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Opinion 2025: PRESEASON TRAINING, MATCH SIM & GAME NOTES (Non Discussion)
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View: https://twitter.com/BailsDT/status/1890357493483839946
Bailey Irrgang
@BailsDT
#AFLFantasy Preseason Notes 14th February
Adelaide - James Peatling ($634k MID) was another who played predominately midfield and was everywhere. - Sid Draper ($331k MID) played in the A team in match sim and was impressive. - Jordan Dawson ($1.08m MID) was very good during match sim playing predominately midfield, with a short wing stint in the first half. - Isaac Cumming ($575k MID) and Wayne Milera ($579k DEF) were switching between wing and half back. - Dan Curtin ($300k FWD) was brilliant up forward, and took plenty of marks. - Jake Soligo ($789k MID) played mostly wing with some CBA’s. Will be interesting to see if that continues. - Izak Rankine ($819k FWD) did not play as he is in Perth for the Indigenous All-Stars.
@Simeon_TW
@JordsFTTV
Collingwood - Dan Houston ($964k DEF) said he will be playing mostly off half back this season. “I’ve been training predominately half back, that’s where I see my best footy.”
@Ben_Cotton15
GWS - Tom Green ($1.02m MID) exited Friday’s match simulation early due to a corked calf. - Conor Stone ($230k FWD) was one of the three main distributors off half back. - Kieran Briggs ($938k RUC) was clearly the better ruck, and looks poised for a big 2025. Has had a later start to preseason however due to off season knee surgery. - Stephen Coniglio ($789k MID) did not play in match sim as the Giants manage his return from injury. - Finn Callaghan ($789k MID) had a strong game during match sim playing as an inside mid, with both his running contested ball winning on display.
@LMcKirdy7
@SCHorse_
Melbourne - Harvey Langford ($325k MID) and Xavier Lindsay ($310k MID) both lined up in the strong ‘blue’ team, both looking right at home in the midfield and wing respectively. - Clayton Oliver ($797k MID) starred in match sim, looks the fittest he’s been since his 2022 Best and Fairest. Jacob van Rooyen said ‘I think he’ll be back to his best this year’. - Christian Petracca ($923k MID) didn’t participate in match sim as he works his way back from a rib injury.
@cleary_mitch
@melbournefc
North Melbourne - Colby McKercher ($845k DEF) has been doing a fair bit of stoppage work with coaches over the preseason. - Finn O’Sullivan ($337k MID) has had an impressive preseason playing mostly on the outside, and will look to play wing and maybe half back.
@Dylfollowsdraft
West Coast - Jack Hutchinson ($385k FWD) spoke on
@SENWABreakfast
this morning, and said he will play predominately wing, occasionally moving to his inside mid. - Elijah Hewett ($332k MID/FWD) was once again impressive at training today.
@SENWABreakfast
@ScubaStv
@ashnelson08
10:08 PM · Feb 14, 2025
·
Bailey Irrgang
@BailsDT
#AFLFantasy Preseason Notes 14th February
@Simeon_TW
@JordsFTTV
Collingwood - Dan Houston ($964k DEF) said he will be playing mostly off half back this season. “I’ve been training predominately half back, that’s where I see my best footy.”
@Ben_Cotton15
GWS - Tom Green ($1.02m MID) exited Friday’s match simulation early due to a corked calf. - Conor Stone ($230k FWD) was one of the three main distributors off half back. - Kieran Briggs ($938k RUC) was clearly the better ruck, and looks poised for a big 2025. Has had a later start to preseason however due to off season knee surgery. - Stephen Coniglio ($789k MID) did not play in match sim as the Giants manage his return from injury. - Finn Callaghan ($789k MID) had a strong game during match sim playing as an inside mid, with both his running contested ball winning on display.
@LMcKirdy7
@SCHorse_
Melbourne - Harvey Langford ($325k MID) and Xavier Lindsay ($310k MID) both lined up in the strong ‘blue’ team, both looking right at home in the midfield and wing respectively. - Clayton Oliver ($797k MID) starred in match sim, looks the fittest he’s been since his 2022 Best and Fairest. Jacob van Rooyen said ‘I think he’ll be back to his best this year’. - Christian Petracca ($923k MID) didn’t participate in match sim as he works his way back from a rib injury.
@cleary_mitch
@melbournefc
North Melbourne - Colby McKercher ($845k DEF) has been doing a fair bit of stoppage work with coaches over the preseason. - Finn O’Sullivan ($337k MID) has had an impressive preseason playing mostly on the outside, and will look to play wing and maybe half back.
@Dylfollowsdraft
West Coast - Jack Hutchinson ($385k FWD) spoke on
@SENWABreakfast
this morning, and said he will play predominately wing, occasionally moving to his inside mid. - Elijah Hewett ($332k MID/FWD) was once again impressive at training today.
@SENWABreakfast
@ScubaStv
@ashnelson08
10:08 PM · Feb 14, 2025
·
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Some further info on the GWS match-sim yesterday from the GWS Pre-Season thread on BigFooty.
