Footy Tragic

 

At the start of the pre-season I was presented with the exciting task of picking out the bargain players of fantasy football for 2012.  I had a lot of fun writing about these players and in hindsight I’m pretty happy with most of the names that I put forward, in particularly Chris Masten, Ivan Maric and Ryan Hargrave. One of the things I factored into consideration was the actual club that players play for.  I’ve always preferred having players in my team that are a part of winning football sides. I find that being in a successful team generally translates to better fantasy scoring from an individual standpoint.  So with that in mind, I found myself intrigued by a lot of the Carlton players, and had particularly high hopes for Fremantle and their players under new Coach Ross Lyon.

The first 5 rounds played out largely as expected, but the season has not gone without a surprise or two. The biggest of which would have to be the 5-0 start from the Swans. Despite being 2nd on the ladder they’ve gone about business very quietly.  Even after Sunday’s win it wasn’t the Swans we were talking about, but instead the form of Hawthorn. I suspect Sydney like it that way.

The Swans are much the same side as last season, in fact, when I was watching Sunday, I didn’t see one new face out there.  So where’s the improvement coming from?  In terms of individual performance, look no further than ex-Hawk Josh Kennedy.  Kennedy has improved in just about every facet of the game. Not only is he winning more of the football, he’s also having greater scoreboard impact this season kicking 6 goals already, only 4 short of the 10 goals he kicked in the whole of 2011. He has continued to be a tackling machine, averaging 6 per game – also an increase on last year. Kennedy’s stats are as impressive as anyone’s in the competition right now, and this shows in his fantasy averages. In Round 5, the Hawks watched their former team mate go to work as he gathered 27 disposals, 11 tackles and 3 goals in another best on ground performance – numbers that place him right alongside the elite names of the competition. His 173 SuperCoach and 145 AFL Dream Team points left him with the 2nd highest numbers in each competition. In fact, as of Round 5, he’s the 2nd highest scorer overall in the SuperCoach competition, averaging a massive 133.8 points per game – 6 points clear of the next best.

If you’re thinking about a unique upgrade I wouldn’t shy away from Kennedy. Perhaps the most exciting thing about him is what’s yet to come. With games against the Bulldogs, Demons, Gold Coast and Giants still ahead this season, the potential for huge scores are definitely there. If you haven’t seen much of Josh and worry about a tag affecting his performance, rest assured, he won’t be affected much. Kennedy, much like a Judd, Mitchell or Ablett wins his own footy. He’s a contested possession machine. Even with the hardest of tags he’ll have an impact.  What you have in Kennedy is a pure footballer.  Well done Sydney, you’ve got another one….

 

 

 

 

Our Winners and Weiners from round 5 – the week which massacred our Dream Team and SuperCoach backlines

 

Essendon vs Collingwood:

Essendon:

Winner:

Dyson Heppell was great for the Dons – he was involved all game and finished as their highest DT scorer. The strength of the opposition didn’t seem to trouble him and I can remember him making any costly errors. Looks one of the best options in the backline this year, once again!

Weiner:

Brent Stanton would have caused some pretty frustrated coaches, especially those who traded him in this week for Ablett. A late goal helped boost his score, but up until that point he was tagged right out of the game and simply didn’t get the space he has been allowed for the first four rounds. Stick by him though, we know he’s prone to the odd stinker.

Collingwood:

Winner:

Dane Swan played some sort of game, sticking it to those who had criticised him as ‘fat’ and ‘unfit’ throughout the week. He finished the game with 42 touches and 3.1. It was great seeing him get on the scoreboard too – it’s been a big part of his game these past few years, but he has only managed one goal from his first four games this year.

Weiner:

Marty Clarke’s poor DT score will see him as the villain for many coaches, but it is worth noting that he actually played a very good game, tagging Stanton right out of the match. Don’t be too concerned about his job security after this game – if anything, it has been strengthened.

Fremantle vs Carlton:

Fremantle:

Winner:

Nathan Fyfe, despite not quite cracking the ton, will have made many coaches very happy with his comeback from injury.  He wasn’t too dominant, but he didn’t look troubled by the shoulder and certainly had it tested several times by the Blues. Also, Lyon appeared to have him play a much more outside role to protect him a bit – it will be interesting to see if this effects him or not.

