Review 2022: AAMI Community Series Match Stats & Wogitalia's Reviews

[wogitalia]

Carlton vs Melbourne

General - Good contest, both teams went reasonably hard, not a lot of experimentation going on, felt like two sides playing about 18/22 best 22 guys going at it. Reckon we got some pretty good indicators from it. Did feel like the umpires were shaking off rust more than the players and almost feels like the new HtB rules are just making it even more confusing, apparently as long as you drop it you're still good?

Blues - Held on for a good win after a hot start and big fade out but they did a much better job slowing momentum than they have historically, big takeaway was the midfield dominance against an elite midfield that wasn't exactly loafing it out there.

Please note I've not seen SC scores so going down the list of DT scores with my thoughts on their games.

Cripps - Was immense, did fade ever so slightly to my eye, no idea if the stats support that or not, the goals are not going to be common but the more he plays midfield and the less he's forward the more he will kick because he can work mismatches much better. He looks in good shape and I was happy he played out the game as that was something I wanted to see. He's bloody tempting, the durability is a mess and should be expected to be a problem but, honestly, he's a better pick than Taranto was last year at the same price and he not only held together but was even a feature in the winning side. I mean everyone on here basically has been torched by him, time for some payback? It's just hard to ignore two very strong games in the preseason.

Kennedy - Massive game from him, perhaps the biggest standout was that for almost the first time in his career he found a way to use his size when resting forward and was able to impact the contest, that's the difference between being an 80s guy entirely dependent on midfield minutes and pushing towards the 100 range. Pity he's not a forward this year as he'd be an interesting play. The obvious guy to lose minutes to Walsh when he's back as the 4th mid for them today but definitely did enough to demand solid rotations still and would think that it would be an even spread of who Walsh bumps from.

Fisher - Scored better than I expected having watched it but he was very handy. Good role but reckon he's the first to lose those midfield rotations to Walsh. Not cheap enough to be relevant I don't think but wouldn't be shocked if finds the 80s this year.

Cerra - Another really solid game, they'd certainly rather he kicks it more but just played really well. Think he's firmly locked in as their 3rd best mid though will lose a few rotations to Walsh like everyone below him will. Rate him very highly but I think the price is just too awkward and too many stronger options.

Newman - Standard for him, will have good games, did look to be the primary rebounder.

McGovern - He played too well as someone who's had him in for a couple of weeks . Role is golden and at his price the durability kind of goes out the window, if he stays fit he's going to make 150k more likely than not. HB and that relatively bruise free role is a good one for durability also. Imagine he's going to be in a lot of sides. Took a few kick-ins as well for an added bonus. What I liked is that he got involved on the rebound rather than relying entirely on his own intercept play to get the pill. Is a strong kick as well so that's good. Outside the woeful durability, it's a similar role to Ridley a couple of years ago and I'd say that's your absolute best case scenario and the likely outcome is somewhere in the Doedee range (~85), durability can't just be thrown out though unfortunately! Plowman forward and only for a half seems to lock the role in, never really understood what they saw in Plowman as a defender but seems Voss agrees there at least.

Hewett - Similar to Kennedy/Cerra, he played great, felt like it should be a pretty strong ratio as he won a lot of clean contested first possessions and used the ball very well, basically stock standard stuff that he does. Interesting to see no marks and just two tackles, that's where he can put the cherry on top of a game like this. For mine this is an above average game on possessions but significantly below average on those two areas, so probably about an average game. He won't always use it quite that well but he is a good decision maker. I dare say this was the kind of game that sways no one, you either already thought 95+ was possible and were into him or you didn't and weren't, I think he basically can be argued either way you want. Like the others, he'll lose a few rotations to Walsh but he's also their only mid who really works defensively well so that definitely helps the cause there. Thought it was a tick if you are considering.

Saad - Was back to his best after hobbling around everywhere last year, try and steal him in your draft leagues! Too many guys down back to hit 98 again, imo, but a solid ~90 is definitely in play for a guy who doesn't miss many games.

LOB - If only he was 70k cheaper he'd be really intriguing. Role backed up and he was solid, although I imagine the ratio hurts as he had a few howlers but that's a strong role.

McDonald - It felt like he had a lot more of the ball than his DT score, was really good. Interesting choice if they play McGovern as a small or 3rd tall because I thought both McDonald and Young did great jobs to put their hand up for a game and obviously Weitering is a lock. I still think he's a bigtime last resort rookie pick but he's viable and should at least be on peoples lists.

Williams - Played a pretty defensive role, think he's underpriced but not got the ceiling with so many others.

Boyd - I liked his game a lot, thought he was a real goer out there. Williamson up forward is a pretty decent sign and he's the type you could throw in other positions I imagine and get effort and pressure at the least. I definitely might be missing someone but there's no name coming to me that he's obviously worse than that's not playing right now. Definitely would be fringe best 22 at best though, like McDonald, hopefully he's not needed but worth watchlisting as he's a chance to be there at least.

Durdin - Exceptional first quarter and then not much else. Sums up the role, I heard he's probably ok but definitely a concern. Did enough I think to get a spot come round one, like Boyd I'm not seeing the obvious name he's played ahead of the last two games so seems it's his spot to lose. If he was 100k, I'd be very high but at 145k he's the third Blues rookie in this list that I'm putting on the watchlist and hoping not to pick!

 

[wogitalia]

Didn't feel like a 10ker, but here we are

Demons - They fought well after a pretty lacklustre first half where they were soundly beaten at the contest. There really wasn't anything they did that stood out to me tactically or structurally that won't be covered by player reviews. Thought they blew off some rust and didn't seem overly phased by the result.

Gawn - The good is definitely that he seems to be playing a more back half sweeper role this year, that's his bread and butter for huge scores, he kicked a goal when he was resting forward and he looks to be in ripping shape. The bad is that he's definitely falling into a genuine ruck share, especially at the CB and in the forward half, as long as he can intercept those quick rushed kicks out to make up for not getting the score involvements on F50 tapouts, he can hold it together but it definitely makes me think there's going to be a lot more variability in his scoring, games that he clunks 5 or 6 intercept marks will be big, games where he doesn't are going to be a lot lower than we're used to. Once again my feeling is I'd rather not start him but that he's probably not going to be a complete train wreck if I do, which, sadly, puts him in the lead still!

Petracca - TOG felt lower than it was, especially in Q4 where he seemed to be off for half the quarter, he looked good if not a bit rusty. This is probably similar to Hewett, if you were already on his wagon, he did enough to keep you holding on and if you weren't then there wasn't really anything to change it. As someone who had one hand waiting for him to demand I get on, I feel myself letting go.

Oliver - He was beastly as ever, surprised how low his score was and to be fair he probably should have had about 4 more FA on just incredibly bad calls by umpires but I just love that even in a preseason game he just doesn't have that chill switch.

Fritsch - Not fantasy relevant but has to have the nicest looking set shot since Lloyd/Brad Green were rocking it.

Sparrow - Role was solid again, similar to Kennedy basically where he's the clear 4th mid in the group right now. I do wonder if he stays in that spot when the real stuff starts or if he goes out of the side and the much more versatile ANB/Harmes pair slot in instead, felt like he was getting a chance to demand they hold him in and he just didn't do that but he was solid and if he does hold the spot (he was much better last week) then he's a viable pick. Probably another that's 50k more than you'd like but no real reason he can't average 85 in that role, he does everything you'd want for it. I think the JS/Role concerns are enough to make him an undesirable play but wouldn't shock me if he's in the best couple of guys around that price range. I think there's better plays but, again, wouldn't be surprised if he ended up the right one despite that.

Jackson - Be interested to know his HOtA stats and SC score, the big takeaway watching and it's possible the stats don't support it, was that he was struggling to get his hands on the ball and influence things when going against Pittonet outside of the CB jump where his immense athletic ability stands out. He just seemed to get soundly beaten and I think he was lucky to not give away 3 or 4 FA in boundary/around the ground stoppages, this is always the threat for a young 2nd ruck moving into a genuine ruck share where they now start rucking against the opponents #1, and Pittonet is one of the weaker #1s, and their ruck scoring actually falls away. He's a special talent but I've felt it was too early all off season and neither of the games has done anything to change that for me. Credit to anyone who grabs him if it works but it's just not a pick I'm considering.