Conentrating on a couple of rookies which have shown up in quite a few SCS coaches squads.
As noted above they played the A side vs the B side.
Encouraging for Conor Stone - $120K Fwd
The starting back 6 for the A's
.... Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash. Conor Stone also played in the main defensive group as the seventh man, in a role similar to what Harry Perryman has held in recent years.
Conor Stone is certainly one of the early winners having been given the inside running to replace Perryman in his defensive role. Stone had an assured performance playing off halfback, finding targets and even taking some kick-ins. He used the ball well and looked comfortable in the position. His biggest threat appears to be Jacob Wehr, with the pair switching sides later in the game.
Less encouraging for the prospects of James Leake - $120K Def
The A's mids are mentioned first..
"As Briggs prepared for the first centre bounce, he had Green, Josh Kelly and Finn Callaghan waiting alongside him in the centre circle. That has the potential to be a damaging quartet with Callaghan in particular...."
Leake started in the B's
"They were opposed by James Leake, Toby Bedford and Harry Rowston who also impressed with their strength around the contest. Rowston also looks incredibly composed...."
Conentrating on a couple of rookies which have shown up in quite a few SCS coaches squads.
As noted above they played the A side vs the B side.
Encouraging for Conor Stone - $120K Fwd
The starting back 6 for the A's
.... Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun, Harry Himmelberg, Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash. Conor Stone also played in the main defensive group as the seventh man, in a role similar to what Harry Perryman has held in recent years.
Conor Stone is certainly one of the early winners having been given the inside running to replace Perryman in his defensive role. Stone had an assured performance playing off halfback, finding targets and even taking some kick-ins. He used the ball well and looked comfortable in the position. His biggest threat appears to be Jacob Wehr, with the pair switching sides later in the game.
Less encouraging for the prospects of James Leake - $120K Def
The A's mids are mentioned first..
"As Briggs prepared for the first centre bounce, he had Green, Josh Kelly and Finn Callaghan waiting alongside him in the centre circle. That has the potential to be a damaging quartet with Callaghan in particular...."
Leake started in the B's
"They were opposed by James Leake, Toby Bedford and Harry Rowston who also impressed with their strength around the contest. Rowston also looks incredibly composed...."
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View: https://Twitter.com/SCHorse_/status/1890628128948498513
3/4 time and the Dons hold an 11 Point lead heading into the last. - Good to see Dom Brew get a crack in the midfield for the dogs. - Shiel continued his role across half back and actually took some kickouts that quarter
- Kako’s forward pressure is something else. Something the dons have lacked for quite sometime. - Tsatas continued to be really clean by hand, even though it is still wet and windy. - Merrett playing a mid/half back rotation and I’m actually all for it. - Menzie found himself in some good spots in Essendon’s forward line but was unable to convert any of his opportunities. He looks way back in the pecking order. - Riley Garcia has done some really nice things today too. Very under rated player. - Sanders continued playing major mid minutes in that quarter. - This Edwards kid that has come across from Perth to train with Essendon looks lively up forward also, kicking 2 goals against the stiff breeze
3/4 time and the Dons hold an 11 Point lead heading into the last. - Good to see Dom Brew get a crack in the midfield for the dogs. - Shiel continued his role across half back and actually took some kickouts that quarter
View: https://Twitter.com/AFLEnigma/status/1890603099213201883
Adelaide Crows Internal Trial A Team 1st half Fantasy points before teams were mixed up
Soligo - 60 (42 in 1st qtr) Dawson - 54 Crouch - 53 (42 in 1st qtr) Neal-Bullen - 49 (2 goals ) Rachele - 49 (40 in 1st qtr) Curtin - 49 Worrell - 48 (42 in 1st qtr) Keane - 46 (38 in 1st qtr) Walker - 43 (31 in 1st qtr) Keays - 42 Draper - 42 Peatling - 41 (30 in 1st qtr) Thilthorpe - 40 Laird - 35 O’Brien - 32 Murray - 29 Cumming - 27 Milera - 25 Murphy - 25 Fogarty - 23 Michalanney - 12 (Injured) Hinge - 11 Jones - 10 *Individual stats available on request.
Adelaide Crows Internal Trial A Team 1st half Fantasy points before teams were mixed up
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ESSENDON SSP hopeful Tom Edwards has produced the perfect audition, booting four goals in the second half to guide the Bombers to a 19-point practice match win over the Western Bulldogs.
He wasn't the only Bombers forward to impress, with first-round draftee Isaac Kako, Nate Caddy and Archie Perkins working well together in the first Essendon attack after Jake Stringer moved to Greater Western Sydney over the off-season.
Kako was incredibly lively across half-forward with a sharp set of hands, Caddy had a strong first half before being rotated off, while the Dons sealed their 11.11 (77) to 8.10 (58) win in four 30-minute quarters at a wet and windy Mission Whitten Oval.
