Discussion 2021: Strategy, Team & Player Discussions
- Thread starter Darkie
- Start date
good idea
10 premiums ✓
7 midpricers all above 70+ doing their job at the moment
Once they get to $ 375-400k then upgrade
D6-8 is a concern if Highmore doesn't return
F6-8 is a concern
If you did Koschitzke - > Chapman this round.
See what Waterman does in his second game
Otherwise just sit tight until the end of Round 6.
Flynn , JordOn , Berry should make useful $$$ for upgrade purposes.
Just wait for some fallen premiums around $ 500-525k mark.
10 premiums ✓
7 midpricers all above 70+ doing their job at the moment
Once they get to $ 375-400k then upgrade
D6-8 is a concern if Highmore doesn't return
F6-8 is a concern
If you did Koschitzke - > Chapman this round.
See what Waterman does in his second game
Otherwise just sit tight until the end of Round 6.
Flynn , JordOn , Berry should make useful $$$ for upgrade purposes.
Just wait for some fallen premiums around $ 500-525k mark.
Thanks Shannon I'm not an Impey fan atm. I know he's going great guns atm, I don't think he can sustain scoring 100's. Half back definitely suits to a tee, but I have injury concerns in the back of my mind. Having Ziebell, Daniher and Impey on the same line scares the living daylights out of me. I'll definitely pass on Impey.
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I started Impey, however, the injury issue as we saw in the preseason game is real. Role is excellent, gets a lot of 1-2s..
What I do like is breakeven is -62 which is pretty good. -80 is must have in my view. Even with an 80 he should go up $60 then another $30k, so you are 60% of the way there.
Just be thinking a round or two forward.
We can look at waterman Thurs and decide if he is coming in and weigh up how many spots we have.
I am weighing up Jiath vs Ridley, however Jiath an extra $50k, BE -40 and looks amazing yet role is less predictable. Whereas Tex I brought in ticked role, BE and fixtures beneficiary.
Seeing a lot of FOMO out there. Think I will keep mine in check with Ridley and Chapman in, with the latter not giving me Jiath scoring power, same BE, injury beneficiary and could make extra over Jiath over time.
What I do like is breakeven is -62 which is pretty good. -80 is must have in my view. Even with an 80 he should go up $60 then another $30k, so you are 60% of the way there.
Just be thinking a round or two forward.
We can look at waterman Thurs and decide if he is coming in and weigh up how many spots we have.
I am weighing up Jiath vs Ridley, however Jiath an extra $50k, BE -40 and looks amazing yet role is less predictable. Whereas Tex I brought in ticked role, BE and fixtures beneficiary.
Seeing a lot of FOMO out there. Think I will keep mine in check with Ridley and Chapman in, with the latter not giving me Jiath scoring power, same BE, injury beneficiary and could make extra over Jiath over time.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/af...s/news-story/8e11793f91b85e8b9eba4f4bedc705a7
RICHMOND has confirmed defender Rhyan Mansell and midfielder Will Martyn will make their AFL debuts on Friday night against Port Adelaide.
Mansell has come from the clouds to make his debut, with the 20-year-old the last addition to Richmond’s list (during the Supplementary Selection Period), coming via the SANFL.
A Woodville West Torrens premiership player, Mansell had been training with the club since January 7 before he was eventually signed on.
Martyn captained Brisbane’s academy side in 2019 and has been pushing for a senior berth for some time, having been taken with Pick 44 in the 2019 draft.
With premiership players Dion Prestia (hamstring) and Kamdyn McIntosh (concussion) both forced outs, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick flagged to reporters on Wednesday there’d be at least one debutant for the preliminary final rematch.
Martyn, along with Riley Collier-Dawkins, have been on the Tigers’ list since being drafted in 2018 and 2019 respectively but haven’t cracked the senior side amid tough internal competition for spots.
Both midfielders had excellent pre-seasons. Collier-Dawkins was a shining light in a Richmond intra-club clash before copping a headknock, while Martyn impressed in a scratch match against Melbourne at Casey Fields.
“We’ve got some personnel that will miss games, but it’s a great opportunity for some players to grow into some roles – and that’s really exciting for us,” Hardwick said.
“It certainly reinvigorates the coaching group and I’ve got no doubt it’ll reinvigorate our playing group as well to give some young guys some opportunities.
“There’s a couple of guys (in the mix), we’re working through that at the moment. There’ll be at least one debutant, possibly two, which will be exciting for our fans to see.”
Hardwick added if veteran defender Bachar Houli emerged from Wednesday’s training session unscathed, he’d face Port Adelaide in what would be his first game of 2021 after a summer plagued by the calf injury he sustained in last year’s Grand Final.
Whether PORT ADELAIDE opts to name three key forwards and two rucks against Richmond remains to be seen.
The Power played Todd Marshall, Mitch Georgiades, Charlie Dixon, Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams in Round 3 but were soundly beaten by the West Coast Eagles on Saturday night.
Power football boss Chris Davies said there was “potential for a change”.
“The way that the coaches actually want to go will be determined as we work through the week, but I know they’ve been working hard on the review and I’m certain we’ll come up with some things in order to challenge Richmond in a different way,” Davies told reporters on Tuesday.
In much-needed good news for ST KILDA, their ruck woes could be solved in time to face the Eagles and superstar Nic Naitanui on Saturday.
Rowan Marshall is “a chance to play”, according to Saints co-captain Jack Steele, after the ruckman got through three quarters in a VFL match last weekend. Marshall has been battling a hotspot in his foot.
His ruck partner Paddy Ryder returned to training on Tuesday, following a month of personal leave, but is a week or two away from full fitness.
