Opinion 2024 AFL SuperCoach Planning Thread
- Thread starter MC's Mix
- Start date
May as well take advantage of a lazy public holiday...
Melbourne vs Carlton - Figured this game made sense with 3 confirmed options. One of those weird games that went almost exactly as I would expect it to. Melbourne the better side but useless going inside 50, Carlton have their moments but have so many fringe players getting roles, they really ebb and flow on the confidence and output of those guys. Was a pretty solid hitout as far as intensity goes. Both sides with a key player out for working out what's going on. Given their byes, this will be pretty short and sweet I think.
Carlton - I probably rate them a lot lower than most, for me they were a team who got really hot at the right time last year but have gaping holes in their best 22 that will make them inconsistent, even with the getting hot they probably should have lost to both Melbourne and Sydney in their finals but found ways to win. This game just really highlights those issues. Pittonet was well beaten in the ruck and TDK was even more well beaten. Their small forwards offered something between nothing and a net negative and their midfield was just inconsistent in effort and output throughout. They had their moments but for the most part they were on the back foot. They also don't really seem to have any kind of gameplan. Their top end talent will win them games when they bottom 10 on the list also play well but I expect a pretty inconsistent season.
McKay - Was really solid until he had to kick the ball. The story of his last few seasons really. He's the ultimate example of the mental aspect of the game as I still don't think there's anything technically wrong with his kicking but the second you give him time to think about it, it falls apart. Looked in ripping nick though.
Docherty - Pretty much pure midfield pushing behind a bit. Looks in great nick also and played really well. He's really not relevant as a pure mid with that bye. See what develops in season.
Hewett - Role was great, scored well, looks fit. If he didn't have that bye I'd put more time into him at his price.
Saad - Same old for him. Will almost certainly be what he's been the last few years, a fringe D6 level guy that if you can get at a good price some point might be worth it but otherwise is not. No value to take on the bye.
Kemp/Young - Both I thought played pretty well albeit not facing much. Not fantasy relevant.
Cerra - I still rate him as a player but with the bye I just can't justify it.
Cripps - He's the one who is genuinely underpriced on his best and I think deserves more attention that I've noticed for him. He looked really fit to me and that's always his question mark. Definitely wouldn't surprise me if he bounces back to the 110-115 region but I'm not sure he's really worth the risk on top of the bye.
TDK - He's so close to being good and so far from being good at the same time. He's such an enigma to me, he plays better as a ruck but he's a terrible ruck but when he plays ruck I always think he should be a great forward and yet he's even worse forward than as a ruck and then he has magical moments. He just confuses me
Hollands x2 - Both played solidly, neither is relevant, imo.
Newman - Really low TOG and score. If it wasn't for his bye I'd probably have started him, the way he finished last year there's definitely a case for starting him despite the bye. I'm not sure if Weitering out for a while hurts or helps, I think it hurts but can definitely see a case for helping as well. He's definitely worth more consideration than I've seen him getting.
McGovern - Was solid. Not relevant.
Curnow - Well beaten by May but he sneaks goals where other KPF types don't that inflate his final scores and is why he's able to actually push premium numbers. Not worth it with the bye though.
Boyd - Played really well but he's 60k too expensive for my interest, especially with his bye.
Cincotta - He sure feels like the guy who goes out for Williams eventually.
Fantasia - He did a couple of nice things but that's about all he did. Given injury history, bye, price and other options, I think he's an easy fade.
Binns - Came on after Motlop was subbed out at QT, low TOG still, awful role. There's just better options.
Wilson - Came on last Qtr, what he did wasn't bad.
Melbourne - Like Carlton remain consistently inconsistent, Melbourne remain incredibly consistent. They will dominate clearances, they have no key forwards, they make it even harder on the forwards with how they kick I50, the setup behind the ball better than anyone and have an elite defense seemingly regardless of who is out there besides May. I can't help but feel like they play every game like they go through seasons, wasted opportunities just feels like the best way to sum up the Goodwin era and they should be right amongst it again this year but it wouldn't shock me if they find spectacular ways to blow it or win it all, really the only thing that would actually shock me is if they weren't a good team.
Gawn - I mean do I need to say anything? He's Gawn, he's underpriced and their bye isn't nearly as bad as the others thanks to Richmond being seemingly completely irrelevant this year. This just seems too easy a pick.
Sparrow - Role really solid, he's the very obvious guy who falls out with Oliver back but he always shows me plenty. He's exactly the kind of player I'd target if I was a West Coast type team and offer him a better role. Not worth the risk for fantasy, imo. Solid draft option though.
Salem - Pretty pure midfield role, like Docherty playing a sweeper role and falling behind the ball, expect he falls into the 4th slot with Oliver back, not sure if he plays from HB through midfield or HF and bench. I think he's a strong option but can't help but think there's a couple of stronger options around his price. Wouldn't be shocked if he pushed back towards 90 but wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't.
Billings - He scored a lot better than it felt to me, wing/HF role as you'd expect given their midfield and he played well. He should score well enough at his price, that he's hit premium levels before is a nice kicker but I think those days might be behind him and a mid 80s is probably the realistic aim. Their bye is much better and he's great value. Strong option. Will get a good round 0 indicator on him either way.
Rivers - Also probably scored better than I expected but did junk pretty well. He's the guy where the bye kills him for me but wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 90s. Really rate him. Salem role so uncertain as well a negative. Not worth the risk to start but could be a good trade target if he does start well.
Petracca - Very standard game for him. Prolific ball winning and butchery as an artform. Personally the bye makes him an upgrade target, I love him as a player but he just can't kick and that's always going to cap him and with that bye, that really kills any upside arguments off. Fair enough to those who do start him but I personally don't see the value there.
Pickett - Solid role but I'd rather pay more post bye and know it holds up and he scores. Wouldn't shock me if he can push towards 90 though, he's a serious talent.
Viney - He was great, but we know what he is at this point.
JVR - Played well but don't see any reason to pick him.
