Docherty v Stewart - my thoughts - Both capable of scoring similar with Doch a high ceiling. Doch now fully recovered from knee more likely to get back to prior scoring levels so more upside. go Doc
Walsh v Mcluggage - Walsh still early for breakout but proven SC scorer has high ceiling, McLuggage is 4th potential increase/breakout to high level. unsure probably 50/50 may look at bye options as decider.
Cripps v Taranto - Cripps down year and capable of getting back to 2018/19 117/119 average. Taranto is 4th year improvement option that got injured in 2020. Avg 102 in 2019. Could go to 110, probably a 105+ player so M8 at current price of 453K
Comments appreciated. At this stage likely to start Doc, Walsh and Cripps
Stewart and Doch - Lineball.
Doch has proven upside but I don't think Saad works as nicely alongside him as Simpson, I think you can knock 10 points off for that and the Blues just being a better side, he's 98 last year without injury and if getting more intercept possessions he's a 105 capable guy. Durability has become a big red flag though. Knees, calf last year, ankle in the o***eason and cancer is never good for the body.
Stewart is the safer play, has been in his starting price range, think with no Taylor he probably takes a bit more responsibility down back and I expect him to do a bit more. Think he's safer to hit 100+. What does the 40k mean and how many other injury risks are you sporting?
Walsh vs Clug - Walsh for mine.
Clug - Lions midfield a lot deeper, Neale clear #1, Berry, Zorko and Lyon are all legitimate contenders for important minutes and Bailey looks set to go through there also. Clug had the shoulder last year, played through it but it's the type of injury that can come back with a vengeance as well. I'm not sure the pie is big enough for him to get his share. Really like him though and he definitely could establish himself as the clear #2 this year behind Neale and get there. Clug is a better kick and, imo, a better player at this point.
Walsh - Is the clear #2 and demonstrated the genuine premium numbers for a significant period last year to at least attempt extrapolation on a larger scale. He fits the rule changes with his spread. Improved kicking would make a world of difference for him (or less kicking!), it's a concern though. Cripps durability record is sketchy as well so the path to the #1 midfielder role is definitely a possibility to open, heck he could be there already. Just getting a better grab at the pie for mine.
Cripps v Taranto - Cripps. Cripps is a proven commodity who needs to stay fit and play his role and he's 110+. Taranto needs to bounce back and beyond levels he's reached and his horrible kicking is definitely a concern. Both have durability problems. Cripps a safer bet to reach premium levels for mine which is really the only criteria for picking them. Again though, what does the cash difference allow?