Discussion 2022 AFL: Practice Matches & AAMI Community Series Discussion
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Richmond star Dustin Martin shook off the cobwebs in his first competitive match in 226 days as he and key forward Tom Lynch booked their spots to take on Carlton in the Round 1 clash next month.
The Tigers’ 18-point practice win over Geelong at GMHBA Stadium was Martin’s first serious hitout since he lacerated his kidney in a bruising collision with Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson at Metricon Stadium in Round 18 last year, which resulted in him losing more than 10 kilograms after a hospital stay in intensive care.
But the Tigers’ triple premiership hero shook off any doubts on his fitness or the hip/adductor issue that kept him out of last week’s intra club match, while Lynch looked good in his return from a hamstring issue, with three early goals.
Dustin Martin got through three-and-a-half quarters in his first hitout since a kidney injury.
Tigers’ forward/development coach Xavier Clarke said the plan had been for Martin to play for as long as he felt comfortable, which ended up being three-and-a-half quarters, mostly in the midfield.
“It was really good to see him (almost) right to the end of the game, he was still running really well,” Clarke said.
“It’s a credit to him and the work he has done in the pre-season. It has been well noted what he has gone through with his injury.
“But to come out and play the way he did, and to play the majority of the time in the midfield, is a really good sign.”
Dustin Martin tries to escape the clutches of Patric Dangerfield. Picture: Michael Klein.
Tom Lynch launches one of his three goals. Picture: Michael Klein.
Lynch booted three goals in the opening half of the game, dusting off any fears that his pre-season hamstring hiccup might have hampered his rundown to Round 1.
“He had that little hiccup, with a little bit of a hamstring strain, but he does everything right and is the ultimate professional,” Clarke said of the key forward.
The Tigers were happy to get a close look at how returning big man Ivan Soldo worked with new co-captain Toby Nankervis in ruck tandem, knowing both bring different things to the role.
“One of our biggest challenges is how we are going to fit all of our big guys into our final 22, but I thought they all went well,” Clarke said.
“It is great to see Soldo out there, but also getting forward and also getting rewarded with a couple of goals as well. He just balances us up really well.”
He said young defenders Josh Gibcus and Hugo Ralphsmith had enjoyed good pre-seasons and looked a chance to push for early senior selection in the early rounds.
The Tigers rested Trent Cotchin from the clash with the Cats, while Dylan Grimes missed the match under Covid health and safety protocols.
Jack Graham and Kane Lambert are still working their way back towards fitness with the club hoping they can be available for Round 1.
HAWKS TO WELCOME BACK STARS AFTER PUMMELLING
Chris Cavanagh
Hawthorn expects to welcome back a pair of senior stars for next week’s pre-season match against Richmond as it attempts to get back on track after a worrying practice match performance.
Forwards Chad Wingard (managed) and Luke Breust (concussion) are both expected to return for next Saturday’s AAMI Community Series match against the Tigers in Devonport in a boost for the club’s Round 1 preparations.
Hawthorn expects Luke Breust to play against Richmond.
Chad Wingard is also tipped to return.
The Hawks fought out a six-quarter drawn match against Collingwood in Morwell on Friday evening but were soundly beaten by 66 points in the first three quarters when both teams had their strongest sides on the park.
“We’ve still got things we want to work on,” Hawthorn assistant coach David Hale said.
“Obviously the next couple of weeks will help us to refine that. They (Collingwood) brought some really good pressure early which we struggled to deal with in terms of our ability to move the ball. But we’ve got a few guys to come back in over the next couple of weeks and we’ll continue to work on those sort of things. We still think we’re working towards the right spot come Round 1.”
Brodie Grundy dominated against Hawthorn’s young rucks.
The Hawks’ two developing young ruckman in Ned Reeves and Max Lynch were given a lesson by Collingwood star Brodie Grundy, who gave the Magpies’ midfielders first use.
Reeves started in ruck with some back-up assistance from captain Ben McEvoy, while Lynch came on later in the game.
