An article in the HS
Al Paton, Herald Sun
December 12, 2017 1:29pm
Subscriber only
REMEMBER when Ryan Griffen walking out on the Western Bulldogs was the biggest story in footy?
He was captain and one of the game’s top midfielders. That was three years ago, or an eternity in AFL footy. And it feels like even longer in SuperCoach.
But believe it or not, Griffen could be a value pick in 2018 as he returns from the wilderness. And he’s not the only one. Here’s our motley crew of the SuperCoach forgotten men of 2018.
RYAN GRIFFEN $277,100 MID
The former superstar recruit has played just 16 games in the past two years and none since Round 3 last year. After missing most of the year with an ankle injury he returned in the NEAFL in September and is set to return to full training in the new year. It’s been a little while since he was a SuperCoach premium — he averaged 116 in 2013 — but it was only two years ago he averaged 94 and that is a very, very good price.
DAVID ARMITAGE $310,100 MID
Had a sensational 2015 season when he averaged 110 points a game, then copped some tagging roles the next year — then back and groin injuries hit, which explains why we haven’t seen Armitage at all since Round 2 last year. That results in a big discount. As with most of the guys on this list, watch his pre-season closely before committing.
NICK HOLMAN $102,400 MID
Was delisted by Carlton at the end of 2015 after playing nine games, then starred for Central District in the SANFL, winning the Bulldogs best and fairest this year to earn a second chance with Gold Coast via the rookie draft. Bargain basement price is a big tick for the 22-year-old.
HARLEY BENNELL $254,800 FWD
Traded to Freo at the end of 2016, his first year in purple didn’t work out but Bennell’s talent can’t be disputed. Averaged more than 80 for four straight seasons (2012-15) at the Gold Coast before going amiss, he’s a classy ballwinner and importantly, knows how to use it and kick a goal. If fit his price will only go up.
JARROD GARLETT $117,300 FWD/MID
Another former Sun, Garlett quit AFL footy after 17 matches in two seasons to return home to WA. Now 21, the former first-round pick is more mature and after capable of slotting straight into the senior line-up. Has some special skills and in a rebuilding Blues team, you’d think he’d get a few chances. Dual position a big tick.
TOM BELL $287,000 FWD
Youch. Bell heard his leg “snap” earlier this year, the resulting surgery ensuring he was a spectator at the Lions for most of 2017. But an impressive result in Brisbane’s recent time trial should have potential suitors confident the big-bodied ballwinner can return to make an impact next season. Likes a goal and wins plenty of contested footy, so could make us some early cash.
LACHLAN KEEFFE $123,900 FWD/DEF
Was making his mark at Collingwood before missing two seasons after testing positive to banned drug clenbuterol. Signed as a delisted free agent at GWS in November. Didn’t play a senior game with the Pies this year but he’s 27 and has looked comfortable at AFL level. He’s cheap, so perhaps the key question for SuperCoaches is whether they think he can fit into a Giants side featuring plenty of talented talls.
STEWART CRAMERI $257,300 FWD
The hard-running forward was caught up in the Bombers’ supplements saga and then endured a frustrating run with injury at the Western Bulldogs. After being rookied he’s determined to make a go of it at the Cats, who might be looking for another tall option in attack. He’s 29, so some might think his best is behind him.
ALLEN CHRISTENSEN $267,300 FWD
Christensen’s move to the Lions hasn’t been a success. Managed 22 games in 2015 but just 11 the following season and none in 2017 after two years ruined by shoulder injuries. The good news? He uses the pill well and is finally fit again — and has added considerable bulk to his frame. We’d like to see some pre-season form before taking the plunge.
MATTHEW LOBBE $253,000 RUCK
The former Power big man has Lobbed (see what we did there?) at Ikon Park as a support act to Matthew Kreuzer. Hard to see the two b ig men playing in the same team but if Kreuzer’s injury curse returns he suddenly becomes SuperCoach relevant again.
