Analysis 2022: Early Rounds Review by wogitalia

[wogitalia]

ROUND 1​

Going to do write-ups for the first couple of rounds hopefully as want the notes jotted down and reckon they're important given the structure trades that most budget.

Dogs vs Demons

General - Solid game, not frantic but solid. Demons the better side structurally, Dogs got a lot of it but really got bogged down in their ball movement and weren't good going inside 50 and forward in general. Both look to be top sides though, both were able to stem momentum changes, create them for themselves and kick quick goals which is so important in the modern game.

Demons - Just so sound defensively, doesn't really seem to matter who plays, they just seem to have the structure. McDonald went back after the Salem injury and was big as an extra help defender. Look really good.

Petracca - Ah yes, those preseason calls, from my first picked to not even in my side over a preseason, love how we can talk ourselves out of things so easily and of course into! He was immense, used it well, hit the scoreboard and just worked so hard. Will be watching very closely, said I thought he had 130+ in him this year in my first draft side, this has only reaffirmed it!

Viney - Solid role, played well. Clearly still the 3rd mid.

Oliver - A good bad game, concerning they called a throw on him given he has a half dozen just like it every game, if that's a target for umpires it definitely could be an issue he needs to tidy up. Played well, worked really hard, seemed to basically invent clangers and 7 FA is a pretty awesome effort. Still managed 106 and a positive ratio

Gawn - A really good stinker from him, relied heavily on the "hidden" stats such as HOtA, spoils and 1%ers and a nice bit of momentum on the timing of his goal and a couple of other good plays because he was pretty poor tonight otherwise and to walk away 90+ is a big win from a losing game. Looked really fit and got to an extreme amount of contests, just was beaten on the night and just that bit off. Still think the 115+ is a good bet.

Jackson - Solid game for him, love to know the overall ruck contests as it felt like he was a lot more involved in that then the CBA stats suggest, genuinely felt in the 65/35 G:J ratio to me, maybe even slightly higher Jackson. Moved well, marked well, kicked a nice goal. If you took him you'd be pretty delighted, he wasn't great tonight and he's scored amazingly well.

Langdon - Such relentless workrate, love the way he runs, would be that guy you'd love as a teammate and just be amazed when he's next to you and then he's 100m away

May - Ended up falling into a lockdown job on Naughton which hurt his scoring. Worth watching over the next few if he gets cheap enough.

Sparrow - Didn't get enough midfield time for mine, played solidly but not screaming pick me as a bailout option or downgrade play.

Smith - Was really solid, actually played very well, Salem injury doesn't hurt him at all. I still think he's got horrible JS but he did what he could to hang around.

Bedford - Did a few nice things, worth watching if he hangs around at 124k but sub after late outs probably sums it up best.

Salem - Well he'll be on the watch list if he's back, was a weird injury where didn't really look obvious but with tape already there you've got to be concerned.

Bowey - Played well, copped a big knock late on a film review standout play, Salem injury, if long term, could be very good as he's probably the next rebounder in line. Probably scored in line with what you'd expect, if he can add another 5 touches he starts to be viable.

Dogs - Typical game for them, got plenty of it, struggled a bit going forward, ball ended up in the wrong hands a bit too often for that important kick, don't love the Hunter forward thing, you end up with him not taking that kick so that guys like Treloar and Smith are hacking it a bit more. Wont be too hurt by this, battled well against a top side and more than enough to take away on the positives side of the table.

Smith - Preseason what? Immense, ball use was wasteful and he had a few plays where he should have gone and didn't but it will come. His role was exceptional though and definitely could be an issue for a few other guys who all need those minutes also. Played very well, hate those bad preseason guys but he's such an absurd talent that needs to be watched closely.

Macrae - Same Ol S... Stock standard game from him, just keeps finding the ball, that play in the 4th where he got 4 touches without basically moving was just insane. I didn't love his role, he's still a lot better as a pure mid and definitely some wing about his role tonight but it's Macrae, him falling off a bit would be a comfortable 120-125 so if the role fluctuates and is better he can go big. No concerns for anyone who took him.

English - Huge game, actually think his ratio was rough, multiple intercept possessions, couple of big contested marks, 8 clearances, definitely had some hitouts sharked but would have thought he was net positive in that area still and 85% DE just seems a bit off to me. He looked gassed late in the game and I definitely have some concerns about a knee when he went down like someone had sniped him under no contact in a marking contest, will be watching closely this week. Still, delighted with the outcome, if he can put 120 up against the best ruck combination in the league, that's a great sign, his ruckwork was noticeably better and his positioning around the ground was excellent. Even laid a couple of good tackles/bumps throwing his weight around a bit. Very impressed.

Dunkley - He's like that golfer who never hits a good shot and walks off 3 over par for the round, he just hacks kicks forward and they always bounce his way, it's actually always mental to watch. His hands are great though but the kicking terrifies me. Was really solid, role was really solid. Can't complain at all about his game.

Bont - Really solid game for him all things considered, rolled an ankle and struggled his way through it, to walk away 100+ is actually insane. Will be one to watch very, very closely over the next month, if he battles through it, plays forward a bit he's going to be one of the most obvious upgrade targets, timing it will be the question. Straight to the top of the upgrade target list.

Treloar - Strong game but a bit of junk involved that didn't get any reward unfortunately for his owners. 2nd goal had a groin/hamstring grab that was definitely concerning, played out the last minute but definitely a reminder of the risk for those who took him and the reason for those who didn't. Hopefully he's ok. I think his ratio was pretty harsh, he never kicks it well but he wasn't that bad tonight. No CP hurt but even that didn't really feel right. Role was sound although he was making that final kick far more than the Dogs would want!

Dale - Big start for him, took a significant amount of kick-ins, actually didn't play on several times, just playing well. No noticeable intercept role for him but did have a couple of intercept plays so could be in the equation at least. Definitely top 10 defender potential.

Daniel - Ditto to Dale, he looked solid, got plenty of it, was key in their rebound, pushes up higher to stay involved and as always used it well. Still reckon he ends up being a better pick than the ultra common Whitfield at the same price, that somehow didn't stop me picking Whitfield instead of him though

Naughton - Really solid game by him, doing more at ground level is huge, still always a threat when he jumps at it. Doing this against May is a huge effort. Still feel good about him pushing 90 and this game didn't change that. I have a no KPF rule for a reason but he's a gun.

Liberatore - Clearly the guy sacrificing for the team. Barely noticed at CB, which makes sense given he had one only, started HF and mainly played there. Strong chance to get FWD if he keeps that role up which would be a heavy watch if he did go back to midfield for whatever reason. I think it's a waste as he's their best inside mid but it's Bevo!

Hunter - The other guy whose role got kicked in the face. Playing essentially forward pocket, really undermines his best skill which is his elite I50 kicking, weird decision, especially to play the likes of Hannan and R. Smith on the wing instead. Another to watch for role changes.

Richards - Was solid, pretty much right on what you'd have expected if picking him, scored well, played well.

Don't think anyone else is relevant but if I missed someone you want covered hit me quick

 

[wogitalia]

Blues vs Tigers

General - Great contest, quarter long momentum swings, Tigers had an extreme rub of the green with the umpires that really kept them in it when they were on top and Carlton just brute forced it forced from clearances, such distinct differences in style that was really fun to watch.

Blues - Have to be happy, that's the perfect coaching game for Voss as well, the two quarters that the tackling and pressure dipped, they were well beaten and the two where they outworked and tackled the Tigers they dominated. Midfield dominance the deciding factor in the end.

Kennedy - Exceptional game, role really good, going to be a serious decision when Walsh returns but Kennedy playing like that has to be in the mix. Just a really strong game. I'd have been looking at him if he'd kept FWD this year but as a mid only it's just hard to think much more about him.

Cripps - Stinker with ball use in the first, kicked the goals which really flipped his score and then just willed into it with clearances and contested ball. Great game. Wouldn't be a Cripps game if he doesn't limp off, knee twisted but came back on and didn't look to be limited so fingers crossed.

Cerra - Quality player, reckon he's the one you kind of push as the extra mid and keep the bulls in there but Voss has a big decision. Was great, especially late.

Saad - Great game for him, reckon he's a real chance of premium numbers after being injured and under siege last year.

Docherty - Great to just see him out there, for him to be that good was amazing. No sane person was ever considering him this season but just love the story. FU cancer!

Hewett - Same story as Cerra and Kennedy, was excellent and the balance is going to be interesting. Used the ball well, clean hands as usual at the contest and got a nice goal after a massive blunder by Graham. Kind of glad that the rookies shoved me in this direction.

McDonald - Was really solid down back, lot more intercept work than would be expected. Played well. Solid bailout option potentially.

