Footy Tragic

Don’t forget to check out the Weekly Wrap from week one of the split round!

Geelong vs St.Kilda:

Looking Good:

• Nick Dal Santo: Dal was let of the Ling leash for the first time in several years and he relished the freedom. He made the most of his lack of tag with 31 touches, 90% of which reached their target - a statistic that suggests that it is unlikely the Cats will allow him this much freedom next time they meet.

• Joel Selwood: Was the Cats best by a mile - his work in the clearances was sublime and he continued to work hard all evening, thriving in the wet, contested conditions. When he initially lined up on Hayes in the first quarter, I must admit I got a bit excited - unfortunately though it didn’t last too long.
• James Gwilt: Gwilt, although not quite making it to a DT ton, was the Saints best through the game with his great drive off half-back. His confidence was clearly up, as was his decision making skills, making him a very threatening player coming off the backline. Not only did he win 27 of his own disposals, but he also shut Podsiadly completely out of the match, keeping him goalless.

Disappointing:

• James Podsiadly: Pods had a night to forget, kicking no majors amongst his 7 disposals - easily his worst return of the year. Admittedly it wasn’t his ideal conditions, but he certainly let down plenty of dream teamers this week.
• Rhys Stanley: Stanley has been serviceable, if not good, in his handful of games this year, however his inclusion has been somewhat of a structural decision rather than one based on form. But now with the imminent return of Riewoldt, Stanley will likely find himself out of the squad - whilst he hasn’t done much to suggest he should be dropped, Lyon is unlikely to give such a young player much of a chance as his team approaches the finals.
• Travis Varcoe: If there is one type of player who can carve up St.Kilda, it is a speedy wingman with great acceleration and ball-handling skills. So it was surprising to see Varcoe given such a small role on the ball in this game, especially in the wet conditions. He should have been given the opportunity to rack up 25 disposals, but instead finished with just 11.

Blip on the Radar:

• Darren Milburn: Milburn is a DT veteran, and is still capable of providing a large score as proven in this game. However, at his age and in the role he predominantly plays in the Cats backline, don’t be expecting many huge scores out of him this year. It is always a huge risk bringing a player of Milburn’s vintage into your side, especially with few trades remaining.

Sydney vs Collingwood:

Looking Good:

• Darren Jolly: Played his best game of the year against his old side and clearly acted like he had something extra to play for. He finished with 17 possessions and was the dominant ruckman on the ground. I considered putting this game down as a blip on the radar due to his average form all year, but the hope can maybe be that this will be his breakout game in the white and black.
• Martin Mattner: Stepped up in the backline in the absence of Kennelly and the relatively low output of the heavily tagged Malceski. He played on Leigh Brown, but had obvious license to rebound, collecting 26 possessions, 7 tackles and 8 marks for the game.
• Heath Shaw: Thrived without any opposition, especially in the first half when Sydney allowed him to roam free as the loose man. He finally received some attention in the second half, but he had fortunately seen enough of the ball early to help himself to his first ton in a little while.

Disappointing:

• Adam Goodes: Was spanked by Presti and didn’t look like his usual attacking self. In Bradshaw’s absence he played closer to goal and this only helped Presti’s plight. Only finished with the 13 touches.
• Leon Davis: When Presti scores more Dream Team points than you, you know you’re in trouble! He started the game with spark, looking dangerous when the ball came in his area, but as soon as he had to do something with it, his confidence went out the window. A whopping five frees against didn’t help his scoring either.
• Daniel Hannebery: Was pretty poor against a quality opposition. Just had one of those games where he couldn’t get anywhere near it.

Blip on the Radar:

• Leigh Brown: Brown is a player who can come out and play one or two blinders a year, but has never proven himself as a consistent dream teamer, nor a consistent participant in the Collingwood side. Don’t ever get sucked into this guy, no matter how many good games he may play.

Adelaide vs Melbourne:

Looking Good:

• Simon Goodwin: The Skipper played one of his better games of the season, running off the half-back line. This was the first time this year the Crows have really shown some consistent form, and if it continues, Goodwin’s form should hopefully continue as he plays out the final weeks of his career.
• Graham Johncock: When actually fit, Stiffy has played some very good games this year, and again his run off half-back was a highlight of the game. He racked up 32 disposals, and as he has proven time and time again, he is also capable of dropping forward for the odd goal.
• Tom Scully: This kid is going to be a star, and it is not hard finding parallels between him and Judd at the same age. His inside work is great for a first year player - he finished with 9 tackles for the game - just think of how good this kid will be in a few years!

Disappointing:

• Brad Miller: Stood by Rutten and did nothing all day, only contributing a solitary behind to the scoreboard. The Dees must be hoping Jurrah isn’t far away!
• Richard Douglas: Played on a forward flank, rather than in the midfield position that has won him plenty of DT fans in the past month or so. Unfortunately, he also chose to handball the footy much more than kicking it, meaning his reasonable 24 disposals only translated to an average 68 points.
• Jordie McKenzie: I don’t quite understand why McKenzie has fallen so quickly out of favour after a great start to the year - this week he was given a run-with role on Bernie Vince, but did a better job at shutting himself out of the contest, finishing with only 11 disposals.

Blip on the Radar:

• Bernie Vince: Vince played well - in fact he finished with 30 disposals and a goal, despite a tag. The worry is though, Neil Craig has blatantly announced that Vince is not 100% fit, and won’t be for the remainder of the year. Whilst he is currently very cheap, and is a very good player, the last thing you should do is trade an unfit player into your squad at this stage of the season. Not only could he miss more games, his game time will likely be down on his average, and he may even be made to sit out the last few games of the year when Adelaide concede that they won’t make finals. Consider him for 2011 instead.