Analysis 2023 Preseason Games
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I had to laugh, some of you guys are a crackup.
Hopper punches out a 90 played pretty much midfield against the best midfield in the comp with two dominant ruckman.
Priced at 60 - expect more too funny.🤣
And then we have high priced rookies who also scores around 80- 90 sometimes from a wing!
Pure comedic genius.
On a more serious note I would love to squeeze in Gawn as looks like he was taking the p1ss out there but not sure where I can pinch the $$ from. Looks in for a HUGE year.
Take the premos mediocre scores with a grain of salt this is just to blow out the cobwebs a bit hit and giggle for them
Hopper punches out a 90 played pretty much midfield against the best midfield in the comp with two dominant ruckman.
Priced at 60 - expect more too funny.🤣
And then we have high priced rookies who also scores around 80- 90 sometimes from a wing!
Pure comedic genius.
On a more serious note I would love to squeeze in Gawn as looks like he was taking the p1ss out there but not sure where I can pinch the $$ from. Looks in for a HUGE year.
Take the premos mediocre scores with a grain of salt this is just to blow out the cobwebs a bit hit and giggle for them
Stick with your structure.
Its preseason, different when the real stuff happens.
From Preseason my changes.....
Grundy out Darcy In
Squeezed in Bruhn
Gulden will need to let slide as you can not have them all.
Considering Stewart to Cumming to go Steele to Laird.????
other wise all the same , now the wait on the rookies.
Its preseason, different when the real stuff happens.
From Preseason my changes.....
Grundy out Darcy In
Squeezed in Bruhn
Gulden will need to let slide as you can not have them all.
Considering Stewart to Cumming to go Steele to Laird.????
other wise all the same , now the wait on the rookies.
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Pretty similar to what I've been tinkering with.
Grundy out Darcy in
Squeezed in Bruhn also
and fading Hopper allows me to fund Gulden F4 who I'll watch the commentary on this next week and a bit.
Cumming has also been in annd out but I'm reluctant to let go of Doch and Dawson combo so he's a no at this stage.
Grundy out Darcy in
Squeezed in Bruhn also
and fading Hopper allows me to fund Gulden F4 who I'll watch the commentary on this next week and a bit.
Cumming has also been in annd out but I'm reluctant to let go of Doch and Dawson combo so he's a no at this stage.
Dogs vs North
General - Watched 3 quarters. Pretty decent game, at least until the I50 kick by both sides. Dogs basically just much better as the quarters and game went on, pretty much a perfect example of a finals side with senior bodies and a lot more preseasons against a young team without it.
Dogs - Injuries aside they'd be happy with this outing, not sure if any of the injuries were major or just overly cautious but never a great sign to lose a few, realistically 3 of their most replaceable if they are serious injuries though. For a Bevo coached side they looked extremely logical, heck they just seemed to pick players in their best positions and back them in, I know it wont last, way too conventional but was good to see and the results were pretty obvious from doing that.
Treloar - Some early midfield minutes but primarily out there for a run and mostly played HF.
JUH/Darcy/Naughton/Lobb - As advertised the 4 KPF, worked pretty well, JUH and Naughton are good enough at ground level to pull it off as long as they keep their defensive pressure up but going to be interesting.
Bontempelli - Looked fantastic. Pure midfield role and looked fit and ready for a big year. Couldn't really do much more than this in a preseason game to confirm himself as a very strong option. If he can stay fit and Bevo can resist the urge for a 5 tall KPF forwardline then he's set for a big year, those are really the only obvious obstacles for him.
Smith - He still can't kick but otherwise he was prolific and everywhere and the workrate is unquestionable. He was basically the 4th mid and they mostly went with the main 4 so good sign for all of them. I think he's the Libba of DT, much better in that format.
Crozier - Will watch for the injury reports because the role was great and if the other injuries were worse then he would win off the back of them. I thought he was an option anyway but the injury (which I didn't see or hear a comment on from commentators) is something to watch for. He's a fieldable player who will score 60-110 most weeks, can have a bad game but his role is solid and he's a good ball user. Will watch as I like him on field.
