Discussion Rookie Discussion

[THCLT]

Great work , but I am beginning to wonder what this player did to you , but happily to keep him quiet (all though I have revealed him) , twice you have left him out now

Consider that as my favour to you...keeping him as your secret weapon.

What's done is done...the rest can do their own research!

 

[Philzsay]

FYI re the JS of BZT, at half time today Mooney On the telly interviewed Cale Hooker who said he was aiming for a Rd 3 to Rd 5 return. So it gives BZT a good crack at it before his main concern for JS returns.

 

[Bomber18]

From the AFL site...

Bolter in the frame to fill second ruck spot for Eagles
By Nathan Schmook

WEST Coast ruck bolter Bailey Williams looks ready to press his claims for round one selection in Friday's intraclub hitout after being managed with hamstring tightness.

Williams was sidelined for Saturday's Marsh Community Series clash against Fremantle, setting him back in his push to support Nic Naitanui in the season-opener against Melbourne on March 22.

The second-year tall moved well at West Coast training on Monday, however, staying back after a short recovery/skills session to complete his own running at Mineral Resources Park.

He was kicking, collecting groundballs, and leapt for a big grab on the marking bag, suggesting he is ready to press his claims on Friday.

He ran for approximately another 30 minutes after the session finished, completing 200m runs at a good pace.

Coach Adam Simpson declared the second ruck spot was open after the Eagles' loss to Fremantle on Saturday night, with an intraclub hitout on Friday set to help determine who the match committee takes into round one.

Williams has been considered the frontrunner through the latter stages of the pre-season, impressing in training with his high leap, ability to impact at ground level and athleticism when playing forward.

Premiership ruckman Nathan Vardy has been the main support in both pre-season games for Naitanui, who didn't complete the outdoor skills session on Monday.

Vardy had four disposals and nine hitouts in 55 per cent game time against the Dockers at HBF Arena and hasn't yet done enough to lock down selection for round one.

Fellow ruckman Tom Hickey has missed both pre-season hitouts, instead lining up for the Eagles' WAFL team after being named in the senior squad.

Williams, who was recruited with pick No.35 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, is yet to debut.

Meanwhile, star defender Jeremy McGovern had a light session on Monday after returning from a heel injury in Saturday's pre-season clash against the Dockers, playing 56 per cent game time.

Young tall Oscar Allen, who is yet to play this pre-season after an ankle setback, moved well before an early finish after 30 minutes. The 20-year-old is another contender to play the forward/ruck position if he plays in Friday's intraclub.

It does sound promising but there are a lot of names in the hat for that second ruck role: B.Williams, Vardy, Hickey and Allen!

@Lost In The Sky While we have you, could you please share your thoughts on the likelihood of Brander and B.Williams playing in round one? What do you think the best 22 for R1 will look like?

I thought Brander probably gets a crack as he did okay in the role he had been training in all preseason.
B.Williams I'm not as sure on, do WCE really pit a 19yo against Gawn in Round 1, especially after his slight hammy injury interruption?

 

[Herbie66]

Consider that as my favour to you...keeping him as your secret weapon.

What's done is done...the rest can do their own research!

Thank you again , look forward to seeing your starting team and good luck for your Flying Horses this season.

 

[Bomber18]

I think the main argument for not spending up on bench players is that you generally want your dollars invested on the ground, given this is obviously where the points are actually scored.

With that said, the purpose of bench rookies is primarily to generate cash, as you say, in addition to providing cover and giving you a chance to improve your on field rookie scoring (if your M9 starts scoring better than your M8, clearly you can switch them).

I think that means that it’s the classic points vs cash trade-off: if the value of the incremental cash generate by spending upon bench rookies is greater than the value of the on field points you initially sacrifice by investing cash off the field - then I think you do it.

Alternately I think you can pick donuts to play, or floating donuts for the loop ability, or go hard on pinch hitters and/or value premiums, and go from there.

Great post but I think the picking donuts strategy will really come back to bite this preseason given the lack of good basement rookie options. We need consistent cash generation and also to leave our options open for downgrade targets (i.e. the Budarick, Cockatoo types).

As every single dollar will be important, if push comes to shove, I can see myself not starting a captaincy donut (especially if a playing R3 appears...!)

Without having enough cash generation options, the teams that didn't invest enough in their benches will probably end up with a lot of compromise options.

The alternate also is to avoid that real bullet premium that gets injured or heavily tagged early on that everyone can pick up for peanuts later. A lot of luck will be involved there...!

 

[NT.Thunder]

I notice there’s not much discussion around Noah Anderson? Seems to have good JS and good numbers as a junior, granted his Marsh series numbers are down and I didn’t really notice his role but have most written him off from starting teams?
Been a few over the years that have scored well after having low numbers during preseason.

