Discussion 2021: Detailed Pre-Season Player/Role Observations by Wogitalia & Others

[wogitalia]

North vs Hawks

General - Well this one sure looked like two bottom 4 sides battling it out, couldn't question the intensity or efforts but the skills left more than a wee bit to be desired. Really decent game for fantasy prospects though. Definitely both sides tired late in quarters and from halfway through the third it was even more sloppy. Didn't notice the new rules really doing much again. Watched all 4 quarters as I honestly had nothing better to do . Worth noting there was a decent wind for the first 2.5 quarters that seemed to die off a bit but was definitely hurting in the first half. I'd forgotten how incredibly painful David King is as a commentator, just horrific to listen to, always an agenda.

North - Very sloppy skills, amount of times they butchered it was amazing. Distinct lack of forward pressure was also a big issue for them, Hawks rebounded far too easily. Wasn't an awful lot of pressure through the midfield either, especially as it went on. Thought their kids were decent for the most part and things were mostly working but the forward issues were very noticeable. Cunnington, Anderson and Dumont all major issues that are missing, makes reading much into roles pretty hard when arguably their 3 top guys aren't there.

Walker - Played at CHF, roaming everywhere, even to defensive 50 at times. He actually looked really good. Not fantasy relevant except for impact on others I'd guess.

Tyson - Really putting his hand up for round 1. Looks fit for the first time in a while, played midfield and wing with a bit of HF but kicked the goals from the midfield from what I could tell. Needs to average roughly 80 which is pretty much what he's done whenever fit. Reckon you could do a lot worse if he's there round one alongside the guys missing. Very high on my watch list if the rookies are thin on the ground.

Stephenson - Pretty pure wing role today with a few bursts inside and he looked really solid in the role, basically wasn't forward at all. He could push premium numbers, it's not like he did anything really outstanding today and he's racked up an 84, the question is can he get rid of those really bad games? I don't know, another who if he was 50-100k cheaper he'd be absolutely in play but is a lot more questionable at his price. He's definitely one of the best options in that price range though.

Ziebell - Couple of bad kicks, if you asked King, who clearly hates him, he was beaten defensively multiple times, I had twice of which one was a free kick that's called about 20% of the time and the other was one out in an empty 50 to an uncontested entry on a turnover, the kind of contest that the very best backs aren't winning. Otherwise he impacted the contest as a 3rd man, though not a lot of intercept marks today, and he took the majority of the kick-ins. Outside the aforementioned couple of bad kicks he used it well, one was a lazy jab and the other was actually just a fantastic read and intercept by McEvoy. Big tick and a lock. Did go off after a big contest with a couple of minutes to go so will need to watch but imagine just an old man calling it a day in the preseason.

Simpkin - One of those almost games, lot of handballs he shouldn't have given and a few questionable. Probably a bit less than you'd want to see if considering him but can't say he really did anything to move the needle either way for me as someone who notices him but hasn't really looked to go with him.

LDU - He was really good early in the game, faded out as it went on. He looks a lot bigger than years past and was a class above in the first half, was basically the only Kanga who looked like hitting a target, couple of really nice clearances. No idea where he really fits in when everyone is playing which has always been a big problem for him. He looked the goods though and definitely throws up an interesting proposition.

Goldstein - Was very lacklustre. Standard Goldy preseason game really.

McDonald - Brutal ratio, I'll be honest, I didn't notice the 10 clangers, I mean he wasn't good but he didn't seem that bad. Biggest concern for him was Young and Ziebell both taking kickins (especially Ziebell) and also just the general inability for anyone to hit targets consistently, they also looked to move it longer a lot more. Looked fit otherwise and kind of game that doesn't really change his narrative, you're picking him because of how good he was last year if you're picking him. I always struggle with new coaches and their potential impact on a guy like him but can't argue the numbers last year.

Thomas - He's a tease of a player, at times he looks really good and other times really awful. He's starting to trend towards a Varcoe without the hardness type right now and his softness is a major concern, both in his lack of gut running but also the way he skirts packs. This is a huge season for him, no fantasy appeal to me despite there being a potential star in there.

Corr - Soundly beaten by Kosi over and over it felt but was otherwise really solid. Not fantasy relevant to me.

Powell - Really liked his game, came off at 3/4 time for Phillips to come on so don't take the score as a bad sign, he was on target for 75ish. Reminds me of a right footed Macrae, just that kind of movement around the ground and looks to have a solid foot on him. Grew as the game went on and looks ready for the big stuff. He's only slight though so could be protected a bit. Still looks a very genuine on-field option to me that is worth his premium. Big tick.

Turner - He's one of those players I just don't get, he just doesn't seem to do anything at an AFL level to me. Not sure why North keeps prioritising him over guys with some genuine skills. Must be a great trainer/club man.

Young - Underwhelming score but he seemed better than the score and had a clear role as the 3rd rebounding defender. Did a bit of intercept work. The 3 FA sure doesn't help but watching he felt like a 70. I think he's definitely an option, positional value I think has him at least in a discussion against a Dow type for those who don't want to overload the backs.