Laurie - He was solid but JS is at best shaky and the role's not great. That said, I felt exactly the same about Chandler and he turned into one of the best rookies last year. I have no idea where Spargo is at, but he sure seems like he comes in for Laurie. Pickett will also not be there for round 0. I assume McAdam is somewhere in the mix as well?
Windsor - Ratio gold but wouldn't count on it holding up. It was kind of funny he was matched up on Hollands so much because from the very first second that was my immediate comparison. Moves like him, kicks like him, same role and I'd anticipate similar scoring only issue is Lachie Hunter looming on the horizon, he might be able to hold his spot over him as his speed is something Hunter can't provide (Hunter is also a very decent small forward). Liked what I saw but for me he'd be a fringe fieldable rookie, ideally bench, which at his price isn't ideal. See what he does round 0 though and then decide, plenty of guys cheaper so that's the good part. Really like the look of him though as a player.
Howes - If Windsor reminded me of Hollands then Howes reminded me of McVee. I'm going out on a limb but he might actually be the sneaky best fantasy pick of this entire game. I didn't notice him get beat once in the game, he used the pill very nicely, he made a couple of nice intercept plays and was just very composed. He slots straight into that Joel Smith by way of Brayshaw opening from their last game. I might be being daft but I don't see anyone missing that should shake up their backline mix except for Salem pushing through but I'd think Salem replaces Bowie first if they go the replacement option. Will see what he does round 0 also but I liked what I saw, sneaky bench option that I think grows into a solid 60+ guy over the first month who can probably have a couple of 80s to make very strong cash.
Melbourne vs Carlton - Figured this game made sense with 3 confirmed options. One of those weird games that went almost exactly as I would expect it to. Melbourne the better side but useless going inside 50, Carlton have their moments but have so many fringe players getting roles, they really ebb and flow on the confidence and output of those guys. Was a pretty solid hitout as far as intensity goes. Both sides with a key player out for working out what's going on. Given their byes, this will be pretty short and sweet I think.
Carlton - I probably rate them a lot lower than most, for me they were a team who got really hot at the right time last year but have gaping holes in their best 22 that will make them inconsistent, even with the getting hot they probably should have lost to both Melbourne and Sydney in their finals but found ways to win. This game just really highlights those issues. Pittonet was well beaten in the ruck and TDK was even more well beaten. Their small forwards offered something between nothing and a net negative and their midfield was just inconsistent in effort and output throughout. They had their moments but for the most part they were on the back foot. They also don't really seem to have any kind of gameplan. Their top end talent will win them games when they bottom 10 on the list also play well but I expect a pretty inconsistent season.
McKay - Was really solid until he had to kick the ball. The story of his last few seasons really. He's the ultimate example of the mental aspect of the game as I still don't think there's anything technically wrong with his kicking but the second you give him time to think about it, it falls apart. Looked in ripping nick though.
Docherty - Pretty much pure midfield pushing behind a bit. Looks in great nick also and played really well. He's really not relevant as a pure mid with that bye. See what develops in season.
Hewett - Role was great, scored well, looks fit. If he didn't have that bye I'd put more time into him at his price.
Saad - Same old for him. Will almost certainly be what he's been the last few years, a fringe D6 level guy that if you can get at a good price some point might be worth it but otherwise is not. No value to take on the bye.
Kemp/Young - Both I thought played pretty well albeit not facing much. Not fantasy relevant.
Cerra - I still rate him as a player but with the bye I just can't justify it.
Cripps - He's the one who is genuinely underpriced on his best and I think deserves more attention that I've noticed for him. He looked really fit to me and that's always his question mark. Definitely wouldn't surprise me if he bounces back to the 110-115 region but I'm not sure he's really worth the risk on top of the bye.
TDK - He's so close to being good and so far from being good at the same time. He's such an enigma to me, he plays better as a ruck but he's a terrible ruck but when he plays ruck I always think he should be a great forward and yet he's even worse forward than as a ruck and then he has magical moments. He just confuses me
Hollands x2 - Both played solidly, neither is relevant, imo.
Newman - Really low TOG and score. If it wasn't for his bye I'd probably have started him, the way he finished last year there's definitely a case for starting him despite the bye. I'm not sure if Weitering out for a while hurts or helps, I think it hurts but can definitely see a case for helping as well. He's definitely worth more consideration than I've seen him getting.
McGovern - Was solid. Not relevant.
Curnow - Well beaten by May but he sneaks goals where other KPF types don't that inflate his final scores and is why he's able to actually push premium numbers. Not worth it with the bye though.
Boyd - Played really well but he's 60k too expensive for my interest, especially with his bye.
Cincotta - He sure feels like the guy who goes out for Williams eventually.
Fantasia - He did a couple of nice things but that's about all he did. Given injury history, bye, price and other options, I think he's an easy fade.
Binns - Came on after Motlop was subbed out at QT, low TOG still, awful role. There's just better options.
Wilson - Came on last Qtr, what he did wasn't bad.
Melbourne - Like Carlton remain consistently inconsistent, Melbourne remain incredibly consistent. They will dominate clearances, they have no key forwards, they make it even harder on the forwards with how they kick I50, the setup behind the ball better than anyone and have an elite defense seemingly regardless of who is out there besides May. I can't help but feel like they play every game like they go through seasons, wasted opportunities just feels like the best way to sum up the Goodwin era and they should be right amongst it again this year but it wouldn't shock me if they find spectacular ways to blow it or win it all, really the only thing that would actually shock me is if they weren't a good team.
Gawn - I mean do I need to say anything? He's Gawn, he's underpriced and their bye isn't nearly as bad as the others thanks to Richmond being seemingly completely irrelevant this year. This just seems too easy a pick.
Sparrow - Role really solid, he's the very obvious guy who falls out with Oliver back but he always shows me plenty. He's exactly the kind of player I'd target if I was a West Coast type team and offer him a better role. Not worth the risk for fantasy, imo. Solid draft option though.
Salem - Pretty pure midfield role, like Docherty playing a sweeper role and falling behind the ball, expect he falls into the 4th slot with Oliver back, not sure if he plays from HB through midfield or HF and bench. I think he's a strong option but can't help but think there's a couple of stronger options around his price. Wouldn't be shocked if he pushed back towards 90 but wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't.