Macrae - Role was pure, what you want to see. Can't trust Bevo at all but it's better he starts in the right role than not and nothing to argue with. Tightened up midfield rotations also helps a lot if they continue that.
Baker - He was excellent, HF role with some wing spurts and played it very well. Probably his highest score of the season wasted in preseason but shows the potential of the role. At his price as a guy who looks clear best 22 right now I think he's an easy pick, definitely a case he could be fieldable as well.
Duryea - Had a neck brace on, I didn't see the incident and he didn't look overly concerned but that's never a great sign. Would strongly aid Crozier as a pick if he was out for any period though.
McLean - Played a very similar role to Baker and probably showed the downside range on the role pretty accurately. He was a bit more deep as a forward and did start on the wing but basically it's the kind of role where when it falls your way and hovers your side you can rack up quickly and when it doesn't you fail to score. Looked fit, did some nice things. No midfield time is a downer as that pushes him much higher given his tackling and contested work but he's still a clear best 22 guy with a role that can score. Not a strong on-field role though which is a pain as many had him in that spot. Will make cash.
Bruce - He was solid in defense, had a couple of shaky moments but otherwise pretty good. There will almost certainly be games where he is more like Jones was today and can make cash. JS is his bigger issue, if he plays 10 I'm confident he makes decent cash.
Jones - He was great, maybe North should have recruited him to play KPF for them as they hit him lace out over and over again, it almost got boring the amount of times they kicked it to him instead of their forwards. Looks fit and confident, wont face a midfield targeting him very often though and has probably just about wasted his best score also. I don't see any real reason to suggest that his exposed scoring ~70 of the last 5 seasons isn't a good indicator of his scoring this year, perhaps a bit of upside as there's no Weitering but I think he'll take the best forward and wont score this well most weeks. I think he makes good cash but I'm not sold he's any more fieldable than anyone else for the premium. JS is obviously much stronger though.
Richards - Started well before injury, if it's just a cork then that's fine but definitely not a good sign to be subbed out for that which has me worried it could be a bit more given his injury history. He looked good in the fleeting moments we had together! Perhaps a blessing for those taking him who didn't want a huge score attracting the masses.
Liberatore - He was a monster, he may be the single biggest benefactor of no Dunkley and it wouldn't shock me if he pushes right back towards his very best which is in that 110+ region. Ultimately I think he wont get enough of the easier outside pill to push to the 120 though but I mean he might. I like the top two Dogs more as options but it definitely wouldn't shock me if he was the best of the 3 either.
Scott - Played wing and played it well, rotating half forward with the McLean/Baker trio basically. All 3 did well and it looked a solid group.
Dale - He was prolific off HB. Expect he will see tags again this year, will share with Daniel and Richards and Jones and Bruce will both take intercept work, so I don't love the pick but also wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 110 group still. If you were considering him then he did everything you want today.
Jones - Because we needed another small forward type... He looked good, smart positions, good finishing. Would like to see a bit more chasing and pressure work as those are areas that help create the floor for small forwards. I think with a couple of more senior guys lurking that some of the other small forwards are better options if going that path but he's there and viable and in a stronger side which does help.
Williams - The other winger who had the purest wing role of the 4 guys playing it, the other 3 kind of seemed to rotate through 2 spots and spell Williams in the 3rd spot while Williams held that one spot down.
Daniel - Playing HB, no midfield time that I saw. Played well enough. Too many chefs still for mine but he should bounce back a bit after last year still and isn't the worst option as those positions are always a bit random.
English - Was a bit surprised by his ratio as he didn't seem bad, perhaps punished for doing his best work in the 3rd quarter when it was well over but looks set to be similar to last year. If you are on him, nothing has changed, if you're off him, nothing has changed. Wasn't a demanding performance like Marshall but he did more than enough and, most importantly, ran out the game without any issues.
General - Watched 3 quarters. Pretty decent game, at least until the I50 kick by both sides. Dogs basically just much better as the quarters and game went on, pretty much a perfect example of a finals side with senior bodies and a lot more preseasons against a young team without it.