Hayden - Great role again but he's one of those human tackling bags types. He looks a million bucks physically but just seems to always be getting tackled. Nothing he did says to me he's not the first name out of the midfield mix for all the guys missing. Whether he impacts the backline by sliding there or goes back to the VFL is the only real question.

Zurhaar - Rubbish role today, played deep forward for the whole game.

Spicer - What a name, showed some speed in his quarter of field time but to be honest he looked like a less developed Turner for now, ran himself off the line of the ball on his one real chance to goal (albeit a difficult chance). Lot of forward craft to come for him I think but physically he's got some talent.

Lazzaro - Only played the first half, had a couple of nice moments but hard to spin a good story out of the benching other than the pipe dream "they're resting him up for round 1" that applies to stars but not rookies! I like the look and he's going to be around the fringe of the team but another who looks an easy choice to go out for the 3 to come in.

Phillips - Came on at 3/4 time as mentioned and got the first clearance from the centre bounce. He reads the ball really well in the pack and is clearly. There was more than a little bit of Cunnington in how he went about it, even the movement to a certain extent. Will be shocked if he doesn't feature heavily throughout the season, doubt it's round one from all the chatter out of North though.

 

[wogitalia]

Ye old 10,000 words....

Hawks - They would be delighted with how freely they scored I imagine. Less delighted with their ball use. Would have to be happy with the kids and while Wingard, O'Meara, Gunston and Mitchell are all very notable names out of the side it's unlikely we see at least two of them for a bit and I don't think that O'Meara or Mitchell actually impact most of the fantasy relevant guys. Wingard is actually probably the most important and he's out a few weeks at least from what I've seen.

Phillips - What an utter conundrum of a game. He was everywhere, especially late in the quarters and in the 4th when everyone else was tiring but he wasn't nearly as noticeable in the rest of the game, quite frankly his DE at 76% felt incredibly generous, he must have had about a dozen of his kicks graded as "long to a contest, effective" instead of "short to a contest, ineffective" that were 39.5m and rounded up because my note watching him was "his kicking might have gotten worse" . Can't argue with the numbers and that kind of DT is going to work regardless of his kicking. He was playing a wing/inside role with a 60/40 split for mine, he's actually the one player I think O'Meara/Mitchell would impact potentially but I think the kids go out first and it's the same role he played last week with O'Meara there so I'm not phased. His hands were actually good and the workrate was top notch. The hard part for me is judging whether the red time scoring is a blip or something substantial as I don't think it's there in the real games to nearly the same extent. As a guy I've had locked into my DT from day one he definitely has raised his hand a lot higher for my SC. Right now I'm likely only picking one forward premium (Danger) but he's definitely moved way up my board of those speculative picks.

Shiels - Same old for him, relished the #1 mid role and put in work.

Morrison - Had a clean wing role and made the most of it to wax plenty. He looked very good in a similar role last week and he's definitely put his hand up. 360k defender who I reckon has put up something close to a 100 average across two games. Ultimately there is probably too much risk in the pick but he definitely ticked boxes. Challenging Harmes as the top option in that price range. I don't see any reason he can't push 90 in the role, which means you're a couple of good games from keeper range there.

Kosi - Stamped his place in the team for a couple of weeks at least with that. Showed a lot more ability to cover ground and put in defensive efforts today which was my biggest takeaway, the 6 goals that should have been 8 is really the icing. I would wager good money he's blown his load early and put up what will be his best score by 40 odd points in the preseason but who knows! Either way, we have a back bench rookie. He wont play North every week and I still think he's going to be a 55 type who we hope can hit an 80+ game to price spike him but he's there and he's earned a couple of weeks.

Moore - Really solid as a HF, don't like the role in a bad team but nice for the Hawks fans to see him keep producing. Just finds the ball and space, going to be a good one.

Jiath - Well he put most of it together this week, still a bit suspect when he has time to go through the options and end up with the "don't take a risk" kick but was very good at balancing his attacking runs and added a few nice intercept marks. He's as good an option as any in that price range and it's becoming clear to me that Clarko sees him as best 22 right now.

McEvoy - A surprisingly good score, he did do a few nice things (intercept marks, tackles) but he didn't seem that prevalent to the eye. Was a genuine ruck share, probably 55/45 to McEvoy. Ceglar played too well for my liking, he'll be there round 1 I'd think and that really ruins him as a good option. Still could post premium numbers though, he's more of "in-play" now than anything.

Howe - Role was really solid, more inside mid today. Didn't really put the runs on the board though and would think he goes out for the stars.

Worpel - Strong role, still can't kick. Would be an absurd starting pick if he works out, so credit to anyone going with it but just not enough evidence for me.

Hanrahan - Playing as a small forward he was really solid. Nothing spectacular about him but a good worker.

Brockman - Loved what I saw last week, this week he put the runs on the board though and ultimately that's more important. Ultimately it's his tackling pressure and willingness that will get him games but to see some creative flair and some goal kicking was really good. He's as pure a bench rookie as there is to me given his role in what I envision being a weak side but at a M/F 117k rookie that should get plenty of chances is gold right now. Lock him in.