Brayshaw - Playing HB, not sure if because of the outs and they just wanted an extra leader or what, didn't seem to reignite that pig from so long ago now!

Bowey - Without their two primary rebounders he still couldn't find the main role, that's enough for me to stick the fork in him.

It's amazing how irrelevant that Melbourne group is after the super premium trio.

 

[THCLT]

 

[wogitalia]

Dogs vs Lions

General - This was not your father's preseason game, I hazard to guess there will be at least 50 games this year that are worse contests than this one. You could play that for me and I'd have no idea it was a preseason game. Great hitout, good contest, good structures, honestly felt like a normal game except for a couple of noteworthy players missing and a couple of guys just being eased through as it went on.

On a side note, god David King is a sanctimonious asshat, I don't know what it is about his voice but he manages to make everything sound intolerable that he says, even when he's right you just want him to shut up and good god does he sook it about umpiring all game. Genuinely my least favourite commentator, which is actually an achievement!

Having said that, rule sook coming, but the new ball rule genuinely seems worse at this point, basically seems that throwing it on the ground has become a legal disposal at this point, Naughton had at least 3, Berry a couple and numerous others where they literally just threw it on the ground while being tackled and it's play on...

Again, I've not seen SC so I'm going by gut on this and will confirm how it matches which is what I like to do as the scores can definitely interfere, have seen the DT scores and stats!

Lions - Missing Zorko and Rayner that are potentially SC structurally important but otherwise gave us a good read with positions, copped a few injuries that tested their depth and probably gave us an even better indicator of where guys are positionally. They were hard and looked to move the ball long and direct very often, had Daniher kicked well they probably win by 5 or 6 goals but that's not a new theme! Looked really good though.

Neale - Pure midfield role, any doubts on his role must include Zorko's rotations through the guts because his role has been pure both weeks, I stopped counting CBA late in the third (with Bont out they become more muddled than useful from there) but he was comfortably their leader to that point despite actually being there the couple of times there were quick repeat CBs. He looks sharp and ready for a big year. Firm tick for me and barring some kind of injury scare he's officially locked into my round 1 team.

Cameron - Not fantasy relevant but god he played well. Did seem to be higher up the ground in this game than his usual role, he's often struggled to impact in that role but was great today.

McCluggage - Very interesting role balance for him and very hard to read what means more. First half was pretty pure inside mid, was right alongside Neale on CB count, after Coleman did his hamstring and they shuffled he went to the wing role considerably more and was in line with his bad role last year that limited scoring rather than the good one where he was very strong. He looks in terrific nick though and definitely have a feeling he'll push towards 115 range this year if the first half is the read, when Sharp came in midway through the 3rd he seemed to move more inside again. I don't have the guts to pick him over other plays but rate him.

Berry - Started wing, rotated through the guts when he wasn't wing with a few stints at HF but pretty pure midfield role basically exactly what he played in 2020 when he averaged almost 100, I wasn't watching live stats so no idea if they paid them but I had his "missed" tackle count at 5 in this one, mostly because he kept trying to tackle Bont and his obnoxious habit of throwing it out to teammates and always finding them (too good), against mere mortals he is probably getting 4 tackles and 2 FF from it. Looks very fit, ran the game out well and a big tick for mine. As with Neale, locked in to my side. Definitely some concern with Zorko and Rayner but he's too good to not be used in this role and anytime you've got a 100+ capable player at 270k I think you take it and deal with it not working if that happens.

Lyons - He scored better than I expected but in the total opposite of Neale his role definitely was concerning to me, CBA count was very low by my eye, seemed to be basically HF pushing up into the contest with very limited genuine midfield rotations. Other than that he was still able to have a good impact at follow-up stoppages and played very well but I've got way too many role concerns to even think about starting him, not that I ever really was thinking it given the names around him.

Rich - To my eye he was heavily managed late in the game, I want to say he was off late in Q3 and didn't return and TOG supports that. Looked fine, kicked a booming goal. I've seen nothing to suggest he can't back up last year. Will be ignored I reckon but he's right up there with the best options given the HBF role seems to be capitulating around him and he might be the only kicker by round 1.

Fort - Not relevant himself but the ruck share was definitely unsettling and, perhaps more importantly, he gave a genuinely great contest as a forward, I don't think he failed to halve a contest as a forward target all night and that was a huge reason that Bailey, Cameron and McCarthy were so influential on the game. He played about as well as he could to make sure he gets a game in round 1, he rucked solidly against a pretty high tier 2nd ruck as well. I was genuinely impressed by his game again.

Bailey - I thought he might score a bit more in DT but expect his ratio was exceptional, everytime he poked a foot at the ball it went to a teammate, he does it constantly so have to think it's an awareness/skill thing disguised as lucky but he's a jet. His role was nowhere near as good tonight, especially after the first quarter, as last week and with Zorko and Rayner also to share both forward action and midfield rotations I think he remains at the bottom of his, admittedly excellent, peers. Wouldn't begrudge anyone who went him though. Was one of the few who had a notable role change as game progressed, no idea how to read that.

Daniher - He so nearly had a monster, he had two points apparently but I swear he had 5 shots/chances so I guess others didn't score. He looks in great nick, still think he pushes the 90s this year.

Cockatoo - Really took the chance today although he faded pretty badly (low TOG may suggest he wasn't out there), definitely put his hand up for round one in what is a tough 22.

Answerth - Pure wing until Coleman was injured then pure HB after that, copped the lockdown role on Weightman for substantial periods and his scoring basically stopped completely. I wouldn't be shocked if he scored 40DT by HT (I only checked stats after the game) to finish with 51. I think the Coleman injury is excellent for his job security but he doesn't seem to be a natural rebounder and looks much better for fantasy on the wing, at 245k I think I needed to see more scoring from him. That said, if we get utterly desperate he looks firmly best 22 for the first month at this point.

McInerney - Was the main ruck and actually looked good around the ground to me in the way he was moving but that score is probably 30 points lower than I expected in DT sense. Hard to read a lot out of it but I personally had concerns with Fort and this game definitely expanded those concerns for me, Fort looks entrenched in the team after that effort and that's bad for a guy whose only scored well when he's the lone #1 ruck. He absolutely could be a good pick, his finish to last year was excellent, but the role concerns are more than enough for me.

Coleman - Was just starting to get rolling off HB including the play of the day turning a kick-in into 3 touches that ended with a lovely goal for the Lions and then ping goes the hammy. Looked a textbook month out to me, would be a very intriguing downgrade option but we get two weeks extra information. Just sucks.

Madden - Not sure what his injury was in the end, ankle/foot region. Just further helps the JS of Answerth for anyone looking his way.

Fullarton - Interesting to see him down back all game as a genuine KPD, I think just holding Gardiner's place but he played very well.

 

[wogitalia]

Dogs - Think they'd be mostly happy, if Naughton doesn't drop a couple of easy marks into goals in the first it's probably a different game pattern, it mostly went how you'd expect and they struggled to score as much as they should, Naughts genuinely had the almost gloves on. Some interesting takeaways for mine here though. Libba is probably the worst player that could be missing for them as far as getting any reads go though so I'm not sure I know anything more than I did entering...

Macrae - Ok, this shocked me, I mean he does it constantly and I guess it's the 10 tackles more than anything, but it just didn't feel that prolific and my initial note was "role was poor", I guess that just sums up this gluttonous pig that even in a poor role he scores great. Worth noting that his role in the 2nd half was actually excellent as well but that first half role was genuinely concerning to me. How do you argue with his output though.

Treloar - Great role, played a great game, expect his SC should even be solid as I didn't notice any butchery and the stats support it. Hard to really read his role, it was strong both halves but Libba missing and then Bont basically not playing mid the 2nd half means that basically everyone had good roles but that's two firm ticks he's put on the board.