McKay - Tough matchup, good solid game, just kept getting to contests and bringing it to ground, wont be talked about with no bag but I thought he was huge.

Durdin - Really solid game, good job getting outside 50 to influence the game, took his chances exceptionally when they presented. Not going to be a prolific scorer but JS went up a whole notch, that's a couple of weeks bought, and should score in this range.

McGovern - Massive 1st half, did fade in the 2nd half, 3rd quarter they were just under siege and never really got a chance to setup and a couple of soft frees hurt him. Q4 he got tunneled by his own teammate and landed heavily and was off on the pine when the waxing was on which hurt, could have picked up another 20 points if he'd been out there with the frantic rushed kicks by the Tiges and the chipping by the Blues. Did come back on for the last 3 or so minutes which is a good sign. Played better than his score and very happy with the pick.

LOB - Probably too expensive for anyone to go there but he grew into the game, worked really hard. Impressed despite the score. Was a bit raw early though so was good that he was able to bounce back into it.

Curnow - Why do I tinker . I think he scored better than he played, which is kind of scary. Concern was his complete lack of effort at ground level, just skirting the packs always. Wasn't terrible in the air and the Tigers are a tough matchup for him but not a good start. Good to get the stinker out in round one (if that aint glass half full!)

Tigers - Well beaten tonight, it didn't feel like they kicked a goal after Bolton's great goal at the start of the game that didn't need some serious umpire assistance which isn't as concerning as it sounds given they've had that tendency for a few years at least. Midfield continues to be a real worry, basically after Prestia went down it was a whitewash. Defense held up really well and when they did go forward they scored freely but such a battle to start from behind so often. It's still amazing how for such a good team they're just so fantasy irrelevant.

Bolton - Scored better than I expected, his goals were good but he basically didn't do anything else so to walk out with the bat raised is a huge outcome. Role not good, definitely primarily forward even after Prestia went down.

Martin - Another amazing score, perks of having that ticket, it sure didn't feel like he had 11CP, I'm not sure I remember more than 3 of which two were FF. Did hit some nice kicks late in the game to almost create chances and I mean he wasn't bad but genuinely was shocked to see his score. Genuinely didn't look that good tonight to me and his role was definitely concerning, seemed to go and stay forward after Prestia was hurt when you'd expect the opposite. Great start for anyone who nabbed him because if that's his score in a bad game we all know how it goes when it's good.

Short - Thank god the Blues can't kick straight because he just didn't do much else but if the Tigers aren't strong, and it's possible, then he's going to get plenty of supply. Like Martin, he had a poor game and he's raised the bat comfortably so can't complain at all.

Rioli - Like McGovern, started well and then just went home, was not really a composed game as far as ball retention by either team so not surprising but needs a higher DT base to work out in SC.

Nank - He's just not good when he shares the ruck, I'm not sure there's any ruck who struggles more in a ruck share but it's just so hard to justify playing Soldo if he's going to give them nothing and it causes Nank to have zero rhythm and be completely out of the game.

Graham - I believe he had 3 50s, so that will tank a score quickly. One to watch as he builds fitness, especially if Prestia is out a while.

Baker - Forward role, did go more midfield when Prestia went off but still mostly forward and more a CB and push forward.

Gibcus - He was solid, 55 a good score and reckon that's the ratio he's going to sport all season. Couple of nice team plays, few nice cheap touches. Will have better games, will probably have worse games. This is rookie living!

 

[wogitalia]

Pies vs Saints

General - Really good game. Pies were very good in particular, Saints were lacklustre for a half but a few tactical moves seemed to ignite them and the 2nd half was a really good battle.

Pies - Have to be happy, took a lot more risks than last year, Grundy's dominance eventually was capitalised on, new guys were all really good. Just what you want.

Lipinski - As advertised, role wasn't perfect but it was much better than at the Dogs, his stoppage work was excellent and a strong connection with Grundy already which is money for both. Just a really strong debut and one to watch next week.

De Goey - Role better than I expected, higher forward role with significant midfield stints. Was very good and looks good as well. Strong game and definitely a contender to average 100+ in that role.

N. Daicos - Kid's good, really good. Works hard, demands the ball, loves that loopy one-two handball to get it back. Going to score very well, he did nothing special tonight for a nice 100ish score.

Grundy - Fitness really stood up, he was really good all night, lot of unlucky FA early robbed him in the first half but his superior fitness and strength told the story later, his start to the 4th quarter to wrestle the lead and put them in control and also to start the third for similar results were epic. Marshall is actually one of the few who can go with him around the ground so this is a very decent game. Hard to judge, his ruckwork was better than I've ever seen it but his disposal was wonky, so probably a fair ratio but his impact felt bigger than his score to me.

Howe - Solid as ever.

Sidebottom - Role was as advertised, played well without really ever looking like going big. His 2nd goal was one of the most pure strikes of a footy you'll ever see, one step, opposite foot easy clear of 50 is insane.

Pendles - Role as advertised, 85% down back and 15% on ball for mine, did get on the ball when the game was on the line. Will be one to watch over the first 6 weeks as he's an interesting DEF option.

Ginnivan - Faded a fair bit but was really solid, role was solid all game. Probably not worth it but another option at 199k.

Crisp - Had a mare, seemed to go back later in the game, didn't find the pill early or late. Probably becomes a strong downgrade target if he doesn't rebound strongly. There wasn't really anything wrong with anything except the score, was around it all night.

Saints - Hard to read how they take this, I don't rate them that highly and I do think Collingwood have a much better list than most do so I thought it was a pretty solid game, their bounce back after a soft start was perhaps the big standout. Ratten swinging the magnets was the big surprise to me but was a good win.

Hayes - Wowee, who saw that coming. Last quarter is perhaps significant though as he didn't go on for a monster and his role isn't ideal but if he scores like that, who cares. What I love is his workrate and ground level efforts, there's definitely some Stef Martin or Mitch Clarke about his ruckwork, not going to do much in the ruck itself but going to follow up and work really hard around the ground. What I liked most was that he did most of his scoring as a forward, especially on the lead and that's the only way he can co-exist with Ryder, they give up a lot in the ruck to play him over Ryder so really he's got to be a forward in the best 22 and can pump his tyres on the games that Ryder misses, and there will be a fair few of those. Great debut!

Sinclair - The big change by Ratten, after I criticised him for always sticking with the plodding butchers was to throw Sinclair on ball and his efforts genuinely shifted the match, was brilliant in the 2nd half getting the ball higher up the ground and using it well. If that role sticks, and based on this game it absolutely should, he's one to watch very closely, I had him as a likely 90+ defender anyway but he could definitely push higher. Gut running, high quality ball users who don't mind a contest tend to do very well in this caper.

Steele - Had an epic first 10 minutes, had a mare from then on. Just one of those games for him, even copped a stupid rough deliberate call to cap it off. Think his score is spot on though, can't argue it at all. He still looked strong and he's better than that.

Marshall - Faded bigtime in the last which is understandable given the preseason was a bit hindered but he was excellent. Showed good craft to milk free kicks when Grundy out-strengthed him in both the ruck and marking contests, great around the ground with very strong positioning, if he keeps that up and holds the #1 role he will have some monster games, Grundy is one of about 4 rucks who has him beaten as a ruck so will score better in that area. Could also use a bit more from the midfield which they'll get when Jones and Clark are back. Was very good.

Gresham - Massive 2nd half from him, pushed higher and got more on-ball time as the game went on and his influence was big, the real telling thing on him is how hard he runs forward when playing mid, was able to get out the back a couple of times into really dangerous spots. Strong game from him, if he backs that up he definitely has to come into play next week as a trade target as his fitness is just going to grow as he strings games together. Be interesting if Ratten goes back to Crouch and Ross (especially) being 2nd to the ball all night and butchering it when they get it or just being so safe to avoid it that they stall all ball movement. Strong watch.

Hill - Was really solid, started slowly but worked really hard to stay in the game, which has been a big issue for him when he starts slowly, and really took over down back once Sinclair went midfield.

Paton - Also got a lot more ball in rebound positions after Sinclair went mids. Too expensive most likely but could be a strong play if Hayes is going to be must start and we have to get a defender on the field to field him for those who loaded the forwards.

King - He's so close to being really, really good, just drops too many marks that he gets clean hands to but his ground level work at that size is simply absurd. I think he's going to be a keeper level in a couple of years when he just adds a few more KG to not get body spoiled so frequently.

Owens - That was rough, to his credit, his last quarter was actually alright and he did a couple of nice things but the first 3 were just awful, didn't get near it, spent most of it on the pine, didn't look likely even the few times he did get near it. Be interesting to see if he gets another game next week. Last quarter though he dug in and his hands were much better. Tough one.