Billings - He scored a lot better than it felt to me, wing/HF role as you'd expect given their midfield and he played well. He should score well enough at his price, that he's hit premium levels before is a nice kicker but I think those days might be behind him and a mid 80s is probably the realistic aim. Their bye is much better and he's great value. Strong option. Will get a good round 0 indicator on him either way.
Rivers - Also probably scored better than I expected but did junk pretty well. He's the guy where the bye kills him for me but wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 90s. Really rate him. Salem role so uncertain as well a negative. Not worth the risk to start but could be a good trade target if he does start well.
Petracca - Very standard game for him. Prolific ball winning and butchery as an artform. Personally the bye makes him an upgrade target, I love him as a player but he just can't kick and that's always going to cap him and with that bye, that really kills any upside arguments off. Fair enough to those who do start him but I personally don't see the value there.
Pickett - Solid role but I'd rather pay more post bye and know it holds up and he scores. Wouldn't shock me if he can push towards 90 though, he's a serious talent.
Viney - He was great, but we know what he is at this point.
JVR - Played well but don't see any reason to pick him.
Laurie - He was solid but JS is at best shaky and the role's not great. That said, I felt exactly the same about Chandler and he turned into one of the best rookies last year. I have no idea where Spargo is at, but he sure seems like he comes in for Laurie. Pickett will also not be there for round 0. I assume McAdam is somewhere in the mix as well?
Windsor - Ratio gold but wouldn't count on it holding up. It was kind of funny he was matched up on Hollands so much because from the very first second that was my immediate comparison. Moves like him, kicks like him, same role and I'd anticipate similar scoring only issue is Lachie Hunter looming on the horizon, he might be able to hold his spot over him as his speed is something Hunter can't provide (Hunter is also a very decent small forward). Liked what I saw but for me he'd be a fringe fieldable rookie, ideally bench, which at his price isn't ideal. See what he does round 0 though and then decide, plenty of guys cheaper so that's the good part. Really like the look of him though as a player.
Howes - If Windsor reminded me of Hollands then Howes reminded me of McVee. I'm going out on a limb but he might actually be the sneaky best fantasy pick of this entire game. I didn't notice him get beat once in the game, he used the pill very nicely, he made a couple of nice intercept plays and was just very composed. He slots straight into that Joel Smith by way of Brayshaw opening from their last game. I might be being daft but I don't see anyone missing that should shake up their backline mix except for Salem pushing through but I'd think Salem replaces Bowie first if they go the replacement option. Will see what he does round 0 also but I liked what I saw, sneaky bench option that I think grows into a solid 60+ guy over the first month who can probably have a couple of 80s to make very strong cash.
From HS - not the whole article
Adelaide has expressed interest in luring Melbourne’s emerging midfield star Tom Sparrow home as he holds off contract talks until he established his role in the club’s star-studded midfield.
Sparrow is still likely to re-sign with the Demons but Angus Brayshaw’s sudden medical retirement has put a premium on the 23-year-old’s signature at Melbourne.
Sparrow was taken at pick 23 in the 2018 national draft after growing up in the Adelaide Hills and looks set for a breakout season after 67 games in the last three years including the 2021 premiership.
Adelaide has expressed interest in luring Melbourne’s emerging midfield star Tom Sparrow home as he holds off contract talks until he established his role in the club’s star-studded midfield.
Sparrow is still likely to re-sign with the Demons but Angus Brayshaw’s sudden medical retirement has put a premium on the 23-year-old’s signature at Melbourne.
Sparrow was taken at pick 23 in the 2018 national draft after growing up in the Adelaide Hills and looks set for a breakout season after 67 games in the last three years including the 2021 premiership.
Watched 2.5 quarters of the Swans vs Brisbane game. Figured not a lot of point going any deeper as the fringe guys start getting minutes and with the round 0 games to get a look at the actual lineups.
Sydney v Brisbane - Was a humidity game but that didn't seem to have a huge impact, not sure if a good sign for the two teams that they handled it fairly well or what.
Sydney - It's so hard being a Swans fan with Horse as coach. He just doesn't seem to value any of the things that the top sides of the last decade now value and despite outrageously talented lists the team just keeps falling short as a result...
Gulden - Kid's a star and I've already accepted that Horse is going to waste him on a wing for a significant portion of his career. Split roughly 50/50 between wing and on ball, despite the only three mids that we have that can even hold his jockstrap for talent all missing. You honestly couldn't sum Horse up better than this move. I'm convinced if Horse coached Gary Ablett Jr he'd have never got out of a forward pocket because god forbid you play a midfielder who can kick and do everything else at an elite level...
Jordon - He was solid, basically the same role as Gulden, albeit they didn't seem to be switching to me and instead just playing the same role from opposite wings and often were both on wings or both in the guts at the same time. He's such a vanilla player who does a bit of everything really well but nothing particularly special. I'd hazard he's too determined to kick to teammates to get a full time midfield gig under Horse. He can play, I'll watch his round 0 closely to see if he's worth picking. He seems to be firmly in the best 22 though which is a good start. I don't love the role though as I don't see the midfield part of it continuing and the wing, especially opposite Gulden, is a dead man's position for Sydney.
Rowbottom - To be honest, he actually was far better than normal with the ball but he still must have had a half dozen blatant hack kicks that in this game found targets. I still wish he didn't exist because he shouldn't be playing midfield for an AFL team and he clearly has compromising photos of Horse... He was the clear #1 midfielder though which is patently absurd in this squad.
Blakey - Same old. Not worth it with the bye and so many other rebounders.
JMc - Random roles from HF to wing and even on ball a couple of times. Not sure where he ends up fitting in, hopefully it's on a wing as that means Gulden isn't...
Ladhams - I assume had a big 2nd half for his score because he was solid but not terribly involved in the time I watched. It would be the most Horse thing in the world to pick Ladhams alongside two KPF who are both still much better backup rucks than forwards. I'll worry about him when he's actually picked in the real stuff, I say this expecting egg on my face but surely even Horse isn't stupid enough to play him...
