplyzia, Josh Jenkins, Matthew Wright

F: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Ian Callinan

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane

I/C: Graham Johncock, Brad Symes, Jared Petrenko, Brodie Smith

Emg: Shaun McKernan, Richard Tambling, Tom Lynch

 

In: Taylor Walker, Luke Thompson

Out: Kurt Tippett (Concussion), Andy Otten (Knee)

Milestones: Rory Sloane – 50 games

 

 

NORTH MELBOURNE V MELBOURNE

ES – Sat Jul 28, 2:10pm

North Melbourne

B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito

HB: Shaun Atley, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan

C: Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Wells, Ben Cunnington

HF: Leigh Adams, Robert Tarrant, Samuel Wright

F: Lachlan Hansen, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Brent Harvey

I/C: Matt Campbell, Liam Anthony, Kieran Harper, Sam Gibson

Emg: Cruize Garlett, Cameron Richardson, Aaron Mullett

Milestones: Scott McMahon – 100 games

 

Melbourne

B: Daniel Nicholson, James Sellar, Tom McDonald

HB: Joel Macdonald, James Frawley, Colin Garland

C: Rohan Bail, Jack Grimes, Jack Trengove

HF: Colin Sylvia, Stefan Martin, Lynden Dunn

F: Neville Jetta, Jared Rivers, Brad Green

Foll: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones

I/C: Brent Moloney, Sam Blease, James Strauss, Jeremy Howe

Emg: Matthew Bate, Jordan Gysberts, James Magner

 

In: Brent Moloney, Jordie McKenzie, James Sellar

Out: Ricky Petterd, Thomas Couch, James Magner

Milestones: Brad Green – 250 games

 

 

GWS GIANTS V COLLINGWOOD

SK – Sat Jul 28, 4:40pm

GWS Giants

B: Luke Power, Chad Cornes, Tomas Bugg

HB: Curtly Hampton, Phil Davis, Sam Frost

C: Adam Treloar, Callan Ward, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliott

HF: Rhys Palmer, Jeremy Cameron, Jacob Townsend

F: Devon Smith, Jonathon Patton, Nick Haynes

Foll: Jonathan Giles, Tom Scully, Toby Greene

I/C: Shaun Edwards, Israel Folau, Anthony Miles, Taylor Adams

Emg: Josh Bruce, Dean Brogan, Adam Kennedy

 

In: Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Edwards, Jonathon Patton, Taylor Adams, Devon Smith, Chad Cornes

Out: Kurt Aylett, Josh Bruce, Steve Clifton, Gerald Ugle, Mark Whiley, Nathan Wilson

 

Collingwood

B: Tom Young, Nathan Brown, Chris Tarrant

HB: Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey

C: Caolan Mooney, Alex Fasolo, Jarryd Blair

HF: Scott Pendlebury, Chris Dawes, Heath Shaw

F: Ben Sinclair, Travis Cloke, Tyson Goldsack

Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dayne Beams

I/C: Martin Clarke, Simon Buckley, Paul Seedsman, Jamie Elliott

Emg: Luke Rounds, Jarrod Witts, Jackson Paine

 

In: Martin Clarke, Cameron Wood, Ben Sinclair, Simon Buckley

Out: Heritier O’Brien (Groin), Dale Thomas (Ankle), Steele Sidebottom (Quad), Darren Jolly (Soreness)

 

 

GOLD COAST SUNS V SYDNEY SWANS

MS – Sat Jul 28, 7:40pm

Gold Coast Suns

B: Maverick Weller, Steven May, Trent McKenzie

HB: Daniel Stanley, Matthew Warnock, Jarrod Harbrow

C: David Swallow, Gary Ablett, Matt Shaw

HF: Liam Patrick, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera

F: Luke Russell, Jared Brennan, Campbell Brown

Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, Harley Bennell

I/C: Charlie Dixon, Taylor Hine, Dion Prestia, Josh Caddy

Emg: Sam Iles, Tom Hickey, Jackson Allen

 