Steele waved off suggestions of a massive statement at selection, though Jade Gresham will need to be replaced after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury against Essendon.
Jack Bytel, Tom Highmore and Ben Long, who were all dropped for Round 3, could be in the mix. Zak Jones should be available despite a slight ankle strain suffered on Saturday.
WEST COAST will have to find a replacement for skipper Luke Shuey, who’s facing a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Forward Brendon Ah Chee, who was a late withdrawal against the Power with hamstring awareness, will be in the mix for a return this week, while either Xavier O’Neill and Brayden Ainsworth could replace Shuey after strong WAFL outings.
In the midst of an early injury crisis, the GOLD COAST SUNS will turn to an unlikely ruck trio for their clash against Carlton.
With Zac Smith (PCL) still two to three weeks away and co-captain Jarrod Witts (ACL) out for the season, the Suns have been left without a recognised ruckman.
Suns football boss Jon Haines told 3AW’s Sportsday on Tuesday night three players could fill the void, including 10-game defender Caleb Graham, who’s set to come in for his first senior game of 2021.
Haines said the 195cm Graham, who had ruck experience as a junior, could “potentially play a role” in the ruck, while 191cm duo Chris Burgess and Hugh Greenwood could pinch-hit.
Witts’ setback comes after Sam Day (meniscus) and Connor Budarick (ACL) both recently underwent surgery.
CARLTON isn’t expected to make any forced changes, but could be tempted to unleash key forward Mitch McGovern and some other players that impressed at VFL level on the weekend.
Key forward McGovern booted 3.2 from six marks in just over a half of footy against Williamstown.
Others who impressed Blues VFL coach Daniel O’Keefe were Tom Williamson, who provided great dash from half-back yet defended well too, as well as Matt Kennedy and Liam Stocker.
The Blues should welcome back Will Setterfield after he was a late withdrawal for the Dockers game due to gastro.
ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell is looming as a welcome return for Thursday night’s clash against the Swans.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten gave Heppell, who’s been sidelined in recent weeks due to a back issue, the availability tick of approval.
Rutten said Heppell wouldn’t have to build fitness through the VFL, declaring he’d come straight back into the senior side barring any late mishaps.
“He’s been improving all the time, he’ll train today and if he gets through that fine, he’ll be available for selection,” Rutten said.
Heppell could be a straight swap for dashing defender Mason Redman, who was substituted off against St Kilda with hamstring tightness.
Heppell and fellow veteran David Zaharakis, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Round 11 last year, were both on the Sydney-bound flight on Wednesday.
SYDNEY will name superstar Lance Franklin for Thursday night’s match against Essendon at the SCG.
The 3-0 Swans ‘managed’ Franklin for last week’s game against Richmond, but Swans coach John Longmire confirmed on Monday the goalkicker would return.
“It’ll be terrific to have Lance back in the team. He’s obviously had some more training under his belt and he feels good for Thursday,” Longmire said.
“He trained (on Monday), and he’s been pulling up well. His program was that he trained last week really hard, he trained again Saturday, trained today, and then hopefully he pulls up well and will be ready to go.”
Big man Hayden McLean, who was omitted for Franklin for Round 2 against Adelaide, appears most likely to make way for Franklin, while Longmire added young gun midfielder James Rowbottom was a chance to return from the knee injury he sustained in Round 1.
But Longmire said an official call wouldn’t be made until Wednesday night.
Should NORTH MELBOURNE wish to make a selection statement after its disastrous Good Friday loss, Atu Bosenavulagi looms as senior team call-up.
Bosenavulagi played a terrific VFL game as a defender against Footscray, blanketing AFL-listed Bulldog Mitch Wallis for much of the match.
“Atu is knocking on the door for a senior call-up, that’s for sure,” Roos VFL coach Leigh Adams told the club’s website.
“He struggled a bit early between finding that balance of getting the footy and defending, but he’s figuring that out really quickly.
“Last week he played on a couple of really nippy forwards and did a great job, then this week he did a great job locking down a very good player in Wallis.”
After being dropped, midfielder Dom Tyson bounced back at VFL level, kicking three goals in a confidence-boosting performance.
There’s also several players returning from injury that’ll be touch and go for selection, including, Aiden Bonar (adductor), Luke McDonald (quad), Curtis Taylor (concussion) and Trent Dumont (calf).
It also remains unclear whether Jed Anderson (ankle) will be fit to play after his Good Friday injury setback, but Jared Polec (hamstring) is unlikely to be fit.
RICHMOND has confirmed defender Rhyan Mansell and midfielder Will Martyn will make their AFL debuts on Friday night against Port Adelaide.
Mansell has come from the clouds to make his debut, with the 20-year-old the last addition to Richmond’s list (during the Supplementary Selection Period), coming via the SANFL.
A Woodville West Torrens premiership player, Mansell had been training with the club since January 7 before he was eventually signed on.
Martyn captained Brisbane’s academy side in 2019 and has been pushing for a senior berth for some time, having been taken with Pick 44 in the 2019 draft.
With premiership players Dion Prestia (hamstring) and Kamdyn McIntosh (concussion) both forced outs, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick flagged to reporters on Wednesday there’d be at least one debutant for the preliminary final rematch.
Martyn, along with Riley Collier-Dawkins, have been on the Tigers’ list since being drafted in 2018 and 2019 respectively but haven’t cracked the senior side amid tough internal competition for spots.
Both midfielders had excellent pre-seasons. Collier-Dawkins was a shining light in a Richmond intra-club clash before copping a headknock, while Martyn impressed in a scratch match against Melbourne at Casey Fields.
