Footy Tragic

 

The football world was waiting for this. I know I certainly was, after all I have picked him in my team three years in a row. Possessing a rare combination of power, speed, and courage, it was really only a matter of time. Though I must admit, even I was starting to think he was just a tease. If you had the patience, I applaud you; it was certainly worth the wait. Patrick Dangerfield has become a genuine star.

As a fantasy prospect for 2012, perhaps the most appealing thing about Dangerfield was the draw the Crows had been handed. Facing the Giants twice, the Gold Coast twice, and Port Adelaide twice, you could book him in for at least decent scores in those matches. In the past that has certainly been the case. This season, I think that is now irrelevant. It doesn’t matter whom he’s up against, Paddy Dangerfield is going to have an impact.

Last weekend, the Crows faced Carlton interstate. It was supposed to be their hardest challenge yet.  A 69-point win suggests otherwise. It’s hard to believe that less than 12 months ago, this same Adelaide team was a bottom four side.

If there was ever the situation to prove a point, it was Sunday for the Crows. Leading the way was Patrick Dangerfield, to the tune of 35 Disposals, 8 clearances, 2 goals, 8 inside 50’s and 6 tackles. Second only to Daniel Merrett in SuperCoach output with 174 points, and fifth in Dream Team with 142 points. The highest and 2nd highest scores for players listed as a forward eligible in the respective fantasy games.

Tagging Dangerfield is proving to be a pointless exercise. The Blues first tried Gibbs, and later Ed Curnow, but when a player is winning more than half of their disposals from the contested situation, there is really nothing you can do about it; they’re going to get their share. From a fantasy standpoint, this is exactly what we want. While his points per possession might not be as high as others, he’s only gone below 20 disposals once. This is priceless for a forward.

No longer is Dangerfield floating in and out of games, perhaps the biggest knock on him in year’s prior. His lowest point tally for any quarter against Carlton was 23 points in Dream Team and 29 in SuperCoach. This further emphasises his newfound ability to force his way into a match.

Personally, I have now labeled Dangerfield as a premium forward player.  If you missed out on getting him at a bargain price at the beginning of the year, you should still definitely consider him as an upgrade target.  He will have the chance to face both the Suns and Giants again, as well as Melbourne and Port Adelaide – all bottom four sides at this point of the year.  At the very least, I expect him to score handsomely in these games. As I’ve stated though, I no longer believe Paddy is a downhill skier. Much like an Ablett or Swan, there is not much you can do to stop him, and for that that reason I’m quite confident his hot form will continue. Watch and enjoy.

 

Winners and Weiners Round 8:

 

Collingwood vs Geelong:

Collingwood:

Winner:

Steele Sidebottom was the clear winner here, racking up another 38 disposals, 9 marks and 3 tackles in a best on ground display. His season to date has been fantastic, so it was great to see him back it up again on the big stage.

Weiner:

Dane Swan went down late with a hamstring injury which looks to have him on the sidelines for two weeks. Bummer. At least he waited til late in the game to get injured!

Geelong:

Winner:

Corey Enright wasn’t the Cats best, but it was good to see him pump out a pretty solid Dream Team score after a slow start to the year. He is now pretty cheap and a worthwhile upgrade target in the backline if you are keen.

Weiner:

Bille Smedts had plenty of coaches excited when he was not only a late inclusion, but also avoided the sub vest. Alas, he was subsequently subbed off with just 19/17 points to his name.

 

Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne:

Port Adelaide:

Winner:

Danyle Pearce played easily his best game in a few years, taking the game on and using his clean disposal skills to set up plenty of attacks. I wouldn’t recommend jumping on board, but it is pleasing to see him show he does still have the talent he promised a few years ago. Now we just need consistency.

Weiner:

Travis Boak had another quiet game – he has been pretty out of form this year, looking to get a bit more frustrated by the attention he receives. Finished with 16 touches and 5 tackles.

North Melbourne

Winner:

The winner was clearly Andrew Swallow, although it does feel somewhat wrong giving the Winner award to the captain of a team who could lose a game like this. Anyway, he was clearly the Roos’ best again, finishing with 28 touches and a fantastic 12 tackles.

Weiner:

Is Ben Cunningham ever going to come good?? He had such high wraps coming to the club initially, but he has just never really come along, always towards the bottom of the disposal column every game. Had another quiet game with only 9 touches, 8 of which were handballs.