Weiner:

John Anthony played an absolute stinker, being subbed off because just about every one of his disposals was a turnover. I’ll eat my hat if he is selected next week!

Carlton:

Winner:

Heath Scotland impressed me from this game with his work off half-back. He is a great premium defence option, who on current form appears to be worth every cent of his asking price. Finished the game with 30 touches and 10 marks.

Weiner:

Chris Judd really didn’t manage to get into the game thanks largely to Crowley’s tagging tactics. He still used the ball well when he got it, but just struggled to find himself free at any stage of the game. The Blues are at least lucky now they don’t have to rely on Juddy to win a game.

 

GWS vs Western Bulldogs:

GWS:

Winner:

Jeremy Cameron was fantastic again, booking five goals straight from 12 touches and 7 marks. It is so rare to see a KPP come straight in and be able to kicks bags in their first season, so what Cameron is doing shouldn’t be underestimated – he is going to be a star!

Weiner:

Devon Smith starting as the sub was another headache for many coaches this week. Sheedy has already proven he is happy to rest his youngsters sporadically, so fingers crossed this subbing may prevent him from being rested.

Western Bulldogs:

Winner:

Ryan Griffen had his best game of the year, carving up the young GWS midfield with his class. The Giants really didn’t attempt to slow him down, which was surprising, but not a bad thing for Griffen owners. Finished with 37 touches and 7 marks.

Weiner:

Mark Austin was a late inclusion, playing his second game for the year and therefore putting him on the bubble. I’m not overly confident that the coach would be too impressed with him having five goals kicked on him by a first year player, so my money is on him not getting another game next week – he’s not the cash cow you want.

North Melbourne vs Gold Coast:

North Melbourne:

Winner:

Hamish McIntosh owners would have been pretty happy to see Goldstein dropped this week, and it certainly worked out in their favour with him having a dominant game against the Suns. He is looking in great form and fitness, and despite the fact Goldstein is a great ruckman, you can understand why North are happy to just play McIntosh on his own.

Weiner:

Daniel Wells was shut right out of the game by Weller and was subsequently subbed off at three-quarter time. I don’t think he was subbed off for form reasons, but more because North were winning a bit easier at that stage and he was probably having the least effect on the game… well, maybe it was for form reasons…

Gold Coast:

Winner:

Kyal Horsley is the cash-cow we have been waiting for this year – he is a rookie priced midfield option and is a mature-aged player recruited from the WAFL. Horsley saw plenty of the ball against the Roos (19 touches and 8 tackles) and overall used the ball pretty well – the main slight on his game. I can see him holding his spot in the midfield, even when Ablett and Rischitelli return, so look to get him in over the next fortnight if his form continues.

Weiner:

Zac Smith’s form this year has been significantly down from that of last year, this week getting absolutely smashed by McIntosh. He managed 27 hitouts and only 6 disposals.

Melbourne vs St.Kilda:

Melbourne:

Winner:

Jack Grimes really came to life in the second half of the game and finally showed off some ball-winning ability after a pretty awful start to the year. His ball use was very good, but did struggle a little bit defensively. Finished with 27 touches and also laid 7 tackles.

Weiner:

Jack Watts had a pretty awful game, being slung all over the ground by the coach. He started forward, before drifting behind the ball, making some pretty costly errors at both ends of the field. He showed such good signs last year, so what the hell happened over the past 6 months??

St.Kilda:

Winner:

Lenny Hayes – again – was terrific through the midfield, playing like a 25 year old that isn’t coming back from a knee injury. He is just so strong under the packs, you almost worry how St.Kilda would be going without him this year. His late goal where he sidestepped two opponents was both a highlight and a match-winner.

Weiner:

Brendon Goddard had a mare, being tagged by Trent McKenzie and not coping with it at all – unfortunately, McKenzie got inside BJ’s head, making him focus more on wrestling than actually getting the ball. Managed only 15 touches for the game.

Brisbane vs Geelong:

Brisbane:

Winner:

Tom Rockliff put in another strong performance after his shaky start to the year. Despite his side being smashed all game, he still found a way to rack up the ball – a brilliant trait not shared by many players. He’s actually pretty cheap for his potential at the moment, so if you are in the market for a premium mid, he could be your man!

