2015: Rookies

[OzRulesFootball]

Yeah I agree. All fillers for the moment. I think everyone just plans with the popular rookies and changes once the round 1 teams are named.

There'll be a few who might have an ace up their sleeve on gut feel or maybe inside info but generally speaking, we'll all be starting with near identical rookies.

Not sure about that. Some people did not have Dom Tyson in round one last year. Then most that made that mistake were first in cue to get him before first price rise. Some did not have Luke McDonald or Dunstan (myself). I had Honeychurch in my initial team but he did not get picked by Bulldogs so I think I remember having Dylan Buckley in there for a few moments and even Jamie Bennell but think in end Michie got last spot and I regret it as Jamie Bennell would have made good cash over time, although not great scores. Plenty had Impey,Georgiou. Aish, Currie, Jayden Harris-Kennedy ? and Ellis but I did not start with any of them. Lemmins, Clurey, Gleeson, Ambrose, Derickx, and Cunningham were also options I did not have that some had.
I don't intend to change my approach from last year when I really did not look at them until the days teams were getting announced round one and apart from forward line I was quite satisfied it was one area of game I improved upon from previous two seasons when like everyone else it seemed I spent most of pre-season going over them and really was waste of time speculating on. Forward line was biggest problem last year as had Rohan and Lincoln McCarthy and neither worked out but others such as Impey and JKH were not exactly setting world on fire either so was fairly barren rookie area of game. Some missed round one like Billings and KK that I wanted and got as soon as I could into team. Plenty of options to be flying around in first week of April. Thankfully round one this year is the one weekend so can pick them all and not try to guess ahead to week two.

It will also be interesting to see what happens at Essendon as that may play a role in what we pick for round one as far as rookie options go.

 

[IDIG]

Yeah Lmac was one I missed out but for the most part most of the serious coaches had probably 75% of the same rookies you mentioned. On a sliding scale depending on what structure you started with. Georgiou was the other really popular one I didn't have which worked out well for me.

No dunstan and Tyson were big ouches for you mate. They were massive scorers and massive money makers!

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Not sure if it's been posted but I think Petracca's gone for the year. Could mean another rookie(s) gets an opportunity he may not have had Petracca been fit

James Harmes most likely. 123k mid.

I don't expect him to play seniors any time soon though.

I was thinking that Vandenberg might get the call up. I'm pretty sure he is on the rookie list currently.

 

[OzRulesFootball]

Yeah Lmac was one I missed out but for the most part most of the serious coaches had probably 75% of the same rookies you mentioned. On a sliding scale depending on what structure you started with. Georgiou was the other really popular one I didn't have which worked out well for me.

No dunstan and Tyson were big ouches for you mate. They were massive scorers and massive money makers!

Nah, Tyson I had from start. Was shaking my head all pre-season how so few did not have him essentially a lock in. I cashed him in at perfect time too. Remember some people got caught out doing it too early or too late. Same thing happened with Langdon for many. Most were on him but quite a few missed his good first round score or ditched him too early or even kept him too late.
It was Dunstan the big one I missed, although I must have got him before first price rise from memory. Wish I'd skipped on Michie but I let myself get talked into that one so will not happen again.

Langdon, Langford, Laidler and loophole agent Jay Hunt were my 4 rookie price starts in backline.
In midfield it was L McDonald to link with Langdon and loophole agent in backline then Tyson, Polec, L Taylor and Michie (grrr) midfield, Thurlow and King ruck rookies and up forward the horror of Rohan, L McCarthy and Honeychurch was in before I changed him before Bulldogs first game. Cannot remember whom exactly replaced Honeychurch but sense it was Ellis. Another one like Michie that I let the crowd talk me into rather that I regret a little. First trade of season for me was trading Laidler for KK. I remember Laidler got good first round score then dropped straight away and was angry with Swans doing that and had no trust for his job security and had a leap of faith with KK which worked out but a trade used that could have been avoided. Aish and Bennell were too slow burners that were on my radar that I did not quite get in so was annoying to have Michie and forward rookies that cost me. Derickx made a bit of cash I missed on in ruck if had not have gone with Thurlow. Sounds like Georgiou was one that was popular with a lot of people here I did not like. I think quite a few people went with him as a cheaper option that Luke McDonald but LMac had dual position option and sensed better js which proved to be correct but he never was a high scorer for a rookie but made enough cash over time to end up being useful.

 

[Ben's Beasts]

I was thinking that Vandenberg might get the call up. I'm pretty sure he is on the rookie list currently.

Sorry, I assumed that it was common knowledge that Vandenberg was first in line as a result of Trengove's LTI.

When IDIG said 'another', I thought he was referring to somebody other than Vandenberg.

Sometimes I get in my Dees bubble a little bit too much!

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Not sure if it's been posted but I think Petracca's gone for the year. Could mean another rookie(s) gets an opportunity he may not have had Petracca been fit

James Harmes most likely. 123k mid.