Dogs - Injuries aside they'd be happy with this outing, not sure if any of the injuries were major or just overly cautious but never a great sign to lose a few, realistically 3 of their most replaceable if they are serious injuries though. For a Bevo coached side they looked extremely logical, heck they just seemed to pick players in their best positions and back them in, I know it wont last, way too conventional but was good to see and the results were pretty obvious from doing that.
Treloar - Some early midfield minutes but primarily out there for a run and mostly played HF.
JUH/Darcy/Naughton/Lobb - As advertised the 4 KPF, worked pretty well, JUH and Naughton are good enough at ground level to pull it off as long as they keep their defensive pressure up but going to be interesting.
Bontempelli - Looked fantastic. Pure midfield role and looked fit and ready for a big year. Couldn't really do much more than this in a preseason game to confirm himself as a very strong option. If he can stay fit and Bevo can resist the urge for a 5 tall KPF forwardline then he's set for a big year, those are really the only obvious obstacles for him.
Smith - He still can't kick but otherwise he was prolific and everywhere and the workrate is unquestionable. He was basically the 4th mid and they mostly went with the main 4 so good sign for all of them. I think he's the Libba of DT, much better in that format.
Crozier - Will watch for the injury reports because the role was great and if the other injuries were worse then he would win off the back of them. I thought he was an option anyway but the injury (which I didn't see or hear a comment on from commentators) is something to watch for. He's a fieldable player who will score 60-110 most weeks, can have a bad game but his role is solid and he's a good ball user. Will watch as I like him on field.
Macrae - Role was pure, what you want to see. Can't trust Bevo at all but it's better he starts in the right role than not and nothing to argue with. Tightened up midfield rotations also helps a lot if they continue that.
Baker - He was excellent, HF role with some wing spurts and played it very well. Probably his highest score of the season wasted in preseason but shows the potential of the role. At his price as a guy who looks clear best 22 right now I think he's an easy pick, definitely a case he could be fieldable as well.
Duryea - Had a neck brace on, I didn't see the incident and he didn't look overly concerned but that's never a great sign. Would strongly aid Crozier as a pick if he was out for any period though.
McLean - Played a very similar role to Baker and probably showed the downside range on the role pretty accurately. He was a bit more deep as a forward and did start on the wing but basically it's the kind of role where when it falls your way and hovers your side you can rack up quickly and when it doesn't you fail to score. Looked fit, did some nice things. No midfield time is a downer as that pushes him much higher given his tackling and contested work but he's still a clear best 22 guy with a role that can score. Not a strong on-field role though which is a pain as many had him in that spot. Will make cash.
Bruce - He was solid in defense, had a couple of shaky moments but otherwise pretty good. There will almost certainly be games where he is more like Jones was today and can make cash. JS is his bigger issue, if he plays 10 I'm confident he makes decent cash.
Jones - He was great, maybe North should have recruited him to play KPF for them as they hit him lace out over and over again, it almost got boring the amount of times they kicked it to him instead of their forwards. Looks fit and confident, wont face a midfield targeting him very often though and has probably just about wasted his best score also. I don't see any real reason to suggest that his exposed scoring ~70 of the last 5 seasons isn't a good indicator of his scoring this year, perhaps a bit of upside as there's no Weitering but I think he'll take the best forward and wont score this well most weeks. I think he makes good cash but I'm not sold he's any more fieldable than anyone else for the premium. JS is obviously much stronger though.
Richards - Started well before injury, if it's just a cork then that's fine but definitely not a good sign to be subbed out for that which has me worried it could be a bit more given his injury history. He looked good in the fleeting moments we had together! Perhaps a blessing for those taking him who didn't want a huge score attracting the masses.
Liberatore - He was a monster, he may be the single biggest benefactor of no Dunkley and it wouldn't shock me if he pushes right back towards his very best which is in that 110+ region. Ultimately I think he wont get enough of the easier outside pill to push to the 120 though but I mean he might. I like the top two Dogs more as options but it definitely wouldn't shock me if he was the best of the 3 either.