“We need one of those two to really embrace that challenge and against Grundy, you’re not going to get a better opposition,” Hale said.
“He (Reeves) will learn a lot from that and Max Lynch in that back half will learn a lot as well. Going forward, we really need those two to come forward and give our midfielders some first use. We’ll be encouraged by a few things they did. They’ve got a bit to work on as well, but that’s what these games are for.”
Hawthorn hosts North Melbourne at the MCG in Round 1 on March 20.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...d/news-story/f68adb090569721a3a7bce90844b894e
It feels so long ago I watched that one now but:
Fort played forward when not rucking for substantial parts of the game and looked considerably better than Fullarton did last year in the same role. He was decent.
He rucked well and Strachan is among the better tests you could get for 2nd rucks, he's a genuine 1st ruck type and was coming off the bench fresh so to break even there is a good sign as most 2nd rucks are not that good at the craft.
That Fa gan quote can be read in two very distinct ways, I know when I read it I took it as clearly a ruck share where they wanted to play both and then sure others on here seeing it as him being the backup as in for injury. I guess we'll know come round one which one it is but I thought Fort did more than enough to justify a game. I always liked his efforts at Geelong also though.
That's the one, Gunston I think was the other option but he's such an unlikeable tosser that I never wanted him in my team so it was NRoo and Lynch on my coinflip
For a hint of just how long ago that season was, I can still vividly remember picking Zach Merrett as my big breakout player up forward and he's been a favourite ever since but god it seems a long time ago.
He genuinely did, Martin has always been a guy who carries weight poorly and is really easy to tell when he's had a season of partying, nose candy and pints over in Vegas or a season of hill runs and throwing ropes! This year definitely looks like the latter.
I still have very real concerns it was a fitness role rather than an actual role though but I do think with Balta forward, Lynch, Riewoldt, Castagna, Baker and Bolton/Lambert/Graham (as underdone), he shouldn't be needed forward early on and I think last year really highlighted how important he actually is to their midfield and with a few guys getting older I think he's even more important. Probably doesn't hurt that the Dogs and Demons both went to the GF after shelving the whole Petracca/Bont as forwards thing and unleashing as mids after a few years trying to copy Dusty and just get the feeling coaches are starting to work out it's easier for those guys to kick goals as midfielders than it is as forwards and that winning the midfield is a good thing.
Fort played forward when not rucking for substantial parts of the game and looked considerably better than Fullarton did last year in the same role. He was decent.
He rucked well and Strachan is among the better tests you could get for 2nd rucks, he's a genuine 1st ruck type and was coming off the bench fresh so to break even there is a good sign as most 2nd rucks are not that good at the craft.
That Fa gan quote can be read in two very distinct ways, I know when I read it I took it as clearly a ruck share where they wanted to play both and then sure others on here seeing it as him being the backup as in for injury. I guess we'll know come round one which one it is but I thought Fort did more than enough to justify a game. I always liked his efforts at Geelong also though.
That's the one, Gunston I think was the other option but he's such an unlikeable tosser that I never wanted him in my team so it was NRoo and Lynch on my coinflip
For a hint of just how long ago that season was, I can still vividly remember picking Zach Merrett as my big breakout player up forward and he's been a favourite ever since but god it seems a long time ago.
He genuinely did, Martin has always been a guy who carries weight poorly and is really easy to tell when he's had a season of partying, nose candy and pints over in Vegas or a season of hill runs and throwing ropes! This year definitely looks like the latter.
I still have very real concerns it was a fitness role rather than an actual role though but I do think with Balta forward, Lynch, Riewoldt, Castagna, Baker and Bolton/Lambert/Graham (as underdone), he shouldn't be needed forward early on and I think last year really highlighted how important he actually is to their midfield and with a few guys getting older I think he's even more important. Probably doesn't hurt that the Dogs and Demons both went to the GF after shelving the whole Petracca/Bont as forwards thing and unleashing as mids after a few years trying to copy Dusty and just get the feeling coaches are starting to work out it's easier for those guys to kick goals as midfielders than it is as forwards and that winning the midfield is a good thing.