Bont - Shocked at his score, I guess 6 tackles again changes it, his first half was solid if unspectacular then he spent the entire 3rd quarter forward and about half the 4th on the bench or forward and, as usual, really struggled to impact the contest. Now the question is obvious, is that a genuine role expectation or was it management. He's the best forward in their mids by a mile but he's also in the best couple of mids, that said I'd say his gap as a forward is larger than as a mid (more because the others aren't very good forwards) so it's a move that makes some sense for a coach who has never really prioritised the midfield. I think he was pretty hard to select with Macrae and Dunkley already from the team but there's definitely a question mark there for me.

English - He'd always been my preferred R2 if I did shade Gawn/Darcy and this is the 2nd game in a row that's been a very big tick for that path, imo. For anyone who saw Gawn last night, he's playing the same role. Defensive half ruck, extra midfielder and intercept player. Perhaps most importantly he was very solid in the actual ruck contests, OMc had very few clean hitouts and English had a couple of genuinely nice taps himself, this is the area that turns his role toxic, if he's getting eaten in the ruck and last year he wilted very badly in that area then he's untenable in the ruck, if he's competitive there then his around the ground work is very strong, especially intercept and lead-up mark work around the ground, both good point sources. Felt like a solid ~120 game to me and his role was very strong. By my count he took about 75% of ruck contests. The role is perfect for him and he looks very fit in a huge contract year for him.

Dunkley - Same as Treloar really, he started in the middle and stayed there all game but what does Libba change in that equation. My biggest issue with the pair is Macrae basically didn't play midfield in the first half and Bont basically didn't in the 2nd half, it almost felt like they were letting Treloar and Dunkley go head to head for the 4th midfield spot after Libba and the big two OR they plan on using Macrae outside and Bont forward as genuine moves and those two are going to do more lifting. Again, it comes down to do you take the two 100/100 mids out to play them in other positions that they're considerably better players than Treloar and Dunkley so that you play the 85/100 mids instead. It's a tough question is 4 guys going at 85 better than two guys at 100 and two guys at 50-60 (I know numerically it is but not intended that way), fact is Treloar and Dunkley aren't Bont and Macrae but they're pretty damn elite midfielders still. Ultimately he's ticked the health box, he looks very fit, in a game that most guys looked blown up at times he and Macrae were the two who didn't to me, and he's scored great in both games. No idea how he had only two clangers though, by my count he had that from his first two touches that both went cleanly to Lions players and there's no way he didn't have another all game but take the wins! He's a lock at this point because he's far too dangerous if this role holds up like it very much could to not pick. If he plays 22 at 115 you almost can't win it without him. If he plays 12 at 100, you can absolutely still win. There's just nothing to gain from not starting him.

Smith - Big benefactor of Bont's resting forward, he was forward first half with limited midfield and that flipped 2nd half. He's so good though, the gut running he does that you can see on screen is incredible, I've only seen him live at the GF last year but imagine he's a machine to watch live. Not for me with his o***eason and that midfield but he's a jet.

Daniel - Rock solid, reckon he's being badly neglected this year. Really strong bet to average 100 at a nice discount. Durability has been great. Assume it's the burn factor from last year but I reckon he offers fundamentally the same thing as Short at a discount.

Dale - I wanted to see an intercept role from him to move him up a tier as an option. Think he's a good bet but no value there. Played well. They're clearly using English in that intercept role at this point.

Richards - Was really solid down back, so was Crozier and probably only room for one of them but think he did enough to be ahead.

Naughton - Like Daniher really, if he could have held some very easy marks he probably kicks 6 or 7 but his workrate was exceptional and I think he could push 90 this year if he can stay on the park.

Martin - He looks pretty much done to me but he gave a decent enough contest up forward and in the ruck, was the clear #2, which he should be, using him as #1 is just stunting English's development at this point and they need English to reach something near his ceiling to take that last step, Martin isn't giving them that at this point. If the split stays how it is I think it's actually a great result for English, which is rare, but because English is playing as a sweeping zone off interceptor, having Martin to take F50 contests allows him to find the most dangerous positions and get the easiest intercept work that there is forming up a wall across the 50.

McComb - Came on at HT and did some nice things. I'm not entirely sure who he's competing with but would assume when Libba is back he's not hanging in there. I already don't know where they're going to fit everyone

 

[THCLT]

 

[wogitalia]

Hawks vs Tigers

General - Watched 3 quarters, honestly it was pretty ordinary footy and with Sam Mitchell making an early entry for the SC community most hated it was a pretty worthless game for information, imo. To the teams credit they both went pretty hard but the Hawks have to be worried after that.

Hawks - Mitchell making enemies by leaving out O'Meara and Mitchell and half the half backs to give us two cents of sweet FA when it comes to information. The positives, they went hard and hit in. The negatives is basically everything else, I mean the Tigers where yellow as well but that's not really a reason to keep giving them the ball

Not seen SC scores again.

Nash - File under case one of I know nothing, his role was really good, basically the 4th midfielder but does that hold up and become 6th or what when O'Meara and Titch are back? He tackled well and looked like the end of last year. I think he's fantasy relevant in this role but if it falls off even slightly it's over. Just impossible to know.

Phillips/Shiels - Pure wing, in the 3/4 I watched Phillips was basically a constant, Shiels the other wing for the first half. Not relevant other than having two senior guys eating all those wing rotations is pretty bad for a couple of the younger guys. By my count, Gunston was the only other guy to play wing at all while those two were out there and it was for a 5 minute stint in the 2nd.

Ward - The standout but like Nash it's so incredibly hard to read anything from it. The positives is there's more than a little bit of Zach Merrett in him, sneaky little left foot, good in the contest, good composure. Just a really good young player. Honestly, I'd be giving him rotations ahead of O'Meara and Worpel for sure based on this game, he's got way more class than either of them could dream of already and was one of the only Hawks who seemed to realise what colour his teammates were wearing. The negative is that he played a pure inside mid role that, most likely, doesn't exist with O'Meara and Mitchell also to take that role. He was solid last week off HB but that's got even less openings at the Hawks. I'd be positively shocked if he doesn't play but I do have concerns of how he gets the role to score huge other than beating out senior guys which he might be capable of. Not dissimilar to Gulden last year though as a prospect for mine, very similar type so if he an get the role he'll make a lot of cash.

Worpel - I just don't rate him. Can't question the effort but he's just so poor with the ball, only really mentioning it because it's good for Ward to have weaker players in his path.

Scrimshaw - Took a few kick-ins and was probably the main rebounder alongside Sicily to my eye. Like the mids, when half the guys aren't playing what can you even know?

Newcombe - He was scrappy today after his huge game last week but I thought still a bit better than Worpel. Another who could be in Ward's way but Ward has more class which is always a good point of difference.

Sicily - Looking at the TOG I'm guessing he didn't play much of the 4th as he seemed to be out there basically the whole first 3 quarters. He was solid but not dominating kick-ins and was definitely stuck in a KPD role that was more difficult to zone off of than you'd like, admittedly Tigers played 3 genuine KPF targets and had super low pressured entries for the most part which makes it hard. One thing that does look good is that there is going to be a LOT of supply for him down back. I don't think anything's changed here, I don't think he's a must have and reckon a 105 season would be a big effort but a 95 season is a good bet and would probably work, it really comes down to whether a D6 aim is good value at his price, I'd wager you'll get similar or better options in season at that price. One of those if you want him you saw enough and if you don't you saw enough I imagine.

Wingard - Played mostly forward with very limited midfield rotations. Given who was out, that's a fork for him for me.

Hardwick - The other guy zoning a bit and taking some kick-ins, as said with Sic, I think the Hawks backline is what we expect it to be. High supply is very likely but too many chefs.

Morrison - Down back again, I don't see where he fits when everyone is playing though.

Macdonald - He scored better than I expect, may have junked in Q4? His role was actually a solid one, playing HF, I'd say it was a medium high role rather than genuine high HF (Wingard more in that role). He did some nice things but also a few rookie things, the big standout was when he didn't have the courage to take an advantage that would have almost certainly led to a shot at goal for the team and the slow play ended up with a turnover that the Tigers goaled from, just didn't look confident to take it and you just need to back that in as the type of player he is. Did some nice things though and at his price if he's playing he's probably worth a bench spot in this year's rookie crop but I have doubts if he makes it. I'd think that the likely path is O'Meara and Titch come in and push everyone down a rung which means that Ward/Worpel/Nash push Mac right out of the side. Fingers crossed though.

