Analysis Chris Newman

[Impromptu]

Chris Newman of Richmond is one of my SuperCoach favourites and I think you knew it was inevitable that an article on Chris Newman was coming your way. Like the famous words of Lenny Kravits 'Are You Gonna Go My Way?'

Name - Chris Newman (RIC)
Position - DEF
Price - $412,000
Average - 77.0 (22), 98.9(17), 92.7(21),98.9(21), 100(22)
Draw - CAR, STK, WBD, COL, FRE, GEE, PTA, MEL, ESS, WCE, BYE, ADE, WBD

With Trent Cotchin taking over the captaincy at Richmond off Chris Newman, it appears now that Newman is a SuperCoach possibly. I know there is a bit of a smirk on some of the readers, especially from the regulars that know I have a strong Newman belief.

And some people may be saying Jay has the Newman Flu, maybe some loyalty issues and possibly Brand Names problems, but I don't think so

REASONS FOR CHRIS NEWMAN

I have gone around in circles with this one, but Chris Newman is too value to be completely ignored.

Save for last year, Chris Newman has averaged in the mid-90s, which is quite good as a Defender. Added to Newman's average is the fact that Newman is relatively durable.

Now with the captaincy responsibilities lifted off Newman's shoulder, Newman is not required to simply do the team or captaincy thing and may roam around the park. Hopefully, this also means that Newman will be given less attention and more on Trent Cotchin (Yes, I've seen the poll on Trent Cotchin LOL).

Also, over the 2013 pre-season there was strong talks that Chris Newman will have more midfield time, which even Richmond confirm that Chris Newman has a new role at Richmond. I am also aware that we heard all this before and that Chris Newman would spend more time in the midfield in 2012; a bit of deja vu? However, with the changing of the guards, I actually believe the Richmond Football Club this year.

I didn't watch the round 1 Richmond games, but understand that Chris Newman was rotating in the midfield and had 6 disposals and 5 marks (Melbourne) and 9 disposals and 5 marks (North Melbourne).

Furthermore, with the experienced Troy Chaplin of Port Adelaide joining Richmond, it may free up Newman.

For me, there is too much value with Newman's price and ignoring Gibbs and Goddard that while there are better alternatives, the alternatives to me are pricier or riskier options with less value.

Richmond are expected to win more games in 2013 and thus if Newman was playing in the defence that would have a negative effect, but playing in the midfield in a winning team is a good reason to pick Chris Newman.

And finally, in SuperCoach 2013, I believe Chris Newman is a New-Man (you knew that was coming too right?)

REASONS AGAINST CHRIS NEWMAN

Probably the first reason could be, don't pick Newman because Jay has this misdirected loyalty with Chris Newman. The second reason is obviously age, Chris Newman is turning 31 years old in May 2013, which could mean Newman is no longer SuperCoach relevant.

I think Newman giving up the captaincy would generally be a bad thing and a decline, but I think Richmond are not at that stage where you'd be worried that Richmond would have a youth policy over winning games with Newman playing an important role.

Jokes aside and ignoring the perceived brand name issue with Chris Newman, I just can't see why Newman shouldn't be in your consideration when priced at 77.

If the status quo remained in 2013 from 2012, then Newman would be a No but with the changes and Newman's price, very likely for me!

** Watching the next pre-season game closely? **

Verdict: LIKELY (2)

 

[Goodie's Guns]

I have voted UNLIKELY (4), Newman's age is a major factor in my decision to probably pass on him this season.
Although he is being talked up to get more midfield time I am concerned that Deledio, Cotchin, Martin, Grigg and co. will steal points from the 3300 available. Just not for me but I would love to see a few guys take the risk, especially Jay.

 

[Mr_Arrogance]

I only just read that Richmond FC article yesterday and played around with how Newman would fit in my side. Made me think if you would stand by your man again this season

 

[WandP]

Really liked the look of Newman and his role in NAB 1. At this stage has to be one of the best value defenders going. Nearly $38K cheaper than Heppel? Yes please!

 

[Prochard]

One of my friends from my school is the son of the president of Richmond Football club(The march family). He told me that Dustin Martin is the most fantasy related player from Richmond apart from Cotchin and Deledio. Apparently he's really fit now and is really to dominate this year.
However, it could be his intention to screw me up, as he lost to me in the finals last year

 

[johno686]

No for me, to old and only see him ave about 85 maybe

 

[Creeker]

Will be keeping a very close eye on Newman over the next few weeks, have Heppell at the moment at D4 but have to admit swapping him for Newman several times. Was very impressed with his games on the wing a few weeks ago. The biggest downside for me picking Newman is that he shares the round 11 bye with Hanley, Pittard, Docherty and Stevenson. Don't think I could have 5 round 11 players in the backline although hopefully some of them should be upgraded by the time the bye's roll around

 

[hammo42]

Newman's average dropped 21.9 points from 98.9 to 77. That's a fair drop! What were the reasons for this? Was he injured at any stage? Interupted pre-season? Change of role?