 

[wogitalia]

Bombers vs Cats

General - I've started this part way through the third because it's such a non-contest and everything has basically already happened. Bombers were embarrassing. Zero pressure, zero structure, zero intensity and predictable outcomes given that. Cats took full value and deserved to win by more but for putting the cue deep in the rack late in the 3rd.

Bombers - Despicable performance, genuinely looked like they hadn't trained all o***eason. Had absolute ruck dominance from Draper but there was zero connection with teammates, the amount of times the Cats exited the front of the stoppage under zero pressure was insane, there will be teams who don't do it that often all season. Were perhaps even worse behind the ball where they seemed to want to isolate Cameron and Hawkins in mismatches for themselves... Honestly one of the worst round one performances you'll ever see,. The only hope is they can't be this bad again, they're not this bad a team.

Martin - The stand out, started nowhere but Langford's injury opened up the perfect role and to say he took full advantage of it seems an understatement. He was everywhere, pushing up and down the wing from a high HF position and massive scoreboard impact. Did it while there was still something resembling a contest as well so not just garbage work, although it's pleasing how much of that he put in.

Merrett - Meh game for him, worked hard to keep scoring and ended with a good game but he was a big part of the midfield problems that ended the game early, surprised he had 4 tackles at time of writing as just didn't seem interested. Went to half back in the 2nd quarter in a desperation attempt to provide some leadership there but really just created more turnovers.

McGrath - Started off half back, made a couple of dreadful decisions that led to goals and then left that region for pretty much the rest of the game, was wing 2nd half with Heppell going back, swapped with Merrett in the 2nd quarter. He worked hard to get his stats but his decision making today was awful, actually shocked his DE% was 67% as that wasn't the eye test at all.

Parish - Nothing game, nothing but cheap touches with no impact. No contest or fight at the stoppages, 1 tackle when 2nd to the ball all day is probably the stat that sums up the Bombers more than anything in this game.

Caldwell - Solid enough, like the rest of the team he was perfectly happy to be an outside receiver in a team full of outside receivers that just ended up watching the Cats go the other way after winning it. Far from their worst.

Hind - Worked hard in the 2nd half when the game was over to get his numbers up but no impact on the contest.

Shiel - Huge first half in numbers but he's just so ordinary with the ball and his chasing efforts were deplorable, there was one play that summed everything up where he just stood and watched two Cats both run past him and he just jogged after them, they got the ball and it was one of the goals. Honestly reckon him not being there last year was addition by subtraction for their midfield. You can't have a one way running butcher who plays no other role in the guts.

Draper - He rucked "well", as in he got clear hands on it over and over but there was literally no connection with the mids, I don't know if it was bad tapwork, bad talk or what but the amount of times the Bombers had the inside ring in the midfield and he hit it clear to the outside or vice versa was uncanny, like he was working on opposites day with the midfield. Not enough work around the ground to push his fantasy up as wont ruck against that low level often. If the Merrett precedent holds he'll miss next week anyway for a swinging arm tackle.

Perkins - Started well, faded hard. Couple of years time he's going to be in starting sides. Rate him.

Ridley - God I hope it comes out that he had COVID or the flu or something this week because that was disgusting to watch. He was so BAD that he got sent to full forward for the 4th quarter. Dropped at least 3 easy marks, never was in a good position to intercept outside those dropped marks, didn't even play on with most of the few kick-ins he took, never took on an attacking kick all game, was cramping early in the 3rd quarter in a game where I didn't notice any other player cramp at all. Now to be fair, the intercept role is quite hard when there is literally zero pressure up field but even if there was pressure he wasn't in position. To cap it all off, Stengle, the easy kill so he could float loose, had a career game on him and made him look very ordinary as a defender. Honestly, reckon this is the worst I've ever seen him play but the more concerning part is the obvious fitness issues, going forward because he was exposed so badly and just the amount of other guys that took kicks and never really looked for him, the teammates treating him like Presti is not a good sign. You know it's bad when you're praying the guy is sick as an excuse... The personification of the team's effort.

Heppell - Started wing and offered nothing, just looked lost. Was a bit better in 2nd half at HB but still not good.

Baldwin - As expected role wise and no chance when the team plays like that, he could have been alone I50 for the whole game and still not scored much more given the team.

Cats - Cats were good, the sad part is they didn't do anything special, they just lined up, won the ball and then did whatever the hell they wanted against some witches hats. They're probably almost annoyed to have a couple of injuries and absolutely no idea where they're at as a side, I mean you take the percentage boost but just impossible when you're so untested physically. Looked good though and was good to see them put the pathetic Bombers to the sword, last year they'd probably have made it a close game by going backwards and sideways constantly.

Danger - Basically went home halfway through the 2nd quarter when the job was done and basically played a restricted forward pocket role from that point onward. Huge game and looked fantastic. Will be one to watch as a target. Hard part is whether his role change at HT was more to do with margin or if it's to be an ongoing plan. If the Cats throw up a few more blowouts he could get DPP

Hawkins - Ditto to Danger, was done at HT and just chilling and avoiding injury from then onward. Dominant.

Stengle - Made Ridley look 2nd rate or was it Ridley making him look first rate

Parfitt - Was really solid, great role, has effectively become the 3rd midfielder ahead of Selwood. Will score decently.

Guthrie - That he didn't have to do anything in the 1st half and they still thrashed them sums it up. Junked hard to put a score on the board.

Stewart - Started like a house on fire and then, like Baldwin, was restricted more from a supply side than anything. Looked great and can't do much more than he did under those circumstances. I wish I'd picked him instead of Ridley but honestly I had him 3rd in a 2 position race and Ridley was the first picked so I can't act like it was that close

Selwood - HF with mid minutes, did get a lot more midfield time in the 2nd half when Danger was in the cotton wool. One to watch for position change but probably doesn't score well enough as a forward.

Holmes - Junked hard, did some nice things early but most of his work late. Role not as good as preseason.

Cameron - Looked amazing before one of the most pointlessly stupid contests you'll see where he injured himself and from footage late appeared to be headed to hospital. Genuinely no idea what the injury was, have to assume a broken rib given the hospital and contest but club said hip pointer so something missing there.

SDK - Knee injury, was looking solid before that but looked pretty ginger and upset so have to assume not good. Didn't do much but what he did was good and pure SC plays. Going to be awkward to replace if needed.

 

[wogitalia]

Swans vs Giants

General - What a blinder of a game. Both sides would be ecstatic with that game and how they played, play like that and both sides will be top 4, just manic pressure all game and some quality footy.

Giants - Just the finishing kick inside 50 and the locking it inside 50 that was really lacking for them, especially as the game went on and the Swans made a few adjustments, they also just couldn't stop Parker and Heeney when pushing forward, Parker as a genuine forward target and Heeney from the midfield but they had some really good signs.

Green - Monster of a game, it kind of felt like he slowed but really he didn't. Definitely a clear target to get more midfield minutes through him, reckon this game is not an exception if they keep that up. He was the biggest and strongest midfielder in a group of big strong midfielders. Huge game showing just how good he is and why there's been so much hype.

Taranto - Great game from him, role not as pure as last year but he just worked so hard and if he could kick (common theme, I know) it would have been a huge game, normally better in front of goal than this. Definitely got top 5 potential though, be good to see him back it up. The all ground contest did help him as the forward role wasn't really detrimental given the amount of contests in that area also.

Perryman - Standard role, will be right among it this year.

Kelly - Underwhelming, didn't really start well and didn't run it out well which isn't ideal but he still has a ton on the board and was solid. Part of why he's so good is that an underwhelming game like this is still good. Role was good, not pure, but good.

Ward - Was off half back at times but mostly wing/midfield.

Coniglio - Played well, ratio doesn't seem overly harsh but also could have been better. Either way, he did more than enough to tick boxes and looked good.

Flynn - Great game. Probably not fantasy relevant but as a #1 ruck I think he scores very well.

Cumming - Quiet game, never really got into a possession style at all GWS, the few minutes they did he got involved.

Whitfield - Just went missing when the game was lost so ratio died as a result. What he did was good but just nowhere near enough for an uncontested guy who is a mediocre ball user, these were the fears when picking him, now needs a big 130 really to cancel it out which is not impossible but hard for him.

de Boer - Was not tagging at all, just playing HF.

Hopper - Pushed out of his role by Green, Kelly and Coniglio. One to watch for if it changes as he could get real cheap and he can score in the right role but Green is just a better prospect in that role.

Swans - Great result, played some really good footy, adjusted to a porous defense early and did a much better with structures that really limited the Giants to long bombs which were mopped up more often than not. Ball movement was scary good at times, Heeney in the midfield was huge, Parker forward was even better and so many young guns were excellent.

