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[Professor]

Any more updates from the Herald Sun articles? Love seeing these columns in the forum, gives some great insight

Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn soars to the top on the Herald Sun Super Rankings

CHRIS VERNUCCIO, Herald Sun

April 30, 2018 5:03pm

Subscriber only

MELBOURNE ruckman*Max Gawn had an eventful Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.

But the Demons giant ended the weekend as the No.1 player in the competition after surging to the*top of the*Herald Sun*Super Rankings.

Gawn’s goalkicking routine has been heavily scrutinised after some costly misses — he sprayed another two gettable set shots on Sunday yet slotted goals from deep in the forward pocket — but that can’t detract from his ruck dominance this season.

SUPER RANKINGS:*ROBBO AND ANDO’S WEEKLY TOP 20

Against the Bombers, Gawn recorded an astonishing 23 hitouts to advantage — a personal best — among his 42 hitouts as the Demons amassed 10 more clearances.

He has won 309 hitouts after six rounds, 66 more than the next best Aaron Sandilands.

It’s a ruckmen one-two on the Super Rankings leaderboard with Brodie Grundy slipping to second spot.

Max Gawn had a massive game against Essendon. Picture: Getty Images

They’re not the only big men in the top 20 with Sydney’s Callum Sinclair rising 15 places after his outstanding performance against Geelong.

After two sub-par games by his high standard, Hawthorn midfield gun Tom Mitchell was able to break the shackles against St Kilda with 45 disposals but that wasn’t enough to prevent him from slipping to third.

Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae climbed back into fourth and Patrick Cripps, touted as Carlton’s next captain, has soared to No.5 after a remarkable fortnight.

Richmond superstar Dustin Martin failed to score 100 ranking points in successive weeks to fall four spots to seventh.

But the biggest slider in the top 20 was Carlton defender Kade Simpson (ninth to 17th).

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff (11th) is a newcomer into the 20, where he is also joined by teammate Jared Polec (19th).

SUPER RANKINGS:*CLICK HERE FOR EVERY PLAYER RANKING PLUS ROBBO & ANDO’S WEEKLY TOP 20

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes.*SIGN UP NOW>

 

[Professor]

The Phantom’s Round 6 review: The good, the bad and the rookie ready to be traded

The Phantom, The Advertiser

April 30, 2018 4:46pm

Subscriber only

Who to trade in and out

NICK Holman has been a great servant for thousands of SuperCoach teams across the country, adding more than $160k to his bargain basement price tag in the opening six rounds.

And, on behalf of the SuperCoach community, The Phantom thanks Holman for his services but, despite a Round 7 brekeven of 35, his time is up.

After tallying just eight disposals and 33 SuperCoach points – his second score of 33 or less in the past three weeks – Holman’s cash generation has almost reached its peak.

The mature-age recruit spent majority of the clash with the Crows in the Suns’ forward half, as he has in the past three matches.

Holman laid 30 tackles in the opening three rounds but only eight in the past three games.

If you’ve got the cash and didn’t jump on him last week, Bomber Zach Merrett is still great value at $506,100 after a third consecutive SuperCoach ton.

The trade will only cost you $242k.

Crow Matt Crouch picked up where he left off prior to the hamstring injury, tallying 30 disposals and 100 SuperCoach points but his price is still coming down so hold off, if you can.

In fact, holding off a week might be something worth considering - especially if Holman fails to hold his spot in Gold Coast’s side -because we saw a few more potential cash cows play their first game in Round 6.

Melbourne debutant Charlie Spargo, who averaged 219 SuperCoach points at the Under-16 National Championships before a run of injuries, was impressive in his side’s win over the Bombers, registering 18 disposals, two goals and 81 SuperCoach points.

In the same game, Essendon’s Kobe Mutch, who finished runner-up in the Bomber’s VFL best-and-fairest in his first season on the list in 2017, was equally as impressive on debut with 66 SuperCoach points, on the back of 20 disposals and six marks.

Depending on your situation, a downgrade might be the best option to help improve your team elsewhere.

I’ll have all of the trade options in The Phantom’s Trade Talk on Wednesday.