In: Daniel Stanley, Taylor Hine, Steven May

Out: Michael Rischitelli (Knee), Sam Day (Rested), Josh Hall

Milestones: Jarrod Harbrow – 100 games

 

Sydney Swans

B: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Alex Johnson

HB: Nicholas Smith, Ted Richards, Martin Mattner

C: Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton, Lewis Jetta

HF: Craig Bird, Sam Reid, Ben McGlynn

F: Jarrad McVeigh, Ryan O’Keefe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson

Foll: Mike Pyke, Josh P. Kennedy, Kieren Jack

I/C: Nick Malceski, Daniel Hannebery, Trent Dennis-Lane, Luke Parker

Emg: Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt, Tony Armstrong

 

In: Trent Dennis-Lane, Luke Parker

Out: Shane Mumford (Knee), Andrejs Everitt

 

 

CARLTON V RICHMOND

MCG – Sat Jul 28, 7:40pm

Carlton

B: Zach Tuohy, Michael Jamison, Aaron Joseph

HB: Christopher Yarran, Bret Thornton, Heath Scotland

C: Kane Lucas, Andrew Carrazzo, Bryce Gibbs

HF: Andrew Collins, Andrew McInnes, Frazer Dale

F: Jeffrey Garlett, Levi Casboult, Eddie Betts

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Brock McLean

I/C: Dennis Armfield, Marcus Davies, Edward Curnow, Tom Bell

Emg: Jordan Russell, David Ellard, Nick Duigan

 

In: Matthew Kreuzer, Kane Lucas, Marcus Davies, Zach Tuohy

Out: Paul Bower, Jordan Russell, Matthew Watson, Nick Duigan

Milestones: Andrew Carrazzo – 150 games

 

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli, Kelvin Moore, Matt Dea

C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio

HF: Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards, Daniel Jackson

F: Luke McGuane, Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas

Foll: Ivan Maric, Reece Conca, Shane Tuck

I/C: Jake King, Jayden Post, Brandon Ellis, Addam Maric

Emg: Angus Graham, Brad Miller, Brett O’Hanlon

 

In: Jake King

Out: Brett O’Hanlon

 

 

PORT ADELAIDE V FREMANTLE

AS – Sun Jul 29, 12:40pm

Port Adelaide

B: Tom Logan, Alipate Carlile, Jackson Trengove

HB: Thomas Jonas, Troy Chaplin, Domenic Cassisi

C: Matthew Broadbent, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes

HF: Danyle Pearce, Justin Westhoff, Andrew Moore

F: Paul Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Brett Ebert

Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Matt Thomas, Bradley Ebert

I/C: Jarrad Redden, Cameron Hitchcock, Ben Jacobs, Aaron Young, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer, John McCarthy

 

In: Jarrad Redden, Cameron Hitchcock, Ben Jacobs, Darren Pfeiffer

Out: Jasper Pittard (Ribs)

Milestones: Matthew Broadbent – 50 games, Tom Logan – 100 games

 

Fremantle

B: Zac Dawson, Luke McPharlin, Adam McPhee

HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, David Mundy

C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Dylan Roberton

HF: Michael Walters, Kepler Bradley, Stephen Hill

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Clancee Pearce

Foll: Jonathon Griffin, Michael Barlow, Nathan Fyfe

I/C: Christopher Mayne, Nick Suban, Matthew de Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Lachie Neale, Cameron Sutcliffe, Lee Spurr

 

In: Christopher Mayne, Nathan Fyfe, Lachie Neale, Zac Dawson

Out: Zachary Clarke

 

ST KILDA V WESTERN BULLDOGS

ES – Sun Jul 29, 3:15pm

St Kilda

B: Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Tom Simpkin

HB: Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher, Jason Gram

C: Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones, Brendon Goddard

HF: Ahmed Saad, Nick Riewoldt, David Armitage

F: Stephen Milne, Sam Gilbert, Jack Steven

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna

I/C: Justin Koschitzke, Adam Schneider, Farren Ray, Tom Ledger, Arryn Siposs, Beau Wilkes, Sam Dunell