 

Hawthorn vs Fremantle:

Hawthorn:

Winner:

Clinton Young had one of his best games for a very long time, and if it wasn’t for the fact he continued to miss in front of goals he may have been BOG. He still has the tendency to kick for distance instead of accuracy, but it tended to work well against the Freo press. He finished with 25 touches and 12 marks.

Weiner:

Shaun Burgoyne has been a pretty disappointing pick-up for those who took the punt at the start of the year. He is playing well in defence, but not offering anywhere near enough rebound for dream team or SuperCoach purposes.

Fremantle:

Winner:

Greg Broughton continued to rack up the touches all game, somewhat innocuously. He’s one of those players who you rarely notice, but he tends to find himself plenty of the ball. He is still playing defence, but the inclusion of Spurr will allow him to play a bit looser, so fingers crossed this good scoring stays put!

Weiner:

Matthew Pavlich had another quiet outing, picking up just 11 touches from 7 marks. His form is well down, and considering Lyon’s low-scoring game-plan, I wouldn’t be bringing him in anytime soon, despite his price.

 

Sydney vs Melbourne:

Sydney:

Winner:

Ryan O’Keefe looks to be back, picking up 34 disposals through the midfield. His game should be taken with a grain of salt considering the opponent, but it was still good to see him racking up the touches. If you want him, now is the time to trade him in.

Weiner:

Sam Reid continues to struggle up forward, managing just the one goal (his first in a number of games, actually). I can’t imagine the Swans will drop him, but if you have him in your team, perhaps you should consider it!

Melbourne:

Winner:

Jack Watts played an extremely loose game off half-back, and whilst he did win plenty of touches (34 disposals and 11 marks), there were not too many defensive elements in his game. This role is gold for Dream Team, but I’m not sure he will be allowed this much disposal every week, nor will he be played in this role every week either.

Weiner:

Where do I start? I’ve already said it this week, but surely Melbourne need to trade off a bunch of their more senior players and bring in youth this year? Sylvia, Green, Moloney, Davey and Jamar all have currency – find out how much currency in trade week and do what you need to do. Do a GWS and load up in what will actually be a very strong draft. I know that if I were a supporter of the club, this is exactly what I’d want them to do.

 

Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast:

Western Bulldogs:

Winner:

Brian Lake wins the points again for his great display in the backline. I am loving having Lake in my team this year – he has been so solid after pushing through those first few weeks and only looks to be getting better. Even if you don’t have him, it’s not too late to bring him in.

Weiner:

Ryan Hargrave was pretty quiet in the backline for the Dogs, being kept busy by Danny Stanley. He finished with 16 disposals and a rib injury which will need to be monitored through the week.

Gold Coast:

Winner:

Kyal Horsely is making plenty of friends in Dream Team and SuperCoach world with his third ton from four games. He is just the sort of player who puts his head down and does his business, working hard all game to rack up the touches. Fingers crossed McKenna doesn’t randomly think of making him a tagger (see Neeld).

Weiner:

Michael Rischitelli was extremely quiet, managing just 9 disposals as he slowly returns from injury. He was so good in his first year, it’s a shame to see him fall away so significantly in 2012.

 

Essendon vs Richmond:

Essendon:

Winner:

Jobe Watson was great through the midfield for the Dons, picking up 30 touches and 8 marks. He also kicked an uncharacteristic 2.1. He is having a great season so far and has shown no signs of those 2011 hamstring injuries.

Weiner:

Dyson Heppell copped the Jake King tag and didn’t cope very well. He still looked very good when he did get the ball in hand, but unfortunately he didn’t see it too often – only 18 times. It should help level out his score though for those who don’t have him.

Richmond:

Winner:

Brett Deledio was sensational again, picking up 35 disposals, 7 marks and 10 tackles. He is just such a hard worker and a good user of the ball – I honestly can’t believe he hasn’t had more press for the season he is having. He is in great form, so if you don’t have him, get him in.

Weiner:

Brandon Ellis started as sub again, which was very frustrating for those who had decided to hold onto him. Fortunately though, he came on early-ish for Grimes and still managed to outscore Steven Morris, the other popular Richmond backman.

 

Brisbane vs GWS:

Brisbane:

Winner:

Daniel Merrett was the big show early, but I liked Jon Brown’s game more. He was clunking the marks (in fact, he took a whopping 16 grabs!) and looking fresh and fit. He also looked like a man playing amongst kids, so don’t expect the Browny of old against more seasoned competition, unfortunately.