“We’ve got some personnel that will miss games, but it’s a great opportunity for some players to grow into some roles – and that’s really exciting for us,” Hardwick said.
“It certainly reinvigorates the coaching group and I’ve got no doubt it’ll reinvigorate our playing group as well to give some young guys some opportunities.
“There’s a couple of guys (in the mix), we’re working through that at the moment. There’ll be at least one debutant, possibly two, which will be exciting for our fans to see.”
Hardwick added if veteran defender Bachar Houli emerged from Wednesday’s training session unscathed, he’d face Port Adelaide in what would be his first game of 2021 after a summer plagued by the calf injury he sustained in last year’s Grand Final.
Whether PORT ADELAIDE opts to name three key forwards and two rucks against Richmond remains to be seen.
The Power played Todd Marshall, Mitch Georgiades, Charlie Dixon, Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams in Round 3 but were soundly beaten by the West Coast Eagles on Saturday night.
Power football boss Chris Davies said there was “potential for a change”.
“The way that the coaches actually want to go will be determined as we work through the week, but I know they’ve been working hard on the review and I’m certain we’ll come up with some things in order to challenge Richmond in a different way,” Davies told reporters on Tuesday.
In much-needed good news for ST KILDA, their ruck woes could be solved in time to face the Eagles and superstar Nic Naitanui on Saturday.
Rowan Marshall is “a chance to play”, according to Saints co-captain Jack Steele, after the ruckman got through three quarters in a VFL match last weekend. Marshall has been battling a hotspot in his foot.
His ruck partner Paddy Ryder returned to training on Tuesday, following a month of personal leave, but is a week or two away from full fitness.
Steele waved off suggestions of a massive statement at selection, though Jade Gresham will need to be replaced after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury against Essendon.
Jack Bytel, Tom Highmore and Ben Long, who were all dropped for Round 3, could be in the mix. Zak Jones should be available despite a slight ankle strain suffered on Saturday.
WEST COAST will have to find a replacement for skipper Luke Shuey, who’s facing a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Forward Brendon Ah Chee, who was a late withdrawal against the Power with hamstring awareness, will be in the mix for a return this week, while either Xavier O’Neill and Brayden Ainsworth could replace Shuey after strong WAFL outings.
In the midst of an early injury crisis, the GOLD COAST SUNS will turn to an unlikely ruck trio for their clash against Carlton.
With Zac Smith (PCL) still two to three weeks away and co-captain Jarrod Witts (ACL) out for the season, the Suns have been left without a recognised ruckman.
Suns football boss Jon Haines told 3AW’s Sportsday on Tuesday night three players could fill the void, including 10-game defender Caleb Graham, who’s set to come in for his first senior game of 2021.
Haines said the 195cm Graham, who had ruck experience as a junior, could “potentially play a role” in the ruck, while 191cm duo Chris Burgess and Hugh Greenwood could pinch-hit.
Witts’ setback comes after Sam Day (meniscus) and Connor Budarick (ACL) both recently underwent surgery.
CARLTON isn’t expected to make any forced changes, but could be tempted to unleash key forward Mitch McGovern and some other players that impressed at VFL level on the weekend.
Key forward McGovern booted 3.2 from six marks in just over a half of footy against Williamstown.
Others who impressed Blues VFL coach Daniel O’Keefe were Tom Williamson, who provided great dash from half-back yet defended well too, as well as Matt Kennedy and Liam Stocker.
The Blues should welcome back Will Setterfield after he was a late withdrawal for the Dockers game due to gastro.
ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell is looming as a welcome return for Thursday night’s clash against the Swans.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten gave Heppell, who’s been sidelined in recent weeks due to a back issue, the availability tick of approval.
Rutten said Heppell wouldn’t have to build fitness through the VFL, declaring he’d come straight back into the senior side barring any late mishaps.
“He’s been improving all the time, he’ll train today and if he gets through that fine, he’ll be available for selection,” Rutten said.
Heppell could be a straight swap for dashing defender Mason Redman, who was substituted off against St Kilda with hamstring tightness.
Heppell and fellow veteran David Zaharakis, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Round 11 last year, were both on the Sydney-bound flight on Wednesday.
SYDNEY will name superstar Lance Franklin for Thursday night’s match against Essendon at the SCG.
The 3-0 Swans ‘managed’ Franklin for last week’s game against Richmond, but Swans coach John Longmire confirmed on Monday the goalkicker would return.
“It’ll be terrific to have Lance back in the team. He’s obviously had some more training under his belt and he feels good for Thursday,” Longmire said.
“He trained (on Monday), and he’s been pulling up well. His program was that he trained last week really hard, he trained again Saturday, trained today, and then hopefully he pulls up well and will be ready to go.”
Big man Hayden McLean, who was omitted for Franklin for Round 2 against Adelaide, appears most likely to make way for Franklin, while Longmire added young gun midfielder James Rowbottom was a chance to return from the knee injury he sustained in Round 1.
But Longmire said an official call wouldn’t be made until Wednesday night.
Should NORTH MELBOURNE wish to make a selection statement after its disastrous Good Friday loss, Atu Bosenavulagi looms as senior team call-up.
Bosenavulagi played a terrific VFL game as a defender against Footscray, blanketing AFL-listed Bulldog Mitch Wallis for much of the match.
“Atu is knocking on the door for a senior call-up, that’s for sure,” Roos VFL coach Leigh Adams told the club’s website.
“He struggled a bit early between finding that balance of getting the footy and defending, but he’s figuring that out really quickly.