Scott - Played wing and played it well, rotating half forward with the McLean/Baker trio basically. All 3 did well and it looked a solid group.
Dale - He was prolific off HB. Expect he will see tags again this year, will share with Daniel and Richards and Jones and Bruce will both take intercept work, so I don't love the pick but also wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 110 group still. If you were considering him then he did everything you want today.
Jones - Because we needed another small forward type... He looked good, smart positions, good finishing. Would like to see a bit more chasing and pressure work as those are areas that help create the floor for small forwards. I think with a couple of more senior guys lurking that some of the other small forwards are better options if going that path but he's there and viable and in a stronger side which does help.
Williams - The other winger who had the purest wing role of the 4 guys playing it, the other 3 kind of seemed to rotate through 2 spots and spell Williams in the 3rd spot while Williams held that one spot down.
Daniel - Playing HB, no midfield time that I saw. Played well enough. Too many chefs still for mine but he should bounce back a bit after last year still and isn't the worst option as those positions are always a bit random.
English - Was a bit surprised by his ratio as he didn't seem bad, perhaps punished for doing his best work in the 3rd quarter when it was well over but looks set to be similar to last year. If you are on him, nothing has changed, if you're off him, nothing has changed. Wasn't a demanding performance like Marshall but he did more than enough and, most importantly, ran out the game without any issues.
Kangas - Not sure how they'll take this game. They were actually pretty competitive except in three areas, the first was their I50 kicking which was simply dreadful and has been a problem for years now their ball movement until that point was actually pretty good but it honestly felt like they thought Jones was their only KPF out there. I wouldn't want to play forward to that. The second was the clearances, despite ruck dominance, they were terrible in this area, yes the Dogs are good at this but it's also the area the Kangas should be best on the field and to get thrashed at it is not good. The final area was their lack of KPD, this has also been an issue for years but they just don't have any good KPD outside McKay but they also don't have any aerial support, Ziebell tried a few times but it's a major issue for them not having someone who can cover for the other KPD and it doesn't look like they've worked on it this year, which means the opposition forwards get to go one on one which over a game is too many chances. Otherwise they were good though, some nice ball movement, they tried relatively hard (it was a pretty bruise free game) and some of the kids did some nice things.
Stephenson - Came on in the 3rd, didn't do a lot in that period but his score suggests he waxed a bit in Q4.
Sheezel - He was very solid, does some nifty things and has plenty of ability. Played a HF role with decent height to it allowing him to get some ball around the D50 arc and not being entirely reliant on goals, which is critical in a bad side that can't kick to forwards! Had some really good moments and a couple he'd want back but he looks to be ahead of Stephenson right now and firmly in their best 22 and worth feeding games. There's a bit of a Rozee/Gulden feel for mine in his role who were both exceptional rookies, ultimately it will come down to whether he keeps that high role that allows him to roam and find the ball or gets trapped forward in which case he turns more to that Rachele type position of last year of needing goals. Like the look of him though and if the role of today holds up he can be a fieldable rookie up forward. I do think you'd want to loop him if possible but, right now, I think he's probably the best of the forward rookies for scoring profile. Doesn't hurt that he's actually put some points on the board both weeks also.
Ziebell - Rock solid outing from him, didn't do anything special and has rocked out a nice 86 score in slightly lower TOG than you'd expect. Took a couple of kick-ins but definitely no dominance of it. Would like to see a higher DT base from him though, relying on ratios is a risky tactic. I still think you're looking more at a 95-100 range than the 110+ range he was at before Hall in the role but that's still a good range at his starting price and the upside potential to that higher range definitely remains. Also be interesting if the Kangas try and play with a bit more control when there's points on the line, they played very fast and long from HB all game and turned it over a lot as a result, would expect the control it a bit more given Clarko's history. Wasn't a resounding yes from him though and will definitely make him a very interesting choice for coaches.
Scott/Shiels - Took the wings again, were both solid.