It feels so long ago I watched that one now but:
Fort played forward when not rucking for substantial parts of the game and looked considerably better than Fullarton did last year in the same role. He was decent.
He rucked well and Strachan is among the better tests you could get for 2nd rucks, he's a genuine 1st ruck type and was coming off the bench fresh so to break even there is a good sign as most 2nd rucks are not that good at the craft.
That Fa gan quote can be read in two very distinct ways, I know when I read it I took it as clearly a ruck share where they wanted to play both and then sure others on here seeing it as him being the backup as in for injury. I guess we'll know come round one which one it is but I thought Fort did more than enough to justify a game. I always liked his efforts at Geelong also though.
That's the one, Gunston I think was the other option but he's such an unlikeable tosser that I never wanted him in my team so it was NRoo and Lynch on my coinflip
For a hint of just how long ago that season was, I can still vividly remember picking Zach Merrett as my big breakout player up forward and he's been a favourite ever since but god it seems a long time ago.
He genuinely did, Martin has always been a guy who carries weight poorly and is really easy to tell when he's had a season of partying, nose candy and pints over in Vegas or a season of hill runs and throwing ropes! This year definitely looks like the latter.
I still have very real concerns it was a fitness role rather than an actual role though but I do think with Balta forward, Lynch, Riewoldt, Castagna, Baker and Bolton/Lambert/Graham (as underdone), he shouldn't be needed forward early on and I think last year really highlighted how important he actually is to their midfield and with a few guys getting older I think he's even more important. Probably doesn't hurt that the Dogs and Demons both went to the GF after shelving the whole Petracca/Bont as forwards thing and unleashing as mids after a few years trying to copy Dusty and just get the feeling coaches are starting to work out it's easier for those guys to kick goals as midfielders than it is as forwards and that winning the midfield is a good thing.
Fort played forward when not rucking for substantial parts of the game and looked considerably better than Fullarton did last year in the same role. He was decent.
He rucked well and Strachan is among the better tests you could get for 2nd rucks, he's a genuine 1st ruck type and was coming off the bench fresh so to break even there is a good sign as most 2nd rucks are not that good at the craft.
That Fa gan quote can be read in two very distinct ways, I know when I read it I took it as clearly a ruck share where they wanted to play both and then sure others on here seeing it as him being the backup as in for injury. I guess we'll know come round one which one it is but I thought Fort did more than enough to justify a game. I always liked his efforts at Geelong also though.
That's the one, Gunston I think was the other option but he's such an unlikeable tosser that I never wanted him in my team so it was NRoo and Lynch on my coinflip
For a hint of just how long ago that season was, I can still vividly remember picking Zach Merrett as my big breakout player up forward and he's been a favourite ever since but god it seems a long time ago.
He genuinely did, Martin has always been a guy who carries weight poorly and is really easy to tell when he's had a season of partying, nose candy and pints over in Vegas or a season of hill runs and throwing ropes! This year definitely looks like the latter.
I still have very real concerns it was a fitness role rather than an actual role though but I do think with Balta forward, Lynch, Riewoldt, Castagna, Baker and Bolton/Lambert/Graham (as underdone), he shouldn't be needed forward early on and I think last year really highlighted how important he actually is to their midfield and with a few guys getting older I think he's even more important. Probably doesn't hurt that the Dogs and Demons both went to the GF after shelving the whole Petracca/Bont as forwards thing and unleashing as mids after a few years trying to copy Dusty and just get the feeling coaches are starting to work out it's easier for those guys to kick goals as midfielders than it is as forwards and that winning the midfield is a good thing.
So Dusty is turning 31, missed the intra-club last week with a hip/adductor 'issue', and has completed recovery from major surgery.
Just have this feeling that all that does not add up to 22 games at 100+ average.
Anyone else?
Just have this feeling that all that does not add up to 22 games at 100+ average
.Anyone else?