“Last week he played on a couple of really nippy forwards and did a great job, then this week he did a great job locking down a very good player in Wallis.”
After being dropped, midfielder Dom Tyson bounced back at VFL level, kicking three goals in a confidence-boosting performance.
There’s also several players returning from injury that’ll be touch and go for selection, including, Aiden Bonar (adductor), Luke McDonald (quad), Curtis Taylor (concussion) and Trent Dumont (calf).
It also remains unclear whether Jed Anderson (ankle) will be fit to play after his Good Friday injury setback, but Jared Polec (hamstring) is unlikely to be fit.
(article continued)
ADELAIDE could welcome back veteran wingman David Mackay, who missed the win over Gold Coast due to hamstring tightness.
The Crows said Mackay would undergo a fitness test to determine whether he can take on North Melbourne this Sunday.
Adelaide’s SANFL team was back in action on the weekend, with Jackson Hately (25 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s), Josh Worrell (20 disposals, 5 marks) and Fischer McAsey (14 disposals, 6 marks) the players who best pushed their case for a spot in the senior side.
FREMANTLE is optimistic Nat Fyfe will progress through the concussion protocols and be ready in time for Sunday’s game against the Hawks.
The dual Brownlow medallist missed Round 3’s loss to the Blues after being the victim of a brutal bump that saw GWS utility Sam Reid suspended for two weeks.
“Nat’s continuing to progress really well,” Fremantle GM of football Peter Bell said.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll continue to tick every box in concussion protocols and we’ll make a decision on his availability later in the week.”
Fyfe could come in for top-10 draftee Hayden Young, who’s set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a high grade hamstring injury.
Meanwhile the Dockers are also expecting Sam Sturt, Griffin Logue (hamstring), Bailey Banfield (ankle), Mitch Crowden (calf) and Luke Valente (soreness) to be available, the latter four as long as they get through main training.
HAWTHORN emerged from its Easter Monday clash without four points — but also without any fresh injuries. Considering the brave nature of the performance, it’s unlikely the Hawks will make any big changes.
The GWS GIANTS will be forced into at least three changes following medium-term injuries to Stephen Coniglio, Phil Davis and Matt de Boer.
After being omitted for Sunday’s loss to the Demons, Tanner Bruhn and Zach Sproule are likely to be considered, while recruit Jesse Hogan is available for his first game in orange and charcoal after recovering from a quad injury. However Giants football boss Jason McCartney suggested to SEN Breakfast that Hogan would likely face the Swans in a VFL scratch match on Friday.
Nick Shipley played most of the game against Melbourne after coming on for Davis as the medical sub and will also be in the mix. McCartney also mentioned the likes of Connor Stone, Ryan Angwin and Kieren Briggs had great opportunities to put their hands up for debuts over the coming weeks.
COLLINGWOOD appears set to include Beau McCreery in the starting lineup for the Pies on Staurday, after the Pick No.44 technically debuted last week despite not being activated as the medical sub.
A tweet via the club’s account said the medium-sized forward was “locked in to play on Saturday night” against GWS.
Elsewhere, the club is unlikely to make too many changes, with only one being forced through injury to Nathan Murphy (concussion).
Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said the club was “pretty confident with the team we went in with last week”, with a call on selection to be made on Wednesday afternoon.
However Buckley said forward-ruck Darcy Cameron “keeps putting his hand up” for selection.
Luke Beveridge will likely be choosing between Zaine Cordy and Lewis Young to fill the void left by Ryan Gardner’s shoulder injury at the WESTERN BULLDOGS.
Young played just one game last season while Cordy featured 14 times, falling out of favour after playing all 23 games in the 2019 season. The uncapped Buku Khamis, the club’s first Next Generation Academy recruit as a refugee from South Sudan, could also be an option.
The BRISBANE LIONS could welcome back a trio of key players for their clash against the Bulldogs, with ruckman Oscar McInerney (ankle), defender Darcy Gardiner and midfielder Jarrod Berry all vying for a return.
Having not used its medical sub in its 3-0 start, MELBOURNE is hopeful of continuing a healthy start to the season, as Ben Brown (knee) and Sam Weideman (femur) prepare to play in the VFL on Saturday. Jake Melksham looms as the most likely inclusion after he saw no game time as the medical sub last week.
It’s early days for GEELONG so soon after its Easter Monday win, but Sam Menegola is a strong chance to face the Demons on Sunday. However the extent of the setbacks for Shaun Higgins (hamstring) and Francis Evans (ankle) are yet to be determined.
ADELAIDE could welcome back veteran wingman David Mackay, who missed the win over Gold Coast due to hamstring tightness.
The Crows said Mackay would undergo a fitness test to determine whether he can take on North Melbourne this Sunday.
Adelaide’s SANFL team was back in action on the weekend, with Jackson Hately (25 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s), Josh Worrell (20 disposals, 5 marks) and Fischer McAsey (14 disposals, 6 marks) the players who best pushed their case for a spot in the senior side.
FREMANTLE is optimistic Nat Fyfe will progress through the concussion protocols and be ready in time for Sunday’s game against the Hawks.
The dual Brownlow medallist missed Round 3’s loss to the Blues after being the victim of a brutal bump that saw GWS utility Sam Reid suspended for two weeks.
“Nat’s continuing to progress really well,” Fremantle GM of football Peter Bell said.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll continue to tick every box in concussion protocols and we’ll make a decision on his availability later in the week.”
Fyfe could come in for top-10 draftee Hayden Young, who’s set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a high grade hamstring injury.