Winner #2:

Dayne Zorko also cracks a mention for his second game, nearly managing to ton it up against the AFL’s latest upstarts. He was very good through the midfield and half-forward, playing a good link up role. He was part of many good plays for the Lions and surely has a spot in their team. Now you need to find a spot in yours!

GWS:

Winner:

Sam Darley finally managed his debut game and he was pretty impressive, playing in the backline. He finished with 19 disposals, although I am nervous to see what happens when Bugg and Kennedy return – can he hold his spot. Because of this, definitely give him one more look before trading him in.

Weiner:

Tim Mohr really struggled for the Giants, getting absolutely mauled by Merrett early in the game before being moved off him. Unfortunately for his owners, he only managed 11 disposals of his own.

 

Carlton vs Adelaide:

Carlton:

Weiner #1:

Two weiners for the Blues – first one is Marc Murphy and his injury. Murph was kept pretty quiet early in the game before being absolutely smashed in a contest with Dangerfield. Unfortunately, scans today have shown a fracture and he will be out for at least five weeks. Doh!

Weiner #2:

Bryce Gibbs continued his poor early form, managing just 12 disposals for the game – an extremely low stat by his standards. He is really struggling to impact games, and appears to be lacking any confidence or drive. Watch for his to turn this around though as his price is getting very cheap.

Adelaide:

Winner:

Patty Dangerfield was fantastic for the Crows, dominating once again through the midfield with 35 touches and 6 marks. He just creates so much drive and enthusiasm through the Crows midfield and it is clearly contagious to his teammates. Those who started with him are looking inspired, and those who don’t have him still have time to get on!

Weiner:

I picked on Brodie Smith last week and he is going to cop it again now. He just isn’t getting into games at all, playing way too defensive and not presenting as an option on the rebound. If you have kept him, get him out!

 

West Coast vs St.Kilda

West Coast:

Winner:

Beau Waters had an amazing game, especially considering he nearly pulled our minutes before the game with a hamstring injury. He gave the Eagles plenty of drive from half-back, but also kicked a couple of ripper goals from outside the 50. Leaving him unmarked in the first half was just dumb by the Saints as he chopped off so many rebound-50 attempts.

Weiner:

Daniel Kerr had a pretty quiet game, being tightly worn by Clint Jones, who has done many jobs on him before. He managed just 17 touches and 4 tackles for the game, struggling a bit in the clearances with no Priddis.

St.Kilda:

Winner:

Nick Riewoldt played a very good game, booting 4.1 from 15 touches and 9 marks. He worked hard up the ground all day with the new Saints forward structure allowing for less attention directly on him, which means he can go for a few more runs. I can’t see him producing the consistently massive scores he once did, but he at least has the ability for the odd big-one.

Weiner:

Beau Wilkes was largely unsighted for a while in the forward line until he was switched back after Stanley’s injury. Unfortunately, we had a lesson in why Wilkes was drafted to play forward as he repeatedly made errors in the backline, directly costing the Saints 4.1. Perhaps he is still on the Eagles’ books??

 

 

 
Well it was another action packed episode of Footy Tragic on C31 last night. If you missed the show, or would like to watch it again, we have uploaded it for you below (with no ads!).

 
 

The Footy Tragic Show (Full Episode):

 

 
 

 

COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG CATS

MCG – Fri May 18, 7:50pm

Collingwood

B: Heritier O’Brien, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey

HB: Simon Buckley, Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack

C: Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham, Jarryd Blair

HF: Heath Shaw, Chris Dawes, Ben Sinclair

F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak

Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom

I/C: Dale Thomas, Martin Clarke, Lachlan Keeffe, Alex Fasolo

Emg: Tom Young, Kirk Ugle, Paul Seedsman

 

In: Dale Thomas, Chris Dawes, Darren Jolly, Alex Fasolo

Out: Nathan Brown (Knee), Cameron Wood, Paul Seedsman, Peter Yagmoor

 

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Josh Hunt

HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie

C: James Kelly, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel

HF: Steve Johnson, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop

F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes

Foll: Orren Stephenson, Joel Corey, Taylor Hunt

I/C: Trent West, Mitch Duncan, Jesse Stringer, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Billie Smedts, George Horlin-Smith