So Dusty is turning 31, missed the intra-club last week with a hip/adductor 'issue', and has completed recovery from major surgery.
Just have this feeling that all that does not add up to 22 games at 100+ average.
Anyone else?
Just have this feeling that all that does not add up to 22 games at 100+ average
.Anyone else?
I hate the preseason injury though, I believe that's been a "things I've learned" after every season ever and then I break it again every preseason.
I want to see a fair bit more next week before I'm picking him but there's definitely a lot in his "FOR" column!
Also worth noting that of the forwards, your little negatives blurb is in the top 3 best of the top 30 or so forwards, I mean it still beats a guy like Dunkley who has missed 7 games a season on average over the last 5 years or a Treloar having missed 9 in 3 of the past 4 seasons (and he's got one of the better durability records!) and so on
Keep forgetting that F a g a n gets altered in this Forum
A Brisbane Lions mate of mine got Chris F**gan's autograph on his Cap after the practice game
View attachment 39936
A Brisbane Lions mate of mine got Chris F**gan's autograph on his Cap after the practice game
View attachment 39936
Pies vs Hawks
General - Standard 3 periods, players were starting to go off at that point and was a good hitout through that point of fairly much first 22 teams. Was probably the highest intensity game of all the games, even a bit of spite out there. Scoreboard was a complete blow out but the game itself was much more even, imo. Take some of this stuff at face value because it wasn't an easy stream to watch, weird low camera angle and a trigger happy zoom that didn't pan at all as well as replays overlapping CB and the like. At least Kayo finally put it up about 5 minutes after @Ironhawk found a copy
CBA
Pies
Elliott - 9
Lipinski - 16
Crisp - 15
Adams - 14
N. Daicos - 8
T. Brown - 11
Penlebury - 2
Maynard - 2
Hawks
Worpel - 18
Mitchell - 18
Newcombe - 12
O'Meara - 10
Nash - 9
Maginness - 7
Ward - 3
I lost track on kick-ins but it was all Pendles 5, Daicos 2, Moore 1 for Pies when I did and Bramble, Sicily and Hardwick 1 each for Hawks.
Pies - Scoreboard was fantastic and they'd have to be happy with the finishing and free scoring nature of their play. The standout to me is they kicked the majority of their goals in red time which given, imo, they've got a much better list and a much more developed group, that should be expected. Moved the ball a lot more directly and definitely looked to take more advantage of Grundy's dominance.
Lipinski - Really solid game, not sure how he scored as he's an under the radar type but he did a lot of really nice things. Shame he's neither a forward nor cheap enough for my strategy but definitely some value there and should reach 90s, imo, with scope for a bit more than that if things fall his way.
Grundy - Was dominant, no idea his fantasy score as rucks are notoriously hard with the hitouts and weird camera angles, but he was really strong around the ground. He even smiled a few times which is a nice sign. Big tick for me.
Elliott - He was sensational to be honest, I don't think he's fantasy relevant but a little shout out.
Bianco - Played forward, not a good role.
Pendles - Off HB almost exclusively. Did have a quick burst through the guts in the 2nd period. Horded kickouts quite nicely, although taking them from Daicos is a bad Pendles. Looked solid, grab after the DPP for mine.
Adams - Looked solid, not spectacular but solid. There's value there but I don't think it's worth the durability risk in the mids.
Kreuger - Was really solid up forward, I don't like the role at his price but he was good.
Sidebottom - A very quiet game for him, or it seemed. He was mostly on the far and very hard to see wing so might have a lot more than I thought but he still looks a little bit chunkier like last year which is definitely a concern given how he played last year. Role was good though and he's certainly the type to let others shine in the preseason.
Crisp - I'm not sure if he was playing where the ball was or the ball was playing where he was but he basically seemed to have it on a string, went to half back and that was the period the Hawks locked it in there and he picked up a half dozen touches, on ball just kept getting it. Disposal was all over the shot as is his want but if he gets 35 a week it really doesn't matter. Big tick, had already replaced Hall with him in my team but was nice to get some solid reinforcement. Still genuinely no idea what role is better for him but there is more upside in the mids so really it doesn't matter!