Heeney - Played FF in the first quarter and outside a good goal was not impacting the game, Idun is a good matchup for him and did a good job on him, released up to the midfield with Parker moving forward more and was the best coaching move of the game. He dominated from that point, his work around the ground as a marking target really tormented the Giants zone, that extra midfield marking target really destroys the zone, his stoppage work was first class and he takes on kicks that other players don't even see which tears the game open. Honestly, if he plays that role all season this score is closer to his average than out of normal, he's that good. I think it will be a week to week proposition though, if he kicks two in the first he probably rots up forward and becomes entirely dependent on goals but god he was good this week as a midfielder.

Parker - Amazing game, almost got punished for kicking a goal early from the midfield and was swapped to primarily forward, still kicked 3 of his goals from the midfield though, exposing other midfielders in the air. Was simply brilliant but that role would not be sustainable, he's not kicking 5 a week as good as he is.

Rowbottom - Shockingly good ratio, to be fair he stopped trying to take on kicks he's not capable in the 2nd half which really helped the side, he's hard at it, tackles well so if he can limit the clangers and mistakes, he's an asset.

Hickey - Was solid, thought Flynn was better 2nd half, he was better first half. So important to Sydney.

Florent - One of the best games he's played, his problem hasn't been his ceiling, he's clearly a super talent, it's consistency so will judge him in 5 weeks, this needs to become the expectation and not the anomaly.

Mills - Huge start but faded hard as the lack of any preseason took its toll. Reckon he's going to be a bigtime upgrade target in 5 weeks if he can string some games together.

Gulden - Was enormous, released into the midfield and was the 2nd best on the ground after Heeney in that role. He's special in that he creates time where there isn't any and then executes the kick far more often than not, just that special talent who the game slows down for and allows them to make better decisions. Genuinely think he can be a keeper this year if that role holds up and there's no reason it shouldn't except for Warner coming back and being ahead of him but as much as I love Warner, Gulden is the better prospect and should be ahead of him.

Blakey - Can't play HB much better than that, was old school in that there was no cheap touches, just bursting line breaking runs that wrecked the Giants zones followed by amazing kicks. The worry is that he played that well and only got 98 with Lloyd to come back. The positive is Lloyd will mean slower ball movement and more cheap touches for the HBs. Great start and actually played a whole game without hurting himself as well!!!

McCartin - Ratio felt really harsh, he was exceptional. Led the field in intercept marks, used the ball very well, took kick-ins. Just a great game, will put up some big scores I think.

Stephens - Was really solid, great workrate, great contest, two areas that are spots he earns his bread with and can be exposed in. It was a really hard game for wings and HB types (see Cumming, Whitfield, JMc et al) so a great outcome. Think this is his range, if he can make it his floor that would be outstanding, definitely potential to score better.

Campbell - Was really good, but not enough of it is the frustration. I don't think he has a clue how good he can be yet.

Kennedy - HB the entire game as advertised. No complaints except he should stop taking kick-ins given the kickers we have down back and that he's a good marking target.

McInerney - See Stephens for his game. Concerning looking knee/ankle injury very late, forceful contact that seemed to buckle the knee to my eye and he grabbed at it, have real concerns it's a bad one so just pure fingers crossed here.

Franklin - Nauseating commentary, I actually want him to get to 1000 so that can end given I'll be watching every game he plays... He was smashed by Davis, really the only times he looked good were when he got up the field. Moving really well though and love the contest he gave. Still would rather he played wing than forward as there are no wings who can go with him in the league.

Sheldrick - Solid debut, did a lot of nice things. Difficult role in the forward pocket and I'd say that he and Wicks are the first two out when Lloyd, Warner and Papley are coming back but he definitely showed some things.

 

[wogitalia]

Lions vs Power

General - Not an attractive game of football, basically was two teams that looked so terrified of losing that they forgot to try and win. Took the Lions falling behind 3 odd goals to wake them up and then Port couldn't really answer. Was just a low level game, some good physical contests but just a total lack of class or flair out there.

Lions - They got the 4 points, that's about the only positive to really take out of it. Honestly, they were terrible for 3 quarters, good for about 10 minutes in the 4th and that was enough.

Neale - He's back. Textbook Neale game, worked harder to get the +6, cleaner than everyone in the stoppages and tackling when on the occasions he was beaten to the ball. Quality.

Bailey - Good finish for him as he was poor to start, got his ratio close after being very scrappy all game. Role wasn't great, wasn't terrible, basically slightly better than last year with Zorko not in the midfield and Lyons more restricted but not as good as some others.

Daniher - Really solid score, big goals, exciting, moving well. Looks good. I'm the only person who thinks he can be a premium but he's on path.

Lyons - Role was poor first half, they basically gave up on the Rayner idea and his role got a lot better as the game went on. Be interesting to see if they continue with that plan or just go back to what works.

Berry - Premature ejaculation, the SC version. Epic Q1, alright Q2 and home he went from there as he went backwards over the 2nd half. Couldn't get near it in the 2nd half after couldn't get away with it. Also left the game late and looked injured so will be a watch this space, was cradling an arm from what I could tell but the commentators didn't mention at all and no replays so no idea, went straight off though.

OMc - Amazing score, big goal that juiced his score and strong ruck effort to really inflate things, Fort definitely not a good thing for him and Fort himself was very decent.

Rich - Terrible game from him, alright Q1, took a nice intercept mark and pulled up very ginger and basically did nothing from that point onward except rack up errors including the 2 clangers that tanked any chance at a ratio, the dropped intercept mark hurt in particular, to turn a +10 type play into a -8 type is crushing. He was so ineffective that you'd think he's probably going to need a rest as well. Somehow he's managed to be worse than Crisp, Ridley and Whitfield which is a pretty epic effort given how truly awful those 3 were...

Clug - Terrible game from him, still can't kick at goal and just not getting the role he needs to be relevant.

Answerth - Was solid, nothing spectacular but with all the injuries his role probably gets better.

Rayner - Started with a great role but had so little impact that they went back to Lyons and was forward 90% from then on where he once again has little idea how to really get dangerous or find the ball.

Zorko - Commentators were saying that he heard a pop which given his achilles issues is a pretty bad sign as that would more than likely be the season, no idea why they rushed him back. Was playing off HB when he was out there.

Power - Just a weird game, they probably should have won but a complete shutdown for 10 minutes basically watched the game run away from them. They were pretty bad but so were the Lions. This game was like the opposite of Swans/Giants, it felt like two bottom 4 sides battling, I know they're not but it was not a good game for them, throw in some injuries to rub salt in the wound.

Houston - Teasing again as he always seems to do early in the season before torching anyone who gets on board. Pure wing role and was really good, Lions genuinely didn't seem to know who he was or that he could kick as they just continually gave him 20m space when he was within 55 of goal, was genuinely baffling.

Boak - The more things change, the more they stay the same. Was great. Role was strong.

Wines - Was ok but not good. Butchered it all night, wasn't terribly clean, worked hard though.

Butters - This is going to be a rollercoaster. I always believed in hardest man wins but when you look more like a teenage girl than an AFL player I'm not entirely sure that's going to hold up, either way Butters is going to test the theory to it's limit because reckless is the only way to describe how he plays. I love it but he looked like he'd hurt himself about 5 times tonight! Was really good, easily the hardest at it on the night and worked hard, disposal was very ordinary for him but can't complain with the outcome.

Amon - Him and Berry basically must have agreed to play a half each and be done. Role consistent with last year.

Bonner - Took a lot of kick-ins and they were definitely looking for him consistently. Was solid.

Drew - Seemed to be the guy who suffered the most for Butters to get more midfield time.

Jones - Played well off HB.

Mead - Thought he was solid, got better as injuries improved his role throughout the game. In that weird spot where he's not playing the role he's suited to for most of the time he's out there but the few moments he gets that role he made count. Doesn't really feel like a guy you'd regret having or not having and I think that will probably stay the case if he can hang in the team.

McKenzie - Looked to do his ACL unfortunately, just the textbook bad landing. Only positive is that he needed to be carted off which probably means the MCL or LCL went and can just hope that it was only that but it just looked bad and he's done one before and the reaction sure looked like a man that knew, realistically it looked like he did those as well as the ACL rather than instead...

Lycett - Was putrid, like really bad. Beaten by both Brisbane rucks consistently, zero effort around the ground, no support for his mids. Seems he's got Hayes in his SC team and wants to get him some games asap.

 

[wogitalia]

Hawks vs North

General - Looked like a pair of weaker sides but can't question their efforts, execution and skill errors were frequent but a good little battle going on.

Hawks - Would be happy, were smashed in the midfield but their defensive structure held well and they were able to punish turnovers and just take full advantage going forward. Good win.

Moore - Was everywhere up forward, was a defacto CHF out there with his elite leading patterns and workrate.