Lynch - Didn't come on until the 3rd, I didn't notice most of his score as a result so can't really comment, Reeves score was shockingly bad to me as I thought he played well.

Maginness - Played HB and I just can't see how he's in the side given that, it's the absolute last role you want to see a rookie playing for the Hawks with Impey, Jiath, Day and Bramble all not playing and all definitely best 22 in that role. He wasn't bad but you want to see kids playing a role they've got any chance at all of actually playing, seeing them holding down someone else's spot is never a good sign.

McEvoy - Forward first half, went to FB second half. I thought Kosi was good in the 3rd and is a better forward than McEvoy. I don't really know where he fits to be honest.

DGB - Just doesn't seem to have the confidence right now to go for it, which means at his price he's not relevant.

Tigers - Took care of business, looked pretty good doing it. They'd probably like their pressure rate a bit higher but if the opponent is going to keep giving it to you in dangerous places without having to pressure in the preseason I guess why would you? Strong side that lined up as expected to me.

Short - He's the one I'd love to know if there was serious junk going on as I thought he was quiet through the 3/4 I watched Took kick-ins when he was near and role is as we expect. He's what we know him to be.

Baker - Playing forward, was really good again, basically playing himself out of better positions where he might be relevant

Balta - Playing forward and 2nd ruck, even with Soldo/Nank both playing they found some rotations for him. Looked genuinely good up forward.

Nank - Too much Soldo for my liking but a strong game again.

Rioli - This suggest to me there was some serious Q4 junk as he also was pretty unsighted through 3/4 or I completely missed a guy I was watching for. Couple of ordinary kicks but otherwise was rock solid.

Broad - Rock solid again, was probably their best defender in the 1st half.

Ralphsmith - Was better than Rioli on the rebound to my eye through the 3/4 I watched so I'm guessing that he got some but not as much junk? Would think he's done enough to play himself into the side for as long as Vlastuin is missing and it will be a battle for them to survive.

Martin - Role was nowhere near as good as last week, the more traditional take the CBA and then push forward all game, wasn't as deep forward as past years but he's just a bit limited when he's not at the stoppages winning clearances as that's his weapon. I still think he's a safe 95+ bet and his role is better simply because of Balta releasing him from being a defacto KPF but as good as his role was last week it was tempered this week. Strong pick but not a must have with that role. Good value though still and the safe coaches should just lock him in.

Aarts - Really strong role, midfield rotations for him. Not sure why they've gone with him for the role but he has it and it's his to lose I guess. Draft league relevant I reckon in that role.

Gibcus - Another really solid game, it's an interesting mix but realistically all of Broad, Grimes and Gibcus have shown an ability to play big or small, might be some concerns against teams with two genuine gorillas but that's basically the Cats, Melbourne and the Tigers themselves so just a couple of threats. I think he'll play plenty of footy, would be odd to spend the entire preseason just to not play him. Still think he can put up a solid 65 average and a few 90s to spike. One of those I'd rather not pay the premium types but I think his JS is going to be among the best for the rookies (crop is looking weak to me) and his scoring potential is mid tier, he's a looped bench type though as think that 65 type is going to be 90 and 40s quite often!

Bolton - Forward again, couple of CB but that's it. Like Wingard, a fork for me given the other options.

 

[wogitalia]

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.

 

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[wogitalia]

Bombers vs Saints

General - Good solid hitout this one, both teams went relatively hard with relatively full strength sides so some information presented by this game should hold up at least a bit. Saints got the jump and then basically doggedly held on for 3 quarters where they didn't feel the better side but the Bombers inability to kick goals ended up costing them the game.

Saints - Couple of injuries to Clark and Billings will likely open interesting gaps in their team with no real obvious people to fill them floating around the edge. They were pretty hard at it and stock standard for them, they look good when Sinclair, Steele, Wood, Hill or a couple of others have the ball and they look very shaky when it's Ross, Crouch and basically the other half of the team!

Have seen the SC scores for this one, at least preliminary as they seem odd.

Marshall - Was massive for the Saints, he's one the score just feels completely off with as he took a bunch of big marks, won everything in the contest and was just really good. Big tick for anyone considering him, imo.

Wood - Was really solid, looks fit. Only a matter of time before the inevitable hamstring but reckon he's a very strong draft type.

Hill - Off HB again, will score well, don't think he'll score well enough though.

Steele - Solid game from him, definitely preseason feels on it as didn't really crack in until late in the 4th but looks fit and played well.

Battle - Down back again and rock solid. Too expensive for mine but reckon he pushes mid 80s this year. Another strong draft target.

Ross - I say it every week but I don't get it, although with Billings and Clark going down it's almost unavoidable now.

King - Good Q1, worked hard for him which is a good sign.

Sinclair - Was solid if unspectacular. I really like him as a mid 90s guy this year but think there are too many better options to really bother with the risks.

Clark - Did a shoulder/collar bone in a good contest with Parish, was actually playing well with an alright role as well but looked a pretty bad injury unfortunately.

Gresham - Role was solid, some midfield rotations but mostly HF but generally the higher form so got involved in link up work. I thought he'd got more of it than he did but 0 marks is probably the real stat, mostly because his teammates can't kick as he was very often in space and easily could have been a 90 game with a few marks. Played well and I reckon that if he was in your sights you will probably have confirmed him and if he wasn't you probably will have locked him out. For those of us a bit more speculative on our position I'm not really sure how to take it

Hayes - I was genuinely impressed with his game, still think the JS is going to be shocking but starting ahead of Sharman is a very strong sign for where his role is at, he was soundly beaten in the ruck, especially CB, but his follow up work at ground level is top notch and he was their most consistent forward target throughout the night, which is the most important thing. Throws the weight around and did all he could to be there round one. Saw nothing unfortunately to suggest he's not straight out when Ryder is available though and if he doesn't have good games he's got Campbell as well. Probably the biggest concern is I'm not sure how much more he can really do and he's only scored 60 odd. Still, not going to ignore him given the lack of alternatives. Bad sex is still better than no sex right?

Wanganeen-Milera - Got some nice pace and looks to have a good boot on him but he also looked an awfully long way off the contest. Shirked the first 3 or 4 contests entirely, I suspect may have gotten a bake at 3/4 time as was considerably better in the 4th but outside of one really good tackle he was ragdolled and shrugged off in every contest and still skirted the pack far too much when it was his turn. He's about 55kg soaking wet though so there's some self protection going on there and he definitely needs at least a year if not two in the gym to get the size on. Be interesting if they find a role for him though with Billings out as someone needs to fill the forward pocket he was rotting away in. Think he's going to struggle to score enough to be relevant even if he does get games.

Owens - Came on for the 4th, good size to him and basically the polar opposite of NWM, he goes hard but seems to lack pace and class. Another I would be surprised to see this year barring a lot of injuries, which they're already getting close to.

Windhager - Came on late in the 3rd, played deep forward and did basically nothing while out there, interestingly he was the worst performed but looked the most physically ready to actually play of the 3 and probably played the position that's most likely to actually exist. Still a -2 is a -2

Bombers - Think they'd be happy, I'm going to be nice and call it a "soft" first quarter but from that point on they really clamped down the Saints and if they had a remotely functional forward line they probably win by 5. Given they're missing Stringer, Walla and Shiel who are all important parts of their forwardline, imo, that's understandable. Will be happy with the efforts for 3/4.

Caldwell - Scored better than I expected, role was really strong. No Shiel and Merrett and Parish both basically played a half in the midfield so it's misleading but he was their 4th mid to start so it's not a stretch. Looked good and couldn't really begrudge people taking him, I imagine his role will be similar in scoring potential to Berry's so there's definitely a case for him.

Wright - Solid game, same same.

Perkins - Elevated midfield minutes in the 2nd half I dare say inflated his score as he didn't stand out in the first half. Playing HF to start and he looks so much more solid and strong in the contest this year. Still think he's going to push 80s and be a similar prospect to what Butters/Thomas are presenting this year next year, rate the kid, not as highly as he rates the kid but good on him

Parish - Pure mid first half, played mostly HF in the 2nd half with reduced TOG as well I believe (stats support eye test), basically swapped roles with Perkins/Caldwell in the 2nd half. Looked very good and think he's a strong POD for those chasing.

