Power vs Crows
General - Another genuine preseason game this one, strong wind to the right of screen which definitely played a part in it but it was just scrappy with both teams really struggling to find targets, the Power at the end of the day were better at that aspect of the game and they won as a result, Crows were probably a bit better in the contest though which is something.
Again I haven't seen SC scores.
Crows - I think they'd be happy, won the contest and with such an anemic forward line it's always going to be hard to kick a winning score but the kids were solid again and there were enough positives. I think they remain one of the bottom sides but they're gallant.
ROB - Looked back to his best, was exceptional in working to get behind the ball and intercept mark, ruckwork was noticeably better than it normally is against fairly good opposition. Definitely a lot to like here. I think he remains more of a DT option but he's not a bad punt as he was clearly not fit last year.
Rachele - Outstanding game from him, the tackles were noticeable and his role was actually not terrible. Playing as a HF and roaming a bit to get up around the ground, it's important he does that as quality supply will be low up forward but have to love the defensive work mostly today and just does some clever things. Would be genuinely shocked if he's not there round one and he's probably shown enough tricks to think he's going to make cash, in this year's crop I think he's just about a lock unless something magical happens over the next few games.
Sloane - Same old for him.
Smith - HB, same old also.
Crouch - Solid game, ran it out well all things considered but too many durability concerns to be worth the punt.
Schoenberg - Role was excellent again, pretty pure midfield. Not relevant for mine, that jump as a mid is just too extreme.
Keays - Played forward especially prior to Laird's injury, seems he and Schoey have basically swapped roles.
Jones - Was genuinely decent off half back Not fantasy relevant but I've been hard on him when he's been rubbish in the past and it was great to see him actually doing some good things.
Laird - Hand/Wrist injury it seemed, off at HT and didn't return. Fingers crossed for him that it's nothing significant. Was playing solidly prior to that.
Soligo - Played as a HF, not quite as free roaming as Rachele's role and he's not got nearly the tricks at this point but he was solid and definitely put his hand up at least. Role not good for fantasy and JS would be on an earn it basis in that role but he might be the least bad option, at least most of the guys that weren't playing are mediocre talents so there's definitely a chance.
Hinge - Started really well, worked really hard all game but didn't get a lot of rewards, didn't help that basically for 2 quarters he may as well be on the bench given the wind held the ball on the far side for the vast majority of the game. Played pure wing from my eye and I thought did it well. I think it's a much better role than the score indicates but there's definitely some JS questions for that role with Milera and Dawson both capable of taking the spot. If I could trust the JS I'd say the role is worth the premium but it's a wait and see for now.
Pedlar - Didn't come on until Laird went off and didn't do an awful lot after he did come on. Think it's probably an indicator of where he's at, according to ff he did a hammy that I missed also.
Power
Wines - I honestly didn't notice him getting 37 touches until the commentators started talking about how he had 30 early in the 4th, that's I guess a good thing when you can get that many touches without any real influence needed. He was solid just didn't stand out to me, perhaps partly as I'm not really watching for him. I do think he's actually a decent POD this year but I'm not looking for that in the mids.
Butters - Now he did stand out to me, he was everywhere and just so classy with it, love how he takes the extra time with the ball to set players free as well. Role was delicious, exactly what you want to see. Big tick and I think he's pretty much locked in my side at this point.
Rozee - Thought he was much better this week, his role was better also but just worked a lot harder, not sure I thought he was as good as his fantasy score says but strong game. He doesn't interest me as he's too flaky and inconsistent but great game.
Boak - Played mostly HF with limited midfield bursts, basically Butters' role last year when fit. Given his age and how well Butters did, wouldn't surprise if that rotation sticks and isn't just a preseason thing. I guess that's the decision we as coaches have to make when going a Butters but it looked the right move long term. He was rock solid as ever though.
Amon - Wing/Mid, played very well. Too many others for him but wouldn't shock me if he's an elite scorer in the DT formats especially.
Burton/Bonner/DBJ/Jones - Looked a very settled HB/Pocket group, doesn't seem a lot of wiggle room to take their spots right now. Think they're a too many chef crew though.
Houston - Played pure wing, reckon he scored significantly more than I had expected but he was on the far wing often where it was hard to actually genuinely see who was doing things so will have done more work there.
Duursma - In bad news for fantasy, he was significantly better this week also. Workrate was exceptional and had genuine impact on the contest.
Drew - Really strong role, had a very strong game, surprised how low his DT score is but imagine his SC is a fair bit better.
Hayes - He wasn't bad but he looks a pure ruck so probably needs an injury to Lycett or to knock him out of the team as they're already probably too tall up forward and have had issues with that so can't really play Hayes forward, maybe his only other hope would be Lycett going forward but he left the Eagles largely because he didn't want that role so would be a hard sell.
McEntee - He did some nice things but definitely not a lot, Gray injury definitely opens the door ever so slightly for him and I think he's got a lot more natural forward craft than Mead so would expect we see him first but I find it hard to see them not going with Motlop/SPP first if they're available. Terrible role, bad JS isn't really what we want.
Mead - Just struggled to impact the contest, think he's that textbook midfielder having to try and hang in the side as a small forward despite not really having the skillset or craft needed. I just don't see the path to a good role or any JS for him.
Sinn - Didn't come on until after HT, had a couple of nice plays but that was about it unfortunately and as mentioned above both Duursma and Rozee, who are probably the most exposed guys in the best 22 for his type of role were very good which is not a good sign for him. Be surprised if he plays round 1 to be honest but who knows with Ken.