Gunston - Was good, had a mismatch after the McKay injury and while he kicked like poop he was otherwise brilliant.

Sicily - Strong ratio in the end after being behind all day, had a key tackle that swung it late. Looked solid and can't fault it. Definitely some issues with role sharing, I think the 110 scoring of the past would be a bit out of reach but definitely can do somewhere around 100. Be happy anyone who took him.

Mitchell - Bad FA/50 combo when game was right on line definitely smashed his ratio, looked on target for a good one but just went missing in Q4. Which can be a tell for groin soreness so will be something to watch. Role was fine.

Newcombe - Played HF and was huge, one of their best. Role not good for fantasy unfortunately but position change could be good next year!

Scrim/CJ - Lump them together, both good, both negatives for Sicily.

Maginness - Scrapped a nice goal late to save an otherwise forgettable game, just kept making mistakes for the first 3 quarters but kept working and was solid. Hard to see him holding the spot when the classier types return but worked hard and worth watching as his role was solid.

Nash - Role not great, some mid time, ended up the 2nd ruck after Lynch went down but was forward mostly before that and still not getting mid minutes like he needs.

Wingard - Forward all game. No interest with that role and his history.

Reeves - Just didn't do anything around the ground, needs to be more of a target with his size.

JOM - One of the losers for the kids to get midfield chances but was mostly just not good.

Macdonald - Tough role, in a weird way had a better role for JS than Maginness as a HF where they don't have 5 guys on the path back but I don't think he's anywhere near their best 22 when everyone is fit. Still scraped a good score all things considered as he wasn't great either.

Ward - Off with an ankle late in Q4 but was moving alright in celebrations after so fingers crossed he's ok. Role was MUCH better than expected, just didn't quite get the hands on the pill and had it kicked over his head when he was on short all day. Great composure and easily the most impressive of the kids but the score is a stinker.

Worpel - Also sacrificing for Ward and a couple of others to get mid minutes.

DGB - Played well, struggles to find scores though as doesn't seem to want to take risks in the air or basically leave his man.

Kangas - Pretty poor result for them, a team they've got more talent than by a fair bit and they dominated the midfield and just kept making key mistakes and being punished. Noble was outcoached as well, his insistence on isolating the mismatches down back was almost comical, it was like he wanted his only help defender in Ziebell to not help anyone and be isolated in one out mismatches. Injury is one thing but having not ability to adapt to it was shocking. The absurd decision to play Goldy off the bench in the first half was also baffling.

Hall - Preseasons are a myth, who cares about them. Dominated and role the same. Reckon this isn't far off par for him this year. I stuck to my no preseason rule after he was my first picked in the drafts and it hurts. Was great. Did grab at a hammy in the 2nd (iirc) but didn't seem to be an issue so not sure what it was.

LDU - Strong game, role great.

Simpkin - Solid game, role great.

McDonald - Big benefactor of the McKay injury as they weirdly went with him as the intercept option despite a lack of range in that role which left everyone very exposed, he played great though and worked very hard to space. Definitely could be a decent pickup next week with DEF coming but need to see how the balance goes when they don't sacrifice Ziebell.

Powell - Late in, played really decently. Needs to run better defensively though, was exposed several times in that area.

Ziebell - Strong score, terrible role because of the McKay injury, isolated as a goal square full back because North were happy with that mismatch and did nothing to fix it.

Greenwood - Really strong role, just didn't score.

Goldstein - Just weird, played 50% off the bench first half which was just a weird move. Was clearly their best forward target in the 2nd half when they finally put him there. Just a baffling coaching decision to be honest, like Noble was forced to pick the 3 talls but didn't want to so did everything to ensure it looked terrible so he can not have to do it next week...

Xerri - Was pretty solid, role was good as the #1 ruck and he did some nice things. Needs to do more though because probably the only thing that puts him ahead of Goldy for #1 ruck was how influential Goldy forward was when they finally did it.

JHF - Was really solid, I think this is a good game for him, he'll have a couple of better ones and he'll have worse. Role was alright, HF with some limited midfield minutes. Did his best work primarily as a mid but was able to kick a really solid goal and create a couple of others when forward which helped boost the ratio significantly. Classy and explosive.

Thomas - Role was terrible as advertised in the last preseason game. Basically all forward with very limited midfield stints. Weird decision as they really lacked class through the middle and could use him there but Noble made a lot of weird moves today, it's round one but this kind of felt like tanking He was good as a coach last year but he handcuffed the side bigtime today.

CCJ - The other positive for Xerri was how absolutely awful he was, Xerri in about 5 minutes forward had more impact than CCJ managed all game so realistically it would be a weird decision if CCJ stayed in ahead of Xerri/Goldy if they do give up on the 3 talls.

 

[wogitalia]

Crows vs Dockers

General - Very ordinary game in the 1st half, a lot better in the 2nd with a great finish. Dockers tried to lose it with goal kicking, Crows succeeded in losing it with all their kicking.

Crows - Tale of two halves, first was the worst footy anyone has played this season, I'm even including the Eagles preseason games, but the Dockers shockingly bad goal kicking made it a game. Clearly took the bake from Nicksy well as were a different side, disposal still ordinary but effort a lot better.

Keays - Everywhere, just outstanding workrate, his kicking is a liability and he should stop doing it as much as possible but that's a common theme and can't fault anything else he did.

Rachele - Gun, will probably be his best game of the season but he's just class, tackles and reads the game so well in the forward half. Another ton on the pine for me

Sholl - Was enormous after he came on, changed the game significantly as one of the few Crows taking on and hitting kicks.

Crouch - Really solid game from him, if he gets fit he's worth watching for if he gets cheap.

ROB - Worked out 2nd half that Meek is a much better ruck than him but also that he's bigger and stronger and could just move him and take it and clear it, helped to move the game doing that.

Dawson - Started mid and wasn't good, partly because they couldn't hit any targets and partly because he didn't get enough. Went to HB and also helped turn the game around with his precise ball use. Think he'll stay there because they can't play Milera and his dogging defense down back, it's not sustainable.

Schoenberg - Had a complete mare, not sure he kicked it to a Crow all day.

Milera - Two of the worst defensive efforts you'll ever see both led to goals in the first half, just pathetic defensively clearly doesn't want to play there because he gave zero effort. Moved to HF in the 2nd half and was considerably better in his efforts. Can't play defense with that attitude, just too much of a liability.

Hinge - Solid first half, completely ran out of steam. Didn't help that Sholl coming on and going to the wing just took over as the link target and was much better than him. On a positive he was better than a few others so should hold his spot.

Soligo - What he did was really good, pity is he did about 6 things all day. Role wasn't even bad, he just didn't seem to know where to run or demand the ball when he did find the right spots. JS is going to be incredibly sketchy.

Freo - I mean they won but clearly haven't worked on goal kicking at all, just embarrassing in front of goal, probably should have kicked 12 of the 17 points and this game wouldn't have even been close. Their pressure was really decent first half but fell off a fair bit and they mostly just relied on Crows mistakes, lucky for them the Crows were happy to keep dishing up 20m shots at goal until they eventually kicked a couple (to be fair they were actually from 10m and 55m...).

Brayshaw - Monster game, huge workrate from him, was really good. Nothing really special in his game just consistent efforts.

Young - Was solid but did "junk" a bit late when they were holding possession to boost things. Didn't demand the ball enough either.

Mundy - Same old.

Brodie - When he was on ball, he was huge, the other 50% he was on the field I don't even know where he was, I assume forward but honestly wouldn't know. The concern is that he's just so utterly one dimensional as a player, he does clearances exceptionally but literally nothing else. Hasn't worked out how to use his size to be a target around the ground and has no forward craft at all either. The concern is real, if he plays inside mid he's going to score this and better but he needs to do other things. Take the points though and what he did was very good.

Switkowksi - Not fantasy relevant but he was brilliant.

Clark - Solid off half back, drifted out of the game when there was more pressure on their backline after a big first half taking turnovers and getting dangerous. One to watch for the position change.

Serong - Amazing score by him, he was good but reckon the score is flattering given how little he actually did. Quality player though but looks like maybe he's going to suffer a bit with Brodie a bigger/better stoppage target.

Meek - Was really solid, especially early and very late, was the better ruckman in the ruck contest for most of it, needs to do more around the ground as he's capable as a target, was hard probably because the Crows kicking was so bad he couldn't actually set up behind the ball...

Chapman - Standard game for him, was good defensively including the heroic spoil to win the game, beat his man and provided some rebound. Did exactly what you'd have expected if you've picked him up, some games he'll do a bit more when his man isn't dangerous and others he's probably going to be more lock down but a good solid game from him.