Downie - Ignore the ratio, the kid is class and most games he's going the other way. Even his clangers were pretty good kinds, one was a kick that was a cm from being perfect but went out on the full instead, one was also a cm from beating the man on the marks finger tips and being another good kick but just got stopped instead. Played a pure wing role and most of the game. Only real question for him would be if Phillips were pushed into a more pure wing as the stars come back and whether Downie hangs on. I'd think given what he's shown though, especially kicking wise, he's going to be a priority. Still think the ratio was particularly harsh but I guess that's the nature when you're an outside player. Personally I saw more than enough to be very happy to have him on-field round one, so now is the time for Clarko to destroy me and not pick him

Day - Solid again but not finding enough of it to justify the risk he represents.

Greaves - Came on at half time for Impey and was far better for mine. I don't know what he's doing wrong to not just be locked in the best 22 already but he's a threat to Impey for sure.

Burgoyne - Played in defense which was a surprise to me given how many other options they have. He still looks fine.

O'Brien - Went to defense late in the game, perhaps a statement that Kosi has clearly got one of the spots and in case they want to pick Lewis as well. He was solid but you can feel the frustration he causes Dunstall with his ability to almost do everything and end up with nothing.

Hartigan - Solid in defense.

Bramble - He played a lot more than I thought, honestly thought he'd gone off in the 3rd and not come back on. He did a couple of nice things and the fact he's playing is probably the best sign. Playing as a small forward and think he was the least productive of the group and would go out for Breust next week. 102k mid and if he's picked there's a player there but he'd also be a bench only option.

Impey - Not sure what happened here, went off at the half, didn't hear mention of an injury and wouldn't have thought he'd done enough to be secure in the best 22 to the point that you rest him (would have thought that would be a McEvoy or Burgoyne type) so can only really read it as a negative also. He wasn't bad while he was out there but he sure didn't do anything to demand picking. I imagine he did a fair bit of his scoring on the bench as well given he sat while the game was over effectively as he didn't really feel like he was that good for his SC ratio. Definitely a spanner in the works but I dare say if he's there in round 1, he's still going to get picked by a lot of people and that will be the ultimate factor for my picking him.

 

[wogitalia]

Geelong vs Essendon

General - Really good game this one, Bombers really bringing it and were the better team regardless of scoreboard but you know the old saying, back kicking is bad football. Both teams going hard at it and keeping pretty strong real stuff structures, the contrasts in styles is very noticeable. Watched the full game because it was good

Cats - They'd be alright with this game but certainly not the happier side despite the outcome. They had the same dour, slow moving approach as past years, structurally sound and looking to get it out the back offensively, the Bombers did a really good job of cutting them off across midfield all night but I guess that's the sign of their quality is that they still get the win. No Duncan, Stanley or Ratugolea but otherwise a very strong team.

Clark - Really strong game, wing pretty much all night with brief spurts at HB and HF, even managed to scalp a couple of kick-ins. Showed his ability off and why I've been watching him given his price. I hate that Duncan wasn't there as he obviously influences this role but he looked the goods, just a ton of it.

Stewart - Not doing his case any harm whatsoever. Same old for him and a good display of what he'll do this year I imagine. Don't need to say a lot, looked fit and played well.

Jenkins - 2nd ruck to start and into 1st ruck for 2nd half and gave a better contest than De Koning. Would be a good fantasy role for him in a Stef Martin vein but can't say he's fantasy relevant unless it stuck.

Dangerfield - Enormous first quarter, I didn't notice him in the 2nd basically at all, seemed to spend most of it off and spent the entire 4th quarter at FF from what I could tell so his score is pretty solid all things considered. Most important with him is that he looked fit, that groin seems like a typical "Danger the attention whore/fake injury specialist" to me, just don't see anything different about him.

Atkins - Playing off HB and really solid. He looked great last week as well in this role and I imagine his score would have been similar. Would take some serious cajones to pick him but based on his preseason I think he can actually push high 80s and perhaps a bit higher in this role.

Selwood - Same old with him. Still mostly inside mid.

Smith - Wing but also a bit of genuine centre work. Same old with him as well.

Blicavs - Mostly at FB but did float around a fair bit still. Don't like the FB for him, basically every other role he's good in for SC.

Cameron - Looked solid without really dominating. Definitely a little off the pace though, few fumbles cost him chances to goal. He's a really interesting price and he definitely could work out but lot of risk there.

Hawkins - Rock solid preseason game for him, definitely not pushing his limits.

Menegola - Was solid, didn't seem to play the whole game which is supported by the TOG but was rotating through the wing.

Higgins - Solid half for him. Did some nice things but clearly playing HF.

Zuthrie - Came on at the half and played wing from there and looked good but with Clark doing that, Menegola, Smith, Higgins and Duncan it's just impossible to squeeze him in. Would be viable if he could in that wing role.

Miers - Another who played parts but not the whole game. Was really decent while out there but nothing special.

De Koning - Soundly beaten, couple of nice plays around the game but that was about it, would be very surprised if they use him as the ruck this year.