I don't expect him to play seniors any time soon though.

Sorry, I assumed that it was common knowledge that Vandenberg was first in line as a result of Trengove's LTI.

When IDIG said 'another', I thought he was referring to somebody other than Vandenberg.

Sometimes I get in my Dees bubble a little bit too much!

Ahh, good call. I hadn't realized that, but its pretty obvious now that you have pointed it out.

 

[Brettthejett]

Sorry, I assumed that it was common knowledge that Vandenberg was first in line as a result of Trengove's LTI.

When IDIG said 'another', I thought he was referring to somebody other than Vandenberg.

Sometimes I get in my Dees bubble a little bit too much!

What about Mitchell White defender cheap at 102k prospectus gives him a huge wrap with thinking he's a good pickup by them and should see action this year av almost 20 possies last season U18 & State Champs

 

[Ben's Beasts]

What about Mitchell White defender cheap at 102k prospectus gives him a huge wrap with thinking he's a good pickup by them and should see action this year av almost 20 possies last season U18 & State Champs

I would think White is 3rd in line behind Vandenberg and Harmes.

Vandenberg is a mature ager that dominated in the NEAFL and Harmes played some good footy for the Dees VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions, last year.

I agree that White looks as though he was a great pick up but he has come straight from the U18's and I don't think he is as ready as the other two just yet.

Vandenberg is the only chance for a round 1 debut in my opinion.

 

[Brettthejett]

I would think White is 3rd in line behind Vandenberg and Harmes.

Vandenberg is a mature ager that dominated in the NEAFL and Harmes played some good footy for the Dees VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions, last year.

I agree that White looks as though he was a great pick up but he has come straight from the U18's and I don't think he is as ready as the other two just yet.

Vandenberg is the only chance for a round 1 debut in my opinion.

sweet, good that someone in the know can fill me in a little more on him. currently have him at d8 so hoping he gets upgraded first

 

[Nathan]

I would think White is 3rd in line behind Vandenberg and Harmes.

Vandenberg is a mature ager that dominated in the NEAFL and Harmes played some good footy for the Dees VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions, last year.

I agree that White looks as though he was a great pick up but he has come straight from the U18's and I don't think he is as ready as the other two just yet.

Vandenberg is the only chance for a round 1 debut in my opinion.

Currently in my side. Only worry for me is he finished at the back end of time trial, but that's what pre season is for i spose.

 

[Braider]

Jesse Hogan kicks three goals in Melbourne’s intra-club match
Warwick Green Herald Sun

THE form of power forward Jesse Hogan, mature recruit Jeff Garlett and second-year teenager Christian Salem were the key positives to emerge from Melbourne’s intra-club practice match at Casey Fields on Thursday afternoon.

Capitalising on an open forward line, Hogan booted the opening goal of the match — after a neat pass from Garlett — and finished with three.

Demons assistant coach Jade Rawlings said it was an impressive hit-out from Hogan, a high 2014 draft pick who did not play last season due to a back injury.
“There’s a lot of talk about him — he’s the most asked about player at our footy club — but he’s a natural competitor and we’re happy with his progress so far,’’ Rawlings said.
“We have high hopes that he’s going to be a very good player for us over a long period of time, but he’s not going to be our saviour.”

The Demons setup with Hogan and the resting ruckman playing deep, while Chris Dawes pushed further up field from centre-half-forward. Garlett was a handy crumber getting to the fall of the ball and snapping three of his four goals in opportunistic fashion.
Salem was the pick of the younger players, looked poised and using the ball superbly whether through the midfield or when switched to half back.
“His defence was good as well as his offence,’’ Rawlings said. “There’s a bit of optimism there that he could be a nice player for us down (back).”

Draftee Billy Stretch was impressive and Jimmy Toumpas showed encouraging glimpses. Angus Brayshaw, who had been ill during the week, struggled a little with the intensity, notably when he and hard nut Jack Viney went shoulder-to-shoulder for a loose ball and the draftee came off clutching his jaw.

Coach Paul Roos, overseeing the shortened match (three periods) from a balcony on the wing, had clearly instructed the Demons to play on and move the ball quickly and they frequently did so.
“We’ve trained all three facets of our game quite heavily over summer, but no doubt last year we were quite stifled in our movement and we’re just looking at ways to be more effective in our ball use,’’ Rawlings said, “And it seemed to come out in the way we played today.’’

Nathan Jones, Viney and Dom Tyson won plenty of the footy while Lynden Dunn and Tom McDonald were their usual reliable selves in defence.

Of the other recruits former Giant Sam Frost was a handy contributor and looks capable of contributing at both ends.
Heritier Lumumba started in the centre square, had stints where he looked to be negating Tyson and was used off half back. He did some useful things without having a huge impact.
Rawlings said the coaching had spoken about possibly rotating Lumumba through the centre square this season.
“He’s trained in the midfield the whole summer and done a lot of work at stoppages, both inside and also on the wing,’’ he said.
“He gives us another option. We’ve been a bit thin for midfielders in the past, but he’s quite confident of playing in the middle.’’