Heeney - I actually liked his role, some midfield work, some wing work and some forward work. Sloppy conditions do make it hard for a player who has become primarily a marking player these days but I don't know if it was the haircut or what but he didn't look as Greek godlike as usual to me. I'd probably be starting him if not for his bye though...
Roberts - This one is really hard, his role was great as a rebounding defender and he does work for the ball well but the Seagull himself was missing and of the defenders we played, he's clearly the most obvious player to go out. I'd prefer it's Cunningham but Cunners has turned himself into one of the best defensive small backs in the league and I know Lloyd can't do that so Roberts would slot into it. If he plays the same role round 0 with Lloyd there, then he's an onfield rookie option...
Grundy - I thought he played really well, to my eye he beat OMc pretty well and I rate OMc as a ruck. He didn't do as much as I'd like around the ground but the conditions definitely didn't help him in that regard. The equation is very simple for me with him, if he's the sole ruck in round 0, he's in my team and if he's in any kind of ruck share he's not. He's way too underpriced to really worry about anything else. Like Gawn, this pick is too easy.
Campbell - Another pure Horse thing. I know other coaches love to use the guy who is probably their fastest player and is definitely their best kick as the deepest lockdown defender on the opponents AA small forward, especially so you can free up Cunningham, who is an elite defender that can't kick, to rebound more. I genuinely think that Horse looks at players who can kick as cancerous growths that need to be culled.
Adams - Because we needed a 31 year old version of Rowbottom to pair with him for unlimited hack kicks forward. I wouldn't wish injury on anyone but if it stops the Rowbottom and Adams midfield combination... Honestly, I liked him as a forward pressure pickup, he's a crafty forward who defends with animalistic passion, we're missing that. What I don't want is him in the midfield. Fantasy wise, his role was exceptional and he'd have been a must pick but for the injury. Injury happened so can see what happens when he's back.
Co. Warner - Probably the best he's played. If he's playing round 1 though, there's some concerns.
Fox - Floating across wing and half forward roles, like Warner, would hope he's at most the sub come round 1, sorry 0...
Amartey/McLean - It's definitely going to be something going from Lockett to Hall to Goodes to Tippett to Buddy to these two.
McDonald - I love him as a prospect but I feel like Horse doesn't want him to succeed either. I don't know why we don't let him up the ground, I don't know why we don't try and get the ball to him or use him as a leading target. Horse's obsession with the "bomb it on a forwards head" as the only way to go forward made no sense with Buddy and might make even less sense with McDonald. I might just not watch Sydney games this year.
Brisbane - Rock solid hitout, just about full strength team makes it pretty reliable to take something away from this game. Honestly, they looked good. Disciplined behind the ball, strong over it and plenty of forward options. Just a really well built list.
Clug - Incredible game from a HF position, I'm not sure he played any genuine midfield and was pure high HF. If that role continues, he could get forward status so definitely one to watch. I don't know if it continues because Rayner was pretty awful (although his stats say he must have done something in the last 1.5 quarters). Clug only relevant if he gets forward or plays mid but a serious game anyway.
Zorko - Started forward, went back in Q2, then forward. Seems he'll fill gaps. Can still play but with that bye, not worth any more time.
Dunkley - Very similar to Petracca, I actually like him as a pick but the bye kind of kills it for me. There's a case for some upside but the bye cancels it, so basically paying full price when I think you can get potential upside elsewhere that doesn't have byes. Dunkley also has his durability track record working against him.
Coleman - Role as advertised, conditions not ideal for his role either. Unlike others he's so cheap that the bye doesn't matter. Only injury has me thinking he doesn't average 90+. His bye stinks and will need to be setup around but I think he's such value that there's no point burning trades getting cute bringing him in round 3.
Rayner - Scored great, not sure how, I didn't notice him at all doing anything much and to his credit that's a huge result for him as fitness and running out games have been huge problems throughout his career so it's a great sign if he did get some junk happening. It's even better if he scored under my radar as he's also had big issues getting points outside of burst plays.
Lohmann - This one is very interesting. Very strong wing role. They only had 3 players missing from the GF team and the real issue is that all 3 of them could impact this role. Bailey, Robertson and McKenna all either push around a similar type or played that exact role. It's a good role, albeit inconsistent, and he seemed very well suited to it and showed scoring potential. Will watch his round 0 very closely, I'd say in this role in this team that he'd be worth the 27k extra on base price guys quite comfortably as he'd be borderline fieldable and also likely to get DPP mid flowing his way for flexibility. Must watch in round 0.
OMc - Rock solid outing, think he is what he is at this point, just not enough around ground action to go further.
Neale - He played great. Tweaked a shoulder which was an issue last year that really hurt his scoring. I think the bye is enough for me to sit and watch but I could buy the value is there to ignore it.
Fletcher - Too expensive with that bye, but I thought he was solid.
Lyons - Think he came on in 2nd for a bit, didn't notice much, he's basically their version of Rowbottom only their coach is competent so he plays VFL or sub...
Tunstill - He was solid, real floating role, probably filling Bailey's slot directly to me but some midfield bursts, some wing stints but mostly seemed to be HF. Wouldn't shock me if he's there round 1 but I think there's going to be much better options from a JS standpoint.
Madden - Clearly holding McKenna's spot. Did nothing to make a claim for it or any other spot.
Smith - Big lad, moves well, looks a really solid developmental ruckman that could step in for OMc if they needed.
Gardiner - Played forward, started really well and then basically unsighted from then on, I have a hunch he might have got a defensive job on McCartin after he intercept the first 4 or 5 offensive forays by Brisbane as I basically didn't see either of them after the first 10 minutes... Like many, I think there's safer picks, if he was 123k maybe I'd pick him but I'd prefer him in defense to be honest fantasy wise. One to watch though, if he had a huge round 0 could be worth picking.
Sydney v Brisbane - Was a humidity game but that didn't seem to have a huge impact, not sure if a good sign for the two teams that they handled it fairly well or what.
Sydney - It's so hard being a Swans fan with Horse as coach. He just doesn't seem to value any of the things that the top sides of the last decade now value and despite outrageously talented lists the team just keeps falling short as a result...