Moore - Was solid down back, nothing special about it though and definitely behind Pendles as a rebound option.
N. Daicos - Just lock him in. Reckon he could give Walsh and Heppell's monster 80+ rookie seasons a friend. He's just a total little pig, demands the ball even when he is well covered, runs into all the right spots and uses it really well. When a rookie takes kick-ins, you know they're special, clearance work was also really good. I mean he's not even that expensive
Maynard - Both CBA were in period 3, was pure defense prior to that and not actively involved, solid game but did nothing for mine to want to pick him.
Dean - Really rated his game. Backs himself in and goes for marks, always a great asset for a guy who is definitely going to be low volume. I think he's very much a rookie you want on the bench, possibly with a loop if it falls that way, but he looked really good. Only concern is obviously that Howe wasn't playing and he definitely could take the spot but Dean is bigger so probably it's Roughy who is out for a while that he's playing over. Classic type that I hope for a better option but would take him if he's all there is.
Got 10ked...
General - Standard 3 periods, players were starting to go off at that point and was a good hitout through that point of fairly much first 22 teams. Was probably the highest intensity game of all the games, even a bit of spite out there. Scoreboard was a complete blow out but the game itself was much more even, imo. Take some of this stuff at face value because it wasn't an easy stream to watch, weird low camera angle and a trigger happy zoom that didn't pan at all as well as replays overlapping CB and the like. At least Kayo finally put it up about 5 minutes after @Ironhawk found a copy
CBA
Pies
Elliott - 9
Lipinski - 16
Crisp - 15
Adams - 14
N. Daicos - 8
T. Brown - 11
Penlebury - 2
Maynard - 2
Hawks
Worpel - 18
Mitchell - 18
Newcombe - 12
O'Meara - 10
Nash - 9
Maginness - 7
Ward - 3
I lost track on kick-ins but it was all Pendles 5, Daicos 2, Moore 1 for Pies when I did and Bramble, Sicily and Hardwick 1 each for Hawks.
Pies - Scoreboard was fantastic and they'd have to be happy with the finishing and free scoring nature of their play. The standout to me is they kicked the majority of their goals in red time which given, imo, they've got a much better list and a much more developed group, that should be expected. Moved the ball a lot more directly and definitely looked to take more advantage of Grundy's dominance.
Lipinski - Really solid game, not sure how he scored as he's an under the radar type but he did a lot of really nice things. Shame he's neither a forward nor cheap enough for my strategy but definitely some value there and should reach 90s, imo, with scope for a bit more than that if things fall his way.
Grundy - Was dominant, no idea his fantasy score as rucks are notoriously hard with the hitouts and weird camera angles, but he was really strong around the ground. He even smiled a few times which is a nice sign. Big tick for me.
Elliott - He was sensational to be honest, I don't think he's fantasy relevant but a little shout out.
Bianco - Played forward, not a good role.
Pendles - Off HB almost exclusively. Did have a quick burst through the guts in the 2nd period. Horded kickouts quite nicely, although taking them from Daicos is a bad Pendles. Looked solid, grab after the DPP for mine.
Adams - Looked solid, not spectacular but solid. There's value there but I don't think it's worth the durability risk in the mids.
Kreuger - Was really solid up forward, I don't like the role at his price but he was good.
Sidebottom - A very quiet game for him, or it seemed. He was mostly on the far and very hard to see wing so might have a lot more than I thought but he still looks a little bit chunkier like last year which is definitely a concern given how he played last year. Role was good though and he's certainly the type to let others shine in the preseason.