 

[PC]

Hawks expect O'Rourke to make instant impact
Michael Whiting February 25, 2015 6:05 PM

ALASTAIR Clarkson says he expects new recruit Jono O'Rourke to contribute immediately at senior level. After sealing back-to-back premierships in 2014, the Hawks went shopping during the off-season, landing prized free agent James Frawley and adding talented Greater Western Sydney midfielder O'Rourke through the NAB AFL Trade Period. O'Rourke, 20, was taken as the No.2 selection in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, and played nine games in his two seasons at GWS.

Clarkson answered a host of questions on the AFL Facebook page on Wednesday as part of AFL Media's #AskTheCoach series, and a hot topic was his two new recruits.

"We've recruited Frawley and O'Rourke with a mindset of being able to contribute at senior level straight away," Clarkson said. "Some of our younger players have been drafted as 18-year-olds who just need some time to learn the craft and physically prepare them for the challenges ahead."

Two young players that have started learning their craft were also on the minds of Hawks fans who fired questions to their three-time premiership coach. On injury-riddled Jed Anderson – taken in the same draft as O'Rourke – Clarkson said: "Jed's had an interrupted 12 months with season ending shoulder surgery in 2013, and together with a number of other youngsters in our system, he's ready to step up and play regular senior football," he said.

Clarkson was also hopeful second-year player Billy Hartung could crack into the senior team. "We'd like to think he's tracking in the same pathway as Bradley Hill from a couple of years ago," he said. "We're searching for him to get more opportunities in 2015."

 

[BC]

O'rouke did nothing last year. Gave me the ****s tbh.
In a better outfit spose he could flourish

 

[PC]

O'rouke did nothing last year. Gave me the ****s tbh.
In a better outfit spose he could flourish

At $206k he is a bit expensive for a player that is likely to be big vest risk, not to mention he may only play a handful of games this year.

As a Hawks supporter, I can't wait to see what he can do!

 

[jobeywatto]

Touk Miller, 117k midfeilder from GC Suns, likely to play Round 1 according to Eade.

Prime vest candidate, but another option nonetheless.

 

[PC]

How many $200k+ rookie mids are people thinking of starting?

We have:
- Biggs
- VB
- de Goey
- Newton
- Pickett
- Cripps
- Brayshaw
- Acres

Some in that list are better than others...

I have two currently, but am wondering if it is worth trying to squeeze in three? I guess I can always corrective trade prior to round three and swap one of the two to another $200k+ if I found I made the wrong call.

 

[_Slip_]

How many $200k+ rookie mids are people thinking of starting?

We have:
- Biggs
- VB
- de Goey
- Newton
- Pickett
- Cripps
- Brayshaw
- Acres

Some in that list are better than others...

I have two currently, but am wondering if it is worth trying to squeeze in three? I guess I can always corrective trade prior to round three and swap one of the two to another $200k+ if I found I made the wrong call.

I've got 2 but I also may go three. I think you can cross Biggs and Brayshaw off that list mate. Both may be upgrades later in the season. I'd be adding Sheed and Hartung to the list, despite Billy's modest performance last night.

 

[Deeman1]

How many $200k+ rookie mids are people thinking of starting?

We have:
- Biggs
- VB
- de Goey
- Newton
- Pickett
- Cripps
- Brayshaw
- Acres

Some in that list are better than others...

I have two currently, but am wondering if it is worth trying to squeeze in three? I guess I can always corrective trade prior to round three and swap one of the two to another $200k+ if I found I made the wrong call.

ATM I have a 4 premuim midfield plus 2 * 200k (NVB and Newton) mids and then 5 in the 100-150k range.

 

[IDIG]

None for me PC. Salem i've got though who's just under 200k

Depends on how many of the cheaper rookies we have playing but if i was to choose any it would be VB on the back of his JS. Admittedly i dont know how the JS is for most of those guys you've listed is.

 

[Grant]

How many $200k+ rookie mids are people thinking of starting?

We have:
- Biggs
- VB
- de Goey
- Newton
- Pickett
- Cripps
- Brayshaw
- Acres

Some in that list are better than others...

I have two currently, but am wondering if it is worth trying to squeeze in three? I guess I can always corrective trade prior to round three and swap one of the two to another $200k+ if I found I made the wrong call.

Currently I have two 600+k players, eight 500k players, three 400k players, four 300k players, no 200k players and 13 players under 156k.

You could make a fair argument that the best 200k option + fourth best 400k option is better than the 13th best rookie + 8th best 500k player. The 2nd best 200k option + fifth best 400k option could be close to the 12th best rookie and 7th best 500k player but I'd prefer the better premium. Once you go out to three 200k options you're pushing your luck far too much imo - realistically it won't be the best strategy.