Evans - Came on late but did some really nice things. Think the came on late indicates where he's at in the pecking order unfortunately.

 

[wogitalia]

Word counted!

Bombers - They'd have to be delighted I think. Outplayed Geelong pretty much all night and but for terrible kicking at goal they'd have won by a fair bit, they must have had another 5 shots that went out on the full or didn't make the distance from easy distances on top of the 18 misses of which very few were difficult. Really strong hitout. Brad Johnson just said they should have won by 6 goals and I'd pretty much agree. Their midfield in particular was dynamic. For mine they had no one that is clear best 22 missing outside Hurley who isn't playing anytime soon so a good read. The most noticeable trait to their game was the Richmond style they played, a lot of tap-ons and play on inside and move it forward, bringing to ground was all they wanted up forward.

Merrett - Not as good as last week but still exceptional, reckon the ratio was rough even with the clangers as he was just fantastic all game. I already had him in my team but he's confirmed my thoughts, just the clear #1 in a midfield I personally think is pretty good and has played the same clear role both weeks which aligns with what he finished in last year after Rutten basically took over, he clearly values him as an inside midfielder but it's his spread on top of being very good inside that makes him a SC option. Just elite work rate and he's a generally great ball user.

Parish - Speaking of harsh ratios, didn't notice him turning it over and while he had a few poor kicks his clearance and contested work was really noticeable. Shame he's a mid only, finally looks to have got it.

Ridley - He looked really underdone to start the game and was totally off the pace for the first quarter and a half but he built really nicely into a genuinely good game. He hordes the kick-in, basically didn't let anyone else near them except the captain managing to pull rank for one or two from what I saw. Did nothing to change my opinion on him that he's got the potential to be a 110 scorer but is most likely fairly priced.

Langford - Another really solid game from him, another I'd have thought would have a better ratio, couple of massive contested marks and just his work in the contest in general. Playing mostly on the wing and doing well. I still like him as a SC pick but he'd be a pretty lonely hill to die on.

Smith - Really solid, disposal let him down as usual but he was terrific with his pressure work. Playing a Kane Lambert type of high HF but pressure role.

Laverde - Held down his post well, actually looked better when Stewart went off.

Hooker - Held down his post at FF well also, their most consistent forward during the night. Not fantasy relevant but the Stewart injury, if weeks, will be interesting to see how they handle.

McGrath - Really solid hitout but he still just doesn't do enough. Quality player who you want getting more quantity. Be surprised if this is the season he breaks out based on what I saw, if anything has been pushed back a rung by Caldwell.

Caldwell - Massive Q1, disappeared in Q2, like Danger I'm not even sure he was on the field, and then solid but unspectacular 3rd and 4th quarters. Q1 noteworthy as he played a pure centre role as opposed to Q3/4 where he was a bit more peripheral. I have actually got little doubt he'll push 90 if he plays in the centre but think it will be harder for him from outside and not nearly as likely. Still, he's as good as anyone in his price range and I'd give his game a big solid tick, he looked good.

Hind - Shame he got injured, shoulder by the looks, and hopefully it's minor because he looked fantastic, reckon he got scaled back a bit because he was off when the game was decided (not watching live scores) because he was fantastic and dynamic while out there. At 331k he's actually a genuine option as he definitely looks capable of being a 90ish scorer off that HB, Bombers were definitely looking for him around the back and he's a really solid kick. Will be interesting to hear what the injury was.

Wright - Really, really solid game. Looked good around the ground as the 2nd ruck and was a constant target up forward. I loved this trade for the value and so far what I've seen from Wright has probably been better than I thought he was, that's a great sign when you pay nothing for a guy. Be very surprised if he's not the R2/KP2 for them to start the year. Don't expect this kind of scoring regularly but he played well and it's a good sign.

Heppell - Another with a ratio that surprised me. I don't think he did anything great outside a couple of nice spoils and his tackle on Rohan and he definitely made a couple of mistakes but given a few intercept touches it's a surprised to see it that negative. Still looked better for the run and the role is still nice and he's very much still a fantasy option.

Shiel - Went off and iced his knee, kind of thing that if there's anything there would be huge for Caldwell but it looked mostly precautionary and Caldwell's role was actually better while Shiel was out there. Same old from him, bad kicking, great running and just general levels of teasing.

Draper - Was dominant in the ruck. Great game from him but given the opponent it's hard to give it much credence.

Jones - Really solid game but this is probably somewhere around where his scoring is going to land quite often. Presents really well, great high pointer of the ball and just moves really well. There's nothing of him though and he's going to get beaten in most strength battles. To be fair, Geelong are a very good defensive side so his efforts are good. Think he did enough to be there round 1 as the 3rd tall unless Stringer is back out of nowhere.

Cahill - Role was really solid, score is acceptable but not ideal, definitely did a little more after Hinds went down but he was solid. Going to be games where he doesn't find the balance on attack/defend and has low touches as a result but he played well, don't recall seeing him beaten defensively, and should be there round 1, he's probably cheap enough that that is enough and I think his role is still capable of producing much better scores than this.