Edwards, lining up in Jordan Ridley's No.14, only played in the second half, the 191cm Swan Districts product kicking two in each term, while fellow hopeful Kaine Baldwin featured down the other end of the field and marked well when the opportunity presented after half-time.
With former Sun Brayden Crossley auditioning for his own SSP spot with the Western Bulldogs, Tim English spent plenty of time in attack to allow his potential new ruck teammate as many minutes on the ball as possible.
Usually matched up against Nick Bryan, Crossley was a strong body in ruck battles, but was out-played by the more agile Bomber around the ground. The Dogs' other SSP candidate, midfielder Dom Brew, had a few nice moments in the second half.
The rain came in at quarter-time, with the "feels like" temperature hovering at nine degrees, providing perfect preparation for footy (in July, rather than March).
Rory Lobb – firmly ensconced in a key back role – was one of the Bulldogs' best in the first half, and was well supported by young defender Joel Freijah, who marked well and was a strong source of rebound.
Arty Jones was inserted after half-time and provided some pressure across half-forward for the Dogs, while Essendon key forward Peter Wright also appeared after the main break.
The Dogs rotated heavily, with most players only featuring for a half as they juggled their healthy list.
Young guns
Essendon ran with Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs in the midfield for much of the game (alongside the ever-impressive Zach Merrett), with Tsatas producing an eye-catching performance playing a sweeping role off the back of the contest. They were up against Ryley Sanders, the young Dog playing plenty of time on the ball in the absence of Tom Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli. Sam Darcy starred in the first quarter in the absence of Bomber Ben McKay (ankle) – his marking particularly noteworthy – but was rested in the second half. Caddy leapt well and booted a goal from 55m after the half-time siren, while Kako provided plenty of highlights.
Switching positions
It was a fairly conventional line-up from both sides. Dylan Shiel was solid without being spectacular in his new half-back role, but given how well Tsatas performed with full-time midfield minutes, appears to have been the right move. On the opposing flank, young Dog Harvey Gallagher also featured at half-back (Bailey Dale having been rested). Arty Jones pushed up onto the wing at times.
Injury watch
Both squads appeared to get through unscathed, the Dogs having named a whopping 35 players to rotate through. Not all of them featured, with Tom Liberatore's absence confirmed when he appeared on the media balcony with a cup of tea in hand. The Bulldogs were also without Bailey Dale (rested), Adam Treloar (calf), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal) and hamstrung duo Liam Jones and Jason Johannisen. The Bombers were missing Darcy Parish (back), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Ben McKay (ankle), Sam Durham (soreness) and Matt Guelfi (hamstring).
Fantasy tempter
Slot in 23-year-old Sam Davidson (FWD, $230,000) on your Fantasy Classic bench. 2024's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner patrolled the Bulldogs' wing and showed his athleticism by covering the ground, both deep in defence at times and pushing forward. Fantasy Draft coaches should remember Elijah Tsatas (MID, $600,000) during the later rounds on Draft day. The Bomber won plenty of the Sherrin as a regular at stoppages.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.2 4.5 6.8 8.10 (58)
ESSENDON 1.1 6.5 8.7 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: West, Darcy, Richards, Naughton, Jones, Poulter, O'Donnell, Vandermeer
Essendon: Edwards 4, Perkins 2, Draper 2, Menzie, Kako, Caddy
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1268310/western-bulldogs-v-essendon-bombers-2025-match-simulation-report
He wasn't the only Bombers forward to impress, with first-round draftee Isaac Kako, Nate Caddy and Archie Perkins working well together in the first Essendon attack after Jake Stringer moved to Greater Western Sydney over the off-season.
Kako was incredibly lively across half-forward with a sharp set of hands, Caddy had a strong first half before being rotated off, while the Dons sealed their 11.11 (77) to 8.10 (58) win in four 30-minute quarters at a wet and windy Mission Whitten Oval.
Edwards, lining up in Jordan Ridley's No.14, only played in the second half, the 191cm Swan Districts product kicking two in each term, while fellow hopeful Kaine Baldwin featured down the other end of the field and marked well when the opportunity presented after half-time.
With former Sun Brayden Crossley auditioning for his own SSP spot with the Western Bulldogs, Tim English spent plenty of time in attack to allow his potential new ruck teammate as many minutes on the ball as possible.
Usually matched up against Nick Bryan, Crossley was a strong body in ruck battles, but was out-played by the more agile Bomber around the ground. The Dogs' other SSP candidate, midfielder Dom Brew, had a few nice moments in the second half.
The rain came in at quarter-time, with the "feels like" temperature hovering at nine degrees, providing perfect preparation for footy (in July, rather than March).
Rory Lobb – firmly ensconced in a key back role – was one of the Bulldogs' best in the first half, and was well supported by young defender Joel Freijah, who marked well and was a strong source of rebound.
Arty Jones was inserted after half-time and provided some pressure across half-forward for the Dogs, while Essendon key forward Peter Wright also appeared after the main break.
The Dogs rotated heavily, with most players only featuring for a half as they juggled their healthy list.