Weiner:

Josh Drummond was extremely quiet, a worrying shame for those who traded him in on the back of his big score from last week. He just didn’t get into the game, spending most of it deep in defence. He managed only the 6 disposals and 1 tackle.

Geelong:

Winner:

Allen Christensen is very loudly screaming ‘pick me, pick me’ after two very good games in a row. He worked hard through the midfield, picking up 29 touches and laying 7 tackles. He is also very well priced in both DT and SC for those with a spot in their teams – get him in now before his price skyrockets.

Weiner:

Billie Smedts was subbed on very late in the game for just 2 kicks and a tackle (and two frees against!). Unfortunately, with all the late outs in the backline this week, I daresay they were a few frustrated coaches who had to bank his single-digit score.

 

Hawthorn vs Sydney:

Hawthorn:

Winner:

Jarryd Roughead started in fantastic form, booting five goals in the first half, looking capable of winning the game off his own boot. Unfortunately, most of the other Hawks’ forward targets failed and Roughy was pretty well held after half time. At the moment, Roughy is shaping as a very decent ruck option for thos chasing a bit of a unique.

Weiner:

Luke Hodge played his first game of the year, starting in the midfield before moving the defence late in the game to limit the bleeding. He unfortunately saw very little of the ball in the process – or perhaps this could be fortunately, as it could make his price drop sharply in a few weeks, perfect time for us to pounce!

Sydney:

Winner:
Ryan O’Keefe, whist not the best on ground, played his own best game of the year. I have been watching him closely as he is now presenting some major value in both Dream Team and SuperCoach. He played the entire game up forward, which was a bit disappointing, but it could also be for fitness reasons. Personally I am going to keep tabs on his next fortnight – if he can put together another good game next week, then he is in my team.

Weiner:

Nick Malceski (yes, another defender), was another player subbed off due to bad form this week, struggling a bit to get into the game off half-back. Whilst his form so far this year has been good, there were some worries coming into the year that he may not be in their best-22 – fingers crossed he gets a Guernsey next week!

 

Richmond vs West Coast:

Richmond:

Winner:

Trent Cotchin was simply phenomenal through the midfield – his ability to take the game on through the midfield and run and carry (along with Deledio) was a big reason for Richmond nearly taking home the four points in this game. Should be classified as a ‘premium’ midfielder of the competition if games like this continue.

Weiner:

Brandon Ellis was actually going OK – he had gotten a bit of the ball off half-back and had just kicked a good goal after finding himself some space in the forward line. And then he was subbed off at just 47/42 points – sooooo annoying after all the backline carnage that had already come before him.

West Coast:

Daniel Kerr put on the vintage display through the midfield, picking up 28 disposals. Every time Richmond put on a charge late in the game, Kerr seemed to pop up and prevent it in some way, throwing himself into smothers and packs – he is going to be very very sore tomorrow. He’s no DT option, but should be considered in SC with the form he is currently in.

Weiner:

Ash Smith was really disappointing – he was one player I really rated coming into this year and had thought he was destined for a breakout year. Whilst he was ok in defence, he looked about the only player in the last quarter who didn’t switch into another gear, which included giving away a lazy free kick deep in the Richmond’s forward line to put them in front. He has the potential to be much better than this, so hopefully he can show us soon.

Adelaide vs Port Adelaide:

Adelaide:

Patrick Dangerfield played his best game of the year, dominating the midfield with 39 disposals and 8 marks. He started the game with a bang, picking up 15 touches and never let-up from there, setting up so many Adelaide attacks all game. His owners would be both happy with the score, as well as breathing a sigh of relief after his otherwise less-than-impressive start to the year. Fingers crossed this form continues!

Weiner:

Brodie Smith was very quiet again and frankly, he has gone right under the radar this year. He started the season as a decent mid-priced defender, but hasn’t yet scored a ton in either DT or SC. I worry he is getting dangerously close to being the sub or even dropped.

Port Adelaide:

Winner:

Justin Westhoff was impressive with 4.1 and 16 touches, floating around half-forward. He actually plays a very good DT and SC game, so it’s a shame he isn’t more consistent as he could be a good option otherwise.

Weiner:

John McCarthy had his quietest game in Port colours, only managing 16 touches and 7 marks. He seemed to spend too much time waiting around packs, which just didn’t suit the game, which was a bit of a scrap. Don’t offload him yet – going by his early season form, he will likely bounce right back.