Davies-Uniacke - The LDU rollercoaster continues into 2023, everything he was last week, he wasn't this week and that's why he's so frustrating. His role was perfect, his TOG was perfect and yet he just didn't give one iota about this game and a 55 is the result. I'd love to write it off as preseason but he had a couple last year like this and 5 of them the year before and at the level he's needing to hit, you just can't have these games. For those who were already sold, they'll be happy to have the bandwagon emptied, I personally was really hoping he'd stamp down for a spot this week and give me an indication that he genuinely wants to be a superstar as he's capable. Typical of that price point, anyone looking for answers this week has only got more questions!
Cunnington - Similar to LDU, I've probably got more questions than answers. His role and scoring started well and then quickly turned sour. Super awkward price but does have the scoring history. The role was so good early but then went forward for large stints which in a team that needs him in the midfield and can't kick to forwards is basically a death role for a guy needing to push 105+. He may very well be a good pick but I've not seen it in the preseason. Great draft option though and kudos to anyone who goes there if it does work out.
McDonald - Solid in defense. Will be a solid scorer this year.
Simpkin - Started HF, pushed into the mids from there, then later started to get more and more midfield as Cunners went to deep forward. He played well and looks fit. If he got FWD status he'd instantly be relevant but I can't see it as a mid.
Bonar/McKay/Logue - Defensive roles as you'd expect. Logue the most loose of the trio but his kicking really undermines that role, really they've got one KPD and two undersized types that don't really play taller than they are unfortunately.
Larkey - KPF, works hard but well beaten on the day.
Goldy - Played clear 2nd ruck role, was forward at times but mostly off the bench, interesting to see what they do in the real stuff as their tactics suggested only one of the rucks in the real stuff but didn't pick any 2nd ruck types either.
Powell - Had a very decent role, started in the CB but didn't notice many more after that but was just a roaming midfielder regardless of starting position. Another in that no man's land where you need mid 90s from them and I'm not sure they can get there but will go close in the role. Another draft option, it's kind of funny that the Dogs all feel like classic options and the Kangas are all draft options!
Curtis - Terrific little player but not fantasy relevant. Think they've unearthed a real gem here though, if he works hard should push towards the AA level as a small forward, with ball he's very Cyril like, if he can get closer to him without ball he can be pretty damn good.
Bergman - Came on in Q3 and straight into the action but probably suggests he's just outside the 22 right now, shame as he looks a good sort, hopefully can be a downgrade option.
Turner - Small forward again. Too expensive for the role.
Phillips - He was really solid and the role was good but as the 5th mid the scoring will be volatile, expect this is around his floor and should have games where he gets a good balance of the minutes and scores well, not entirely sure you want him on field though. His biggest problem is his 1 wood is the same as Cunnington and LDU. Still a strong rookie option and should be in all sides.
Comben - Welcome to the AFL as a KPF in a bad side. I still really like him and he got to some good spots. I liked that he got frustrated out there as it showed he really cares. The negative is that there wasn't anything special about this game or different from what we'd expect from the Kangas, if he drops the 3 or 4 chances he has, like he did in this game, then he will score terribly, if he clunks them and goals, he'll score well. There's better options imo as the team just isn't good enough and his role isn't free enough to overcome that.
Goater - Positive, he tried really hard, negative, his tackling needs a LOT of work, he was terrible in this area and that's a real worry as a young defender who will likely be matched up on players that will challenge it. I've always said that tackling is 90% want and 10% skill and he genuinely has me wanting to challenge that theory because his want wasn't the issue, he was just weak once he got there. If he'd tackled at a low grade amateurs level he has 80 in this game as he had players stone cold on multiple occasions and one of his FA was even after he missed the first tackle and then held on way too long on the second attempt. Assuming I'm right about 90/10 then he ticks the important part and I'm happy to put this down as just a bad/unlucky game and let's spin it as a positive trait of his game. He was otherwise sound, good defensive positions and a want to be involved on the rebound not overly shared by his teammates today but the TOG was solid and the role was solid. Bergman being pushed out is also a good sign he's ahead for that spot. Think he's a strong round one option. Another I'd love to have shown a bit more scoring or job security for the premium but a decent option none the less who should make cash if he gets the games. Whether he's fieldable is a very good question that I haven't seen answered, I'd lean towards not wanting him on the field the first couple of weeks at least and see what he can do but his game last year was strong in this area. I like that he and Perez are both playing, indicating to me there are two best 22 slots available here, doubles his chances right?