 

In: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett, Mathew Stokes, Orren Stephenson

Out: Shannon Byrnes, Tom Gillies (Ankle), Allen Christensen (Calf), Billie Smedts

Milestones: James Kelly – 200 games, James Podsiadly – 50 games

 

 

PORT ADELAIDE V NORTH MELBOURNE

AS – Sat May 19, 1:15pm

Port Adelaide

B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan

HB: Ben Jacobs, Troy Chaplin, Hamish Hartlett

C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, Danyle Pearce

HF: Matthew Broadbent, Jay Schulz, John McCarthy

F: Brett Ebert, John Butcher, Justin Westhoff

Foll: Brent Renouf, Bradley Ebert, Travis Boak

I/C: Matt Thomas, Paul Stewart, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer

Emg: Jarrad Redden, Andrew Moore, Simon Phillips

 

In: Danyle Pearce, Matt Thomas, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer

Out: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, Tom Logan, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young (Ankle)

 

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Luke Delaney

HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Cameron Delaney

C: Shaun Atley, Andrew Swallow, Leigh Adams

HF: Ben Cunnington, Nathan Grima, Kieran Harper

F: Aaron Edwards, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac

I/C: Lindsay Thomas, Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Brad McKenzie

Emg: Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Cameron Pedersen

 

In: Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Nathan Grima

Out: Hamish McIntosh (Knee), Samuel Wright (Shoulder), Liam Anthony

 

 

HAWTHORN V FREMANTLE

AU – Sat May 19, 2:10pm

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Josh Gibson

HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Benjamin Stratton

C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis

HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Shaun Burgoyne

F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo

Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels

I/C: Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Shane Savage, Matt Suckling

Emg: Xavier Ellis, Thomas Murphy, Broc McCauley

 

In: Josh Gibson

Out: Michael Osborne (Knee)

Milestones: Lance Franklin – 150 games, Clinton Young – 100 games

 

Fremantle

B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Dylan Roberton

HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu

C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill

HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Clancee Pearce

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Michael Barlow

I/C: Jay van Berlo, Greg Broughton, Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr

Emg: Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin

 

In: Jay van Berlo

Out: Adam McPhee (Calf)

Milestones: Hayden Ballantyne – 50 games

 

 

SYDNEY SWANS V MELBOURNE

SCG – Sat May 19, 4:40pm

Sydney Swans

B: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw

HB: Nicholas Smith, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh

C: Lewis Jetta, Josh P. Kennedy, Nick Malceski

HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Tommy Walsh, Daniel Hannebery

F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Trent Dennis-Lane

Foll: Mike Pyke, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton

I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bird, Luke Parker, Alex Johnson

Emg: Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt, Tony Armstrong

In: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Mike Pyke, Tommy Walsh

Out: Jesse White, Mark Seaby, Andrejs Everitt

New: Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

 

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram

HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald

C: Cale Morton, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones

HF: Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Liam Jurrah

F: Jeremy Howe, Mitchell Clark, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Colin Sylvia

I/C: Brad Green, Sam Blease, Jamie Bennell, James Magner

Emg: Lynden Dunn, Rohan Bail, James Sellar

 

In: Brad Green, Jack Watts, Sam Blease, Liam Jurrah

Out: Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd, Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick

 

 

WESTERN BULLDOGS V GOLD COAST SUNS

TIO – Sat May 19, 7:10pm

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave

HB: Dylan Addison, Mark Austin, Justin Sherman

C: Mitchell Wallis, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross

HF: Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Jones, Luke Dahlhaus

F: Jarrad Grant, Ayce Cordy, Shaun Higgins

Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Liam Picken

I/C: Nathan Djerrkura, Thomas Liberatore, Clay Smith, Tory Dickson

Emg: Zephaniah Skinner, Daniel Pearce, Fletcher Roberts

 

In: Liam Jones, Nathan Djerrkura

Out: Jordan Roughead (Calf), Patrick Veszpremi (Groin)

Milestones: Ryan Griffen – 150 games

 

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jeremy Taylor, Matthew Warnock, Seb Tape

HB: Sam Iles, Rory Thompson, Joel Wilkinson

C: Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt, Matt Shaw

HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Andrew McQualter

F: Campbell Brown, Sam Day, Luke Russell

Foll: Zac Smith, Josh Caddy, Gary Ablett

I/C: Daniel Stanley, Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Michael Coad, Tom Hickey, Liam Patrick