 

Auugghhhhhhh

 

Another horror weekend for AFL Dream Team and SuperCoach… So who’s grinding your gears this week??

 

This week’s big issue is about two pretty important rookie-priced players that must be considered for both AFL Dream Team and Supercoach in Adam Treloar and James McDonald.

Both players are on the bubble this week, which means that their price will increase after this round and with the way they’ve been scoring; their prices will go up significantly.

James McDonald is positioned as a ‘midfielder’ but Adam Treloar has the added benefit of being a dual positioned ‘midfield/forward’.

I think the biggest issue here is the fact both these players are on the bubble at quite an inconvenient time if you don’t have them already. If you’re going to be trading a rookie to them; for example Adam Kennedy, well then the chances are they haven’t reached anywhere near their peak price.

If you’re trading out a Clay Smith or Tory Dickson for these guys then it’s a different scenario. Those two players aren’t getting games and whilst it is a sideways trade, it’s a trade that will earn you quite a bit of money.

Personally, I didn’t pick James McDonald to start the season, and I considered myself pretty damn lucky when he got suspended as he exceeded my expectations in round one. I didn’t pick him because in the pre-season he had very low ‘time on ground’ numbers and I thought that would be the story of the season. It turns out he was just taking it a bit easy, and in the two home and away games he’s played he’s had around 80% game time, so I had to get him in last week. It was never a question of J-Mac’s scoring and I think it wouldn’t be realistic to expect a 75 average from him in both forms of the game.

Adam Treloar had an injury plagued pre-season so he was a little late to start, but after doing well in the first couple of rounds in the NEAFL, he’s come into the Giants side and hasn’t looked out of place. If he was eligible for last year’s draft he would’ve been around the top ten, so the kid has lots of talent, and he’s already shown his capacity in the AFL even with limited preparation. You’d be naïve to think he won’t get rested in the next few weeks, as Kevin Sheedy has already shown his desire to rotate his players through.

While these guys are great options it certainly isn’t the ‘be all and end all’ when it comes to downgrading and if you’re set on saving your trades, or feel you have no one viable to trade out, well then you do have fall back options to come into the AFL in the coming weeks. Players like Dayne Zorko, Sam Gibson, Lachie Neale (already played one game), Anthony Miles (already played one game), Lee Spurr, Sam Reid (GWS), Stephen Clifton, Taylor Adams and the like will be more than adequate targets in the future.

If I had to choose one of McDonald or Treloar I’d go with McDonald. He doesn’t have the dual position link, but he does have lots of AFL experience, and the Giants will need him playing. You’d expect he’d also make quite a bit more money than Treloar with his consistent scoring.

What are you going to do with your trades this week?

 

 

 

 

COLLINGWOOD V ESSENDON

MCG – Wed Apr 25, 2:40pm

Collingwood

B: Heritier O’Brien, Lachlan Keeffe, Nathan Brown

HB: Simon Buckley, Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack

C: Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham, Ben Johnson

HF: Paul Seedsman, Chris Dawes, Ben Sinclair

F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Alex Fasolo

Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom

I/C: Alan Toovey, Martin Clarke, Jarryd Blair, Kirk Ugle

Emg: Alan Didak, Cameron Wood, Tom Young

In: Nathan Brown, Kirk Ugle

Out: Tom Young, Jackson Paine

New: Kirk Ugle (Swan Districts (WAFL))

 

Essendon

B: Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell

HB: Michael Hibberd, Tayte Pears, Kyle Hardingham

C: Jake Melksham, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis

HF: Brent Stanton, Patrick Ryder, Jake Carlisle

F: Alwyn Davey, Stewart Crameri, Leroy Jetta

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Angus Monfries

I/C: Ricky Dyson, Sam Lonergan, Ben Howlett, Cory Dell’Olio

Emg: Henry Slattery, Travis Colyer, Luke Davis

In: Jake Carlisle

Out: Michael Hurley (Hamstring)

 

 