Ryan - Just didn't get going at all, similar tot he Meek comment, the Crows kicking was so bad it actually made intercept work hard, quite often it just went straight out on the full or would shank to a spot you'd never think to be defending as the loose man. What he did was good.

Henry - Just doesn't know how to run to find space for the ball, moving to the wing hasn't helped that. What he did is good and he's got so much class but his patterns are just off as a runner, not even an effort thing, he just doesn't run to the right spots to be dangerous or an option. Hopefully will improve as it goes on as he's going to be a lot of fun to watch with the ball.

 

[wogitalia]

Suns vs Eagles

General - Genuinely decent game, Eagles really brought the pressure and while they lacked in talent they had the Suns flustered for large parts of the game. When the Suns showed composure the class gap was clear but can't fault the Eagles efforts.

Suns - Midfield dominated and eventually the vast gap in midfield talent showed up, they'd be delighted with that, were well challenged, faltered early, fought back and took the points.

Rowell - Was sensational, back to rookie Rowell and not the dreadful shadow of a player last year, just cracking in relentlessly, already an umpires pet who got a lot longer than anyone else to dispose of it and well looked after with a few cheapies. He's not going to do anything easy but that makes for ratio porn. The question remains how long can he stay on the park!

Miller - Nothing special from him, was very good at stoppages where he was receiving plenty of attention from primarily O'Neill, spread was good but not near his best. That he can score like that on an off day is a great sign.

Anderson - Was solid, really kept working and eventually started to get some rewards. Not really relevant with the other two ahead of him.

Fiorini - Stepped out as the 4th mid to allow Rowell and Anderson to step up. Was solid.

Ainsworth - Played really well, worth watching as he's a real talent if he can put it together.

Witts - Was great, beat NicNat pretty soundly for mine and was much better around the ground, even when he lost he had control of NicNat's tap zone and his mids were fully aware of it, was a great game. Had a scary landing but got up and played on, looked like a hyperextension rather than anything more sinister.

Weller - Role was solid but not enough supply and no dicking around with it by the Suns meant not a lot of points.

Davies - Was excellent, real talent this one. Just cleaner and more composed than he should be at his age/experience. Great size to him and very mobile, going to be good.

Powell - Amazing score by him, played really well but didn't think he was that good. I guess a lot of spoils and intercepts will do that though.

Swallow - Playing HB again.

Eagles - Gallant, actually one of the best games the Eagles have played in a couple of years, normally they're talented but very soft and lazy, today they had very little talent but worked really hard and just kept going.

Foley - Relevant price, hard with so many out to see where he sits but he always seems to impress me when he plays.

Gaff - Kept working, playing inside mid today and was good.

Redden - Also playing a good role, faded in the 4th but was otherwise good.

Jones - Playing a high HF role and doing it very well, something good happened most times he touched it.

McGovern - Could be premium this year if they stay this weak as the supply levels are going to be extreme.

Naish - Good first and last, not much in between it felt like, not terrible but not really doing anything to demand a spot when the calvary arrives either. Still better than Curnow who I took instead

NicNat - Well beaten by Witts and very low energy around the ground/stoppages. Doesn't look fit yet so one to watch for those who are looking at ruck upgrade targets as he could be cheap if he takes a month to find some fitness.

Hough - Was really solid, despite his frame he tackled well and doesn't shirk the contest. Ball use could have been better given his skill level but that will come as he slows down a bit.

Dixon - Tough role, did well all things considered. Think he did enough to hold his spot which is all you're looking for. Hopefully will be a game or two where he can kick a few, basically where Kosi was last year.

 

[wogitalia]

ROUND 2​

Blues vs Dogs

General - Great game of footy, Blues brought the heat in the first half, fell off completely in the 3rd and then the 4th was just a serious bout of rope-a-dope from the Blues, just belligerent defending and the Dogs woeful kicking got them home, just a fun game though with the pressure levels sustained so well.

Dogs - Just blitzed in the first half, steadied in the 3rd when the pressure dropped off and then sustained it in the 4th when the pressure was back. If they'd kicked straight it could have been different, lot of regulation shots were missed. KPD continues to be a HUGE issue for them, gave up 9 goals after giving up 5 last week and could have been more if Brown kicked straight.

Treloar - Strong game, huge first half but did fade a bit, used it well and looking good. Reckon he's aided by a gimpy Bont battling through the ankle injury but his role is strong and he'll score well as long as he stays fit.

Dunkley - Poor game by him, big last Q was undone with some shocking kicking, tackled his way to a base in the first half to be able to put something on the board at the end of it. You take that in a bad game.

Libba - Was huge, seemed to play a lot more on ball tonight with Bont the forward for the majority of the 2nd half.

English - Brutal ratio on the back of a lot of sharked hitouts, would think he had close to 10 of them, basically his midfield really let him down as they let Hewett, Cripps, Walsh and Kennedy constantly hit the dropzone with solid movement, was just a really poor defensive effort, reckon his ratio still harsh as he was otherwise brilliant.

Macrae - Monster game, 1st half was kind of meh but ratio was glorious, second half was immense, think his ratio was a bit higher than it should have been but was really really good, basically everyone has already locked their captain in this round between Macrae and Cripps.

Bont - Clearly limited, still tons up (give or take), 8 tackles an immense effort by him to salvage a score. Spent most of the 2nd half forward from what I could tell.

Dale - Solid salvage job from him, not good but you take that in a bad game.

Daniel - Big struggle from him, just not a game for their half backs, basically just weren't in the game as when the ball went forward the bigs marked it.

Blues - Massive win for them, blitzed em early and then held on for dear life. So many positive signs, last year they get run over, their ability to show composure and slow down at times was great to see, their ability to go was great and the midfield dominance was huge, especially first half and Q4.

Cripps - Monster game, if he'd played the third quarter he could have gone enormous instead of just massive! Just loved his game, always moving at stoppages, getting hands free, tackling hard and kicking goals again. Just looks fit and it's telling how much that means.

Kennedy - Another strong game, bit loose with his disposal but just kept working, was also outstanding at hitting the ball with speed through stoppages and using his size around the ground as a marking target. Just a really strong game.

Docherty - Another really solid game from him, couple of really special efforts were amazing, not sure what he did wrong to cop that ratio but loved his game.

Williams - Great game by him also, really strong back group they've got going right now.

McKay - Monster 1st half, not a lot of impact 2nd half but is easing back into fitness so should grow. Love him as a player.

Curnow - Much better game this week (under statement of the year!), clutch in the 2nd half and his kicking, even the shanks that went through, was great. Still needs to give more effort at ground level and really use his athletic ability but he clunked it and constantly had good position. Really good game.

LOB - His kicking was a bit suspect but he was really good again, just really strong workrate on the wing to help set a standard for them.

Walsh - Solid first game back, definitely faded a bit and was a touch off the pace but still scored well all things considered.

Hewett - Was huge for the Blues, you wont see the cleanup role played better at stoppages than he did tonight, amount of times he swept up the long ball and then hit teammates to release was absurd. Zero clangers from a midfielder with 32 touches is just pure class. Reckon the rest of the footy world is seeing what only a select few had seen in limited bursts from him so far in his career. Always been classy and composed and is reaping the rewards of a more free role. I still only really expect at 95-105 range for him so it's great to have already put a couple of much bigger games in the bag. Hopefully we see the full mix next week with Cerra back but really feels like Walsh/Cerra will share a spot and rotate through the wing as the extra midfielder.

McGovern - One of those weird games, had I believe 3 clangers on dropped intercept marks, scored 1 point for his last 4 effective kicks, including a huge contested ball won in the middle with the FF with the game on the line (which is trash scoring by CD). Glove those marks, and generally he will, score how he should on those touches and he's at 70, that's how fickle this game is . Role still great and has plenty of cash to make. I have zero confidence trying to pick MRP calls but if he got a week for that one it would sure seem soft. Hard to grade, all he did was stand his ground and protect himself as a player ran at him but the careless/intentional would be a big call, careless and it's a fine for sure as couldn't be graded higher than medium at most, intentional and it has to be low impact (which it should be given no harm done) so should really still be a fine but this is AFL so it could be anything... Also unlucky as he got stuck off the field in the 4th, alongside Cripps, for an incredibly long amount of time!

McDonald - Off just before HT with a back complaint, not a great sign.

Durdin - Was in the mix all game but this is the life of a small forward. Probably had 3 or 4 times that he attempted tackles and the ball didn't go his way so it ends up ineffective instead of scoring. Role remains alright but he's a bench guy for sure!

 

[wogitalia]

Swans vs Cats

General - Interesting game, Swans pressure was solid but not outstanding but consistently first to the ball and the Cats just couldn't adjust to that and then polished themselves off with some pretty dreadful goal kicking. There could be some significant adjustments as the SC kind of went whacky with all the time off the ground so will be interesting to see.