Ridley - Surprised by how low his DT score was, not surprised by his ratio. If he had a man all night it was simply because he got out of position, was loose all night floating everywhere, took several kick-ins, I stopped counting but he had 4/6 when I did. Kicked it beautifully. Definitely ticked boxes for me as someone considering him strongly. There's definitely concerns with the shared ball with Redman, Hind, Merrett and McGrath in particular but he definitely has the intercept role and will still feature heavily in rebound. He's a 100-105 target range for mine as it stands.

Langford - Played wing all game. Not relevant.

McGrath - Started HB and played there the first half and for stints in the 2nd, mostly on ball in the 2nd half with a few bursts in the first. Played well. Wait for the DPP change before considering but could present really good value in draft leagues.

Draper - Was solid but I needed to see a lot more from him.

Snelling - Role was excellent, in the main midfield group must have gone close to leading the CBA numbers by the end. Didn't put the runs on the board though and definitely is in there to defend rather than win the ball. Will probably grow into a strong 95 type role though if it sticks.

Hind - Solid, not spectacular.

Cutler - Stole some kick-ins, otherwise don't feel he's relevant.

Merrett - Looked terrific in the first half and then sat out the rest, just a different class level to everyone else in the first half. Did start at HB for a little bit when McGrath was on ball but I reckon it was maybe 5 minutes total, still at that elite midfielder level that could matter.

Martin - Came on at HT and was probably the Bombers best for that half, played pure wing and just worked his butt off. Always hard to read when someone comes on fresh at a gut running position how much is the fatigue advantage and how much is workrate but he was fantastic. Couldn't have done anything more to go from outside the 22 to inside it tonight. Whether it matters is another question. Hard team to break into and I really struggle to see who he pushes out because Heppell, Cox and Langford, who were the other wingers, were all good as well.

Baldwin - I liked his game, he presents hard at the ball and works hard at ground level. I can't see how they fit both he and Jones into the team realistically unless Stringer basically isn't playing forward, although you can create mismatches with Stringer as the 4th tall but he needs to be on his game at ground level for that to have a chance. Very borderline on the job security but he looks a strong option if he can lock down a spot.

Heppell - Solid game, didn't play Q4. I don't love the wing role for SC purposes so he's a wait for me.

 

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[wogitalia]

Giants vs Pies

General - Thought it was a spirited contest between two teams that are very hard to gauge going into the season, few key guys missing in each side don't exactly help that either but was a solid game played well by both.

Giants - Short kicking and possession style of game as is pretty standard for them, Mark McVeigh was coaching them today and not sure if he got any autonomy on positions but they definitely eased up on the butchers through the middle and wanted the class around the ball more which has been basically the anti-Cameron over the years. Think they'd be mostly happy with the outcome.

Kelly - Played as a pretty pure inside midfielder which has always been by far his best role and the results were evident, whether it's a McVeigh thing or a sign of things to come this year is the big question, always capable of this but can he stay on the park and can he do it consistently? Either way I reckon people might take notice of this game. I just don't trust Cameron though, he has never seemed to want him in the midfield and prefers players who can't kick generally so my trust level is just not there but it would not surprise me at all if he averaged 125 playing that role. He's just so much better in close than he is on the outside.

Taranto - His score surprised me but I guess 9 marks will do that, he was almost exclusively forward in the first half, as a high HF though, 2nd half got a lot more genuine midfield rotations, it's so interesting how he's a good shot at goal given how woeful his field kicking is but he just looks better as a forward as a result, has good craft, good pressure work and is a very good mark for his size and he's just not very good as a midfielder because of the disposal. Just a move that makes sense, be interesting if he can keep scoring that well there though. Back to back really good scores for him as well, probably the neglected forward but be interesting to see how he goes in the real stuff.

Coniglio - Very pure midfield role in the 1st half and then swapped with Taranto basically in the 2nd half with a lot of forward time and more limited but still present midfield rotations. He looks really fit which has been a major issue the last couple of years and just played well. He's a lock.

Ward - Played HBF all game, played it well. Looks a good fit for him, gives him that bit more time and eases the disposal pressure that has undone him as a midfielder a bit the last couple of years and, like Taranto, just makes sense if it means Kelly playing his natural position for entire games.

Green - Pure midfield role and was very good, disposal, especially by foot, was pretty ordinary and he basically was like for like with what Taranto did last year if he's going to kick like that but was good for the run.

Whitfield - Pure HB also, took a few kick-ins but not dominating them at all, he was good but a bit underwhelming as well. Still looks fit and got through the game, so that's something. We know what he's capable of but between Ward, Cumming and Perryman with Haynes to also come in, I have concerns.

Preuss - Really worked into the game after a slow start and was combative throughout. Liked him as a long target which is something their other forwards don't really offer and he was good in the ruck and will likely monster 2nd rucks as Grundy basically went all game so he faced a genuine ruck contest. Looks set to be the 2nd ruck but he'd only be an injury or just some dominant form from the #1. Debatable whether he's worth that premium given durability, role and even job security concerns but if there's nothing else he might be...

Riccardi - Was solid up forward again, presents at the ball very well.

Hopper - Took the back seat in the midfield a bit for Coniglio and Kelly to be the main two early with Green the constant all game. I don't think we see that in the real stuff which is again a concern with Kelly, he's the guy who can play wing and even though he's on another planet as an inside mid to all their other options, he's also that as a winger and so they sacrifice him so that guys like Hopper can have a role. Clearly I don't agree with that decision making but I still expect Cameron to do it...

Perryman - Off HB also.

Cumming - Also off HB and you can perhaps see a trend that concerns me a bit regarding Whitfield, they've got 3 other genuine ball winners that will get in his way. When you don't intercept or really win contests and rely on pure quantity like Whitfield does that concerns me.

Bruhn - Probably 70k too expensive but role was really solid, high HF with genuine midfield rotations, especially early and he played really well.

Ash - Out on a wing basically all game, did get a couple of CBA later on but was pretty pure wing.

Stone - You really don't want to be a fantasy relevant rookie priced guy in this one. I'm not sure what his injury was other than it sure looked like an achilles was a high chance of the explanation, just kind of pulled up lame and then couldn't put weight through it, genuine distress on his face and as far as I could tell (because Fox didn't even acknowledge his existence in the coverage) they didn't do any of the ankle type things where you try and get back out there. Fingers crossed for him but didn't look good. He was a really decent option as well.

Pies - Really hard to read them to be honest, without Adams and a couple of other guys the dynamics do shift, the Lipinski injury kind of further derails it. They've got the look of a club who has accepted the media perception of them being rubbish rather than looking at the talent they've got and believing they can still be good which is never a good dynamic to be showing in the preseason. I still think on paper they're a top 8 list but they don't seem to agree

N. Daicos - HB all the first half, played a few other spots in the 2nd, I don't think it matters, he could probably find the ball as the sub and use it well. He's a lock and I prefer the HB role, it's easier and the DPP changes this year make his value significantly higher as a guy who can be switched down back to get a dodgy rookie off field in a lower value position so upgrades can be focused on the midfield where you leak the most. Expect he gives Sam Walsh's rookie numbers a real good crack.

Crisp - Mostly midfield but floats back to HB, I don't think it really matters with him as he scores freely in both roles, mid has higher ceiling probably but his history is to score better in the backs so whatever. Either way I think he's one of the better options going around, definitely has 110+ potential in this role, is a solid bet to be 95+ and his durability record can't be touched, that combination makes for a good strong starting pick.

Pendles - Played more midfield than I expected to be honest but like Crisp, not sure it matters, he'll score well. Wait for the DPP change and then target if intertested but has added value in draft leagues as the DPP seems likely.

Grundy - Was solid if unspectacular. Flynn seemed to be putting work into him and Preuss is as good a 2nd ruck as he has to face so loses that extra source. Workrate was excellent though and that's what I want to see from him. Really nothing to change my mind that he's got the best pathway to getting to 130 of any of the rucks this year.