FREMANTLE V CARLTON

PS – Fri Apr 27, 6:45pm

Fremantle

B: Greg Broughton, Zac Dawson, Adam McPhee

HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu

C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill

HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Lachie Neale

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke

Foll: Jonathon Griffin, David Mundy, Nathan Fyfe

I/C: Garrick Ibbotson, Clancee Pearce, Michael Barlow, Jack Anthony

Emg: Kepler Bradley, Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr

In: Nathan Fyfe, Jonathon Griffin

Out: Aaron Sandilands (Knee), Nick Suban

Milestones: Jack Anthony – 50 games

 

Carlton

B: Dennis Armfield, Michael Jamison, Bret Thornton

HB: Zach Tuohy, Lachlan Henderson, Nick Duigan

C: Heath Scotland, Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson

HF: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Mitch Robinson

F: Jeffrey Garlett, Shaun Hampson, Eddie Betts

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs

I/C: Jordan Russell, Aaron Joseph, Kane Lucas, Edward Curnow

Emg: Paul Bower, David Ellard, Brock McLean

In: Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton, Andrew Walker, Dennis Armfield, Aaron Joseph

Out: Paul Bower, Andrew Carrazzo (Shoulder), Christopher Yarran (Toe), Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler (Knee)

 

 

GWS GIANTS V WESTERN BULLDOGS

MO – Sat Apr 28, 1:45pm

 

GWS Giants

B: Phil Davis, Jack Hombsch, Luke Power

HB: Adam Treloar, Chad Cornes, Tomas Bugg

C: Taylor Adams, James McDonald, Tom Scully

HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Jacob Townsend

F: Sam Reid, Israel Folau, Curtly Hampton

Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel

I/C: Shaun Edwards, Adam Tomlinson, Toby Greene, Devon Smith

Emg: Josh Bruce, Nathan Wilson, Dom Tyson

In: Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Taylor Adams, Sam Reid

Out: Anthony Miles, Rhys Palmer (Injured), Dean Brogan (Injured), Tim Mohr (Injured), Adam Kennedy

New: Taylor Adams (), Sam Reid (Western Bulldogs)

 

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Dylan Addison

HB: Easton Wood, Ryan Hargrave, Patrick Veszpremi

C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Luke Dahlhaus

HF: Nathan Djerrkura, Liam Jones, Adam Cooney

F: Jarrad Grant, Jordan Roughead, Justin Sherman

Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Liam Picken

I/C: Shaun Higgins, Ayce Cordy, Mitchell Wallis, Thomas Liberatore

Emg: Zephaniah Skinner, Clay Smith, Mark Austin

In: Brian Lake, Thomas Liberatore

Out: Daniel Giansiracusa (Hip), Mark Austin

 

 

NORTH MELBOURNE V GOLD COAST SUNS

ES – Sat Apr 28, 4:40pm

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley

HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Luke Delaney

C: Leigh Adams, Andrew Swallow, Samuel Wright

HF: Ben Cunnington, Aaron Edwards, Brent Harvey

F: Kieran Harper, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas

Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac

I/C: Liam Anthony, Aaron Mullett, Robbie Tarrant, Levi Greenwood

Emg: Cruize Garlett, Brad McKenzie, Cameron Pederson

In: Aaron Mullett, Robbie Tarrant, Levi Greenwood

Out: Scott McMahon (Illness), Todd Goldstein, Matt Campbell

 

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jared Brennan, Nathan Bock, Seb Tape

HB: Matt Shaw, Matthew Warnock, Joel Wilkinson

C: Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt, Trent McKenzie

HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Brandon Matera

F: Campbell Brown, Sam Day, Luke Russell

Foll: Zac Smith, Josh Caddy, Dion Prestia

I/C: Charlie Dixon, Sam Iles, David Swallow, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Maverick Weller, Josh Toy, Aaron Hall

In: Charlie Dixon, Sam Iles, Joel Wilkinson, Kyal Horsley

Out: Jarrod Harbrow (Elbow), Gary Ablett (Knee), Josh Fraser, Aaron Hall

New: Kyal Horsley (Subiaco/Kalgoorlie City)

 

 

MELBOURNE V ST KILDA

MCG – Sat Apr 28, 7:40pm

 

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram

HB: Cale Morton, Colin Garland, Jack Grimes

C: Jordie McKenzie, Brent Moloney, Tom McDonald

HF: Nathan Jones, James Sellar, Jeremy Howe

F: Colin Sylvia, Lynden Dunn, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, James Magner, Jack Trengove