I don't think turning 31 makes Newman SC irrelevant all of a sudden. He's a significant, durable player with a solid scoring history in a team on the rise, with a significant discount. I'd consider selecting him if I knew he was a good chance of overcoming the circumstances that led to his decline last year.

 

[Dynamo]

Watch for me, if he continues his current role in the NAB then may take my D4 Spot.

 

[OzRulesFootball]

Problem for me is after spending big chunk of my defensive funds of Gibbs and Goddard I'm not allowing much left for a player costing around $400 k. Although he may provide value the upside is not huge.

My backline after Gibbs and Goddard is probably going to be punting on 3 speculative mid pricers and 3 rookies. My 3 mid pricers I believe provide better value than Newman but I still could change my mind before season begins. 1 of my mid pricer defensive spots is far from a lock so with some fiddling of my overall squad I could probably still squeeze Newman in if he impressed me enough to bank on him before round 1 is completed.

He is in unlikely category for me for now.

 

[Torress]

he is a good buy - likely.

great disposal. i don't think there will be 6 defenders averaging 100 this year. - Goddard,gibbs,shaw, maybe scotland - is there anyone else we really know ythat will hit 100 average? ppl might think hartlett i guess due to role but what's the point when the guy will most likely break down?

as a premo defender after the top 4 imo will be players around the 90 average, hopefully a tad over 90 yea? and there is always a big brigade of these guys too around the 90 average in the backline

and we can get a 90 averaging defender in our side for 412k, who is proven - rather than pay 450k plus.

likely for mine

 

[Hairy]

Watch

lets see how the full NAB cup games go.

 

[Impromptu]

Okay, the test is let's try to name the Top 6 or Top 10 Defender, I'd say Newman could be Top 10 and a fighting chance of Top 6.

 

[Bomber18]

Last year the TOP 6, all averaged 94+
TOP 10 averaged 91+
But of course players like Grimes, Hartlett, Shaw, Waters, all missed a handful of games

If Newman can average 90+ and play all the games, definitely worth picking, especially at his price.

Age is a deterrent for me as well, at 31, the likelihood the he gets injured is there.
BUT look at scotland, huge averages of 100+ despite being 30+

 

[Damoz]

WOW!

After the much disappointment and disliking of Newman last Year, Jay has gone with Likely.

Interesting...

 

[Hairy]

Goddard
Gibbs
Beau Waters
Pearce Hanley
Heath Shaw
Scotland
Birchall
Heppell
Adcock
Watts
Hartlet
Hurn
Michael Johnson
Grimes
Rance
...
some other randoms
...
Moribito (yes I know he is not a Def)
Chris Newman

 

[Hairy]

Yes that is a total dig at the great man... big brother.

 

[Impromptu]

Goddard
Gibbs
Beau Waters
Pearce Hanley
Heath Shaw
Scotland
Birchall
Heppell
Adcock
Watts
Hartlet
Hurn
Michael Johnson
Grimes
Rance
...
some other randoms
...
Moribito (yes I know he is not a Def)
Chris Newman

Possibly LOL , but Newman is worth the risk.

I wonder how Newman will go over the weekend.

 

[Rowsus]

I'm warming to him in the last few weeks. And it's exactly because of the exercise Jay suggested, in naming the top 10 Def's for the year.
I can easily see him making the top 10 total points list, and being just outside the top 10 averages.
Given once we get outside Goddard and Gibbs everyone is guessing on this player improving, or that player playing more than 17 games this season, Newman seems like a bit of value.
I can't see too much downside, outside of a LTI.
JS - check
History of scoring in Gun status - check
Potential change of role - check
Quality user of the ball - check
At his price, even if he stinks it up, I can't see him dropping below 70/game, which means you can't lose too much money. Even at 70/game he will outscore most Def Rookies until you can upgrade him. The other side is, it is easy to see him getting up around, or just above 90 again.
Given the concern on number of games they will play, or what they will score, the other options just aren't as attractively priced as Newman.
He is sitting in my team right now, and that's a likely from me.

 

[30BucketsofRo]

I was considering Newman, but what puts me off his age. I don't see how they can really fit Newman into the midfield with the plethora of quality players Richmond has developed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't remember him playing much through the midfield in seasons past either. Another thing that put me off is the fact that his average fell 20 points even though Richmond played reasonably well last year (cue scoffing). This could mean he stays around the same mark this year (average-wise), it drops off further (unlikely) or he improves his average if the expected improvement from Richmond eventuates (reasonable to scoff at this idea). Maybe as a cash cow, but as a keeper - not for me.