Cox - One of those hard games. Was delighted with his role and the general way he played but the score at the end is obviously the concern. I actually think the Bombers dominance genuinely hurts him as his best strength right now is as a lead-up target for the rebounding defenders and he had one really good example early on of this where his man (Smith iirc) couldn't get near him to spoil. He also clearly has an order to push forward and try and snag goals, he should have kicked both his points and dropped another mark he should have taken about 15m out, so quite easily could have had 3 goals. As bad as the score was, he actually ticked a lot of boxes for me and I still feel happy to call him an on-field rookie. Wouldn't surprise me if this is the worst score he has all year. If the Bombers are good then I am ready to change that but reckon Ridley will hit him a lot this year if they're not great.

Stewart - Hamstring late in third, was playing really solidly. Will be interesting to see how the Bombers re-shuffle, Gleeson came on when he went off and they shuffled Francis and Laverde into the key posts and it worked pretty well, not sure they really have anyone much bigger so would probably have to shift Hooker back if they wanted that which seems unlikely with how well he played forward, may just be tightness and could be fine though.

Bryan - Really like the look of him. Bombers have got a really good one with him.

Perkins - On very late, didn't do much. Like his defensive work mostly at this point, his only kick was a panic boot it long and that was pretty much the theme last week. Will learn to use his speed to create time to kick accurately but could probably do with a few weeks in the magoos first.

Waterman - Came on at 3/4 time I believe, couple of nice things but probably an indicator he's behind Jones right now. Reminds me of a Sam Lloyd or Tory Dickon, that mid sized forward who lacks a bit of speed but has some real craft and good skills. Could be a good pick if he does play out of left field but right now I'd be planning for him to not be there round 1 based on both games where he's played limited minutes.

 

[Bomber18]

Loved your stuff @wogitalia on these recent matches. One question from me - did Jiath's performance have you considering him for a spot in your side? Or no chance?

 

[wogitalia]

Loved your stuff @wogitalia on these recent matches. One question from me - did Jiath's performance have you considering him for a spot in your side? Or no chance?

Yes and no.

Yes in that if I was looking at that price range he's absolutely a strong option but no because I'm trying to avoid that group as much as possible.

He did a lot of good things, his disposal still worries me but if he's going to take intercept marks like that then it can't hurt. Also with Day, Impey, Scrimshaw, Greaves and Hardwick I reckon there will be a lot of sharing of the reboudning. That said, he's put up 123 which would be a glorious cash generation score if he can do it in the real stuff. Seen nothing to suggest he can't from the two games.

 

[Bomber18]

Yes and no.

Yes in that if I was looking at that price range he's absolutely a strong option but no because I'm trying to avoid that group as much as possible.

He did a lot of good things, his disposal still worries me but if he's going to take intercept marks like that then it can't hurt. Also with Day, Impey, Scrimshaw, Greaves and Hardwick I reckon there will be a lot of sharing of the reboudning. That said, he's put up 123 which would be a glorious cash generation score if he can do it in the real stuff. Seen nothing to suggest he can't from the two games.

Good answer! Smart to avoid that group but a 123 definitely got my attention...

 

[Courtesans]

Brilliant Wogitalia, speechless really....

 

[Beg2Differ]

@wogitalia can we select you in our SuperCoach teams? Outstanding mature age rookie (to SCS) with an amazing POST to LIKE ratio (is it sustainable?). I suspect you could be the first ever rookie priced genuine premium keeper but if not will certainly make a shed load of cash.

 

[Bomber18]

@wogitalia can we select you in our SuperCoach teams? Outstanding mature age rookie (to SCS) with an amazing POST to LIKE ratio (is it sustainable?). I suspect you could be the first ever rookie priced genuine premium keeper but if not will certainly make a shed load of cash.

Signs are looking good for a 5th year breakout. Strong preseason form !

 

[Shannon]

Loved Merrett’s game again - both performances have shown me that he is primed for a big season. Playing the perfect midfield role & his work ethic is just outstanding (defensively not just offensively) along with the way he uses the ball. He was on my list of possible midfield premium options but now I have him locked in.
Jordan Clark ... this WA kid is so talented, awesome game tonight & now in my team at D5 - really aggressive with his running/ taking the game so he looks like another who benefits from the new rules.
Caldwell I have been keen on for awhile & his role in the team with Shiel/McGrath playing also didn’t appear to me to change that much. I will be keen to see the CBAs from this game. Mid pricers can hurt if they fail but when they succeed & become a premium by the end of the season it is a huge win. He appears to me to be the most likely to do a Andrew Brayshaw this year (he was my best pick last season). Can see many similarities, a similar end result would be very nice.
Really unsure on Heppell, seems to of lost a step/ bit slower than before. He got enough of the ball but didn’t look that dynamic to me. Have doubts on how much he will actually score/ how much cash he will make.
Danger is firmly locked in at F1 - his first quarter was all I needed to see.
Cox underwhelmed tonight, he know his JS is solid/ lack of back rookies makes him appealing but I am certainly not sold after tonight. Just didn’t get involved/ didn’t read the play very well. He remains in the mix (can be a fwd option also) but I am going to find the 70k to get Clark in at D5 after that game.
Can’t pick Cahill after what I saw, have doubts he is in the team round 1 even with Hind injured now.
Quite impressed by the bombers tonight, seem much improved from last year & could certainly surprise people this year.