J. Daicos - Was really solid on the wing.

Maynard - Probably going to be suspended on an unlucky spoil that resulted in a concussion to Lloyd. Pure HB from what I could tell so doesn't look like the midfield move is happening.

Henry - Was pretty good but don't be fooled by 3 pretty cheap goals inflating his score, he played well but this is about what you'd expect in his good games so there's no cash to be made.

Macrae - Struggled to really impact the contest, I think there are better options out there.

JDG - Stringer like role, take the CB and push forward, not a good fantasy role for him as he's done it for years and seems to cap out in the 80s because of games like this one. If he moves midfield during the season then jump.

Sidebottom - Pure wing role, his TOG was higher than I expected to be honest, I'm giving him credit here that it was a preseason effort but there's definitely enough evidence after last year and two poor preseason games that maybe he's just past it unfortunately. I wouldn't be surprised if he averaged 100 but I also wouldn't be surprised if it was 85, just struggling in both games. Happy to jump on later on if he's in the 100s rather than take the risk up front.

Murphy - Fingers crossed for him it's just a jarred knee as it sure looked a strong ACL popper to me. I really like him as a player.

Kreuger - Will be lucky not to be suspended on the play that knocked himself out, his only saving grace might be that he went after Callan Ward instead of a person with a normal skull and old cement head bounced back up. He actually looked good as well as a potentially relevant option. I have no idea how they judge that contest but realistically if they use the damage he did to himself, which seems a reasonable outcome, then he'd be looking at 2+ I'd think as it's high, intentional and got to be at the very least medium impact but would think it's high. Maybe he gets lucky.

Lipinski - Incomplete. Was going alright prior to the injury, looked a relatively minor ankle roll but never know these days with the syndesmosis diagnosis seeming to come out of nowhere on half those these days and sink players for months. Either way, you need perfection at that price point so he's a draft only guy imo.

 

[wogitalia]

Swans vs North

General - Started wet but dried out pretty quickly, could tell the ground was pretty heavy though. Solid contest by both sides, a bit more class for Sydney was the difference at the end of the day.

Gerard Healy reminding me that Kingy has some contenders for the worst of the bunch, I'm not sure what game he was even commentating, guy clearly took way too many hits to the head as a player...

Swans - Really only missing Buddy, Ladhams and Papley from best 22, Ladhams played reserves because they wanted him to get a full game in ruck but I still expect he's there for round 1 as will be Buddy. Contest was good, skills were mostly sharp and defensive stuff was very good. A good solid hitout that I believe was injury free, that's a win.

McInerney - Pure wing role as expected, same role he closed out last year in, works really hard to get back and help the defense and was going very hard today at the contest which hasn't been a real trait of his in the past but is a great sign. Looks set for a big year and one to nab in draft leagues, can't see him averaging 100+ to be honest so not for me in the real stuff.

Florent - He works hard, just wish he'd show a bit more polish and composure with the ball. Was in the main midfield rotation though. Not fantasy relevant.

Warner - Was really good again, just adds that bit extra, his good kicks are excellent but too many bad ones right now as well, needs to find the balance and realise he doesn't need to try and tear the game open with every single possession.

Heeney - Role was absolutely terrible which means the outcome is a testament to his talent. Not sure how much of it is Buddy and Papley out and how much of it is the plan, I couldn't help but feel like we tricked him into a contract with midfield minutes and can now rot him away again and waste 10% of the cap on the most over-talented forward pocket in the league... North is one of the best matchups for him as a forward because they've got not one to really match him but against better sides he'll get the Grimes and the Kelly types and be shut out of the game. This was a big cross for mine, great that he scored well regardless but not the role I want.

Blakey - Was fantastic off half back and think he's in for a big year if he can stay fit but not relevant outside draft leagues.

Rowbottom - I don't know why we play him midfield ahead of Heeney, I'll never understand it to be honest. He just can't kick, at all, it's not even decisions, he's actually pretty good at that but the execution of the kick is just terrible. Can't fault the effort.

Lloyd - Looks so primed to be honest, horded kick-ins and just floating all alone everywhere.

Mills - Looked like a man who has missed the tackling work in the preseason and wanted to make up for lost time. Was just smashing into everything. Only played the first half, which makes his score all the more incredible and he looked amazing but just can't pick him in this midfield group with that injury looming.

Parker - Preseason form was solid.

Gulden - Looks really good as a player but role wasn't ideal for fantasy, genuine HF role pretty much all game, which is a low 80s target I reckon.

Stephens - BIG TICK for him, strong wing role and produced results, got some inside burn later in the game when Parker and Mills were done, used it well, ran very hard and even hit the contest when it was his turn. Solid on field potential here.

Kennedy - Pure HB role in the first half, when Cunningham came on at HT he drifted a bit more around the field kind of filling gaps. Looks set for HB to me though.

McDonald - Thought he was the best performed of the forwards, McLean not far behind but wasteful. I really hope he's our 2nd KPF this year as his potential is on another planet to the other guys.

P. McCartin - Excellent game, no idea his SC in the end but would have thought it was ~80 from watching. Intercepting well, pushing to space for some easy touches and used the ball very well again. Very excited for him and think he's a genuine on-field option though would be preferable to loophole as a KPD can have some mares obviously. He was, to my eye, the main intercept guy though.

Campbell - Down back and was a really solid game by him. Probably 70k too expensive though.

Roberts - Came on for the 4th, role was good and showed some things but feel he's a fair way outside the best 22 still.

Sam Reid - Has to be one of the worst games I've ever seen someone play. Must have dropped 5 marks you'd expect a 6 year old to take, when he finally actually gloved a triple grabber not far from the top of the square he missed the set shot. Sadly, looked done.

North - Not sure how they'd take that game, their effort was solid and there were some positives but they were pretty sloppy as well and I'd say some of the fringe guys they'd have liked to produce were some of the weaker guys.

Xerri - The big takeaway here, was the 3rd game in a row that Goldy wasn't the #1 ruck, 2nd time it's been Xerri albeit the first time he got concussed in the 1st and messed it up but to me it seems evident that they want Xerri as the #1 and they want Goldy to support the young KPF that they have. Xerri was excellent, more than matched Hickey in the ruck and was probably better around the ground and was great with his tackling work at ground level. 208k FWD who will get R/F DPP at round 7 if he holds the spot is very intriguing. I don't think he did anything "noteworthy" with his score today and there's not real reason he can't produce similar to that on a regular basis. He'd be a must pick and start rookie if he's got that #1 role. Now there is the exceedingly obvious negative here... Goldy is still the better player and the JS threat is going to be ever present but I think if Xerri is named as their R1 on the team sheet, I'll probably go with it. I think this is as much about wanting Goldy forward as anything for Noble, I just don't think it's something you do for 3 straight games, including rucking a completely outmatched CCJ last week, just for an experiment.

LDU - Was solid, not on my radar though as still doesn't get enough pill.

McDonald - Cheapies galore down back, looks back. Probably just gets in the way of Hall and Ziebell ultimately and they all kind of end up not quite there but I could see a case for starting him given his history and price with DPP changes this year. Not for me personally though.

Goldstein - Genuine 2nd ruck but he's still their best ruck. Such a big call.

Thomas - Putrid role also, did get better as the game went on but was basically playing the same role as Heeney for the first half before going slightly higher in the 2nd half. JHF may be an issue for his role when it's all said and done and while I don't want to overreact I can't say he's impressed me this preseason overall. What you really want from this price group is that Butters blow you off the park performances not the "you know I'm here and that's about it" type of games. Obvious guy to go out of my side for Cripps if I go that way.

JHF - Another strong tick. Just finds ways to influence the game, it was funny at half time they said he modeled his game off Fyfe and my thought throughout the first half and then continued on is "I don't think he's kicked a drop punt all day", was just a comical might have modeled the wrong part of his game thing for me but he's just really good. Daicos is the better fantasy pick but JHF is definitely worth starting. Added bonus of getting FWD at round 7 to allow focused upgrading of the mids, and locked in for me personally, though there's a much better case for fading him than Daicos.