Meanwhile the Dockers are also expecting Sam Sturt, Griffin Logue (hamstring), Bailey Banfield (ankle), Mitch Crowden (calf) and Luke Valente (soreness) to be available, the latter four as long as they get through main training.
HAWTHORN emerged from its Easter Monday clash without four points — but also without any fresh injuries. Considering the brave nature of the performance, it’s unlikely the Hawks will make any big changes.
The GWS GIANTS will be forced into at least three changes following medium-term injuries to Stephen Coniglio, Phil Davis and Matt de Boer.
After being omitted for Sunday’s loss to the Demons, Tanner Bruhn and Zach Sproule are likely to be considered, while recruit Jesse Hogan is available for his first game in orange and charcoal after recovering from a quad injury. However Giants football boss Jason McCartney suggested to SEN Breakfast that Hogan would likely face the Swans in a VFL scratch match on Friday.
Nick Shipley played most of the game against Melbourne after coming on for Davis as the medical sub and will also be in the mix. McCartney also mentioned the likes of Connor Stone, Ryan Angwin and Kieren Briggs had great opportunities to put their hands up for debuts over the coming weeks.
COLLINGWOOD appears set to include Beau McCreery in the starting lineup for the Pies on Staurday, after the Pick No.44 technically debuted last week despite not being activated as the medical sub.
A tweet via the club’s account said the medium-sized forward was “locked in to play on Saturday night” against GWS.
Elsewhere, the club is unlikely to make too many changes, with only one being forced through injury to Nathan Murphy (concussion).
Magpies coach Nathan Buckley said the club was “pretty confident with the team we went in with last week”, with a call on selection to be made on Wednesday afternoon.
However Buckley said forward-ruck Darcy Cameron “keeps putting his hand up” for selection.
Luke Beveridge will likely be choosing between Zaine Cordy and Lewis Young to fill the void left by Ryan Gardner’s shoulder injury at the WESTERN BULLDOGS.
Young played just one game last season while Cordy featured 14 times, falling out of favour after playing all 23 games in the 2019 season. The uncapped Buku Khamis, the club’s first Next Generation Academy recruit as a refugee from South Sudan, could also be an option.
The BRISBANE LIONS could welcome back a trio of key players for their clash against the Bulldogs, with ruckman Oscar McInerney (ankle), defender Darcy Gardiner and midfielder Jarrod Berry all vying for a return.
Having not used its medical sub in its 3-0 start, MELBOURNE is hopeful of continuing a healthy start to the season, as Ben Brown (knee) and Sam Weideman (femur) prepare to play in the VFL on Saturday. Jake Melksham looms as the most likely inclusion after he saw no game time as the medical sub last week.
It’s early days for GEELONG so soon after its Easter Monday win, but Sam Menegola is a strong chance to face the Demons on Sunday. However the extent of the setbacks for Shaun Higgins (hamstring) and Francis Evans (ankle) are yet to be determined.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/li...s/news-story/d23b345663d8eaa4432b30acecd97b6d
THE 3-2-1 - What we learned
3. DONS’ FIRST-YEAR FREAK LOOKS LIKE A GEM
The Swans were the first team to ever have three Rising Star nominees in a row; yet they might not have the eventual winner.
Essendon‘s Nik Cox showed the world his freakish abilities all night; and it’s simply unfair what the 200cm running machine can do.
Primarily a wingman, Cox showed ridiculous athleticism in the first term to run onto a bouncing ball and continue inside 50, kicking a running goal.
Yet Cox also used his height to take contested marks in the forward line, while pinch-hitting in the ruck for good measure; he was sent into one of the final centre bounces of the match, when Essendon had to score to win.
Cox finished with 18 disposals, a goal, five score involvements and four hit-outs.
He’s such a versatile weapon; the type any coach would love to have, and one Ben Rutten is fortunate to possess.
2. IT JUST HAD TO BE BUDDY
Of course.
After years of tormenting Essendon with an average of 4.4 goals a game, Lance Franklin didn’t quite reach those heights, being kept in check by surprise defensive option Aaron Francis.
But when the moment came, and when the Swans couldn’t kick straight to save their lives - or the four points - Buddy stood up.
The big forward took a strong mark on the lead, went back and kicked truly, putting the margin beyond reach for the Bombers.
His second haul of three goals this year gave Franklin 950 for his career; if he keeps kicking three every week, and only misses a game or two more, he could reach 1000 goals in 2021.
And with a nine-day break before Sydney’s next game, Franklin says he expects to play in Round 5, rather than again being rested.
“I think I’m away now, touch wood,” he said on Fox Footy post-game.
“The last couple of years have been pretty frustrating for me, not being able to get out there and do what I love, but I’ve worked hard to get my body into good shape.
“It’d be nice to get to 1000 (goals), but that’s not even in my thinking at the moment.”
1. HOW THE DONS KEPT IT CLOSE
After a brilliant midfield performance against St Kilda, the Bombers’ path to victory seemed clear; do that again.
Sydney came into the game ranked 14th for clearance differential, and 17th for scoring from stoppages, suggesting that was where they could be exposed. Except Essendon was smashed in the clearances, 24 to 47.
So what happened? They structured up perfectly, countering the Swans’ tendency to look into the corridor when moving the ball out of defence.
It allowed the Bombers to take an early 25-point lead, because Sydney kept looking into the middle when that’s where all of the Dons defenders were - resulting in turnovers.
“They knew Sydney wanted to go back into the corridor,” Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy at half-time.
“But they don‘t get dragged over to the boundary line, they don’t get sucked over, so they hold their width from a defensive point-of-view.
“They really blocked up that corridor ... if they (the Swans) want to go to the boundary, they‘re letting them go.”