Young guns
Essendon ran with Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs in the midfield for much of the game (alongside the ever-impressive Zach Merrett), with Tsatas producing an eye-catching performance playing a sweeping role off the back of the contest. They were up against Ryley Sanders, the young Dog playing plenty of time on the ball in the absence of Tom Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli. Sam Darcy starred in the first quarter in the absence of Bomber Ben McKay (ankle) – his marking particularly noteworthy – but was rested in the second half. Caddy leapt well and booted a goal from 55m after the half-time siren, while Kako provided plenty of highlights.
Switching positions
It was a fairly conventional line-up from both sides. Dylan Shiel was solid without being spectacular in his new half-back role, but given how well Tsatas performed with full-time midfield minutes, appears to have been the right move. On the opposing flank, young Dog Harvey Gallagher also featured at half-back (Bailey Dale having been rested). Arty Jones pushed up onto the wing at times.
Injury watch
Both squads appeared to get through unscathed, the Dogs having named a whopping 35 players to rotate through. Not all of them featured, with Tom Liberatore's absence confirmed when he appeared on the media balcony with a cup of tea in hand. The Bulldogs were also without Bailey Dale (rested), Adam Treloar (calf), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal) and hamstrung duo Liam Jones and Jason Johannisen. The Bombers were missing Darcy Parish (back), Jordan Ridley (hamstring), Ben McKay (ankle), Sam Durham (soreness) and Matt Guelfi (hamstring).
Fantasy tempter
Slot in 23-year-old Sam Davidson (FWD, $230,000) on your Fantasy Classic bench. 2024's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner patrolled the Bulldogs' wing and showed his athleticism by covering the ground, both deep in defence at times and pushing forward. Fantasy Draft coaches should remember Elijah Tsatas (MID, $600,000) during the later rounds on Draft day. The Bomber won plenty of the Sherrin as a regular at stoppages.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.2 4.5 6.8 8.10 (58)
ESSENDON 1.1 6.5 8.7 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: West, Darcy, Richards, Naughton, Jones, Poulter, O'Donnell, Vandermeer
Essendon: Edwards 4, Perkins 2, Draper 2, Menzie, Kako, Caddy
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1268310/western-bulldogs-v-essendon-bombers-2025-match-simulation-report
Dogs vs Bombers
I watched 2.75 quarters, was all the backups by that point so not a lot to really be gleened from it, imo.
General - Very windy conditions made it essentially a one ended affair, Bombers were much better taking advantage of the wind in the 2nd than the Dogs in the 1st or 3rd, got a nice bath of rain to start the 2nd which an already sloppy affair really didn't need. I can't say I watched overly closely, neither team is of great interest to me for fantasy with the Bombers having the bye and the Dogs basically not fielding any of their structurally vital guys, makes it very hard to take a lot away.
Dogs - Nothing really of note to take away, I imagine at full strength they should be competitive but on paper they look a fringe top 8 side to me that could do a lot worse given how many injury prone types they rely on but could do better if everything falls their way. Obviously I've never been a fan of the coach and his incessant need to be different above any other consideration including winning.
They're missing so many guys in this game it's a real grain of salt to take much from it. Treloar, JUH, Bont, Jones, Libba and Dale all clear best 22 guys and then throw in Johannisen and Coffield as well.
Weightman - Standard deep small forward, quasi marking target role. Nothing to make me think he's changed in fantasy terms.
Busslinger - Came on 2nd half in KPD role, did some nice things and was well composed. Hard to see him in the best 22 if everyone is available but he's right around the mark with an injury or two.
Hynes - Top pick, came on 2nd half, moves a lot like Dale to me, couple of nice things but would think he's a fair way back in the pecking order if in the 2nd half group with half the team already out.
Lobb - KPD and very good. Definitely a draft SC option.
Kennedy - Solid midfield role, didn't note him in 2nd half, probably a good sign that he's clearly best 22. Impossible to really read much more into it given the outs.
Sanders - Same as Kennedy, although pretty sure was still out there in the 3rd. He was ok but didn't exactly seize the opportunity and demand more.
Darcy - Permanent forward, couple of great clunks, couple of awful shots at goal. Looked good.
Gallagher - Played HB, didn't really cash it in and seemed a bit more accountable than rebounding oriented.
Baker - Came on 2nd half, same old from him.
West - Forward, did get some midfield bursts but more about the outs than a role change indicator to me. Was ok.
Duryea - Same old down back.
Croft - Came on 2nd half, didn't notice him in the 25 or so minutes I watched of Q3.
O'Donnell - Was KPD down back in first half, not sure if he was out there in 3rd, same old for him also.
Richards - Was the #1 mid, did some nice things and looks ready for a big year. Hard to gauge much more without the 2 guys clearly ahead of him in the mix.
Harmes - Started wing, barely noticed him beyond that.
Vandermeer - Looking like Aker, still playing like himself though. Played as a small forward, did very little.
Khamis - Started at FB, was solid.
Poulter - Came onto wing/HB in 3rd. Same old.