Gulden - Kid's a star and I've already accepted that Horse is going to waste him on a wing for a significant portion of his career. Split roughly 50/50 between wing and on ball, despite the only three mids that we have that can even hold his jockstrap for talent all missing. You honestly couldn't sum Horse up better than this move. I'm convinced if Horse coached Gary Ablett Jr he'd have never got out of a forward pocket because god forbid you play a midfielder who can kick and do everything else at an elite level...
Jordon - He was solid, basically the same role as Gulden, albeit they didn't seem to be switching to me and instead just playing the same role from opposite wings and often were both on wings or both in the guts at the same time. He's such a vanilla player who does a bit of everything really well but nothing particularly special. I'd hazard he's too determined to kick to teammates to get a full time midfield gig under Horse. He can play, I'll watch his round 0 closely to see if he's worth picking. He seems to be firmly in the best 22 though which is a good start. I don't love the role though as I don't see the midfield part of it continuing and the wing, especially opposite Gulden, is a dead man's position for Sydney.
Rowbottom - To be honest, he actually was far better than normal with the ball but he still must have had a half dozen blatant hack kicks that in this game found targets. I still wish he didn't exist because he shouldn't be playing midfield for an AFL team and he clearly has compromising photos of Horse... He was the clear #1 midfielder though which is patently absurd in this squad.
Blakey - Same old. Not worth it with the bye and so many other rebounders.
JMc - Random roles from HF to wing and even on ball a couple of times. Not sure where he ends up fitting in, hopefully it's on a wing as that means Gulden isn't...
Ladhams - I assume had a big 2nd half for his score because he was solid but not terribly involved in the time I watched. It would be the most Horse thing in the world to pick Ladhams alongside two KPF who are both still much better backup rucks than forwards. I'll worry about him when he's actually picked in the real stuff, I say this expecting egg on my face but surely even Horse isn't stupid enough to play him...
Heeney - I actually liked his role, some midfield work, some wing work and some forward work. Sloppy conditions do make it hard for a player who has become primarily a marking player these days but I don't know if it was the haircut or what but he didn't look as Greek godlike as usual to me. I'd probably be starting him if not for his bye though...
Roberts - This one is really hard, his role was great as a rebounding defender and he does work for the ball well but the Seagull himself was missing and of the defenders we played, he's clearly the most obvious player to go out. I'd prefer it's Cunningham but Cunners has turned himself into one of the best defensive small backs in the league and I know Lloyd can't do that so Roberts would slot into it. If he plays the same role round 0 with Lloyd there, then he's an onfield rookie option...
Grundy - I thought he played really well, to my eye he beat OMc pretty well and I rate OMc as a ruck. He didn't do as much as I'd like around the ground but the conditions definitely didn't help him in that regard. The equation is very simple for me with him, if he's the sole ruck in round 0, he's in my team and if he's in any kind of ruck share he's not. He's way too underpriced to really worry about anything else. Like Gawn, this pick is too easy.
Campbell - Another pure Horse thing. I know other coaches love to use the guy who is probably their fastest player and is definitely their best kick as the deepest lockdown defender on the opponents AA small forward, especially so you can free up Cunningham, who is an elite defender that can't kick, to rebound more. I genuinely think that Horse looks at players who can kick as cancerous growths that need to be culled.
Adams - Because we needed a 31 year old version of Rowbottom to pair with him for unlimited hack kicks forward. I wouldn't wish injury on anyone but if it stops the Rowbottom and Adams midfield combination... Honestly, I liked him as a forward pressure pickup, he's a crafty forward who defends with animalistic passion, we're missing that. What I don't want is him in the midfield. Fantasy wise, his role was exceptional and he'd have been a must pick but for the injury. Injury happened so can see what happens when he's back.
Co. Warner - Probably the best he's played. If he's playing round 1 though, there's some concerns.
Fox - Floating across wing and half forward roles, like Warner, would hope he's at most the sub come round 1, sorry 0...
Amartey/McLean - It's definitely going to be something going from Lockett to Hall to Goodes to Tippett to Buddy to these two.
McDonald - I love him as a prospect but I feel like Horse doesn't want him to succeed either. I don't know why we don't let him up the ground, I don't know why we don't try and get the ball to him or use him as a leading target. Horse's obsession with the "bomb it on a forwards head" as the only way to go forward made no sense with Buddy and might make even less sense with McDonald. I might just not watch Sydney games this year.
Brisbane - Rock solid hitout, just about full strength team makes it pretty reliable to take something away from this game. Honestly, they looked good. Disciplined behind the ball, strong over it and plenty of forward options. Just a really well built list.
Clug - Incredible game from a HF position, I'm not sure he played any genuine midfield and was pure high HF. If that role continues, he could get forward status so definitely one to watch. I don't know if it continues because Rayner was pretty awful (although his stats say he must have done something in the last 1.5 quarters). Clug only relevant if he gets forward or plays mid but a serious game anyway.
Zorko - Started forward, went back in Q2, then forward. Seems he'll fill gaps. Can still play but with that bye, not worth any more time.
Dunkley - Very similar to Petracca, I actually like him as a pick but the bye kind of kills it for me. There's a case for some upside but the bye cancels it, so basically paying full price when I think you can get potential upside elsewhere that doesn't have byes. Dunkley also has his durability track record working against him.
Coleman - Role as advertised, conditions not ideal for his role either. Unlike others he's so cheap that the bye doesn't matter. Only injury has me thinking he doesn't average 90+. His bye stinks and will need to be setup around but I think he's such value that there's no point burning trades getting cute bringing him in round 3.
Rayner - Scored great, not sure how, I didn't notice him at all doing anything much and to his credit that's a huge result for him as fitness and running out games have been huge problems throughout his career so it's a great sign if he did get some junk happening. It's even better if he scored under my radar as he's also had big issues getting points outside of burst plays.