 

[Misky]

Amazing Wogitalia, i guess speaking on behalf of many on this forum with small kids makes it hard to watch many preseason games, your summaries are invaluable

 

[Bontempele]

Did Cahill play defence?

 

[Bomber18]

Did Cahill play defence?

Yeah he did.

 

[wogitalia]

Swans vs Giants

General - Really willing contest between these two, Giants kept jumping the Swans in the first 10 minutes for all but the 3rd quarter and the Swans would then fight back for the most part. Lot of really solid rookie outcomes in this one and a particularly important game, imo. None of the rule changes seemed like major impacts. Watched all 4 quarters.

GWS - Not sure how they'd read this, dominated the stoppages in the 1st half, especially early in quarters but they definitely seemed to fatigue as the quarters went on, third quarter when they weren't dominating stoppages was particularly ugly. From my reading you've got Whitfield and Davis as the only clear best 22 guys missing so it should be pretty accurate reading.

Taranto - Happy to lock him in for my DT, pretty much summed him up as a player with the 121/106 ratio, he still can't kick and it's going to be an issue, he still looks to kick way too often and needs to go by hand more. Positives is he looked in ripping nick and his role was perfect. I imagine this is one of those games that isn't moving the needle for either side of the coin, if you liked him already he will have confirmed your decision and if you didn't like him he has confirmed your decision. Interestingly I'm probably one of the few who has been pretty against him that may actually pick him but for my side that's more of me trying to squeeze a couple of low end M8/F6 type picks into my starting team as the cash generation is an issue in my mind and starting 12 premiums is really pushing it.

Greene - Really strong game from him. Pure forward role and built into the game very nicely. He looks very fit which is obviously his major issue. Hard to read if the Giants are a good or a bad side to be honest but he's pretty much the exact same prospect as Heeney for mine, when he's fit and forward he's a solid mid 90s prospect, if he played mid he'd be a lock and if he can stay fit I think he's excellent value.

Reid - Played small defender and handled Papley all game, fairly well I might add. He's not fantasy relevant but I think he'd be the clear 1st picked small defender on the back of that.

Kelly - Just coasting around, pretty casual 109 for him. Looks in ripping nick. Everyone knows his story, his role is the same, his skills are the same, his workrate the same. Can he change the durability story? If he's ever going to you have to think after a perfect preseason this is the best chance.

Perryman - Played off half back, was solid. Mid only this year so no interest but eating another spot most likely. Him in defense does open a couple of spots though.

Hopper - Was shocked by his ratio, he dominated the clearances, I guess 8 clangers will do that and can't say I really noticed them. He looks a bit slimmer to me which he could afford and should help him get more cheap touches. Imagine without the clangers, admittedly a problem for him, he would have been the top scorer given how good his stoppage work was, believe he had the first 6 centre clearances. I also think he barely played in the 3rd quarter as I didn't notice him anymore from there. Not what you'd want if you were looking at him though but his role was flawless.

Buckley - Really wish he was 170k instead of 225k! He was great, had a solid wing role for most of the game, also didn't notice him much in Q3 but TOG says he was out there. Just looks a good player for them, another with a rough ratio. Probably a bit too expensive but if he's there round one he's definitely worth a thought as a D/M.

Green - I didn't see what I wanted, be interested to see his CBA numbers but to me he was playing HF predominantly and quite clearly behind Hopper, Taranto, Coniglio and Kelly for midfield minutes. For mine I don't think he presents value, reckon that he's a stud but role still matters and I think I prefer some of the forward/defender guys in similar price ranges just for the much lower requirements.

Coniglio - Massive half from him, did play a bit into the 3rd and then done for the day but he was terrific early on. If you were considering him it was a really big tick. Clearly in the first midfield group.

de Boer - Played forward all game, roaming HF. Impossible to read his role given no one tags and the Swans didn't really have anyone worthy of it either. Played very well.

Ward - Playing off HB and the wing, didn't notice him in the clearances except the small burst in the ruck of which I only noticed one.

Bruhn - Shocking role but produced a nice game and put his name right in the mix for round one. 160k mid but don't think he has on-field value at that price which makes him less than desirable to me. Think he did enough though so it's always nice to have rookie options at least. Would be a pretty pure bench rookie.

Idun - Was solid down back but he's got no real SC notches to his bow, doesn't intercept and doesn't rebound much so going to be on the low end of scoring.

Cumming - Took every kick-in from what I could tell, didn't do a lot else though around the ground. Another who is just too expensive for what he probably offers but he looks set to be there round one for mine.

Buntine - Came on in the 3rd, seems that would say he's behind Idum/Cumming at least but could be the opposite of they know what he is and wanted the others to prove they can give more.