Crisp - I'm not sure if he was playing where the ball was or the ball was playing where he was but he basically seemed to have it on a string, went to half back and that was the period the Hawks locked it in there and he picked up a half dozen touches, on ball just kept getting it. Disposal was all over the shot as is his want but if he gets 35 a week it really doesn't matter. Big tick, had already replaced Hall with him in my team but was nice to get some solid reinforcement. Still genuinely no idea what role is better for him but there is more upside in the mids so really it doesn't matter!
Moore - Was solid down back, nothing special about it though and definitely behind Pendles as a rebound option.
N. Daicos - Just lock him in. Reckon he could give Walsh and Heppell's monster 80+ rookie seasons a friend. He's just a total little pig, demands the ball even when he is well covered, runs into all the right spots and uses it really well. When a rookie takes kick-ins, you know they're special, clearance work was also really good. I mean he's not even that expensive
Maynard - Both CBA were in period 3, was pure defense prior to that and not actively involved, solid game but did nothing for mine to want to pick him.
Dean - Really rated his game. Backs himself in and goes for marks, always a great asset for a guy who is definitely going to be low volume. I think he's very much a rookie you want on the bench, possibly with a loop if it falls that way, but he looked really good. Only concern is obviously that Howe wasn't playing and he definitely could take the spot but Dean is bigger so probably it's Roughy who is out for a while that he's playing over. Classic type that I hope for a better option but would take him if he's all there is.
Got 10ked...
Hawks - Scoreboard was ugly but they really weren't that bad. Pies had a decent wind for 2/3 periods, Hawks kicked like 1.6 while the Pies kicked 6.0 and then they got annihilated in red time, which is a concern but they do have a fair few senior guys to come back in and that does change red time rapidly as tired players get out of position and then it all falls apart defensively and you can't stop the barrage. To be honest I still think last year and avoiding the spoon comfortably was Clarko's best coaching performance as I think their list is very weak, but they weren't as terrible as the score suggests, at least imo.
Morrison - Playing HB, was weird to see him there and Hardwick not for the 1st 2 periods, he had one really good play but was otherwise very Morrisonish... (not a compliment).
Mitchell - Felt like he couldn't care less about this game, almost like his family was being held hostage or something. Preseason and like Sidebottom I reckon he knows where he's at and doesn't care. That said would have been nice to see him crack in and confirm the body is good. I mean compared to a lot of his competition it's a big cross but there was nothing really wrong and given it's Titch, he probably top scored anyway
Worpel - Big Q3, was kind of just running around like a chicken with its head cut off for the first two. He's a solid player but honestly he's their 4th best inside mid and has struggled entirely in all other positions, kind of guy who is clearly best 22 on ability but, imo, shouldn't be in their best 22, he will be but just a hard fit for him.
Sicily - Was well off the pace early but built into it nicely. Hard to judge a lot with Hardwick not playing the first two, Impey, Day and Jiath not playing at all. On a positive, if the midfield plays like that he's going to have a lot of supply. Do like that he got the first 50 out of the way in the first 10 minutes and must have given away 5 free kicks, so nice to have him back! As much as it can be with so much information missing, it was a tick.
McEvoy - Forward and 2nd ruck all day.
O'Meara - Not heavily involved in the mids early, worked into them about halfway through the first and did a few nice things. Another guy who had that preseason chill going but you always worry with him whether it's the body not letting him or holding back.
Nash - Decent midfield mix, struggled to really have a lot of impact, did look like he was cracking in and probably had a fair few tackles though. Nothing to make me want to pick him but I do like him in the role, similar to Worpel though where there are so many, including Worpel, ahead of him.
Moore - Started really well, playing HF, did fade, may have even been off by Q3. Role in a bad team stops him being fantasy relevant for mine.
Scrimshaw - Started HB, I still have no idea how they fit everyone in.
Hardwick - Came on for Q3, took kick-ins at that point and same old, no idea why he didn't play the first two, he's so clearly in their best 22 so I assume being managed or just wanted to give someone else a chance?