Xerri - He rucked well, he didn't do much else and I have no clue what their ruck thoughts are here. I don't think he's going to be relevant until next year when/if Goldy retires.
Perez - I don't see value at his price but he played well for the most part, his kicking has been poor this preseason but is meant to be a strength so that's odd. That he's another guy fighting for best 22 means that Goater is kind of occupying one of two slots, which is always a bonus for rookies.
Zurhaar - Played as pretty much a pure forward for a half before being subbed out, don't believe he was injured and didn't hear any thing to confirm that, but does have the red X on fanfooty. He was solid in his minutes but the role wasn't there compared to last week and it looks like the preferred midfielders is Cunners, LDU, Simpkin and Phillips with Powell/Zurhaar to burst through at times.
Stephenson - Came on in the 3rd, didn't do a lot in that period but his score suggests he waxed a bit in Q4.
Sheezel - He was very solid, does some nifty things and has plenty of ability. Played a HF role with decent height to it allowing him to get some ball around the D50 arc and not being entirely reliant on goals, which is critical in a bad side that can't kick to forwards! Had some really good moments and a couple he'd want back but he looks to be ahead of Stephenson right now and firmly in their best 22 and worth feeding games. There's a bit of a Rozee/Gulden feel for mine in his role who were both exceptional rookies, ultimately it will come down to whether he keeps that high role that allows him to roam and find the ball or gets trapped forward in which case he turns more to that Rachele type position of last year of needing goals. Like the look of him though and if the role of today holds up he can be a fieldable rookie up forward. I do think you'd want to loop him if possible but, right now, I think he's probably the best of the forward rookies for scoring profile. Doesn't hurt that he's actually put some points on the board both weeks also.
Ziebell - Rock solid outing from him, didn't do anything special and has rocked out a nice 86 score in slightly lower TOG than you'd expect. Took a couple of kick-ins but definitely no dominance of it. Would like to see a higher DT base from him though, relying on ratios is a risky tactic. I still think you're looking more at a 95-100 range than the 110+ range he was at before Hall in the role but that's still a good range at his starting price and the upside potential to that higher range definitely remains. Also be interesting if the Kangas try and play with a bit more control when there's points on the line, they played very fast and long from HB all game and turned it over a lot as a result, would expect the control it a bit more given Clarko's history. Wasn't a resounding yes from him though and will definitely make him a very interesting choice for coaches.
Scott/Shiels - Took the wings again, were both solid.
Davies-Uniacke - The LDU rollercoaster continues into 2023, everything he was last week, he wasn't this week and that's why he's so frustrating. His role was perfect, his TOG was perfect and yet he just didn't give one iota about this game and a 55 is the result. I'd love to write it off as preseason but he had a couple last year like this and 5 of them the year before and at the level he's needing to hit, you just can't have these games. For those who were already sold, they'll be happy to have the bandwagon emptied, I personally was really hoping he'd stamp down for a spot this week and give me an indication that he genuinely wants to be a superstar as he's capable. Typical of that price point, anyone looking for answers this week has only got more questions!
Cunnington - Similar to LDU, I've probably got more questions than answers. His role and scoring started well and then quickly turned sour. Super awkward price but does have the scoring history. The role was so good early but then went forward for large stints which in a team that needs him in the midfield and can't kick to forwards is basically a death role for a guy needing to push 105+. He may very well be a good pick but I've not seen it in the preseason. Great draft option though and kudos to anyone who goes there if it does work out.
McDonald - Solid in defense. Will be a solid scorer this year.
Simpkin - Started HF, pushed into the mids from there, then later started to get more and more midfield as Cunners went to deep forward. He played well and looks fit. If he got FWD status he'd instantly be relevant but I can't see it as a mid.