Dolan - Came on 2nd half up forward, was probably the most exciting of the guys who came on for the 3rd quarter, good pressure, good contest, good work rate. I expect he'll push into the team later in the year if he can play like that. In 10 minutes he showed as much as the LVM/McNeil/Scott group have showed across multiple seasons, imo.
Freijah - Slotted into the Dale role more than anyone else and was very decent. Ball use still a bit hit and miss but was involved. Probably the stand out for the Dogs for me. Not the worst later round pick in draft format, not for me in the real stuff though.
Bramble - Small defender, took kick ins, same old for me.
McNeil - Came on in 3rd, possibly earlier, still not very good at football.
Jones - Came on in 3rd, showed some better reading of play and positioning, finishing still sub par but showing progress is a good start.
Naughton - Played CHF, very preseasony outing for him, imo. Not really getting out of 2nd gear.
Williams - Started wing, fairly non-impactful.
Cleary - Came on in 3rd and was ok.
Garcia - Playing a high HF type of role pushing through as an extra mid, he moves well and tries hard, is one of those cover your eyes and pray ball users though if you're a Dogs fan. I still can't work out if he's got potential or if he's as bad as he plays, he confuses me
Davidson - The other clear takeaway for the Dogs, played wing after starting on the bench but seemed to basically play the rest of the game after coming on. Hard to tell in the conditions how his disposal skills are as I have no baseline but he seemed to be above average in the area, natural wing type or at least he fooled me if he's not and definitely would be in the mix for round 1, I don't think any of the outs directly fill the role so he's a chance. Will be a strong rookie watch list guy. Bit of Clohessy from last year about him.
Crossley - Was the clear #1 ruck in the 1st half, not sure if audition or JUH contingency plan or just genuine Bevo thing. He was alright, albeit against lowly competition.
English - Played about 30% ruck time to my eye, playing as a KPF and was actually solid at it. More involved when he rucked and playing as normal. He actually looked pretty good with what he did but it would be the most Bevo thing ever to pick up a VFL ruck to lock out his AA level ruckman so god only knows. Looks fit, which puts him a long way ahead of the same time last year.
I watched 2.75 quarters, was all the backups by that point so not a lot to really be gleened from it, imo.
General - Very windy conditions made it essentially a one ended affair, Bombers were much better taking advantage of the wind in the 2nd than the Dogs in the 1st or 3rd, got a nice bath of rain to start the 2nd which an already sloppy affair really didn't need. I can't say I watched overly closely, neither team is of great interest to me for fantasy with the Bombers having the bye and the Dogs basically not fielding any of their structurally vital guys, makes it very hard to take a lot away.
Dogs - Nothing really of note to take away, I imagine at full strength they should be competitive but on paper they look a fringe top 8 side to me that could do a lot worse given how many injury prone types they rely on but could do better if everything falls their way. Obviously I've never been a fan of the coach and his incessant need to be different above any other consideration including winning.
They're missing so many guys in this game it's a real grain of salt to take much from it. Treloar, JUH, Bont, Jones, Libba and Dale all clear best 22 guys and then throw in Johannisen and Coffield as well.
Weightman - Standard deep small forward, quasi marking target role. Nothing to make me think he's changed in fantasy terms.
Busslinger - Came on 2nd half in KPD role, did some nice things and was well composed. Hard to see him in the best 22 if everyone is available but he's right around the mark with an injury or two.
Hynes - Top pick, came on 2nd half, moves a lot like Dale to me, couple of nice things but would think he's a fair way back in the pecking order if in the 2nd half group with half the team already out.
Lobb - KPD and very good. Definitely a draft SC option.
Kennedy - Solid midfield role, didn't note him in 2nd half, probably a good sign that he's clearly best 22. Impossible to really read much more into it given the outs.
Sanders - Same as Kennedy, although pretty sure was still out there in the 3rd. He was ok but didn't exactly seize the opportunity and demand more.
Darcy - Permanent forward, couple of great clunks, couple of awful shots at goal. Looked good.
Gallagher - Played HB, didn't really cash it in and seemed a bit more accountable than rebounding oriented.
Baker - Came on 2nd half, same old from him.
West - Forward, did get some midfield bursts but more about the outs than a role change indicator to me. Was ok.
Duryea - Same old down back.
Croft - Came on 2nd half, didn't notice him in the 25 or so minutes I watched of Q3.
O'Donnell - Was KPD down back in first half, not sure if he was out there in 3rd, same old for him also.
Richards - Was the #1 mid, did some nice things and looks ready for a big year. Hard to gauge much more without the 2 guys clearly ahead of him in the mix.
Harmes - Started wing, barely noticed him beyond that.
Vandermeer - Looking like Aker, still playing like himself though. Played as a small forward, did very little.
Khamis - Started at FB, was solid.
Poulter - Came onto wing/HB in 3rd. Same old.