Sydney eventually got the game on its own terms, but this was a very strong performance on the road from Ben Rutten’s side - and one that suggests the win over the Saints wasn’t some one-time fluke. This team might be alright.
THE 3-2-1 - What we learned
3. DONS’ FIRST-YEAR FREAK LOOKS LIKE A GEM
The Swans were the first team to ever have three Rising Star nominees in a row; yet they might not have the eventual winner.
Essendon‘s Nik Cox showed the world his freakish abilities all night; and it’s simply unfair what the 200cm running machine can do.
Primarily a wingman, Cox showed ridiculous athleticism in the first term to run onto a bouncing ball and continue inside 50, kicking a running goal.
Yet Cox also used his height to take contested marks in the forward line, while pinch-hitting in the ruck for good measure; he was sent into one of the final centre bounces of the match, when Essendon had to score to win.
Cox finished with 18 disposals, a goal, five score involvements and four hit-outs.
He’s such a versatile weapon; the type any coach would love to have, and one Ben Rutten is fortunate to possess.
2. IT JUST HAD TO BE BUDDY
Of course.
After years of tormenting Essendon with an average of 4.4 goals a game, Lance Franklin didn’t quite reach those heights, being kept in check by surprise defensive option Aaron Francis.
But when the moment came, and when the Swans couldn’t kick straight to save their lives - or the four points - Buddy stood up.
The big forward took a strong mark on the lead, went back and kicked truly, putting the margin beyond reach for the Bombers.
His second haul of three goals this year gave Franklin 950 for his career; if he keeps kicking three every week, and only misses a game or two more, he could reach 1000 goals in 2021.
And with a nine-day break before Sydney’s next game, Franklin says he expects to play in Round 5, rather than again being rested.
“I think I’m away now, touch wood,” he said on Fox Footy post-game.
“The last couple of years have been pretty frustrating for me, not being able to get out there and do what I love, but I’ve worked hard to get my body into good shape.
“It’d be nice to get to 1000 (goals), but that’s not even in my thinking at the moment.”
1. HOW THE DONS KEPT IT CLOSE
After a brilliant midfield performance against St Kilda, the Bombers’ path to victory seemed clear; do that again.
Sydney came into the game ranked 14th for clearance differential, and 17th for scoring from stoppages, suggesting that was where they could be exposed. Except Essendon was smashed in the clearances, 24 to 47.
So what happened? They structured up perfectly, countering the Swans’ tendency to look into the corridor when moving the ball out of defence.
It allowed the Bombers to take an early 25-point lead, because Sydney kept looking into the middle when that’s where all of the Dons defenders were - resulting in turnovers.
“They knew Sydney wanted to go back into the corridor,” Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy at half-time.
“But they don‘t get dragged over to the boundary line, they don’t get sucked over, so they hold their width from a defensive point-of-view.
“They really blocked up that corridor ... if they (the Swans) want to go to the boundary, they‘re letting them go.”
Sydney eventually got the game on its own terms, but this was a very strong performance on the road from Ben Rutten’s side - and one that suggests the win over the Saints wasn’t some one-time fluke. This team might be alright.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/fa...x/news-story/6d73493dbc067eea06db75fcd5d3e2f5
In 2021, the Sherrin has been set free and it begins from the last line of defence, according to Champion Data’s latest analysis.
Of course, the accelerated ball movement is by design. The AFL, led by Steve Hocking, told clubs of the rule change last November.
For 2021, the man on the mark would be 15m back from the centre of the kick-off line, 5m further than it had been.
“We just want more time and space back in the game. The fans are looking for a better balance between defence and attack, and the game has definitely swayed towards defence,” Hocking said.
HOW CLUBS RESPONDED
Sydney, advantaged by its acquisition of forward-thinking ex-Crows coach Don Pyke, has exploited the rule change better than any club, taking a league-high 37 per cent of their kick-ins inside 50. Meanwhile, Port Adelaide has scored 7.3 (45) from kick-ins, ranked No. 1.
Both these clubs have combined strategy with talent across the first four weeks of the season and have regularly shifted the Sherrin from defence to attack.
Contrastingly, Richmond and Collingwood have really struggled. The Tigers are the only team yet to score from kick-ins and the Magpies have taken just 12 per cent of kick-ins to their 50 at their attacking end.
Collingwood, which has lost three of four games, has scored just 0.2 from 44 kick-ins.
Overall, inside 50s from kick-ins are up more than six per cent league-wide. This year, one in four kick-ins has resulted in a score at the other end. That’s unequivocally good for the game.
But that’s not all: There are more turnovers from kick-ins to. It means the new rule is working both ways, not just for the side that has the ball after a behind.
Sides believe they can attack more through the corridor, sometimes bite off more than they can chew, and are a greater chance to turn it over.
North Melbourne is the worst offender in this regard, with opposition teams scoring more than one in five times a Kangaroos player kicks out. Fremantle, St Kilda and Brisbane are not far behind either.
THE PLAYERS
The least successful kick-out player is North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell, with his side only scoring 0.1 from his kick-ins but conceding 8.1 (51) as a result of his kick-in turnovers. This stat is slightly misleading because Ziebell can kick it to a teammate, who can turn it over, but it still counts against the Kangaroos captain.
Nevertheless, the numbers demonstrate how much North is struggling from the last line of defence, often taking the easy wide option to the pocket and blasting it up the wing instead of taking a more direct approach.