Lohmann - This one is very interesting. Very strong wing role. They only had 3 players missing from the GF team and the real issue is that all 3 of them could impact this role. Bailey, Robertson and McKenna all either push around a similar type or played that exact role. It's a good role, albeit inconsistent, and he seemed very well suited to it and showed scoring potential. Will watch his round 0 very closely, I'd say in this role in this team that he'd be worth the 27k extra on base price guys quite comfortably as he'd be borderline fieldable and also likely to get DPP mid flowing his way for flexibility. Must watch in round 0.
OMc - Rock solid outing, think he is what he is at this point, just not enough around ground action to go further.
Neale - He played great. Tweaked a shoulder which was an issue last year that really hurt his scoring. I think the bye is enough for me to sit and watch but I could buy the value is there to ignore it.
Fletcher - Too expensive with that bye, but I thought he was solid.
Lyons - Think he came on in 2nd for a bit, didn't notice much, he's basically their version of Rowbottom only their coach is competent so he plays VFL or sub...
Tunstill - He was solid, real floating role, probably filling Bailey's slot directly to me but some midfield bursts, some wing stints but mostly seemed to be HF. Wouldn't shock me if he's there round 1 but I think there's going to be much better options from a JS standpoint.
Madden - Clearly holding McKenna's spot. Did nothing to make a claim for it or any other spot.
Smith - Big lad, moves well, looks a really solid developmental ruckman that could step in for OMc if they needed.
Gardiner - Played forward, started really well and then basically unsighted from then on, I have a hunch he might have got a defensive job on McCartin after he intercept the first 4 or 5 offensive forays by Brisbane as I basically didn't see either of them after the first 10 minutes... Like many, I think there's safer picks, if he was 123k maybe I'd pick him but I'd prefer him in defense to be honest fantasy wise. One to watch though, if he had a huge round 0 could be worth picking.
Not much love for sam berry. Had mid rotation ended up with 7 tackles, 2 goals, 22 possessions and 4 clearances. Scored 115 points. His a nugget of a kid.
Good scoring history, 2 years ago ave 86 from 17 games.
I think for an extra 20k he will out score colby mckercher by 10-15 points.
If colby came out and scored 115 everyone would be talking about him as the hottest thing since sliced bread.
Good scoring history, 2 years ago ave 86 from 17 games.
I think for an extra 20k he will out score colby mckercher by 10-15 points.
If colby came out and scored 115 everyone would be talking about him as the hottest thing since sliced bread.
Geelong vs Essendon - Only watched the first half as I'd seen plenty in that to take away, perfect conditions had this game looking pretty silky, pretty low pressure feel to it only amplifies that. I genuinely have no idea what I saw as far the level of the two teams. Cats have seemingly lacked talent for a while but keep going well until last year and the Bombers have plenty of talent but underwhelm every year, probably two teams fighting for top 8 would be a fair assessment at this point but I'd wager outside the 8 if you put the gun to my head.
Geelong - Would be relatively happy, they obviously stormed home in this as were behind when I stopped watching. Most of the experiments seemed to be working pretty well which is always nice.
Holmes - Really interesting option, played a fair bit of HB and rest in the guts, played well in both roles. He can play but he's the exact kind of players that other teams put work into. Basically need the Cats to be terrible so he can run free. He's the perfect example of how mediocre kicks should use the ball for SC purposes, just kick it as long as you can as often as possible to a contest and game the system. From his role I'd say he's a risky pick as the DPP isn't a guarantee and the scoring is doubtful to be good enough if he didn't get that. Strong value though and definitely can understand the allure.
Duncan - Played a pretty pure midfield role in the first half at least and looked pretty much exactly the same as he's looked for the last 12 odd years, smooth and skillful.
Dempsey - Good wing role and scored well. Honestly, it's the exact same writeup as Lohmann for mine. It's a good role but it's the kind of role that always does better in preseason than the real stuff when the space evaporates and it's not a great fantasy role, still good. Borderline fieldable type and I think with their injuries and list, it's time the kids who show talent get the run and he showed plenty.
Stengle - Looked a lot better than last year where he looked like he'd drowned himself in his own bathwater, back to working really hard to create chances.
Cameron - He scored better than I expected. I didn't like how little ground he was covering, at his best when pushing high on the wings and I barely saw him outside 50. End of last year he was one of my higher forward options, not sold.
Blicavs - Started on a wing, same old for him.
Tuohy - Playing forward, was solid but not a good role for fantasy.
Clark - Solid role for him, I'm guessing did a fair bit more work in 2nd half as definitely wasn't as prominent as his score but he was very clean (great sign for kids) and the role was there. Definitely on my radar.
Close/Miers - Roles looked very similar to last year.
Stewart - He was rock solid, role similar to always. I definitely can see Holmes being an issue for him, very different type to a Duncan to share rebounding with as Duncan loves the short kick and is very patient, Holmes is very gung ho, it's sprint and launch. Only need to clear the area a half dozen times a game and it can be a big impact on Stewart. I still think he's a good pick but I'd probably rather him as an upgrade target if things fell that way.
Bruhn - Seemed the last of the midfield group to me. No interest this year still going to be a good player long term.
Hawkins - He looked, let's go with, robust through the midsection. Think he is probably done as a SC option but will watch none the less.
Atkins - The sneaky best performer of this game. If I was in a draft league, I'd overdraft him significantly this year. 101 average over his last 9 last year when released on ball and he's of the Libba, if it moves tackle it, school. I don't think he's relevant in the real stuff but he was excellent in his quarter and a bit that he played. Not sure if injured or why such limited minutes but it hides an outstanding game.
Bowes - No comment, didn't play first half, probably indicates his spot in the pecking order right now.
Danger - He was alright. Very heavily managed which has been his issue the last 3 seasons and stopped the premium scoring, per minute he's still a beast when on ball but they protect him and to me it's obvious his body is basically done. Not worth the risk for me.
Bombers - They were really good for the first half, the open play style definitely suits them but they showed good skills and were solid in getting the ball to the right guys, although there was one chain where it went Martin to Merrett to Parish where all I could think was they cocked this up and Parish ended up taking a nothing option out way wide on the wing, if they'd got that in any other order than Parish last, it's probably a goal. Still a lot of passengers but I think they did a really good job of addressing that in the o***eason.