 

[Bomber18]

I notice there’s not much discussion around Noah Anderson? Seems to have good JS and good numbers as a junior, granted his Marsh series numbers are down and I didn’t really notice his role but have most written him off from starting teams?
Been a few over the years that have scored well after having low numbers during preseason.

Had a more wing type role from what I saw. I think he’s locked in for a round 1 spot, I am considering taking him if none of Robertson/T.Watson/BWilliams get named

 

[Ironhawk]

I notice there’s not much discussion around Noah Anderson? Seems to have good JS and good numbers as a junior, granted his Marsh series numbers are down and I didn’t really notice his role but have most written him off from starting teams?
Been a few over the years that have scored well after having low numbers during preseason.

At his price, I needed to see a bit more than a 36 average. Happy to jump on late if he looks a must have.

 

[Herbie66]

so if De Koning is named Round 1 , do we take him or wait for Cameron (Fri) , Williams & Xerri (both Sunday)

some might even want CCJ or Jackson

 

[NT.Thunder]

so if De Koning is named Round 1 , do we take him or wait for Cameron (Fri) , Williams & Xerri (both Sunday)

some might even want CCJ or Jackson

There’s no we in this game come round 1 ?, you want him, you take him.

 

[THCLT]

I would prefer someone much cheaper but as it stands Noah Anderson is my 3rd pick of the MID Rookies behind Rowell & Pickett. Good JS and great role, albeit he doesn't looked as 'ready made' as his partner in crime.

He may not produce Walsh's like numbers, but I feel that he'll build into the season nicely and hopefully starts producing Walsh's like numbers around the MBRs.

 

[Herbie66]

There’s no we in this game come round 1 ?, you want him, you take him.

fair enough

 

[THCLT]

There’s no we in this game come round 1 ?, you want him, you take him.

Don't forget, sharing is caring at SCS...

 

[NT.Thunder]

fair enough

In all seriousness though I’m not sure I’ll fall into the Relton Roberts trap again and just grabbing someone I wasn’t keen on all preseason. I haven’t looked at him though.

 

[Philzsay]

I notice there’s not much discussion around Noah Anderson? Seems to have good JS and good numbers as a junior, granted his Marsh series numbers are down and I didn’t really notice his role but have most written him off from starting teams?
Been a few over the years that have scored well after having low numbers during preseason.

I've actually had him in my team all summer, but mainly as a place holder at M7 (with Rowell at M6) as I had assumed I would downgrade him to a cheaper rookie, just they haven't turned up!

He is the midfielder I will mull over most in the next two weeks.

 

[NT.Thunder]

Don't forget, sharing is caring at SCS...

I know, I’m a bit grumpy at the moment.......pre-round 1 stresses maybe or could be just that work is so boring

 

[Herbie66]

In all seriousness though I’m not sure I’ll fall into the Relton Roberts trap again and just grabbing someone I wasn’t keen on all preseason. I haven’t looked at him though.

I was set on Grundy , Gawn , Comben but since I won't be needing Comben anymore was looking at possible alternatives , thought if we get a rookie priced ruckman named they would be a good option.

Probably will have further info after Brown's scans tomorrow so Xerri might be better.

Doubt Cameron is named , will need to monitor WCE practice match on Friday in regards to Williams

 

[Darkie]

Great post but I think the picking donuts strategy will really come back to bite this preseason given the lack of good basement rookie options. We need consistent cash generation and also to leave our options open for downgrade targets (i.e. the Budarick, Cockatoo types).

As every single dollar will be important, if push comes to shove, I can see myself not starting a captaincy donut (especially if a playing R3 appears...!)

Without having enough cash generation options, the teams that didn't invest enough in their benches will probably end up with a lot of compromise options.

The alternate also is to avoid that real bullet premium that gets injured or heavily tagged early on that everyone can pick up for peanuts later. A lot of luck will be involved there...!

I think it’s tricky but there could be a situation where it makes sense to maybe have 2-3 donuts first up if the planets align. Say two floating donuts (R3 and M11) and a DTP like Hibberd. It’s not ideal and definitely carries risk, but picking a player for a specific purpose that’s appealing, rather than a rookie you really don’t rate just because you feel you “have to”, is viable if there aren’t other options within your structure as I see it.

 

[freowho]

I know, I’m a bit grumpy at the moment.......pre-round 1 stresses maybe or could be just that work is so boring

Don't you work at home? Bunnings has lots of DIY ideas.

 

[THCLT]

I know, I’m a bit grumpy at the moment.......pre-round 1 stresses maybe or could be just that work is so boring

We still have 2 more weeks to calm those pre R1 stress...relax...the Rookies will come, they always do!