Briggs - Smashed Hickey in the ruck, especially early. Endurance I think may be an issue as he seemed to ruck considerably less than Hickey. Very good followup work as well. Definitely looks AFL ready. I think Flynn showed a little bit more but Briggs was really solid.

Ash - He did some nice things but nowhere near enough of them. Not on my radar at this point based on last season and the preseason of the same narrative. He's going to be a keeper one day though.

Haynes - Solid but unspectacular. I see nothing from him to back him up as a starting choice with the work so many others are putting in.

 

[wogitalia]

Sydney - The first 10 minutes of all but the third were concerning, the 3rd and the last 20 minutes were great signs for a young team. Intent was good and the kids were shining lights. As a rebuilding team that's what you want. The ruck remains a major concern though and really those first 10 minutes were the period when Briggs was fresh and just destroying Hickey and pretty much every team is going to throw more out in the ruck. Lloyd and Franklin the obvious two missing and no other clear best 22 guys out.

Wicks - Really good game for him. Was probably already in the best 22 come round one but really cemented it with that game.

Parker - Spent a lot of time forward, especially second half, which throws a few of the other guys roles out, he was good forward and he was resting there a lot anyway. He looked good. Still think he's a chance at keeper numbers but probably not worth the risk that he stays where he is.

Rowbottom - Really solid game from him, especially without the ball. Was the major beneficiary of the Parker forward minutes but it was good to see him show a bit more hardness and a bit more class than he usually does, both areas I've knocked him on before.

Dawson - Defense all game, intercept role as much as we had one (was mostly man to man) and took the majority of the kick-ins. He actually had a bit of a stinker to be honest, dropping about 3 intercept marks and shanking about 3 kicks as well that probably would have had him over 100. Very much on the radar though, he was really solid and the role is good and given the ruck issues the supply level is probably going to be good.

Gulden - Excellent game, led the Swans in score involvements, is so crafty with the little knock-ons and he is great in the pressure work and oh so good with his left boot, just feels like he will hit a target. If he's not in locked in the team round 1 Horse should just jump off a bridge (he should anyway but...), he's basically everything that Hayward isn't, aka a pure footballer but he also runs well. Lock him in, honestly not sure he can't be an on-field option, reckon he was better last week but playing a nice HF role and does push up a bit. Standing by my Cyril comparison for what he does on the field, if he can get near his level that would be amazing but he's got the class and the tackling work to at least try.

Warner - The other big benefactor of Parker forward but he was already having a game before that and was out on the wing. 144k forward makes for some real temptation after this outing. Recon the extra midfield was probably about a 25% boost but that still leaves him with a juicy 67 type score which does the job. The role though was really solid before but he's clearly a better inside player right now. That said he showed more toe and desire to take it on than I thought he had, definitely a bit of Parker about him and the way he kind of surprises on the outside. Lloyd is going to spin magnets next week but reckon he did enough to get first crack at the wing.

Kennedy - Same old for him. Not much more to say.

Heeney - Classic outcome for him, he wasn't bad but the Swans supply is going to be poor and inconsistent and his role as essentially a FF is not good. Was a bit better in the 2nd half when McDonald came in to take that sacrificial role but still not good. He looks in ripping shape though despite the preseason concerns but I have genuine concerns about him getting enough of it in that role. This is a worse role than years past.

Florent - Still an almost player for mine but he was a bit better today. I honestly don't know why we're prioritising him over Warner, Florent actually showed a bit as a HF and is yet to show much of anything in the best part of 2 years as a midfielder. Every time he does something good he'll do something bad a few minutes later.

Hewett - Played HB for the entire game. No idea if that's Lloyd related, role related or what. He was serviceable and would end the Ling dream, as he did today, in that role. Hopefully it's one of him or Cunningham who leaves the back 6 for Lloyd though. Kind of hoping he was there for some leadership with such an inexperienced group. Still he definitely could mess with other roles.

Mills - A really interesting game, role was pure, he did some really nice things but he also had some crap, especially his kicking where he just bombed it long far too often and undermined what he does well. Didn't help we were on the backfoot and that Parker and Kennedy couldn't get near it early leaving him in no man's land as the clear more outside guy in the main group. Similar to Taranto for mine, those who believe in him in the role wont have been swayed and vice versa. Not a tick compared to some of the other backs though but the role was as desired.

Blakey - He played great but he just doesn't find enough of it, also seemed to go forward for a bit in the 4th where he again stops doing anything. Not enough of the ball to justify taking him. Still wouldn't surprise me if he has a big season but just can't pick him with two games like this one.

Reid - His ability to not create a contest in the air the second someone breathes on him is actually kind of impressive in a pathetic way. I don't rate Sinclair but as a 2nd ruck and long bomb forward option he offers far more than Reid seems to be capable of. Reid's inability to ever improve from his first game scares me for McDonald who I'm super excited for!