Bonar/McKay/Logue - Defensive roles as you'd expect. Logue the most loose of the trio but his kicking really undermines that role, really they've got one KPD and two undersized types that don't really play taller than they are unfortunately.
Larkey - KPF, works hard but well beaten on the day.
Goldy - Played clear 2nd ruck role, was forward at times but mostly off the bench, interesting to see what they do in the real stuff as their tactics suggested only one of the rucks in the real stuff but didn't pick any 2nd ruck types either.
Powell - Had a very decent role, started in the CB but didn't notice many more after that but was just a roaming midfielder regardless of starting position. Another in that no man's land where you need mid 90s from them and I'm not sure they can get there but will go close in the role. Another draft option, it's kind of funny that the Dogs all feel like classic options and the Kangas are all draft options!
Curtis - Terrific little player but not fantasy relevant. Think they've unearthed a real gem here though, if he works hard should push towards the AA level as a small forward, with ball he's very Cyril like, if he can get closer to him without ball he can be pretty damn good.
Bergman - Came on in Q3 and straight into the action but probably suggests he's just outside the 22 right now, shame as he looks a good sort, hopefully can be a downgrade option.
Turner - Small forward again. Too expensive for the role.
Phillips - He was really solid and the role was good but as the 5th mid the scoring will be volatile, expect this is around his floor and should have games where he gets a good balance of the minutes and scores well, not entirely sure you want him on field though. His biggest problem is his 1 wood is the same as Cunnington and LDU. Still a strong rookie option and should be in all sides.
Comben - Welcome to the AFL as a KPF in a bad side. I still really like him and he got to some good spots. I liked that he got frustrated out there as it showed he really cares. The negative is that there wasn't anything special about this game or different from what we'd expect from the Kangas, if he drops the 3 or 4 chances he has, like he did in this game, then he will score terribly, if he clunks them and goals, he'll score well. There's better options imo as the team just isn't good enough and his role isn't free enough to overcome that.
Goater - Positive, he tried really hard, negative, his tackling needs a LOT of work, he was terrible in this area and that's a real worry as a young defender who will likely be matched up on players that will challenge it. I've always said that tackling is 90% want and 10% skill and he genuinely has me wanting to challenge that theory because his want wasn't the issue, he was just weak once he got there. If he'd tackled at a low grade amateurs level he has 80 in this game as he had players stone cold on multiple occasions and one of his FA was even after he missed the first tackle and then held on way too long on the second attempt. Assuming I'm right about 90/10 then he ticks the important part and I'm happy to put this down as just a bad/unlucky game and let's spin it as a positive trait of his game. He was otherwise sound, good defensive positions and a want to be involved on the rebound not overly shared by his teammates today but the TOG was solid and the role was solid. Bergman being pushed out is also a good sign he's ahead for that spot. Think he's a strong round one option. Another I'd love to have shown a bit more scoring or job security for the premium but a decent option none the less who should make cash if he gets the games. Whether he's fieldable is a very good question that I haven't seen answered, I'd lean towards not wanting him on the field the first couple of weeks at least and see what he can do but his game last year was strong in this area. I like that he and Perez are both playing, indicating to me there are two best 22 slots available here, doubles his chances right?
Xerri - He rucked well, he didn't do much else and I have no clue what their ruck thoughts are here. I don't think he's going to be relevant until next year when/if Goldy retires.
Perez - I don't see value at his price but he played well for the most part, his kicking has been poor this preseason but is meant to be a strength so that's odd. That he's another guy fighting for best 22 means that Goater is kind of occupying one of two slots, which is always a bonus for rookies.
Zurhaar - Played as pretty much a pure forward for a half before being subbed out, don't believe he was injured and didn't hear any thing to confirm that, but does have the red X on fanfooty. He was solid in his minutes but the role wasn't there compared to last week and it looks like the preferred midfielders is Cunners, LDU, Simpkin and Phillips with Powell/Zurhaar to burst through at times.