Meanwhile, Sydney’s Jake Lloyd has taken 25 kick-outs in 2021 and played on from every one of them. Sun Jack Bowes and Lion Daniel Rich (96%) also enjoy getting a free stat next to their name, while Swan Jordan Dawson (95%) regularly plays on too.
Reigning Essendon club champion Jordan Ridley has played on from 36 of his 41 kick-ins. Without these free stats, he has had 47 kicks in four games. But his willingness to play on has him ranked fifth in the league for total kicks.
In fact, six of the top nine kickers in the AFL this season (in terms of total kicks) are prominent kick-out takers.
Former St Kilda ball-winner Leigh Montagna believes there should be a separate statistic acknowledging the imbalance.
“I think if you play on while kicking in, it should be a separate category,” Montagna said to foxfooty.com.au.
“Same with rebound 50s and metres gained.”
Injured West Coast veteran Shannon Hurn is the best kick-out player Champion Data has ever recorded. Twenty-two per cent of his kick-ins result in an inside 50 at the other end, second only to Lloyd (24%) in the AFL.
Surprisingly, Caleb Daniel is yet to start a scoring chain from his 19 kick-ins, even though he plays on 84 per cent of the time.
Montagna said Daniel is one of the best in the business at the skill.
“Personally, I still think any player can go long if they want,” the two-time All-Australian said.
“But I want someone who can create and set up some offence with a kick-in like Caleb Daniel. He can change angles, get the handball back, pull kicks into the corridor and that’s what you need.
“I would still rather the creative ball user as your kick-in. Now it is much less stressful than it was before the rule change. It’s easier. There is more space and less congestion inside your defensive 50.”
HOW YOUR TEAM STACKS UP (Inside 50 rate from kick-ins)
1. Sydney Swans: 37.3%
2. Geelong Cats: 31.4%
3. North Melbourne: 29.4%
4. Port Adelaide: 27.5%
5. Fremantle: 27.5%
6. Gold Coast Suns: 25.5%
7. Hawthorn: 25.5%
8. West Coast Eagles: 23.5%
9. GWS Giants: 21.6%
10. Adelaide Crows: 21.6%
11. St Kilda: 19.6%
12. Essendon: 17.6%
13. Carlton: 17.6%
14. Western Bulldogs: 17.6%
15. Brisbane Lions: 13.7%
16. Melbourne: 13.7%
17. Collingwood: 11.8%
18. Richmond: 7.8%
HOW THE PLAYERS STACK UP:
1. Jordan Ridley (Essendon): 41 kick-ins, 88% self, 20% inside 50 rate
2. Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne): 32 kick-ins, 88% self, 17% inside 50 rate
3. Dougal Howard (St Kilda): 30 kick-ins, 80% self, 17% inside 50 rate
4. Luke Ryan (Fremantle): 28 kick-ins, 68% self, 15% inside 50 rate
5. Jayden Short (Richmond): 28 kick-ins, 71% self, 10% inside 50 rate
6. Isaac Cumming (GWS Giants): 26 kick-ins, 73% self, 12% inside 50 rate
7. Jake Lloyd (Sydney Swans): 25 kick-ins, 100% self, 24% inside 50 rate
8. Jack Bowes (Gold Coast Suns): 25 kick-ins, 96% self, 12% inside 50 rate
9. Shannon Hurn (West Coast Eagles): 23 kick-ins, 96% self, 22% inside 50 rate
10. Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions): 23 kick-ins, 96% self, 10% inside 50 rate
11. Jordan Dawson (Sydney Swans): 19 kick-ins, 95% self, 15% inside 50 rate
12. Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs): 19 kick-ins, 84% self, 10% inside 50 rate
13. Tom Stewart (Geelong Cats): 16 kick-ins, 88% self, 15% inside 50 rate
14. Brodie Smith (Adelaide Crows): 16 kick-ins, 50% self, 5% inside 50 rate
15. Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn): 15 kick-ins, 73% self, 10% inside 50 rate
In 2021, the Sherrin has been set free and it begins from the last line of defence, according to Champion Data’s latest analysis.
Of course, the accelerated ball movement is by design. The AFL, led by Steve Hocking, told clubs of the rule change last November.
For 2021, the man on the mark would be 15m back from the centre of the kick-off line, 5m further than it had been.
“We just want more time and space back in the game. The fans are looking for a better balance between defence and attack, and the game has definitely swayed towards defence,” Hocking said.
HOW CLUBS RESPONDED
Sydney, advantaged by its acquisition of forward-thinking ex-Crows coach Don Pyke, has exploited the rule change better than any club, taking a league-high 37 per cent of their kick-ins inside 50. Meanwhile, Port Adelaide has scored 7.3 (45) from kick-ins, ranked No. 1.
Both these clubs have combined strategy with talent across the first four weeks of the season and have regularly shifted the Sherrin from defence to attack.
Contrastingly, Richmond and Collingwood have really struggled. The Tigers are the only team yet to score from kick-ins and the Magpies have taken just 12 per cent of kick-ins to their 50 at their attacking end.
Collingwood, which has lost three of four games, has scored just 0.2 from 44 kick-ins.
Overall, inside 50s from kick-ins are up more than six per cent league-wide. This year, one in four kick-ins has resulted in a score at the other end. That’s unequivocally good for the game.
But that’s not all: There are more turnovers from kick-ins to. It means the new rule is working both ways, not just for the side that has the ball after a behind.
Sides believe they can attack more through the corridor, sometimes bite off more than they can chew, and are a greater chance to turn it over.
North Melbourne is the worst offender in this regard, with opposition teams scoring more than one in five times a Kangaroos player kicks out. Fremantle, St Kilda and Brisbane are not far behind either.