Greenwood - He was solid first half, had an awkward contest where he reached at the heavily taped knee and was noticeably hobbled and low impact from that point onward. Hopefully he's alright. His role was strong and he's definitely going to be a pest for fantasy purposes eating up midfield rotations for fantasy relevant guys!

Polec - I thought he was really solid. Worked hard in both directions, some of his better player was actually in defense. Interestingly it was his ball use that was probably the knock on him today, did rush his usage a few times when he had space, perhaps some rust for a guy who hasn't played a lot lately. I think he definitely presents a viable starting pick and should be on most radars, perhaps not needed with midfield rookies looking decent though and I'd have him behind Berry, probably alongside Caldwell as options after Berry.

Ziebell - Was solid but that's about it, I don't see any reason to start him this year but wouldn't be shocked if he's a high 90s or better guy again.

Simpkin - Had a mare. Just couldn't get his hands on it, couldn't stick a tackle, just nothing went right.

Powell - Showed very little today, role wasn't great and scoring reflected that. Needs to work a lot harder.

Ford/Goater - Both came on very late, both did very little. Really need to dominate in those circumstances when you're fresh and everyone else is fatigued from a heavy battle and they just didn't. Goater did a couple of nice things but needed way more volume I think. Sadly looks like JHF and Xerri the only rookie priced guys right now and both at heavy premiums.

 

[wogitalia]

Dockers vs Eagles

General - Ugly game. Low pressure and just so stagnant, lots of short kicks for Freo, very little pressure or care that they were doing that from WC. Perhaps the worst game so far, definitely the worst of today's games. Just not attractive football, not even sure which team would be more disappointed with it to be honest, I mean Freo won and never really felt like losing but they should have been about 60 point favourites so it's a pretty ordinary effort. West Coast just look really bad, I guess points to them for not getting smashed? About the only real contest for the day was Lobb launching into Darcy about 5 deep behind the pack

Dockers - Missing Fyfe which is kind of pivotal for really reading anything but probably some indicators at least around what they're doing. They were good retaining possession but it kind of felt like watching Ben Simmons hit 3s in the preseason, it was so different to a "game-like" environment that I don't even know how to read it. Lot of waxing down back, not a lot of attack or direction. Felt like they were pretty committed to not giving any information away.

Haven't seen the SC scores so all eye test...

Ryan - Waxing at HB, not sure if he ever had a man, took a lot of the kick-ins when I was still paying attention to it, looked good. Definitely a neglected option down back, if they're playing that style in the real stuff he could genuinely push 115+ but hard to read into it.

Brayshaw - Kept working to a good score, role was solid. Still think he's as good a smoky as any.

Walters - Strong game for him, role not ideal, very HF based which is an 80s role and given his durability probably not nearly enough to risk the biscuits on him even at a very digestible type of price.

Brodie - Role was very strong, seemed to be pretty pure midfield to me and did what he always does. That's two very strong outings, this time with Mundy kind of present. I don't think they need him forward and it makes way more sense for Fyfe to be eased in up forward than through the guts so the role probably holds up early, which is all that really matters. Definitely firming as a very strong option, if the role held up all season there is legitimate keeper potential, honestly no reason he can't be 100+ in a pure inside mid role and Mundy was used very outside today as a kicker rather than inside so it's really Fyfe. I can't see any reason you'd target him like they did and then put a guy like Tucker who's a considerably worse kick and not as big or strong in ahead of him but you never know with AFL coaches. He's getting a big tick, the real question I'm finding right now is how many 200k guys can we genuinely select?

Serong - Solid outing, another with a good case as a smoky.

Chapman - Cheap enough to consider, same story as Ryan, if they're going to play that style then all their HB become relevant, it's almost like the Hawks last year with 4+ guys capable of going 85+ and value kind of exists on all of them.

Young/Clark - Ditto for them, Clark MID only and young probably too expensive to really consider but wouldn't be surprised if they're in the 80-95 zone either.

Henry - Played wing and was solid enough, don't think he's in the top 5 guys at his price range, possibly in the forwards alone, so not really on my radar but could be a sneaky good late round draft league type.

Darcy - Never been a preseason guy but definitely wasn't out to wow today. He destroyed Williams when they were head to head, as he should, and was pretty much even with NicNat in their contests with Nic clearly ahead at the CB work and Darcy probably slightly ahead in the around the ground stuff, almost zero impact around the ground though which is a big part of his game. He physically looks good but he didn't cover ground terribly well and I didn't really like the way he was moving. He may very well average 130 this year but with multiple injuries in the preseason and that outing the only counter it's just hard to pick him for me. Not when Gawn looks good and a few of the cheaper guys also have put their hands up. As I said, could well be the top ruck as he obviously looked much worse last year by being genuinely overweight and not playing at all.

Meek - Someone has to steal him, he more than held his own against NicNat when he came on and was easily the best of the rucks around the ground in his time out there. No idea how Geelong or the Dogs didn't go all out to get him, not like he didn't show it last year.

Eagles - I mean they kept it close, I'm not even sure how it's almost like they let the Dockers short kick the clock away for the most part because they sure weren't applying a lot of pressure or zoning off effectively. Scoreboard a good outcome given what they fielded, honestly you can get something right around nothing out of a game like this other than if you're not playing in this game and you're fit, it's a really, really bad sign!

Kelly - Butchered it but got plenty of it, one of those double edged things, it's a genuine debate if you're better off with him not touching it but the other team getting it in the contest or him getting it and hitting them in space. I still don't understand why he's such a bad ball user, honestly about the only thing I can come to is that he just doesn't care at this point because he's technically a good kick/handball.

Witherden - Was solid and working hard to get cheap touches. I think there are better options but he's probably going to get a lot of supply down back and definitely is capable of going 100+. He's just such an easy player to drop though to send a message and that's always a concerning trait to have.

Gaff - Solid hitout, nothing special, can't pick him with so many guys out.

Jones - Another solid outing with a decent role. Too expensive for mine.

Hough - Unfortunate looking guy but makes up for it with a really smooth kicking action, worked into the game and seemed to score most of his stuff in the 2nd half. He showed enough to at least think about playing while everyone's out, especially in a team playing a lot of guys who can't kick. Impossible to read where he's at but Shuey was high on him when interviewed during the game and he did nothing wrong to get a spot.

Foley/West - Both were solid but I just struggle to buy them at their prices compared to some of the other options. They could both work out if they get genuine midfield roles for extended periods and could end up two of the best picks but it's just so hard to gauge what happens there.

Joyce - Not on the list yet but was really solid, think he basically got the 1st half and Naish took the 2nd half, I thought Joyce was better.

NicNat - Similar to Darcy, he's not a preseason guy but you'd probably like to see slightly more from him if considering him, I know I would have liked it! He looked alright, he never looks physically fit so can't expect that, but for him to play both preseason games is pretty good. Still, I think I've found enough value options to not go this path! Gawn looks the one to pay for if lock and loading.

Dixon - I thought he worked hard and presented well in what was very difficult circumstances. Simple fact is he produced more and presented more than Kennedy or Williams so that's got to count for something, he wasn't embarrassed in his couple of ruck contests also which could be huge if he's to hang around as Williams was so bad in the ruck that playing him for that purpose seems utterly unjustifiable right now. I think Hayes has a much better role but Dixon has some chance of sticking around so he's probably ahead of that pair for mine. I actually thought he was ok, let's be honest, Plugger couldn't have got on the end of that midfield's kicking.

SPS - Showed nothing.

Williams - As I mentioned on Dixon, he rucked so incredibly badly that it actually helps Dixon's case. If he's taking a spot to be the support ruck but offering about as much as Willie Rioli would there, that's great for Dixon's JS. Williams just looks a few years off it still to me, said it last week but he moves so well but just doesn't seem to have a clue how to use that athletic ability either as a forward or in the ruck. Right now he's like a poor mans Jesse White.

Jamieson - Almost not worth mentioning but I mean he's rookie priced and he got a game. I only really saw him come in for a couple of contests and he moved well. That's about all I can say on him.