I/C: Matthew Bate, Jack Watts, Rohan Bail, Joel Macdonald

Emg: Ricky Petterd, Luke Tapscott, Jack Fitzpatrick

In: Colin Sylvia, Jack Grimes

Out: Luke Tapscott, Mitchell Clark (Neck)

Milestones: Clint Bartram – 100 games

 

St Kilda

B: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake

HB: Tom Simpkin, Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster

C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard

HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna

F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Dean Polo, Clinton Jones

I/C: Jason Gram, David Armitage, Jamie Cripps, Jack Newnes

Emg: Tom Ledger, Arryn Siposs, Beau Wilkes

In: Jason Gram

Out: Justin Koschitzke (Suspension)

 

 

BRISBANE LIONS V GEELONG CATS

G – Sat Apr 28, 7:45pm

 

Brisbane Lions

B: Ashley McGrath, Matt Maguire, Ryan Lester

HB: Mitchell Golby, Joel Patfull, Pearce Hanley

C: Jed Adcock, Tom Rockliff, Josh Drummond

HF: Daniel Rich, Jonathan Brown, Todd Banfield

F: Jack Redden, Daniel Merrett, Aaron Cornelius

Foll: Ben Hudson, Simon Black, Andrew Raines

I/C: James Polkinghorne, Jared Polec, Patrick Karnezis, Jack Crisp

Emg: Sam Sheldon, Ryan Harwood, Billy Longer

In: James Polkinghorne, Patrick Karnezis

Out: Sam Sheldon, Ryan Harwood

Milestones: Simon Black – 300 games

 

Geelong Cats

B: Josh Hunt, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright

HB: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor

C: Taylor Hunt, Joel Corey, Allen Christensen

HF: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan

F: Mathew Stokes, James Podsiadly, Steve Johnson

Foll: Trent West, Jimmy Bartel, Joel Selwood

I/C: Steven Motlop, Jesse Stringer, Billie Smedts, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Tom Gillies, George Horlin-Smith, Orren Stephenson

In: Matthew Scarlett, Billie Smedts

Out: Tom Gillies, George Horlin-Smith

 

 

HAWTHORN V SYDNEY SWANS

AU – Sun Apr 29, 1:10pm

Hawthorn

B: Benjamin Stratton, Josh Gibson, Brent Guerra

HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Suckling

C: Liam Shiels, Sam Mitchell, Shane Savage

HF: Shaun Burgoyne, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne

F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust

Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis

I/C: Luke Hodge, Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Kyle Cheney, Paul Puopolo, Cameron Bruce, Broc McCauley

In: Grant Birchall, Luke Hodge, Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo, Broc McCauley

Out: Jack Gunston, Bradley Hill

Milestones: Brad Sewell – 150 games

 

Sydney Swans

B: Martin Mattner, Heath Grundy, Alex Johnson

HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw

C: Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton, Lewis Jetta

HF: Nick Malceski, Adam Goodes, Andrejs Everitt

F: Craig Bird, Sam Reid, Ben McGlynn

Foll: Mark Seaby, Josh P. Kennedy, Ryan O’Keefe

I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Jesse White, Nicholas Smith, Daniel Hannebery, Luke Parker, Tony Armstrong, Tommy Walsh

In: Adam Goodes, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nicholas Smith, Tommy Walsh

Out: Gary Rohan (Broken Leg)

New: Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

 

 

RICHMOND V WEST COAST EAGLES

ES – Sun Apr 29, 3:15pm

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Jake Batchelor

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Daniel Jackson

HF: Brett Deledio, Brad Miller, Nathan Foley

F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas

Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck

I/C: Angus Graham, Matthew White, Tyrone Vickery, Ben Griffiths, Matt Dea, Jeromey Webberley, Brandon Ellis

In: Angus Graham, Ben Griffiths, Matt Dea, Jeromey Webberley

Out: Addam Maric

Milestones: Tyrone Vickery – 50 games

 

West Coast Eagles

B: Eric Mackenzie, Darren Glass, Adam Selwood

HB: Beau Waters, Will Schofield, Shannon Hurn

C: Andrew Gaff, Matthew Priddis, Matthew Rosa

HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling

F: Dean Cox, Josh Kennedy, Ashton Hams

Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Sam Butler, Mitch Brown, Luke Shuey, Thomas Swift, Ashley Smith, Patrick McGinnity, Josh Hill