Martin - He's hard to not pick in that role, the way he plays and, most importantly, the way the teammates honour him. Even McGrath and Redman were willing to defer, McGrath is very much like the Holmes above so the fact that when he hears Martin seems to turn off the "run and bomb" switch in his brain is a great sign (to be fair, McGrath is actually very good when he does run and bomb). The goals are stat padding his score a bit but they really weren't hugely out of motion and he will kick a goal every 2nd game I dare say. Ridley out doesn't hurt him, he's absolutely the last guy you're pushing into a defensive role in just about the entire team. I think I saw enough to change my opinion on him as a pick. That I've soured a fair bit on the Stewart/Sicily pairing and that the Sinclair/Short/Newman options are ruined means I'd basically be tossing up on him and Ryan and he's a lot cheaper. He's absolutely natural in the role, flat out reminds me of the Lloyd switch back in the day.
Parish - Rock solid, nothings changed. He's going to be in the finishing group of top 20 mids if he's fit.
Setters - Scored excellently, he was noticeable while I watched but I feel maybe pushed even harder after. I'm not sold he's best 22 but he's really good at the one role he can play.
McGrath - Was really good. He's last of their backs for mine as a fantasy play, but rock solid.
Merrett - He was the first player I picked this year as I deployed my players I like mindset and I saw nothing to change that. Atkins put some work in around stoppages but he looked great without really breaking a sweat. Most importantly, there was none of this stuffing around with him at HB or wing or HF crap going on, it was pure midfield and it was excellent. Parish is probably the better starting pick just on value but I don't like Parish and I love me some Zach so, whatevs!
Duursma - Wing role, was solid, worked hard. price.
Tsatas - I get the feeling he had a big 2nd half. Role was alright first half but didn't feel like he played a lot of the half. Ratio was accurate from 1st half play, was just a step off the pace so most disposals were pressured and inaccurate. There are better options but he's a potential bailout.
Langford - Same role as LY, looked solid.
Ridley - Was solid, injured after I watched. Martin is the Bombers backline play.
Redman - Same as Ridley.
Stringer - Looks a bit chunky but better than last year. Think his days of fringe relevancy are done, albeit this would be the year with such a lowly group. 100k cheaper and I'd be talking.
Gresham - Full time forward from what I saw. Like Stringer, if he was 100k+ cheaper, maybe.
Reid - Rock solid, easy D8 choice. This will be on the high end of his scoring but shows a decent cash making ceiling.
Durham - Great role, poor score. I'm generally a roles guy but I'm still not convinced what Durham is as a player, when he's good he's really good but his ability to do nothing for huge periods, regardless of roles, is not a great trait. To expensive to bother the scorers.
Jones - He played well, not fantasy relevant but good to see him looking fit and doing a bit.
Goldy - Was really solid. Will score decently. Would expect he plays as long as the season is alive.
Cox - Started wing but went to defense pretty early, he was solid, actually really solid. He's probably just a bit too expensive but I'd expect his role gets even better with Ridley out and you could definitely talk me in to him beating both D'Ambrosio and Williams in the same price group. Added bonus of having the DPP to switch a Martin/Amon/Holmes type as well (I expect D'Ambrosio may also get it but guarantees are always better). He's incredibly under the radar, imo, especially after Ridley injury.
Perkins - I rate him extremely highly but the role isn't there yet and I'd be surprised if this is his breakout season, more likely to be the partial breakout.
Geelong - Would be relatively happy, they obviously stormed home in this as were behind when I stopped watching. Most of the experiments seemed to be working pretty well which is always nice.
Holmes - Really interesting option, played a fair bit of HB and rest in the guts, played well in both roles. He can play but he's the exact kind of players that other teams put work into. Basically need the Cats to be terrible so he can run free. He's the perfect example of how mediocre kicks should use the ball for SC purposes, just kick it as long as you can as often as possible to a contest and game the system. From his role I'd say he's a risky pick as the DPP isn't a guarantee and the scoring is doubtful to be good enough if he didn't get that. Strong value though and definitely can understand the allure.
Duncan - Played a pretty pure midfield role in the first half at least and looked pretty much exactly the same as he's looked for the last 12 odd years, smooth and skillful.
Dempsey - Good wing role and scored well. Honestly, it's the exact same writeup as Lohmann for mine. It's a good role but it's the kind of role that always does better in preseason than the real stuff when the space evaporates and it's not a great fantasy role, still good. Borderline fieldable type and I think with their injuries and list, it's time the kids who show talent get the run and he showed plenty.
Stengle - Looked a lot better than last year where he looked like he'd drowned himself in his own bathwater, back to working really hard to create chances.
Cameron - He scored better than I expected. I didn't like how little ground he was covering, at his best when pushing high on the wings and I barely saw him outside 50. End of last year he was one of my higher forward options, not sold.
Blicavs - Started on a wing, same old for him.
Tuohy - Playing forward, was solid but not a good role for fantasy.
Clark - Solid role for him, I'm guessing did a fair bit more work in 2nd half as definitely wasn't as prominent as his score but he was very clean (great sign for kids) and the role was there. Definitely on my radar.
Close/Miers - Roles looked very similar to last year.
Stewart - He was rock solid, role similar to always. I definitely can see Holmes being an issue for him, very different type to a Duncan to share rebounding with as Duncan loves the short kick and is very patient, Holmes is very gung ho, it's sprint and launch. Only need to clear the area a half dozen times a game and it can be a big impact on Stewart. I still think he's a good pick but I'd probably rather him as an upgrade target if things fell that way.
Bruhn - Seemed the last of the midfield group to me. No interest this year still going to be a good player long term.
Hawkins - He looked, let's go with, robust through the midsection. Think he is probably done as a SC option but will watch none the less.
Atkins - The sneaky best performer of this game. If I was in a draft league, I'd overdraft him significantly this year. 101 average over his last 9 last year when released on ball and he's of the Libba, if it moves tackle it, school. I don't think he's relevant in the real stuff but he was excellent in his quarter and a bit that he played. Not sure if injured or why such limited minutes but it hides an outstanding game.