 

In: Rory Thompson, Daniel Stanley, Matt Shaw, Jeremy Taylor, Alex Sexton, Andrew McQualter

Out: Jared Brennan, Trent McKenzie, Josh Toy, Charlie Dixon (Checkbone), Michael Coad, David Swallow (Knee)

New: Alex Sexton (), Andrew McQualter (St Kilda)

 

 

ESSENDON V RICHMOND

MCG – Sat May 19, 7:50pm

Essendon

B: Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell

HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Courtenay Dempsey

C: Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton

HF: Stewart Crameri, Patrick Ryder, Alwyn Davey

F: Leroy Jetta, Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Sam Lonergan, Ben Howlett

I/C: Heath Hocking, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Angus Monfries, Jake Melksham

Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio

 

In: Michael Hurley

Out: Travis Colyer

 

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Jake Batchelor

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis

HF: Brett Deledio, Brad Miller, Nathan Foley

F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King

Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck

I/C: Daniel Jackson, Shane Edwards, Robin Nahas, Matt Dea

Emg: Angus Graham, Jayden Post, Matthew Arnot

Milestones: Chris Newman – 200 games

 

 

BRISBANE LIONS V GWS GIANTS

G – Sun May 20, 1:10pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Ryan Lester, Matt Maguire, Josh Drummond

HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Mitchell Golby

C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich

HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Jack Redden

F: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Patrick Karnezis

Foll: Billy Longer, Simon Black, Andrew Raines

I/C: James Hawksley, Ryan Harwood, Niall McKeever, Jared Polec, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick, Dayne Zorko

 

In: Jed Adcock, Ryan Lester, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick

Out: Todd Banfield (Leg)

 

GWS Giants

B: Luke Power, Tim Mohr, Sam Darley

HB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Sam Reid

C: WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Dom Tyson, Tom Scully

HF: Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio

F: Chad Cornes, Israel Folau, Toby Greene

Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend

I/C: Anthony Miles, Andrew Phillips, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, Rhys Palmer, Matthew Buntine, Taylor Adams

 

In: Sam Darley, Anthony Miles, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Matthew Buntine, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid

Out: Tomas Bugg (Rested), Dylan Shiel (Rested), Liam Sumner (Foot), Devon Smith (Rested), Adam Kennedy (Shoulder)

New: Sam Darley (Nth. Hobart), Sam Schulz (Murray Bushrangers/Culcairn), Matthew Buntine ()

 

 

CARLTON V ADELAIDE

ES – Sun May 20, 3:15pm

Carlton

B: Christopher Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachlan Henderson

HB: Nick Duigan, Paul Bower, Zach Tuohy

C: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland

HF: Eddie Betts, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Russell

F: Andrew Walker, Shaun Hampson, Jeffrey Garlett

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs

I/C: Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson, Andrew Collins, Edward Curnow

 

In: Bret Thornton, Christopher Yarran, Andrew Collins

Milestones: Jarrad Waite – 150 games, Christopher Yarran – 50 games

 

Adelaide

B: Michael Doughty, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock

HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo

HF: Jared Petrenko, Josh Jenkins, Ian Callinan

F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane

I/C: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Ricky Henderson, Luke Thompson, Brodie Smith, Tom Lynch

 

In: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Luke Thompson, Tom Lynch

Out: Taylor Walker (Suspension), Jarryd Lyons

 

 

WEST COAST EAGLES V ST KILDA

PS – Sun May 20, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield

HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn

C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff

HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey

F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill

Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Adam Selwood, Thomas Swift, Patrick McGinnity, Lewis Stevenson, Brad Sheppard, Koby Stevens, Jacob Brennan

 

In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui, Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens

Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett

 

St Kilda

B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake

HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary

C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard

HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna

F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera

Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones

I/C: James Gwilt, David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Beau Wilkes

 

In: James Gwilt, Jamie Cripps, Jack Newnes

 

 

 

The bye rounds (11, 12 and 13) are fast approaching, and it’s time to start asking yourself how you’ll go about tackling them.

I spoke to Toby and Jim about this last night and both of those boys are fairly adamant about making sure you have cover through the byes to avoid as many ‘donuts’ as possible.

I’m of the opposite opinion, and it is sure to be a heated discussion on the panel this week!