In: Sam Butler, Mitch Brown, Thomas Swift

 

 

ADELAIDE V PORT ADELAIDE

AS – Sun Apr 29, 4:10pm

Adelaide

B: Sam Shaw, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock

HB: Michael Doughty, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith

HF: Ian Callinan, Taylor Walker, Matthew Wright

F: Patrick Dangerfield, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Nathan van Berlo

I/C: Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko, Brodie Martin, Shaun McKernan, Ricky Henderson, Matthew Jaensch, Jarryd Lyons

In: Graham Johncock, Andy Otten, Jarryd Lyons, Ian Callinan

Out: Bernie Vince (Hand)

New: Jarryd Lyons (Sandringham Dragons)

Milestones: Taylor Walker – 50 games

 

Port Adelaide

B: Jacob Surjan, Alipate Carlile, Jackson Trengove

HB: Paul Stewart, Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce

C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, John McCarthy

HF: Bradley Ebert, Justin Westhoff, Matthew Broadbent

F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, John Butcher

Foll: Brent Renouf, Travis Boak, Hamish Hartlett

I/C: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, Cameron Hitchcock, Simon Phillips, Ben Jacobs, Aaron Young, Darren Pfeiffer

In: David Rodan, Cameron Hitchcock, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young

Out: Robbie Gray (Knee)

New: Aaron Young (Eastern Ranges)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every AFL season seems to bring about a new feel good story, and the media love em’.  Last year was it the return of Andrew Krakeour, and the year before that we had James Podsiadly. This year has a comeback kid too. Remember the Irish lad from Collingwood? Marty something…. Yeah, he’s back this year. You wouldn’t know it though.  For whatever reason we haven’t heard a thing about him!

The return of Marty Clarke has simply gone unnoticed. I blame the coaching turnover.  A positive story out of Collingwood, that doesn’t sound right.  The players don’t like their coach, haven’t you heard?

For whatever reason, Marty Clarke has slipped through the cracks.  I think it’s time we give him some recognition.  What he’s achieving is incredible. The man hasn’t played an AFL game in over the 3 years, and has walked back into the team like he never left.  Not only is he back in the side, he’s been one of Collingwood’s most consistent, and reliable performers. It just shouldn’t be that easy. The luck of the Irish… hey?!

I always liked Marty Clarke as a footballer. He impressed me in the very  first game I saw him play.  I can clearly remember how annoyed I was.  Of all the clubs, it had to be Collingwood… Even so,  It was sad to see him leave.  But even though I’m a fan I admit I had my doubts this time around. It wasn’t whether he’d make it or not, but how long it would take.

Sure, Clarke is talented, but Collingwood are a much stronger line up than the side Clarke was a part of back in 2009. Would there still be a spot for him?  Not to mention the game itself.  In 2009 we hadn’t even heard of “The Press”, and nowadays that term is universal. The tactics are always changing, we see that every season, and 3 years is a long time to be away from the game. Once again, I doubted whether he’d simply slot back.

But Clarke is a quick learner. He burst onto the scene back in 2007 and he’s doing it again this year. Unlike most converts, Clarke is simply a natural footballer. Although the game has changed there will always be a spot for smart players out there. Clarke is one of those. His game translates well to the fantasy footy too.

He reads the play exceptionally well, has a knack for being in the right spot to receive the ball, and his trusty left boot make him an ideal player to have the ball in hand.  Collingwood love using Clarke to set up play from the half back.

Clarke’s numbers are proof of this, where he records similar averages to players like Nick Malceski and Dyson Heppell, two players known for their attacking games in the backline.

It really only took Clarke one week to  blow the cob webs out.  In Clarke’s last 3 games he hasn’t recorded below 19 touches, at an average of 80 AFL Dream Team points. His SuperCoach scores are even more impressive, averaging 89 over his last three.

Marty Clarke is giving us exactly what we wanted him from. A low priced, reliable scoring defender that’s making money. If he keeps performing as well as he is, he might even end up a keeper.

I’m certainly happy he’s back and I’m sure the other 79,000 AFL Dream Team owners agree. Let’s show some love for Marty.  You my friend, have earnt the player of the week. Welcome back son!