 

In: Farren Ray, Tom Ledger, Beau Wilkes

Milestones: Brendon Goddard – 200 games

 

Western Bulldogs

B: Daniel Pearce, Brian Lake, Robert Murphy

HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Tom L. Williams, Christian Howard

C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Ryan Griffen

HF: Jason Tutt, Liam Jones, Jarrad Grant

F: Clay Smith, Tory Dickson, Patrick Veszpremi

Foll: William Minson, Mitchell Wallis, Liam Picken

I/C: Dylan Addison, Daniel Giansiracusa, Ryan Hargrave, Jordan Roughead, Thomas Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus, Jason Johannisen

 

In: Dylan Addison, Ryan Hargrave, Jordan Roughead, Liam Jones, Jason Johannisen, Clay Smith, Tory Dickson

Out: Shaun Higgins (Hamstring), Ayce Cordy, Nathan Djerrkura, Mark Austin (Wrist)

New: Jason Johannisen (East Fremantle)

 

 

WEST COAST EAGLES V BRISBANE LIONS

PS – Sun Jul 29, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Beau Waters, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie

HB: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Sam Butler

C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff

HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten

F: Luke Shuey, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox

Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Gerrick Weedon, Ashton Hams, Jacob Brennan, Fraser McInnes

 

In: Luke Shuey, Gerrick Weedon, Josh Hill, Fraser McInnes

Out: Murray Newman

New: Fraser McInnes (Perth)

 

Brisbane Lions

B: Ryan Harwood, Matt Maguire, Ryan Lester

HB: Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock

C: Elliot Yeo, Simon Black, Pearce Hanley

HF: Jack Redden, Jonathan Brown, Dayne Zorko

F: James Polkinghorne, Daniel Merrett, Jack Crisp

Foll: Ben Hudson, Tom Rockliff, Andrew Raines

I/C: James Hawksley, Todd Banfield, Niall McKeever, Claye Beams, Rohan Bewick, Sam Docherty, Stephen Wrigley

 

In: James Hawksley, Niall McKeever, Claye Beams, Sam Docherty, Stephen Wrigley

Out: Aaron Cornelius, Jared Polec

New: Sam Docherty (Gippsland Power (VIC)), Stephen Wrigley (Labrador (QLD))

 

 

 

Ok, so we’re now at a pretty prickly point of the year. Those amongst us with trades are preparing for finals and are therefore hesitant to burn them for anything but injuries. Then there are also plenty of coaches staring at zero trades left – an awkward, yet uncommon position to be in this year. However, with this trade situation in mind, there are still plenty of controllables to consider; one obvious one is captain choice, whilst the other is who to play on the field vs the bench. So I thought I’d take some time to analyse the best bench/field options each week – what teams they are playing and what this means for their scoring power. I will focus on the key forward and back options – most people don’t have these decisions to make in the ruck or midfield unfortunately.

 

Defenders:

 

Greg Broughton:

Opponent: Port Adelaide

Last 3 games: 56.7 DT, 52.7 SC

What to expect: Is he even going to get named this week? Whilst many coaches brought him into their team for his fantastic scoring ceiling when he plays through the middle, the cold hard facts are just that he isn’t getting any game time here. Even if named, I’d be sticking him on my bench – at best, he’s worthy of being emergency.

 

Sam Shaw:

Opponent: Geelong

Last 3 games: 63.3 DT, 83.3 SC

What to expect: He missed last week with an eye injury, but with Geelong’s tall forward line, Shaw-ly (hehe) he will be rushed straight back in. Andy Otten is out for 6 weeks, which will also further cement his side in the team. He’s been very good in SuperCoach, although I can’t see him being a starter on your field for Dream Team. Probably one of the better rookie backs in SC though – I’d play him over Broughton for sure.