Bowes - No comment, didn't play first half, probably indicates his spot in the pecking order right now.
Danger - He was alright. Very heavily managed which has been his issue the last 3 seasons and stopped the premium scoring, per minute he's still a beast when on ball but they protect him and to me it's obvious his body is basically done. Not worth the risk for me.
Bombers - They were really good for the first half, the open play style definitely suits them but they showed good skills and were solid in getting the ball to the right guys, although there was one chain where it went Martin to Merrett to Parish where all I could think was they cocked this up and Parish ended up taking a nothing option out way wide on the wing, if they'd got that in any other order than Parish last, it's probably a goal. Still a lot of passengers but I think they did a really good job of addressing that in the o***eason.
Martin - He's hard to not pick in that role, the way he plays and, most importantly, the way the teammates honour him. Even McGrath and Redman were willing to defer, McGrath is very much like the Holmes above so the fact that when he hears Martin seems to turn off the "run and bomb" switch in his brain is a great sign (to be fair, McGrath is actually very good when he does run and bomb). The goals are stat padding his score a bit but they really weren't hugely out of motion and he will kick a goal every 2nd game I dare say. Ridley out doesn't hurt him, he's absolutely the last guy you're pushing into a defensive role in just about the entire team. I think I saw enough to change my opinion on him as a pick. That I've soured a fair bit on the Stewart/Sicily pairing and that the Sinclair/Short/Newman options are ruined means I'd basically be tossing up on him and Ryan and he's a lot cheaper. He's absolutely natural in the role, flat out reminds me of the Lloyd switch back in the day.
Parish - Rock solid, nothings changed. He's going to be in the finishing group of top 20 mids if he's fit.
Setters - Scored excellently, he was noticeable while I watched but I feel maybe pushed even harder after. I'm not sold he's best 22 but he's really good at the one role he can play.
McGrath - Was really good. He's last of their backs for mine as a fantasy play, but rock solid.
Merrett - He was the first player I picked this year as I deployed my players I like mindset and I saw nothing to change that. Atkins put some work in around stoppages but he looked great without really breaking a sweat. Most importantly, there was none of this stuffing around with him at HB or wing or HF crap going on, it was pure midfield and it was excellent. Parish is probably the better starting pick just on value but I don't like Parish and I love me some Zach so, whatevs!
Duursma - Wing role, was solid, worked hard. price.
Tsatas - I get the feeling he had a big 2nd half. Role was alright first half but didn't feel like he played a lot of the half. Ratio was accurate from 1st half play, was just a step off the pace so most disposals were pressured and inaccurate. There are better options but he's a potential bailout.
Langford - Same role as LY, looked solid.
Ridley - Was solid, injured after I watched. Martin is the Bombers backline play.
Redman - Same as Ridley.
Stringer - Looks a bit chunky but better than last year. Think his days of fringe relevancy are done, albeit this would be the year with such a lowly group. 100k cheaper and I'd be talking.
Gresham - Full time forward from what I saw. Like Stringer, if he was 100k+ cheaper, maybe.
Reid - Rock solid, easy D8 choice. This will be on the high end of his scoring but shows a decent cash making ceiling.
Durham - Great role, poor score. I'm generally a roles guy but I'm still not convinced what Durham is as a player, when he's good he's really good but his ability to do nothing for huge periods, regardless of roles, is not a great trait. To expensive to bother the scorers.
Jones - He played well, not fantasy relevant but good to see him looking fit and doing a bit.
Goldy - Was really solid. Will score decently. Would expect he plays as long as the season is alive.
Cox - Started wing but went to defense pretty early, he was solid, actually really solid. He's probably just a bit too expensive but I'd expect his role gets even better with Ridley out and you could definitely talk me in to him beating both D'Ambrosio and Williams in the same price group. Added bonus of having the DPP to switch a Martin/Amon/Holmes type as well (I expect D'Ambrosio may also get it but guarantees are always better). He's incredibly under the radar, imo, especially after Ridley injury.
Perkins - I rate him extremely highly but the role isn't there yet and I'd be surprised if this is his breakout season, more likely to be the partial breakout.
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah I suspect this will be the replacement. Had apparently been looking good in the intraclub games from the reports I read on bigfooty. We need someone to pinch hit in the ruck when ROB needs a rest so I imagine he'll get the first crack at it. No idea what his scoring potential may be like to determine if he's worth using a spot on - someone that could get ruck/fwd by round 6 which probably doesn't count for much...
It's tough. Berry was getting great midfield minutes in the season he average mid 80s, mainly from tackle numbers.
Our main trio currently is Dawson, Laird and Crouch. Guys like Rankine, Rachele, Berry, Soligo and Pedlar should all run through the midfield at times. I'd argue that if Berry is playing, he should get more midfield minutes as he's not a great value add as a forward given the poor kick on goal.
Has spent the pre season training in the midfield, normally in the second unit against the main trio and has been the stand out on the 2nds so his had a great pre season. Apparently marking quite well overhead and has dropped some size compared to last year which hopefully allows him to cover more ground.
I hope if/when he gets minutes it'll be as a midfielder or at least with a solid run through it as it gives him the best opportunity to put his best foot forward.
I don't see him being the sub, wrong kind of player as a sub I think. My guess would it being Sholl for round 1.
It's tough. Berry was getting great midfield minutes in the season he average mid 80s, mainly from tackle numbers.
Our main trio currently is Dawson, Laird and Crouch. Guys like Rankine, Rachele, Berry, Soligo and Pedlar should all run through the midfield at times. I'd argue that if Berry is playing, he should get more midfield minutes as he's not a great value add as a forward given the poor kick on goal.
Has spent the pre season training in the midfield, normally in the second unit against the main trio and has been the stand out on the 2nds so his had a great pre season. Apparently marking quite well overhead and has dropped some size compared to last year which hopefully allows him to cover more ground.
I hope if/when he gets minutes it'll be as a midfielder or at least with a solid run through it as it gives him the best opportunity to put his best foot forward.
I don't see him being the sub, wrong kind of player as a sub I think. My guess would it being Sholl for round 1.