Dolan - Came on 2nd half up forward, was probably the most exciting of the guys who came on for the 3rd quarter, good pressure, good contest, good work rate. I expect he'll push into the team later in the year if he can play like that. In 10 minutes he showed as much as the LVM/McNeil/Scott group have showed across multiple seasons, imo.
Freijah - Slotted into the Dale role more than anyone else and was very decent. Ball use still a bit hit and miss but was involved. Probably the stand out for the Dogs for me. Not the worst later round pick in draft format, not for me in the real stuff though.
Bramble - Small defender, took kick ins, same old for me.
McNeil - Came on in 3rd, possibly earlier, still not very good at football.
Jones - Came on in 3rd, showed some better reading of play and positioning, finishing still sub par but showing progress is a good start.
Naughton - Played CHF, very preseasony outing for him, imo. Not really getting out of 2nd gear.
Williams - Started wing, fairly non-impactful.
Cleary - Came on in 3rd and was ok.
Garcia - Playing a high HF type of role pushing through as an extra mid, he moves well and tries hard, is one of those cover your eyes and pray ball users though if you're a Dogs fan. I still can't work out if he's got potential or if he's as bad as he plays, he confuses me
Davidson - The other clear takeaway for the Dogs, played wing after starting on the bench but seemed to basically play the rest of the game after coming on. Hard to tell in the conditions how his disposal skills are as I have no baseline but he seemed to be above average in the area, natural wing type or at least he fooled me if he's not and definitely would be in the mix for round 1, I don't think any of the outs directly fill the role so he's a chance. Will be a strong rookie watch list guy. Bit of Clohessy from last year about him.
Crossley - Was the clear #1 ruck in the 1st half, not sure if audition or JUH contingency plan or just genuine Bevo thing. He was alright, albeit against lowly competition.
English - Played about 30% ruck time to my eye, playing as a KPF and was actually solid at it. More involved when he rucked and playing as normal. He actually looked pretty good with what he did but it would be the most Bevo thing ever to pick up a VFL ruck to lock out his AA level ruckman so god only knows. Looks fit, which puts him a long way ahead of the same time last year.
Bombers - Were the better side, also playing a much stronger version of their 22, maybe says more about the list quality overall but weren't really missing any game changer types and the guys that filled in are more or less the same player so does make things a bit easier to judge, probably more to takeaway from them than the Dogs, imo.
Missing Parish, Ridley, Durham and McKay who are best 22 types and Gresham, Setterfield, Cox and Laverde who are guys that you'd kind of hope aren't but might be best 22.
McGrath - Same role as LY, did notice him take one CBA but was mostly in defense as the more accountable defender.
Draper - Very similar to English, played about 70% as KPF and 30% as ruck, actually was pretty solid as a forward but can't see it as a good fantasy role.
Langford - Same forward role.
Tsatas - Role was great, did a very good job getting hands on the ball and then the problems started. Definitely needs to develop a lot more composure once he wins the ball as the hack kicks and panic handballs aren't going to end well if he doesn't get on top of it. Durham and Parish both out makes this a hard read, but he did a good job getting the pill and the role was great, hopefully can tidy up the ball use as he gets more confidence and continuity. Very strong watch given his price, hopefully we get a read with the full midfield. He's a very high draft pick so might get chances ahead of the low potential types of Durham/Caldwell if he can earn it but I doubt it given his coach has never ever shown an interest in development of youth over winning immediately.
Caldwell - Looks fit, role was great, still looks like he's never kicked a ball in his life, had one kick where the commentators said "not his worst kick" and I instinctively just blurted out "not close to his worst though" while watching. He tries really hard and I love how he goes about it, just a shame that his kicking seems to be inherently broken.
Merrett - Pure class, he was playing a different sport to everyone else out there. It genuinely looked like when the coach plays against the under 15s. Looked awesome, shame about that bye.
Hobbs - HF/Mid role, good chances. Same as Tsatas it's really hard to read much more into it with the outs. I thought he was relatively good with the ball and he goes about it well. Would take a couple of LTI to open a pathway to fantasy relevance but he's worth watching if that does happen.
Shiel - Played pure HB and this is going to be a very interesting experiment. He's a sloot, he's always been a sloot and being HB just heightens that opportunity. He's also one of the worst kicks of the last 20 years and if this game is evidence, the space at HB isn't fixing something that broken. He also had a couple of howlers defensively where he was pretty lucky not to get burned, he never liked defending as a midfielder and it's hard to see that changing. One of those moves where there will be good moments, he can still break lines at an elite level but whether the kicking is going to cancel that out with interest is the question. Definitely one for the draft leagues, especially in DT where the kick is worth 3 regardless of the team it goes to. I mean he's worthless to the midfield at this point so it's worth a shot for the Bombers but I'd be terrified every time he dashes if I was a fan because those D50 turnovers are so brutal. Still, he's worth watching for the DPP change and how well he scores, maybe he'll learn the old bomb it long trick that games the SC scoring system and his metres gained will be very high.