 

Mark Baguley:

Opponent: Hawthorn

Last 3 games: 67.5 DT, 68 SC

What to expect: Baguley has only played two games, so there are question marks on whether we can trust him. That said, his performances have been solid and with the amount of soft-tissue injuries at Windy Hill lately, he should be able to keep his spot for the year. He’s a good bet, but I can’t see him outscoring his average, especially against the Hawks.

 

Lee Spurr:

Opponent: Port Adelaide

Last 3 games: 74 DT, 76 SC

What to expect: He’s been fantastic this past fortnight and the way he’s been playing should make him a priority on your field if you aren’t stocked up with premiums. He’ll get a role on one of Port’s small forwards, but should be able to zone off and collect plenty of ball as he has been doing this past fortnight. In my opinion he is the best of these backline options.

 

Sam Darley:

Opponent: Collingwood

Last 3 games: 69 DT, 67 SC

What to expect: He’s fallen away a bit lately and I’m personally a bit concerned about GWS coming up against a Collingwood team looking for a point to prove and a decent percentage boost to keep them in the top-four. I’d be keeping him on your bench this week if possible.

 

Forwards:

 

Adam Treloar:

Opponent: Collingwood

Last 3 games: 68 DT, 67.3 SC

What to expect: Treloar has had a quiet few weeks, but was fantastic against Freo last weekend with a DT ton and 88 points in SC. The only real concern is the fact they are playing Collingwood and GWS have been giving plenty of rest to their younger players in the recent weeks. Treloar has avoided a lot of these rests, but that just means his time may come soon. Sub risk??

 

Travis Cloke:

Opponent: GWS

Last 3 games: 55.3 DT, 50 SC

What to expect: Well, what a horrible average over the past three weeks he has. In fact, it’s disgraceful! If Buddy is named this week, I’m sure there would be plenty of coaches getting ready to relegate him to the bench. Well, that would be if he wasn’t playing GWS. You would think that he would be able to manage a decent score against a team who conceded massive numbers for Fremantle’s forwards last week. Cloke has proven this year that he is happy to beat up on the less experienced teams too; his only Dream Team tons of the year came against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide and in SuperCoach he has had four tons, against Gold Coast, Melbourne, Port Adelaide and Richmond. So are we in for another 100+ score this week. I reckon we are, but if it means benching another premium, or an overachieving rookie, then he better bloody well deliver!

 

Dayne Zorko:

Opponent: West Coast

Last 3 games: 108 DT, 115.3 SC

What to expect: Despite a quiet game (by his standards) last week, the guy simply hasn’t missed a beat all year. He should be locked into your forward line and shouldn’t budge for anyone.

 

Jamie Elliott:

Opponent: GWS

Last 3 games: 59.3 DT, 46.3 SC

What to expect: Elliot started his career with a bang, but has gone quiet the past few weeks. That said, he’s another to come up against GWS this week. It’s always easy to just stick these guys on the field and assume they will dominate against the Giants, but at the end of the day, I don’t reckon he’ll be producing a massive score this week. He should do well, but regardless of his opponent he has still been looking tired lately. This game could even be a good opportunity to rest some of the youngsters.

 

Jason Porplyzia:

Opponent: Geelong

Last 3 games: 91 DT, 104.3 SC

What to expect: It’s been a pretty good past month for the Porpoise and I know he sits precariously as F7 in many teams. His past month has featured games against the likes of Richmond, Port Adelaide and GWS, but also a very strong outing against West Coast where he kicked 3.1 from 25 disposals. It shows he can compete with the top teams and he comes up against another this week in Geelong. Remember too that Tippett will be out, but so will Scarlett, however he will likely be given close attention. Honestly, I’d be playing him this week above any of the rookies on offer, but if it were him versus Cloke, Cloke would likely win for me.