Swans - Solid win, not playing well but still got the job done with very accurate goal kicking and just taking chances as well as pretty good effort at the coalface.

Mills - Huge game from him, just so much class, still feels like a rich SC ratio for him but he was very good.

Heeney - Role was poor but you kick 5 and that goes out the window. Was lucky for the first couple, was brilliant for the next few. Off to a flying start. Amazingly has gotten through two games without any niggles.

Lloyd - Same old from him, just finds the ball and generally uses it well, had two bad plays but that was about it.

Gulden - Kid is a jet, genuinely think he could be a premium this year, I'm not sure I've got the guts and Heeney isn't that much more and looks higher tier but he's a gun.

Stephens - Really strong game, went on with it and plays the full 4 quarters to get a really nice score. Good in the contest, good in space. Ball use just a touch off but very strong game.

Warner - Also a gun, love the way he goes about it.

Blakey - Another really solid game but probably the range he's going to settle in with Lloyd there, couple of mistakes held him back this week but looks really good and definitely going to have some big games.

Parker - Cancels out last week but this one will linger an extra week, could be a solid downgrade target if he has another quiet game. Did not spend much time in the midfield though which was interesting, not sure if it was a keep him fresh in case the Cats show up thing or a sign after not playing much midfield last week either.

Franklin - Superstar, never looked like missing tonight and great to get the 1000 out of the way. May very well never see it again.

McCartin - Great game, ratio seemed to even out a bit but still seems pretty rough. There's no way you could ever convince me that Stewart doing far less, mostly in junk time, was the better player tonight in a similar role.

Florent - As good as he was last week, he was bad this week, he just disappears for entire games. Wish he could find the consistency because what he does is generally good.

Cats - Really flat, tough going from playing against witches hats in a bruise free game that's over at quarter time and then going up against a team who survived an absolute slog and were hardened and it felt like it showed up as the Swans just much better at the contest and handled what pressure there was far better.

Close - Not fantasy relevant but that's one of the better games a small forward can play.

Guthrie - Another solid game but not really going so far this year. One to watch over the next few and see what happens as he's going to be affordable.

Duncan - Started well but faded noticeably. One to watch at a discount over the next month if he eases back in.

Stewart - One of the all time *** scores for mine, he was terrible tonight and I honestly don't know how he scored this well, the vast majority of his stats came with the Cats already well beaten, he was the reason for a solid 5 of the Swans goals and probably more like 10. He got kissed on the **** scoring with multiple clangers not being applied that should have, especially ones leading to goals and seemed to get very generous grading on his disposal as he missed a lot of targets. Just no idea how he scored that but if you've got him you've got to be delighted, he wont play that badly very often, it was in the worst few games I've seen him play so he walks away with a good score, that's winning!

Cameron - Definitely struggling physically but also got well beaten by Paddy and Rampe.

Danger - Absolute mare, 2nd to the ball all night, didn't stick or really try and lay any tackles. No idea where he's at right now, flogged a dead horse last week, showed nothing this week but he's going to be cheap most likely if he doesn't bounce back.

Hawkins - Very rarely seen him get smashed like that but Tom McCartin just beat him soundly, could have kicked a couple more and probably should have but he had 3 genuine chances all night and was just thrashed otherwise. Another who cancels out a really strong game but this one will linger that extra week so another quietish game and he's going to be very cheap.

Stengle - Much harder to face an opponent that moves and fights back. Looked genuinely frustrated as well which is concerning. Will bounce back but showed the plight of the small forward tonight.

Holmes - Struggled massively to have an impact all night.

 

[wogitalia]

Crows vs Pies

General - Sloppy contest, think that's going to be a Crows theme this year, lot of very sloppy players on their team. Pies pressure was better and more sustained and the Crows disposal was ordinary and early goal kicking was poor and the game just got away.

Crows - They've got midfield issues, they just have no one who uses the ball well or moves the ball forward, especially pronounced when Keays and Crouch are in there together. Going to be a long season for them but I continue to rate Pies as a good side so not the end of the world.

Keays - You can't question the effort but he's a liability, he doesn't kick well but he keeps kicking and he far too often stops the play to look sideways for a safer kick he can make. I love his efforts, his workrate is genuinely elite but I'm just not sure he can be a midfielder in a top side.

Dawson - Very junky game by him, hit a couple of sensational kicks but was mostly pretty average by his standards. Played just about everywhere today, mostly HB but also wing and forward at times. Have to take that in the end.

Crouch - Faded considerably as game went on, same as Keays, far too often he looks sideways and short when the play on and penetration is needed.

ROB - Reckon he edged Grundy in the ruck duel but was pretty much a nil all draw. Summed up best by them taking 3 ruck contests before either of them actually managed a hitout! Looks fit though.

Rachele - Much tougher game as expected against a stronger side away from home. Junked up nicely after going on ball in the last to salvage things as was 25ish going into the last with a clanger riddled game, just a lot of rushed disposals that found Pies unfortunately. I think he showed plenty when going on ball which is a great sign as they desperately need someone dynamic on ball, they just utterly lack any flair or class through the middle with 4 basically same types that can't kick well or even with much pace. Be interesting to watch next week to see if that role sticks at all as he'd become a must field in that scenario as opposed to ideally being looped currently.

Hinge - Really solid game from him, seemed to be half back for the 2nd half and took some kick-ins. Used it well and that really stood out. Played very well and looks solid.

Pedlar - Terrible role, replacing Soligo as that ugly forward pocket wasted midfielder spot.

Cook - Good role on the wing, didn't score great and too expensive for mine.

Gollant - Playing forward, was actually better than I thought he'd go given role but not relevant for mine with Walker back soon.

Soligo - Worst case scenario, subbed on midway through the 4th and then a crap role gave him no chance.

Pies - Really solid again, I still have them as a top 8 level side, they've got a lot of good players and it showed today, much more experienced and the class difference through the middle really stood out as they were able to hit a lot more targets on the important kicks, it's funny the Crows had so many more marks but they were cheap nothing marks, a lot in junk time, while the Pies had a lot more important marks in scoring positions. Strong pressure and there's definitely a lot of Tigers about their gameplan right now, imo.

Crisp - Nice bounce back game, just relentless workrate playing midfield primarily with a few switches with Pendles. Just kept getting to contests and stuck plenty of tackles. Just a strong game and what he'll produce regularly, imo.

De Goey - Started forward, then got stuck off the ground for a large chunk of the second quarter with a sore foot. Then went midfield second half and did a good job to salvage a strong score. Looks so good to me.

Pendles - HB primarily again, played a really solid game.

Ginnivan - Has to be considered with that score in his rolling average, another really good game with a solid role, playing an anchored HF role, doesn't stray past the half much but doing good things.

Grundy - Solid, nothing special. Just a casual game from him, didn't really have a lot of intensity throughout. What he did was good.

Moore - Was terrific, borderline relevant still but durability takes him off my list.

Sidey - Strong game, reckon he might have settled in this range though, pure wing so a bit feast or famine, but looks good.

Daicos - Lot of clangers ruined an otherwise good game. No issues here, he has confidence like no rookie I've ever seen to demand the ball off teammates and the role is great.

Lipinski - These will happen unfortunately for him, the realities as the 4th/5th midfielder.

Adams - Just a bit off the pace, one to watch if he can string games together and build some fitness, role was still very solid but TOG an obvious tell of no preseason.

Kreuger - Dislocated looking shoulder in the 3rd (iirc), was playing really solidly but probably misses a couple you'd think as a best case.

 

[wogitalia]

Bombers vs Brisbane

General - One of those weird games, super low tackles but felt more pressured than that, Lions were still on the bus on the way to the stadium for the first quarter and the Bombers got to feel how they made the Cats feel last week, after that there were a couple of key moves and the game shifted entirely to the Lions style who were too good in the end, largely because they kicked straight and took their chances.

Bombers - One that got away, bad kicking is bad football and they sure did their best to prove that today, probably should have kicked at least 10 of the 15 points they kicked and a couple of others didn't score at all. They were much better this week but would still be pretty dirty on the tackle count, 32 is terrible. Will be concerned with how effectively the Merrett tag shut them down and also his injury.

Merrett - Was great in Q1 and part way through Q2 before Berry went to him and did a fantastic job, all influence went out from then on. Injured very late in the game and looked distressed so will be a watch this week to see what happens.

Parish - Low quality, high quantity, 15CP feels really high, it felt like he was just getting cheap touches all day to be honest and didn't use it well which is out of character, underwhelming start for him.

Wright - Not fantasy relevant but his Q1 was as good as you can play, after that Andrews actually put a body on him and as usual that took him out of the game. Really needs how to battle through body checking and he could be anything.