Al Paton, Herald Sun
December 12, 2017 1:29pm
Subscriber only
REMEMBER when Ryan Griffen walking out on the Western Bulldogs was the biggest story in footy?
He was captain and one of the game’s top midfielders. That was three years ago, or an eternity in AFL footy. And it feels like even longer in SuperCoach.
But believe it or not, Griffen could be a value pick in 2018 as he returns from the wilderness. And he’s not the only one. Here’s our motley crew of the SuperCoach forgotten men of 2018.
RYAN GRIFFEN $277,100 MID
The former superstar recruit has played just 16 games in the past two years and none since Round 3 last year. After missing most of the year with an ankle injury he returned in the NEAFL in September and is set to return to full training in the new year. It’s been a little while since he was a SuperCoach premium — he averaged 116 in 2013 — but it was only two years ago he averaged 94 and that is a very, very good price.
DAVID ARMITAGE $310,100 MID
Had a sensational 2015 season when he averaged 110 points a game, then copped some tagging roles the next year — then back and groin injuries hit, which explains why we haven’t seen Armitage at all since Round 2 last year. That results in a big discount. As with most of the guys on this list, watch his pre-season closely before committing.
NICK HOLMAN $102,400 MID
Was delisted by Carlton at the end of 2015 after playing nine games, then starred for Central District in the SANFL, winning the Bulldogs best and fairest this year to earn a second chance with Gold Coast via the rookie draft. Bargain basement price is a big tick for the 22-year-old.
HARLEY BENNELL $254,800 FWD
Traded to Freo at the end of 2016, his first year in purple didn’t work out but Bennell’s talent can’t be disputed. Averaged more than 80 for four straight seasons (2012-15) at the Gold Coast before going amiss, he’s a classy ballwinner and importantly, knows how to use it and kick a goal. If fit his price will only go up.
JARROD GARLETT $117,300 FWD/MID
Another former Sun, Garlett quit AFL footy after 17 matches in two seasons to return home to WA. Now 21, the former first-round pick is more mature and after capable of slotting straight into the senior line-up. Has some special skills and in a rebuilding Blues team, you’d think he’d get a few chances. Dual position a big tick.
TOM BELL $287,000 FWD
Youch. Bell heard his leg “snap” earlier this year, the resulting surgery ensuring he was a spectator at the Lions for most of 2017. But an impressive result in Brisbane’s recent time trial should have potential suitors confident the big-bodied ballwinner can return to make an impact next season. Likes a goal and wins plenty of contested footy, so could make us some early cash.
LACHLAN KEEFFE $123,900 FWD/DEF
Was making his mark at Collingwood before missing two seasons after testing positive to banned drug clenbuterol. Signed as a delisted free agent at GWS in November. Didn’t play a senior game with the Pies this year but he’s 27 and has looked comfortable at AFL level. He’s cheap, so perhaps the key question for SuperCoaches is whether they think he can fit into a Giants side featuring plenty of talented talls.
STEWART CRAMERI $257,300 FWD
The hard-running forward was caught up in the Bombers’ supplements saga and then endured a frustrating run with injury at the Western Bulldogs. After being rookied he’s determined to make a go of it at the Cats, who might be looking for another tall option in attack. He’s 29, so some might think his best is behind him.
ALLEN CHRISTENSEN $267,300 FWD
Christensen’s move to the Lions hasn’t been a success. Managed 22 games in 2015 but just 11 the following season and none in 2017 after two years ruined by shoulder injuries. The good news? He uses the pill well and is finally fit again — and has added considerable bulk to his frame. We’d like to see some pre-season form before taking the plunge.
MATTHEW LOBBE $253,000 RUCK
The former Power big man has Lobbed (see what we did there?) at Ikon Park as a support act to Matthew Kreuzer. Hard to see the two b ig men playing in the same team but if Kreuzer’s injury curse returns he suddenly becomes SuperCoach relevant again.