Bramble - Was their 2nd best player for mine, ton of rebound off HB, mostly good kicking and just by far the hardest working to get on the end of it. He's definitely a threat to Sicily getting back to 105+ territory, he quite simply didn't have the likes of Bramble, Hardwick (now version), Jiath, Scrimshaw, Impey and Day playing a couple of years ago and they do scare me with him.
Lynch - Gave a contest, was hard to read the watch the ruck contests with the camera but definitely seems to be a genuine battle for the spots. Came on in Q3 iirc, so would indicate he's slightly behind to me.
Gunston - Got through, was solid but tough role in what definitely should be a weak side this year.
DGB - Was solid down back, tough to squeeze him into the side right now but did some nice things. Long term he hurts Sicily but this season I'm not worried about him.
Ward - Started wing, went through the middle at times but looked by far his best when playing HB, which is really unfortunate given they've got an entire team full of HBF they're trying to fit into a couple of slots. Worked into the game nicely though and he's good enough at basically everything to find a role for him be it wing or as the skilled midfielder in a midfield noticeably lacking in class. I think he should play and he should score well once he figures out where he's playing. Gilham who was commentating was very complimentary of how quickly he picked up the defensive patterns and structures which is normally the thing that stops rookies dead from playing, so that's a great sign.
Shiels - Came on in Q3, not sure if similar to Hardwick where they wanted to give others a chance or indication where he's at in the pecking order, didn't play midfield when he did come on from what I could tell. This would be very good for a few of the kids.
MacDonald - Was good in Q1, went missing after that, did seem to be on the wing but the ball wasn't finding him. Gilham also complimentary of him but I think he's got some work to do next week.
Maginness - I thought he was the pick of the rookie priced Hawks both in role and performance. Started wing, didn't do a lot there but moved into the guts where he provided more grunt than I expected but also a bit of polish. Again, the midfield is sorely lacking in class so if he can add that it's in his favour. I'd say there's room for 2 of the kids at most. Would love to see a big game next week.
Reeves - I thought he was actually pretty solid, Grundy killed him around the ground and from what I could tell was on top in the ruck as well but Reeves was combative. Be brave to pick him though with Lynch right there waiting if he has a bad game and McEvoy if they both do! Has a real Flynn at GWS last year vibe.
S. Mitchell - He did some nice things but playing as a small forward in a bad team I'd have to be pretty desperate!
Newcombe - Thought he was the Hawks clear best player, he must have won about 3/4 of the clearances that they won, was the only mid actually working to the outside of the contest as well and presenting around the ground. Shame he didn't get the forward tag as I think he'd have some low end keeper potential there. If he keeps playing like that I reckon he passes O'Meara and Worpel to be their 2nd best midfielder and honestly could even pass Mitchell as their main inside guy and push Mitchell more outside again. Love the way he went about it. Obviously just one game, after a handful of really impressive outings last year, but if he backs it up he's just cheap enough to consider. Role was very good. Ideally Wingard plays next week and we see where he falls in, another huge game and he'd be interesting.
Morrison - Playing HB, was weird to see him there and Hardwick not for the 1st 2 periods, he had one really good play but was otherwise very Morrisonish... (not a compliment).
Mitchell - Felt like he couldn't care less about this game, almost like his family was being held hostage or something. Preseason and like Sidebottom I reckon he knows where he's at and doesn't care. That said would have been nice to see him crack in and confirm the body is good. I mean compared to a lot of his competition it's a big cross but there was nothing really wrong and given it's Titch, he probably top scored anyway
Worpel - Big Q3, was kind of just running around like a chicken with its head cut off for the first two. He's a solid player but honestly he's their 4th best inside mid and has struggled entirely in all other positions, kind of guy who is clearly best 22 on ability but, imo, shouldn't be in their best 22, he will be but just a hard fit for him.
Sicily - Was well off the pace early but built into it nicely. Hard to judge a lot with Hardwick not playing the first two, Impey, Day and Jiath not playing at all. On a positive, if the midfield plays like that he's going to have a lot of supply. Do like that he got the first 50 out of the way in the first 10 minutes and must have given away 5 free kicks, so nice to have him back! As much as it can be with so much information missing, it was a tick.