Ridley - I honestly have no idea at this point. He was pretty awful, there were probably a half dozen good spoils that don't show in the DT stats but the majority of his touches were pretty useless, only a couple of intercept marks. If you showed me McCartin, Stewart and Ridley's game I know who had the clear best game but from the same DT bases one breaks even and the other two ton up. If I ever wanted to prove golden tickets Stewart and Ridley this weekend would be good starts I'll take it and it's always hard to trade a golden ticket out but god he was bad. Looks utterly disinterested in getting the ball from teammates, doesn't even play on from kick-ins half the time and is relying entirely on spoils and intercept marks. Basically his DT felt like an accurate reflection of his game and I don't see anyway he can score well enough playing like that AND this was his better game so far!!! High on my trade list personally, he's easily the worst performed of the premium backs through two rounds and I don't think he can average 105+ playing like this.

Draper - Was really solid, still needs to do more but his ruck work has improved a lot.

Stringer - Started well but faded pretty hard out of the contest. One to watch over the next month.

Heppell - Just looks completely lost so far this year. Been very bad through two, he's going to be really cheap but has shown zero to think he's a trade target right now.

Caldwell - Amazing ratio for him, perks of contested ball I guess because he didn't feel that good and struggled to get enough pill. What he did was good but would like a bit more of a DT base to work from.

McGrath - Just a bad game, seemed to be playing a bit of everywhere, was hard to tell as he mostly seemed to be playing where the ball wasn't.

Lions - Shocker in the first, then Neale hard carried them to the win.

Zorko - Amazing effort, he looked completely and utterly lame and the Bombers looked to expose him but didn't do it much after Q1. Looks fine when he has the ball so might just be playing it up a bit, is a well known drama queen. One to watch with DPP coming, albeit the injury is scary but he's Aaron Hall level seagull down back and could score amazingly.

Neale - Absurd game, was just so good. Amazing the Bombers just let him do what he wanted and never even looked to think he was hurting them. Massive. Irrelevant for fantasy obviously but it's still nice to see him back after last year.

Rich - Thank god the Bombers can't kick straight because he was otherwise very ordinary, I reckon he nabbed a dozen of the kick-ins from the eye test which basically takes a terrible game to a good one. He looked fine from the injury last week so hopefully that's in the rear view, Zorko could be a concern but might actually just be an extra guy who kicks back to him.

Clug - Solid game but not getting enough ball and role not great.

Lyons - Continues to sacrifice his role for others, definitely in there when the heat was on though.

OMC - Did really well to get to where he did because he did nothing in Q1. Fort definitely is hurting his scoring.

Berry - Brutal ratio, watching the game for mine he was Ridley and Ridley was him, that would have reflected influence and acts. Weird because the better he got the worst his ratio got. Must have had close to a dozen 1%ers to my eye. Would be surprised if he isn't in the coaches votes because he was probably the 2nd best Lion on the field tonight after Neale. Shut Merrett down and did it brilliantly. Shoulder seemed to be an issue early but maybe just mental as when the heat was on he stuck several brilliant tackles, including the one that setup Neale's sealer. One of those "played WAY better than his SC score" games unfortunately

Answerth - Solid again, too expensive for this level of scoring though.

Bailey - Didn't get the mid minutes, largely because Berry tagging Merrett took out the spot he would have gone through. Couple of nice things but he's heavily reliant on goals or midfield minutes, didn't get either today.

Rayner - Same as Bailey, no real midfield burn and standard scoring from him as a forward. Don't think anyone went this way in the end but would be correcting it if you did, can't see how he gets the midfield minutes barring injuries.

Sharp - Struggled to get near it all day unfortunately!

 

[wogitalia]

Suns vs Demons

General - The thing that stood out the most is how unlucky the Suns were from the umpiring front, they got hosed tonight but they also shot themselves in the foot with horrific tackling and goal/inside 50 kicking that mean the Demons goals were all easy and the Suns were some of the hardest work you'll see. Was a hot game though, both teams went at it. Had to wait a while for this one as CD are having a mare tonight.

Suns - They were more than competitive, if they'd stuck a dozen tackles that were easy and poorly missed the Demons would have struggled to score and if they could kick inside 50 and then at goal they probably win by 5 goals, in short they played really well except for their tackling in defensive 50 and their kicking in the forward half. They'd be unhappy happy about it, they should have won and they didn't but they also should have won against the reigning premiers!

Miller - HIs ratio felt rough, he was absurd and was the best player on the field when the Suns were winning and the main reason they stayed in the game all night. Not often you'll have 16CP and 9 clearances for a negative ratio, for comparison Neale and Cripps were both +50 and +40 on very similar breakdowns, not arguing Miller was as good as those two, as they hit the scoreboard and he hit the post and they kicked better, but he should have been +10 or so still. Was brilliant.

Fiorini - Pure DT feeding by him, he butchered it as he can do.

Anderson - Was really solid, used the ball much better tonight, still not well but much better.

Witts - Ratio felt tough, guess he was a victim of outrucking Gawn and Jackson by so much that the Demons gun midfielders just roved to him and sharked him into oblivion because he felt like the clear best "ruck" in the contest and so felt harsh he ended up negative ratioed. Still, the fact he soundly beat Gawn in the ruck is a fantastic sign for his season and their midfield wont be outgunned that often.

Powell - Role was solid and played well but there is too much balance down back right now in both intercept and rebound work.

Swallow - Played defense again. Based on scoring he'd only be relevant if he gets the DPP and then shifts back to the midfield. It seems a waste to me to play him down back, he's still probably their 2nd best midfielder on a consistent basis.

Davies - Another solid game, better role this week with some genuine midfield stints, forward scoring no where near as prolific though against the much stronger Demons.

Rowell - Started like a house on fire, not sure where the tagging stuff came from because I didn't see it at all, not even kind of tagging, just not tagging at all, he started next to Petracca, Oliver or Viney at all stoppages but he did that last week to Eagles. The difference this week is the baddies were bigger and meaner than him and he noticeably fatigued and lost a half step as the game went on and those guys didn't. Sparrow also seemed to be looking to put a body into him on a consistent basis around the ground. Ultimately he just didn't get his hands on the pill, got caught holding it several times and had a couple of unlucky and incredibly soft in the back calls (see Suns getting hosed by umpires...). Just the nature of the beast, when you don't do anything easy to score, you're going to have these games. He reminds me most of Libba as a fantasy prospect, when he has good games they're big and the bad games are also bad because he basically does one thing exceptionally and not much else so that's the only path to points.

Demons - Were very lucky tonight, I reckon they went +4 goals from really bad umpiring, they took their chances and they made life difficult for the Suns but they weren't on tonight and if they dish that up against stronger sides it could be over pretty quick. To their credit, they didn't play well and they still got the choccies and ultimately that's what makes a team a great side, when your sub-par games still result in favourable outcomes.

Petracca - Another who felt harshly graded, he was sensational, created multiple goals and basically seemed to have a hand in every Demons' goal, I don't have him but he feels hard done by. Was brilliant. Anyone who started him would be delighted, definitely looks capable of a 130+ season to me.

Bowey - Salem out and he stepped into the slot and played an absolute blinder. With this score in his rolling average for two weeks you have to at least think about him as a target for a failing back as he's got to be on target for 100k now. It was his intercept work that actually stood out the most, he's always been a good ball user but he took advantage of being the floating guy to intercept everything and win back the ball. Deserved every bit of his score.

Oliver - Workmanlike by him, he's the one who feels like he scored better than he played but at the same time he's scored much worse than his stats so it's one of those weird ones. Basically he's still the same guy and he was good without really dominating.

Jackson - He was exceptional, while Witts was the best in the ruck, he was by far the most influential ruckman, felt like a genuine 50/50 split tonight and he was much better than Gawn. Puts him on target now for anyone who started him. I think it's a great game for him as will see his role increase, not so good for Gawn.

May - Took the majority of kick-ins as he usually does when Salem misses, was really solid.

Gawn - Had a good first quarter and a bit and then seemed genuinely gassed, was well beaten in the ruck by Witts and, as mentioned above, seemed to be in a 50/50 split, he had the defensive half though still primarily and was in good position to get a lot of intercept marks but dropped several and was spoiled consistently on others. He's Gawn so I just expect a positive ratio but given how Petracca and Miller were scored I have to say that it felt very generous for him to be on the positive side whilst they're negative as he just didn't play well. There's concerns there right now albeit he's actually been in great positions and just not clunked it.

Sparrow - Was really solid, worked into the game and was close to their best in the 2nd half, seemed to get more midfield time in that half.

Smith - Only really relevant in AFLF but he was solid again. I feel like he's just holding Lever's spot until he's back but he's done nothing wrong across his two games.