 

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[wogitalia]

Suns vs Cats

General - A really solid hitout, both teams went hard, Suns were excellent and Cats at not far from full strength answered the bell for the most part. Definitely harsh conditions, appeared to be humid to the point of almost wet and very hot for that kind of humidity, would have been brutal to play in.

Suns - I think the best performed side of the preseason for mine, genuinely excited to see how it translates to the real stuff but swarming pressure, relentless attack on the man and ball and just really good. The final kick inside 50 really let them down all night or they could have smashed Geelong, at least part of that is that the forwards are very much still learning what they're doing, looks like a group who've not played together which makes sense as a group that have not played together...

Miller - Whole team played like him but he's still the standout, there was one contest midway through the 4th where he chased Danger from the forward flank to the back flank, put a lovely bump on him to help his side win the ball and then while Danger was still getting back off the ground had already bounced up and put 50m on him to get to the next contest which he ultimately cleared towards their forward 50, he works harder than any player I've ever seen I reckon on field and this was just a preseason game. Scariest part is the man looked like he was playing in different conditions to everyone else, just looked fresh as a daisy late in the 4th. If you can't tell, I like him

Ainsworth - Some late goals but very good across half forward all night, probably could have kicked a couple more than he did. If the team's any good he could push towards 90, the role is solid but if the team is bad it falls away.

Rowell - Huge tick for him for mine, haven't seen the SC scores but I suspect his will be enormous, this week he was very clean as well as contested. He's got a lot of Clayton Oliver or a young Danger where he detests an easy touch on the outside and that's definitely the aspect that caps him from probably being able to push towards 130 but I do think he's got 110 in him as a pure inside mongrel. There's some Selwood about his kicking, it's not a clean action but the results are mostly pretty good. As someone who hadn't really been looking at him I definitely am singing a slightly different tune here, if you'd been looking at him, well to quote the great Gladiator "Are you not entertained!?"

Powell - Rock solid across half back, was the main intercept guy as much as they had one but it was primarily a shared role. Looked good.

Fiorini - He's a pig, just finds the pill. Not a SCer for mine but can find it and role was solid.

Anderson - Clearly spent the o***eason in the Tim Taranto school of disposal because he was wretched all night, not sure any of his kicks was a drop punt, not sure any of them hit a teammate without at least bouncing first. God his workrate was immense though and he was seriously impressive. The free kick count was genuinely unlucky, I thought 3 of them were very stiff and another couple could easily have gone as holding the ball or in the back calls his way. I think he's a DT specialist though as long as he's got the hatchet out like tonight and it has always been a bit of an issue, he hits some incredible kicks at times but his average is very poor. I'd be considering in DT formats if Touk wasn't Macrae on steroids in that format.

Swallow - Off half back again, was solid.

Lukosius - Played forward, played well. His kick to I think it was Chol in was something else. Not fantasy relevant there.

Davies - Solid game, solid role, solid kid. If he was 123k he'd be a lock, at 200k I think he's a pretty similar story to Ward/Stephens/Rachele to be honest so I think he's behind those 4. Is a solid chance to get DPP though which I don't think Stephens will (if he works) and Ward would perhaps be a chance but it's unknown where. Definitely an option but probably like a bit more certainty at that price.

Weller - Role was really solid, used the ball outstandingly well, took what kick-ins there were that I saw except one or two to Powell. Probably not the score if his DT and SC are somewhat aligned that people would want but realistically I think he actually ticked all the boxes tonight for anyone considering him. Role was there, kick-ins were there and Lukosius was in the right spot, that's the boxes that needed to be checked and the scoring will come, still think he's probably chasing a Short type outcome as your best case but that would definitely do the trick and realistically anything down to an Impey is probably going to work at his starting point. Strong tick for me.

Atkins - At 250k he's probably just too much with I think Polec and Caldwell having more scoring potential than him in that same group and Berry just much stronger but his role was really good and he played well. Played a pure wing role but probably just not quite enough proven scoring history here at that price.

Witts - Was enormous, expect he should beat Darcy's ratio from what I saw, he just flat out dominated Stanley and Rat and put everything down his teammates throat. Now Stanley is about as bad a ruck as there is but the dominance was Sandilands level, if I saw it correctly he had 15/29 HOtA, that's absurd and accurate to the eye test. Maybe he's worked on his ruck craft while he was out? He's so incredibly important to the team, perhaps no one benefits more than Rowell to him, his ability to hit taps at speed makes him look a different player tonight to his last 15 odd games I've seen without Witts. Huge game.

Graham/Thompson - Graham got the gig in the first half and played very well, honestly so well that I think Thompson will start outside the 22 with Collins and Ballard locks in the other two slots. Thompson was good himself when he came on for Collins and/or Ballard to partner Graham but honestly Graham feels ahead and he didn't put a foot wrong.

 

[wogitalia]

Why not finish the preseason with a 10ker

Cats - Just outworked at the end of the day, their structures actually held up pretty well defensively but their midfield got pantsed and they couldn't really get any flow going under the epic pressure the Suns brought, they're not missing that much but what they're missing is pretty significant given it's probably their two best ball users and angle changers in Duncan and Stewart and also a genuine workhorse in Menegola. The ruck issues remain a concern, I can't believe they didn't go after Meek or Goldy this o***eason, Goldy in particular given their target demographic, they just seem to be happy to stockpile mediocrity instead of getting a gun there and it keeps hurting them. Perhaps most interesting thing was the kickouts, the only word to describe it was a cluster****, not sure if Stewart being out caused it or it's just what they'll do but basically everyone took a couple.

Zuthrie - He was really solid again, get a real strong feeling he's going to go on with last year and average very decent numbers down back.

Cuthrie - Solid game for him, really low TOG like most of the guns but worked really hard while he was out there. Not the POD for me but he'll be solid again.

Smith - Wing first half, went to HB in the 2nd half, same same for him.

Atkins - Was solid in defense, same same also.

Selwood - Absolute monster score from him in less than a half of footy. Played a bit forward but mostly mid when out there to my eye.

Dangerfield - Played mostly forward with a few bursts in the midfield, very lucky he's not suspended after deciding to Toby Greene Touk, was luck that he got him in the chest and not the head as it was a super dirty play, also lucky he's Danger where it just gets laughed off instead of Toby where there's a witch hunt. He looked fit and was moving very well and I suspect his role was more preseason than real season, if it held up he's a lock to get forward DPP though, would have been 80% forward I reckon.

Holmes - Role was really solid again, wing in the first half into pure mid in the 2nd half, seems he's replaced Jordan Clark as that guy getting glorious preseason roles that may not hold up in the real stuff but he looks an improved player and I think should play plenty. Not fantasy relevant as just too expensive and too much doubt of what he'll score but that's two very solid preseason games.

Cameron - Was really good up forward despite limited supply. Still think he has a big year.

De Koning - Really impressive for the most part, given the quantity and low quality of inside 50s by the Suns it definitely made it easier on him but good to see him put up a decent score as well. I still have concerns on the JS as Jack Henry is lurking somewhere around round 1 last I saw, which with Blicavs and Kolo is probably enough size, it's really a case of if they go extra big, which they did last year, or want more speed (on a positive SDK has that at least!). Very interesting decision, be best to see SDK named with Henry for mine. He played well though.

Stephens - He was decent and definitely put his hand up for a game. It's hard to see where he fits in though given a few of the names missing and that he really only got the chance because Parfitt, Danger, Guthrie and Selwood all played part games but he can't do anything more than knock on the door. Personally would be more surprised if he's there round 1 than if he isn't but definitely a potential downgrade candidate later on if he's not.

Hawk - Was solid enough. We know what he is and he looks fit, about all you can get out of these, definitely going to have some adaption with the new umpire abuse rule, tried on about 3 occasions to give a 50 away tonight.

Close - On the wing and HF, I just don't rate him enough as a player for the role to really change anything about how I feel of his fantasy relevance or, should I say, lack thereof.

Stevens - I thought he was pretty solid off half back. He's clearly not going to play round 1 though unless there is a bus crash as he's behind a half dozen guys but looked solid.

Neale - Did a couple of nice things, moves well around the ground, didn't do any better in the ruck though against Moyle so I don't think he's ready as an answer for their ruck problem sadly for our fantasy sides