Kako - Very exciting prospect. Played higher than I thought he would but still mostly forward half bound, did some very nice things, most importantly works hard without the ball which is what keeps young small forwards in the best 22. He definitely fills a hole of the speedy and pressuring small forward. Should be best 22, I'd say he prospects as a bench rookie though and the premium price isn't ideal for that. Definitely on the radar though, will mostly depend how many of the other forwards make it to round 1 but I suspect he's an option at the least.
Perkins - Still stuck at HF, I still rate him and he was great in the 2nd quarter despite the role but can't see the breakout playing that role. Was the forward half HF anchor role that's not good for fantasy.
Hayes - Actually really impressive playing as a KPD. Did some nice things and didn't have any howlers. I know if I was a Bombers' fan I'd be praying that he can beat out Laverde so he isn't playing AFL ever again. Pure bench option if he was playing but I'd guess he's behind Reid/McKay and that Ridley would be the preferred 3rd tall and I'm not sure he's ideal in that role.
Wright - Came on in 2nd half and didn't really do anything to demand respect. Not sure what happened two years ago for him to have that season but it still looks the anomaly.
Roberts - Played HB, was pretty rarely sighted. I like him but not this year in the real stuff.
Jones - Played wing. Did nothing of note.
Bryan - Clear #1 ruck role, 70% ruck for mine. Given he was mostly against Crossley I'd say the word to describe him was underwhelming. I actually really rate him but this wasn't a good game for him. Crossley is the kind of guy you want to see him dominate and really expose and if anything Crossley probably took the points. Still, the role is the key takeaway, he's about 50k more than I'd want to pick him but he could be a genuine option. The worry is he's the one trick pony, which means sub bait, and I expect they go with the hot hand and Draper is the epitome of streaky who could get hot and see Bryan basically forced to the vest. Want to see a lot more in the next game.
Prior - Played HB, was not terrible. Basically the same player he was at Brisbane. Cheap enough to be relevant if he wins a starting spot though. I can't really see it but he'd be fringe and playing first half a good sign.
Redman - Took kick-ins. Shiel is just as much a problem for his scoring as Martin was last year, so it's a pass for me but watch for that not being a problem as he can score.
Duursma - Wing, same old.
Menzie - Small forward, same old.
Caddy - KPF and very solid overall, not fantasy relevant but did play well and gave a good contest.
Reid - KPD, more or less unsighted which is exactly what you want from your KPD but not ideal for fantasy purposes. Purest of bench plays but I thought he gave a good account and is a solid round 1 chance. Tremendous potential if he can stay on the park. Anything that helps push Laverde out of the team is a big win for Bombers.
Martin - Roaming high half forward role. Was solid but not worth picking in that role where he'd be at best fairly priced. One to watch for the DPP changes though as could get forward right around the time his price hits fair value and he's likely to score well in this role also. Think of something similar to Zorko when he was a forward, for the role.
El-Hawli - I feel racist saying it but he genuinely looks and moves like if Houli and Saad had a child together. He started wing, had a couple of involvements. He went to back pocket in the 3rd quarter. I can't say he blew my socks off but he didn't do anything bad either, just didn't do a lot. Admittedly very tough conditions for wingers with the wind and even harder for him with Shiel, Caldwell and Tsatas so often being the guys looking for targets as well. Definitely on the watchlist. Projects as something like Windsor/Hollands over the past couple of years, probably a notch below those two, for fantasy role. Means solid bench/loop rookie.
Edwards - Came on for the 3rd, pretty good signs up forward, just one of those Steve J bobs up in the right places types (not at that level but just stylistically). Fighting for an SPP place but put his hand up with what I saw.
Missing Parish, Ridley, Durham and McKay who are best 22 types and Gresham, Setterfield, Cox and Laverde who are guys that you'd kind of hope aren't but might be best 22.
McGrath - Same role as LY, did notice him take one CBA but was mostly in defense as the more accountable defender.
Draper - Very similar to English, played about 70% as KPF and 30% as ruck, actually was pretty solid as a forward but can't see it as a good fantasy role.
Langford - Same forward role.
Tsatas - Role was great, did a very good job getting hands on the ball and then the problems started. Definitely needs to develop a lot more composure once he wins the ball as the hack kicks and panic handballs aren't going to end well if he doesn't get on top of it. Durham and Parish both out makes this a hard read, but he did a good job getting the pill and the role was great, hopefully can tidy up the ball use as he gets more confidence and continuity. Very strong watch given his price, hopefully we get a read with the full midfield. He's a very high draft pick so might get chances ahead of the low potential types of Durham/Caldwell if he can earn it but I doubt it given his coach has never ever shown an interest in development of youth over winning immediately.
Caldwell - Looks fit, role was great, still looks like he's never kicked a ball in his life, had one kick where the commentators said "not his worst kick" and I instinctively just blurted out "not close to his worst though" while watching. He tries really hard and I love how he goes about it, just a shame that his kicking seems to be inherently broken.
Merrett - Pure class, he was playing a different sport to everyone else out there. It genuinely looked like when the coach plays against the under 15s. Looked awesome, shame about that bye.