Campbell - Just lock him in. Grew as the game went on and seemed to realise that not only does he belong at AFL level but that he's already better than most of the guys out there. Joined Gulden to lead the team in score involvements, off half back no less, and his left foot is the definition of a weapon. Showed a lot more pace than I thought he had last week as well and was left one on one with Green several times without having his colours lowered which is a great sign for his defensive work, also beat Himmelerg in a one out contest first nullifying the air and then on the ground with speed and class. Not sure he's a strong DT option but that kind of ratio should be pretty common for him. Even nabbed a couple of kick-ins though Lloyd probably nixes that even though Campbell is clearly a better kick already. Did absolutely nothing to change my opinion that he can average mid 70s all the way to mid 80s this year and is a genuine on-field choice worth the premium. A couple of his kicks in this game were the 1% kind that only the absolutely elite of the elite can even dream of.

McCartin - Really solid game in defense for him, soundly beat his man all game and read the play really well. Has definitely found a home down back and cemented a spot for round 1 and that's good for him because...

McDonald - What a stud he looks like being. I thought he was the best player in the draft and was so delighted when North passed on him and that Adelaide fell in love with the SA boy and nothing he did today changed my mind. Didn't come on until the 2nd half but the Swans were a different team from that point onward and he was a big reason. Very good at reading the play and getting to the next kick dangerous position, very much like a Nick Riewoldt but the comparison I like more is actually Hawkins, he's a big kid and he's going to get a lot bigger I'd imagine and he just has the ability to protect the drop of the ball as well as on the lead. Surprisingly good below his knees already and he's got an absolutely thumping kick, couple of set shots from 45 out that looked to clear by a good 20m. He's not a fantasy option, although this game absolutely challenges that notion, but he's an absolute stud for the Swans. Having said he's not a fantasy option, 61 in half a game is pretty damn good and he honestly didn't do anything non-sustainable to achieve it. If he was 125k I think he'd be a great bench option but at 200k, he's a pass for mine. He better be there round 1 also and I don't care if Buddy is playing, he should be ahead of Sinclair or Reid anyway.

Rampe - Had an absolute mare. Couple of shocking FA, couple out on the full. Just rusty as which given he didn't play last week is expected.

Papley - Deep forward all game basically. Played well and had impact but not a good fantasy role. Would still like him on the ball more than Florent for bursts.

Hickey - Just stick the fork in any idea of starting him. Briggs, arguably GWS's 4th string ruckman, pantsed him all day. Smashed in the ruck and on the ground. Don't misread the stats, he scored all his points on Ward, Finlayson, Riccardi, Himmelberg and even Buckley as ruckmen. I had my worst nightmare confirmed of actually wanted to see Sinclair come on to give a contest... Was just horrible in the one game he really needs to dominate.

Cunningham - Stole a kick-in, luckily only one, that had me questioning Horse and exactly what Cunningham has on him to keep getting not just games but decent roles. I actually don't hate him as a back pocket to be fair but I still think I'd have preferred to see what Ling has.

Ling - Came on in the last, did nothing wrong in that time but no chance to make a claim for a spot and think it's pretty clear he isn't in the best 22 unfortunately. Given his price that's the end of him.

Sinclair - Was a lot better in the half a quarter he played than Hickey. I don't mind him as the 2nd ruck over Reid to be honest, Reid only has any impact when no one mans him and he can float from the side, he's like the seagull of KPFs...

Bell - Did Gulden's chances no harm by basically not touching it in a half.

 

[wogitalia]

Also I had to go through my version of torture for that... Fox are so committed to Underwood as a commentator that they put her with King and Derm just to make her nails on a blackboard voice sound good just because it meant those idiots weren't bouncing stupidity off each other for a second.

Every time Montagna spoke was like a peaceful moment washing over my brain hemorrhage that was listening to the other 3. Underwood has improved a lot to her credit, even to the point where if she just had a different voice she'd be one of the better commentators but she can't do anything about the voice.

 

[Courtesans]

Wold you pick Campbell or Dow Wogi? That’s a rave review of Campbell. Thanks again for what you give.

 

[wogitalia]

Wold you pick Campbell or Dow Wogi? That’s a rave review of Campbell. Thanks again for what you give.

Will probably end up with both. Campbell is cheaper with better role certainty and, given the way defenders are scoring, possibly a better role. Two very good games from him, Dow with the one excellent game and one poor game.

I think Dow is possibly a slightly higher upside but also lower downside given his history of nothingness. Think they're both solid and both probably should be worth the premium if they can hit their average performance from the two games of each I've seen.

Ultimately, not a big difference between the two for me so probably Campbell at the cheaper price?

Dow with the advantage of being in the first game but also the disadvantage of having to lock in a very premium priced rookie with no chance to bail and cash up on anyone else.

 

[Courtesans]

Will probably end up with both. Campbell is cheaper with better role certainty and, given the way defenders are scoring, possibly a better role. Two very good games from him, Dow with the one excellent game and one poor game.

I think Dow is possibly a slightly higher upside but also lower downside given his history of nothingness. Think they're both solid and both probably should be worth the premium if they can hit their average performance from the two games of each I've seen.

Ultimately, not a big difference between the two for me so probably Campbell at the cheaper price?

Dow with the advantage of being in the first game but also the disadvantage of having to lock in a very premium priced rookie with no chance to bail and cash up on anyone else.

Thanks.