I’ve sat down for hours trying to think of strategies that will give my team the edge and quite frankly;

 

- It’s a headache.

- It’s a waste of time.

- It’s a waste of trades.

- It makes your team look crap.

- Most importantly, it’s impossible to predict.

 

It is well and good having this super-dooper plan with all your players spread out evenly but it’s another thing getting those replacement players out on the actual park.

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt this year, it’s to not trust the Giants. If you’re relying on them to cover for your round 12 and 13 byes, you may as well throw your plan out the window.

There is the argument to sideways trade through the byes, but if that involves trading Gary Ablett to Scott Thompson and then back again, well then no, I’m sorry, but that is ridiculous. If you end up keeping Scott Thompson in that scenario, you’ve just broken the #1 rule in fantasy footy, and that is to never trade out Gary Ablett unless he’s on a stretcher. I won’t be doing that.

There will be carnage, lots of it. My best advice is just to deal with it. Toby and Jim think otherwise, but until they (or you) present to me a fullproof plan, I’m of the belief it is impossible to gain any sort of advantage in the bye rounds through planning.

Speaking of planning, I thought I’d give a quick little insight into my AFL Dream Team that is going pretty well at the moment, sitting 568^th overall and with 17 trades left.

Currently my squad is this (players I consider ‘keepers’ in capitals);

 

DEF: BRENDON GODDARD, BRETT DELEDIO, GREG BROUGHTON, BRIAN LAKE, RYAN HARGRAVE, Tomas Bugg, Marty Clarke (Steven Morris, Brandon Ellis)

MID: BRENT STANTON, SCOTT PENDLEBURY, MATTHEW BOYD, GARY ABLETT, MARC MURPHY, Kyal Horsley (Dylan Shiel, James McDonald)

RUCK: DEAN COX, JON GILES (Orren Stephenson, Jarrad Redden)

FWD: LANCE FRANKLIN, STEELE SIDEBOTTOM, MITCH ROBINSON, DUSTIN MARTIN, DAVID ZAHARAKIS, Jason Porplyzia, Devon Smith (Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams)

 

With 17 trades in hand, I’m going to be upgrading EXTREMLY aggressively right up until the bye rounds.

I’m fairly comfortable with riding out the rest of the season with about six or seven trades after round 13 with a complete team.

There are two rookies I’ve targeted over the next two weeks in Lee Spurr and Dayne Zorko.

Spurr is on the bubble this week so I’ll trade out Ellis for him, netting me about 100K in which I’ll use to upgrade Bugg to Grant Birchall.

Those two trades are locked in unless something happens during the week.

Next week I’ll bring in Dayne Zorko for Dylan Shiel; giving me almost 200K and a dual position link between my midfield and forward line.

With that money I’ll upgrade Devon Smith to Steve Johnson most likely.

After that, I’ll need to wait and see, but I’m more than comfortable starting Clarke, Horsley and Porplyzia on each line until I’m able to afford Heath Scotland, Dane Swan and Dayne Beams to complete my team.

Plans in fantasy footy never stay true, but I envision my team to look something like this after round 13:

 

DEF: BRENDON GODDARD, BRETT DELEDIO, GREG BROUGHTON, BRIAN LAKE, RYAN HARGRAVE, GRANT BIRCHALL, HEATH SCOTLAND (Steven Morris, Lee Spurr)

MID: BRENT STANTON, SCOTT PENDLEBURY, MATTHEW BOYD, GARY ABLETT, MARC MURPHY, DANE SWAN (Adam Treloar, ROOKIE)

RUCK: DEAN COX, JON GILES (Orren Stephenson, Jarrad Redden)

FWD: LANCE FRANKLIN, STEELE SIDEBOTTOM, MITCH ROBINSON, DUSTIN MARTIN, DAVID ZAHARAKIS, STEVE JOHNSON, DAYNE BEAMS (Dayne Zorko, Jason Porplyzia)

 

Let’s see how it goes!

 

 

JACOB BRENNAN (West Coast Eagles, DEF)

AFL Dream Team $104,200 Scores: 31, 66 Avg: 48.5 BE: -27

SuperCoach $113,200 Scores: 47, 84 Avg: 65.5 BE: -64

The Son of Monkey hasn’t looked out of place in his first two games in the AFL. The medium sized defender reads the play well & has a good appetite for the contest. However, you have to wonder if he wasn’t playing in a team that structures up so well if he would  have the freedom to play the role he is playing. On the other hand he has managed to crack it for a game in a top of the ladder side, so well done to the chimp!