Hobbs - HF/Mid role, good chances. Same as Tsatas it's really hard to read much more into it with the outs. I thought he was relatively good with the ball and he goes about it well. Would take a couple of LTI to open a pathway to fantasy relevance but he's worth watching if that does happen.
Shiel - Played pure HB and this is going to be a very interesting experiment. He's a sloot, he's always been a sloot and being HB just heightens that opportunity. He's also one of the worst kicks of the last 20 years and if this game is evidence, the space at HB isn't fixing something that broken. He also had a couple of howlers defensively where he was pretty lucky not to get burned, he never liked defending as a midfielder and it's hard to see that changing. One of those moves where there will be good moments, he can still break lines at an elite level but whether the kicking is going to cancel that out with interest is the question. Definitely one for the draft leagues, especially in DT where the kick is worth 3 regardless of the team it goes to. I mean he's worthless to the midfield at this point so it's worth a shot for the Bombers but I'd be terrified every time he dashes if I was a fan because those D50 turnovers are so brutal. Still, he's worth watching for the DPP change and how well he scores, maybe he'll learn the old bomb it long trick that games the SC scoring system and his metres gained will be very high.
Kako - Very exciting prospect. Played higher than I thought he would but still mostly forward half bound, did some very nice things, most importantly works hard without the ball which is what keeps young small forwards in the best 22. He definitely fills a hole of the speedy and pressuring small forward. Should be best 22, I'd say he prospects as a bench rookie though and the premium price isn't ideal for that. Definitely on the radar though, will mostly depend how many of the other forwards make it to round 1 but I suspect he's an option at the least.
Perkins - Still stuck at HF, I still rate him and he was great in the 2nd quarter despite the role but can't see the breakout playing that role. Was the forward half HF anchor role that's not good for fantasy.
Hayes - Actually really impressive playing as a KPD. Did some nice things and didn't have any howlers. I know if I was a Bombers' fan I'd be praying that he can beat out Laverde so he isn't playing AFL ever again. Pure bench option if he was playing but I'd guess he's behind Reid/McKay and that Ridley would be the preferred 3rd tall and I'm not sure he's ideal in that role.
Wright - Came on in 2nd half and didn't really do anything to demand respect. Not sure what happened two years ago for him to have that season but it still looks the anomaly.
Roberts - Played HB, was pretty rarely sighted. I like him but not this year in the real stuff.
Jones - Played wing. Did nothing of note.
Bryan - Clear #1 ruck role, 70% ruck for mine. Given he was mostly against Crossley I'd say the word to describe him was underwhelming. I actually really rate him but this wasn't a good game for him. Crossley is the kind of guy you want to see him dominate and really expose and if anything Crossley probably took the points. Still, the role is the key takeaway, he's about 50k more than I'd want to pick him but he could be a genuine option. The worry is he's the one trick pony, which means sub bait, and I expect they go with the hot hand and Draper is the epitome of streaky who could get hot and see Bryan basically forced to the vest. Want to see a lot more in the next game.
Prior - Played HB, was not terrible. Basically the same player he was at Brisbane. Cheap enough to be relevant if he wins a starting spot though. I can't really see it but he'd be fringe and playing first half a good sign.
Redman - Took kick-ins. Shiel is just as much a problem for his scoring as Martin was last year, so it's a pass for me but watch for that not being a problem as he can score.
Duursma - Wing, same old.
Menzie - Small forward, same old.
Caddy - KPF and very solid overall, not fantasy relevant but did play well and gave a good contest.
Reid - KPD, more or less unsighted which is exactly what you want from your KPD but not ideal for fantasy purposes. Purest of bench plays but I thought he gave a good account and is a solid round 1 chance. Tremendous potential if he can stay on the park. Anything that helps push Laverde out of the team is a big win for Bombers.
Martin - Roaming high half forward role. Was solid but not worth picking in that role where he'd be at best fairly priced. One to watch for the DPP changes though as could get forward right around the time his price hits fair value and he's likely to score well in this role also. Think of something similar to Zorko when he was a forward, for the role.
El-Hawli - I feel racist saying it but he genuinely looks and moves like if Houli and Saad had a child together. He started wing, had a couple of involvements. He went to back pocket in the 3rd quarter. I can't say he blew my socks off but he didn't do anything bad either, just didn't do a lot. Admittedly very tough conditions for wingers with the wind and even harder for him with Shiel, Caldwell and Tsatas so often being the guys looking for targets as well. Definitely on the watchlist. Projects as something like Windsor/Hollands over the past couple of years, probably a notch below those two, for fantasy role. Means solid bench/loop rookie.
Edwards - Came on for the 3rd, pretty good signs up forward, just one of those Steve J bobs up in the right places types (not at that level but just stylistically). Fighting for an SPP place but put his hand up with what I saw.
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- Joined
- 6 Jan 2013
- Messages
- 19,737
- Likes
- 84,356
- AFL Club
- Melbourne