THE PLAYERS
The least successful kick-out player is North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell, with his side only scoring 0.1 from his kick-ins but conceding 8.1 (51) as a result of his kick-in turnovers. This stat is slightly misleading because Ziebell can kick it to a teammate, who can turn it over, but it still counts against the Kangaroos captain.
Nevertheless, the numbers demonstrate how much North is struggling from the last line of defence, often taking the easy wide option to the pocket and blasting it up the wing instead of taking a more direct approach.
Meanwhile, Sydney’s Jake Lloyd has taken 25 kick-outs in 2021 and played on from every one of them. Sun Jack Bowes and Lion Daniel Rich (96%) also enjoy getting a free stat next to their name, while Swan Jordan Dawson (95%) regularly plays on too.
Reigning Essendon club champion Jordan Ridley has played on from 36 of his 41 kick-ins. Without these free stats, he has had 47 kicks in four games. But his willingness to play on has him ranked fifth in the league for total kicks.
In fact, six of the top nine kickers in the AFL this season (in terms of total kicks) are prominent kick-out takers.
Former St Kilda ball-winner Leigh Montagna believes there should be a separate statistic acknowledging the imbalance.
“I think if you play on while kicking in, it should be a separate category,” Montagna said to foxfooty.com.au.
“Same with rebound 50s and metres gained.”
Injured West Coast veteran Shannon Hurn is the best kick-out player Champion Data has ever recorded. Twenty-two per cent of his kick-ins result in an inside 50 at the other end, second only to Lloyd (24%) in the AFL.
Surprisingly, Caleb Daniel is yet to start a scoring chain from his 19 kick-ins, even though he plays on 84 per cent of the time.
Montagna said Daniel is one of the best in the business at the skill.
“Personally, I still think any player can go long if they want,” the two-time All-Australian said.
“But I want someone who can create and set up some offence with a kick-in like Caleb Daniel. He can change angles, get the handball back, pull kicks into the corridor and that’s what you need.
“I would still rather the creative ball user as your kick-in. Now it is much less stressful than it was before the rule change. It’s easier. There is more space and less congestion inside your defensive 50.”
HOW YOUR TEAM STACKS UP (Inside 50 rate from kick-ins)
1. Sydney Swans: 37.3%
2. Geelong Cats: 31.4%
3. North Melbourne: 29.4%
4. Port Adelaide: 27.5%
5. Fremantle: 27.5%
6. Gold Coast Suns: 25.5%
7. Hawthorn: 25.5%
8. West Coast Eagles: 23.5%
9. GWS Giants: 21.6%
10. Adelaide Crows: 21.6%
11. St Kilda: 19.6%
12. Essendon: 17.6%
13. Carlton: 17.6%
14. Western Bulldogs: 17.6%
15. Brisbane Lions: 13.7%
16. Melbourne: 13.7%
17. Collingwood: 11.8%
18. Richmond: 7.8%
HOW THE PLAYERS STACK UP:
1. Jordan Ridley (Essendon): 41 kick-ins, 88% self, 20% inside 50 rate
2. Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne): 32 kick-ins, 88% self, 17% inside 50 rate
3. Dougal Howard (St Kilda): 30 kick-ins, 80% self, 17% inside 50 rate
4. Luke Ryan (Fremantle): 28 kick-ins, 68% self, 15% inside 50 rate
5. Jayden Short (Richmond): 28 kick-ins, 71% self, 10% inside 50 rate
6. Isaac Cumming (GWS Giants): 26 kick-ins, 73% self, 12% inside 50 rate
7. Jake Lloyd (Sydney Swans): 25 kick-ins, 100% self, 24% inside 50 rate
8. Jack Bowes (Gold Coast Suns): 25 kick-ins, 96% self, 12% inside 50 rate
9. Shannon Hurn (West Coast Eagles): 23 kick-ins, 96% self, 22% inside 50 rate
10. Daniel Rich (Brisbane Lions): 23 kick-ins, 96% self, 10% inside 50 rate
11. Jordan Dawson (Sydney Swans): 19 kick-ins, 95% self, 15% inside 50 rate
12. Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs): 19 kick-ins, 84% self, 10% inside 50 rate
13. Tom Stewart (Geelong Cats): 16 kick-ins, 88% self, 15% inside 50 rate
14. Brodie Smith (Adelaide Crows): 16 kick-ins, 50% self, 5% inside 50 rate
15. Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn): 15 kick-ins, 73% self, 10% inside 50 rate
Makes the Swan's I50 rate on guys not named Dawson and Lloyd astronomical. Lloyd at 24% and Dawson at 15% as the two main guys and yet the team is at 37%.
Probably because it's going to be a lot quicker play generally if someone else is taking it rather than waiting for those two to get there.
EDIT:
In fact, crunching the numbers on our 52 kick-ins at 37.3% somehow we have 19.4 I50, lets assume it's 19, Lloyd represents 6 and Dawson 3 of those 19, so we have 10 leftover, of course we've had 8 kick-ins from other players so that means we've produced 2 extra I50... or the numbers aren't very good which I think is pretty clear if the percentage results in a .4 decimal outcome
Probably because it's going to be a lot quicker play generally if someone else is taking it rather than waiting for those two to get there.
EDIT:
In fact, crunching the numbers on our 52 kick-ins at 37.3% somehow we have 19.4 I50, lets assume it's 19, Lloyd represents 6 and Dawson 3 of those 19, so we have 10 leftover, of course we've had 8 kick-ins from other players so that means we've produced 2 extra I50... or the numbers aren't very good which I think is pretty clear if the percentage results in a .4 decimal outcome
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