Summary: With the dearth of defender rookies this season Brennan would have to come under consideration. But I wouldn’t do it as I just don’t think his job security is there.
 
 

CAMERON DELANEY (North Melbourne Kangaroos, DEF)

AFL Dream Team $104,200 Scores: 58, 54 Avg: 56 BE-42

SuperCoach: $113,200 Scores: 79, 57 Avg: 68 BE: -66

In an underwhelming couple of weeks for North, Delaney’s been pretty good down back. His scoring has been very respectable for a key defender & he’s due for a handy price rise after this week. If he gets a game that is, North aren’t exactly short of tall defenders (nyuk nyuk nyuk) & after a couple of ordinary losses the club will surely swing the axe.

Summary: Thanks but no thanks. Job security is obviously an issue in the longer term & big defenders aren’t usually fantasy football stud material.

 
 
AHMED SAAD (St Kilda Saints, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $115,800 Scores: 20, 42 Avg: 31 BE: 16

SuperCoach: $124,700 Scores: 29, 81 BE: -33

This former Bullant came back to bite the Blues on Monday night. Pacy, smart and with a keen goal sense & recruited as a mature aged player, Saad has all the ingredients to make it as a good small forward in the AFL. Along with fellow rookie Terry Milera & veteran Stephen Milne, Saad makes up a handy trio that has the potential to rejuvenate the aging Saints.

Summary: Saad looks the goods as a downgrade option in the forward line. Job security in the short to medium term looks good & Saad should score well with the Saints on the improve.
 
 

LEE SPURR (Fremantle Dockers, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $107,800 Scores: 22, 65 Avg: 43.5 BE: -18

SuperCoach: $116,700 Scores: 50, 70 Avg: 60 BE: -48

Like Barlow, Mzungu & Broughton before him, Spurr is further proof of Freo’s much improved recruiting networks. After starting as sub in his first outing against the Gold Coast, Spurr has shown glimpses of why he was highly rated by fantasy coaches pre season. While the results aren’t there yet in a scoring sense, the Cowboy plays an attractive looking fantasy game.

Summary: like all rookie defenders this round job security isn’t certain but he’s the man to get in your team now in my opinion. With Brandon Ellis due to be rested & whispers that GWS are only going to play their teenagers for 14 games this year to combat burnout (hello Tom Bugg) – it’s getting close to trade time & I’m backing Spurr to hold down a spot for the Dockers.
 
 

LIAM SUMNER (Greater Western Sydney Giants, MID)

AFL Dream Team: $139,200 Scores: 64, 23 Avg: 43.5 BE: 7

SuperCoach: $151,600 Scores: 92, 24 Avg: 58 BE: -23

Sumner has shown glimpses of why he was so highly rated at last years draft & is clearly a gun as GWS have won 50% of their games that he has played in. What an impact! Seriously, Sumner is another talented GWS youngster – dime a dozen these days! He looks to have decent scoring potential without being really outstanding and given his skinny build has probably exceeded expectations at AFL level so far.

Summary: Yeah, nah. He’s pretty expensive for a rookie, so how much cash would you really be saving with a down trade? SuperCoach – maybe, Dreamteam – no.
 
 

BEAU WILKES (St Kilda Saints, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $98,700 Scores: 47,32 Avg: 39.5 BE: -13

SuperCoach: $106,600 Scores: 52,36 Avg: 44 BE: -22

The former Eagle has been pretty good so far. He was outstanding against Melbourne before being subbed off with a sore hammy. He can clunk a mark & kick a goal as well as play in defence so he is a nice addition to the Saints list.

Summary: No. He’s one of those guys who you’re better off with from round 1. With Stanley & Kosi in good form up forward as well as McEvoy & Gwilt due back in the not too distant future I don’t see where Wilkes fits in the team.
 
 

PETER YAGMOOR (Collingwood Magpies)

AFL Dream Team: $98,700 Scores: 8, 44 Avg: 26 BE: 14

SuperCoach: $106,600 Scores: 6, 29 Avg: 17.5 BE: 31

Yagmoor hasn’t quite filled the Leon Davis role at the Pies this year. He’s pacy but just can’t seem to find the ball.

Summary: No he’s not there yet in any shape or form.