McEvoy - Forward and 2nd ruck all day.
O'Meara - Not heavily involved in the mids early, worked into them about halfway through the first and did a few nice things. Another guy who had that preseason chill going but you always worry with him whether it's the body not letting him or holding back.
Nash - Decent midfield mix, struggled to really have a lot of impact, did look like he was cracking in and probably had a fair few tackles though. Nothing to make me want to pick him but I do like him in the role, similar to Worpel though where there are so many, including Worpel, ahead of him.
Moore - Started really well, playing HF, did fade, may have even been off by Q3. Role in a bad team stops him being fantasy relevant for mine.
Scrimshaw - Started HB, I still have no idea how they fit everyone in.
Hardwick - Came on for Q3, took kick-ins at that point and same old, no idea why he didn't play the first two, he's so clearly in their best 22 so I assume being managed or just wanted to give someone else a chance?
Bramble - Was their 2nd best player for mine, ton of rebound off HB, mostly good kicking and just by far the hardest working to get on the end of it. He's definitely a threat to Sicily getting back to 105+ territory, he quite simply didn't have the likes of Bramble, Hardwick (now version), Jiath, Scrimshaw, Impey and Day playing a couple of years ago and they do scare me with him.
Lynch - Gave a contest, was hard to read the watch the ruck contests with the camera but definitely seems to be a genuine battle for the spots. Came on in Q3 iirc, so would indicate he's slightly behind to me.
Gunston - Got through, was solid but tough role in what definitely should be a weak side this year.
DGB - Was solid down back, tough to squeeze him into the side right now but did some nice things. Long term he hurts Sicily but this season I'm not worried about him.
Ward - Started wing, went through the middle at times but looked by far his best when playing HB, which is really unfortunate given they've got an entire team full of HBF they're trying to fit into a couple of slots. Worked into the game nicely though and he's good enough at basically everything to find a role for him be it wing or as the skilled midfielder in a midfield noticeably lacking in class. I think he should play and he should score well once he figures out where he's playing. Gilham who was commentating was very complimentary of how quickly he picked up the defensive patterns and structures which is normally the thing that stops rookies dead from playing, so that's a great sign.
Shiels - Came on in Q3, not sure if similar to Hardwick where they wanted to give others a chance or indication where he's at in the pecking order, didn't play midfield when he did come on from what I could tell. This would be very good for a few of the kids.
MacDonald - Was good in Q1, went missing after that, did seem to be on the wing but the ball wasn't finding him. Gilham also complimentary of him but I think he's got some work to do next week.
Maginness - I thought he was the pick of the rookie priced Hawks both in role and performance. Started wing, didn't do a lot there but moved into the guts where he provided more grunt than I expected but also a bit of polish. Again, the midfield is sorely lacking in class so if he can add that it's in his favour. I'd say there's room for 2 of the kids at most. Would love to see a big game next week.
Reeves - I thought he was actually pretty solid, Grundy killed him around the ground and from what I could tell was on top in the ruck as well but Reeves was combative. Be brave to pick him though with Lynch right there waiting if he has a bad game and McEvoy if they both do! Has a real Flynn at GWS last year vibe.
S. Mitchell - He did some nice things but playing as a small forward in a bad team I'd have to be pretty desperate!
Newcombe - Thought he was the Hawks clear best player, he must have won about 3/4 of the clearances that they won, was the only mid actually working to the outside of the contest as well and presenting around the ground. Shame he didn't get the forward tag as I think he'd have some low end keeper potential there. If he keeps playing like that I reckon he passes O'Meara and Worpel to be their 2nd best midfielder and honestly could even pass Mitchell as their main inside guy and push Mitchell more outside again. Love the way he went about it. Obviously just one game, after a handful of really impressive outings last year, but if he backs it up he's just cheap enough to consider. Role was very good. Ideally Wingard plays next week and we see where he falls in, another huge game and he'd be interesting.