Good evening Rows!
The preliminary finals are upon us except...
...this round has barely even started and it's already on the brink of being over for me unfortunately. I know that sounds pessimistic and although I'm really happy West Coast won, the fact that Tim Kelly almost got a double ton has screwed me over big time. Gaff's score, however, has slightly kept the flame still alive for me!
I'm playing against the guy who I beat in last year's final. He's out for revenge and right now it looks like he's gonna get it.
My team is on the left below. His team on the right. Assuming we both captain Gawn, I'm projected 2492 and he's projected 2559. Note that I can't see his current team because the website is not letting me, so gotta assume he still has two trades to make this round (likely has upgraded Riccardi to someone). The team on the right below is his one from round 16.
View attachment 21409
Trades are no issue as I have 4 left. 255k cash to spend. Injury concerns to Simpkin and Docherty only make things worse though.
What is the approach from here on how to go for the win? Make high risk/high reward trades? I will wait to see the line-ups for the Saturday games which are announced tomorrow. I need to trade out Wicks but don't know who to bring in and hoping you can suggest a genuine match winner who can go big these last two rounds.
Should I bring in a defender (move Rivers to mid) or a midfielder? VC/Captain choice to make? Currently thinking Gawn into Neale.
Also if Simpkin & Docherty both somehow do play, then trading Schoenberg from the bench to get extra cash may be an option.
Always grateful for any advice/suggestions you have! Don't think there's been a round this year where I need it as much as I do this round!
Many thanks!
p.s. Feeling a bit superstitious so gonna tag @Darkie for no apparent reason...well last year it worked and I won...!!
The preliminary finals are upon us except...
...this round has barely even started and it's already on the brink of being over for me unfortunately. I know that sounds pessimistic and although I'm really happy West Coast won, the fact that Tim Kelly almost got a double ton has screwed me over big time. Gaff's score, however, has slightly kept the flame still alive for me!
I'm playing against the guy who I beat in last year's final. He's out for revenge and right now it looks like he's gonna get it.
My team is on the left below. His team on the right. Assuming we both captain Gawn, I'm projected 2492 and he's projected 2559. Note that I can't see his current team because the website is not letting me, so gotta assume he still has two trades to make this round (likely has upgraded Riccardi to someone). The team on the right below is his one from round 16.
View attachment 21409
Trades are no issue as I have 4 left. 255k cash to spend. Injury concerns to Simpkin and Docherty only make things worse though.
What is the approach from here on how to go for the win? Make high risk/high reward trades? I will wait to see the line-ups for the Saturday games which are announced tomorrow. I need to trade out Wicks but don't know who to bring in and hoping you can suggest a genuine match winner who can go big these last two rounds.
Should I bring in a defender (move Rivers to mid) or a midfielder? VC/Captain choice to make? Currently thinking Gawn into Neale.
Also if Simpkin & Docherty both somehow do play, then trading Schoenberg from the bench to get extra cash may be an option.
Always grateful for any advice/suggestions you have! Don't think there's been a round this year where I need it as much as I do this round!
Many thanks!
p.s. Feeling a bit superstitious so gonna tag @Darkie for no apparent reason...well last year it worked and I won...!!
I think the match is closer than the projected scores say, but I do think your opponent is holding a troubling advantage over you. It's a pity the Geel game is up next, as it could have been a good game for you to throw a hail Mary late in the Round, and bring in someone like Menegola, who can go anywhere from 60 to 180. He has 3 x 150+ scores already this season, and most people are surprised that Richmond give up good scores to Mids. On that note, I think you need to try and separate at least your VC score from your opponent, and in that vein, I am suggesting you VC Dangerfield. (Menegola would have been a ripping POD VC!). Here's why: (the number in brackets is the players average, without the Richmond game included)
Rnd 8 v GWS: Kelly 195 (106)
Rnd 9 v WB: Macrae 162 (122)
Rnd 10 v Bris: Neale 149 (138), Lyons 121 (114), McCluggage 114 (103)
Rnd 11 v Port: Wines 189 (100), Gray 133 (88), Boak 129 (109)
Rnd 12 v GC: Anderson 126 (70), Miller 124 (104)
Rnd 13 v Ess: Merrett 143 (114)
Rnd 14 v WC: Gaff 135 (100), Kelly 118 (91), Shuey 112 (93)
Rnd 15 v Fre: Fyfe 132 (108), Acres 129 (69)
If Danger fails, and you still look like you are behind, i'd suggest Macrae as your Captain pick. One of your best avenues back into the match, is to out-do his Captain score, which of course, you can only do if it is a different player.
After that, I think you need to wait and see what surprises selections throws up. I would be keeping in the back of your mind, that the players that have been under a cloud (Simpkin, Docherty) have the potential to under-perform, so them being selected is potentially as problematic, as them not being selected.
Good luck in the first half, we'll revisit how you are going Saturday, when we know more about team selections.