Patrick Cripps once again showed his value against the Bulldogs with 24 contested possessions. Picture: AAP Image/Julian SmithTHE GOOD

One of The Phantom’s favourites*Patrick Cripps*backed up his 141-point performance in Round 5, with another huge score against the Bulldogs, delighting those SuperCoaches who had the VC on him Friday night. Cripps finished with 32 disposals, 24 contested possessions and 143 points. The 23-year-old is still available for $573,500 but he won’t stay under $600k for long.

How can you not love*Max Gawn?*A fan at Etihad Stadium on Sunday seemingly didn’t but he copped a fierce Gawn stare down after the Melbourne big man slotted a checkside goal from the boundary line. That finish was just a small part of Gawn’s dominant performance against the Bombers, with the 26-year-old posting a round-high 168 SuperCoach points.

Is*Lachie Neale*back? His 35-disposal, 151-point performance in Sunday’s derby would suggest so. And he’s just about bottomed-out in price at $523k. Add him to your list of upgrade targets.

After 147 points against the Kangaroos, Power utility*Justin Westhoff*is the 11th-ranked player in the game. And he’s only in seven per cent of teams. Any takers? Just be aware of the imminent return of Paddy Ryder.

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Jeremy Howe does it again

THE BAD

The Phantom’s frustration with*Jack Billings*eased a little with his encouraging 85-point return against the Giants in Round 5 but it’s built up again after the talented, yet inconsistent, Saint booted three behinds in the first half against the Hawks.

And besides putting one through the two big sticks, the second half didn’t get much better as Billings finished with 15 disposals – at 40 per cent efficiency – and a season-low 47 SuperCoach points.

After exploding out the blocks with 119 points in Round 1, The Phantom’s pre-season tip*Riley Bonner*has failed to score more than 64 in the past three weeks. The plan was to always hold Bonner to the Power’s Round 10 bye but my patience is being tested. He’s only one big score away from generating some more cash but will it come?

With popular SuperCoach forwards Lance Franklin, Toby Greene and Christian Petracca all missing through injury in Round 6, the knee setback for Fremantle star*Michael Waltershasn’t come at a good time. Walters is expected to miss at least a month, making him almost a must-trade.

The late-withdrawal of Geelong’s*Brandan Parfitt*is what SuperCoach nightmares are made off. Especially for those who just traded him in on the Friday night,

THE PHANTOM’S MENACE

Jack Billings’ goal-kicking coach.

What were you teaching him during the pre-season? Whatever it was, it’s not working.

THE PHANTOM IN ROUND 6:

Score:*2082

Overall ranking:*9258

Originally published as*Time to move Holman out

 

[Maccas marvels]

Thanks Professor, appreciate the articles pal

 

[Presto]

AFL injury list: who’s hot and who’s hurt after Round 6
News Corp Australia Network
May 1, 2018 12:35pm
Subscriber only

GOLD Coast has been dealt a major injury blow with co-captain Tom Lynch to miss a month with a knee injury.
Lynch, who is the hottest free agency target this season, has aggravated a knee injury — a similar issue to the PCL injury that ended his season prematurely last year.
The Suns are targeting a return for the star forward after its Round 10 bye, which follows the clash against Port Adelaide in China.
“He experienced aggravation in his right knee, it’s the same PCL that he had issues with last year,” Gold Coast football boss Jon Haines told the club’s website.
“Given the history with that, we’ve decided to take a fairly conservative approach and Tom will take some time off to get some more strength in and around that knee area.
“At this stage we’ll be looking for him to return after the bye.”
Fellow co-captain Steven May will also be sidelined for 1-2 weeks after developing an infection following surgery to repair a broken finger.
WESTERN Bulldogs captain Easton Wood could miss up to three weeks after succumbing to a hamstring injury.
A knee injury will sideline Tom Lynch for a month.
He has suffered ongoing hamstring issues since arriving at the club in 2007.
“Although he got through the game, scans have confirmed since that he has got a low-grade hamstring injury,” club medical services boss Chris Bell said.
“He definitely won’t play this week because we don’t want to take any risks, but we expect him to be available in the next two to three weeks.”
The news is worse for Jack Redpath, who will miss up to three months after knee surgery.
“Jack has suffered some soreness in his knee over the last two weeks, Bell said.
“Unfortunately it hasn’t settled and we had to proceed to surgery. The surgery involved a repair to his lateral meniscus which is a shock-absorbing pad in his knee.
“Unfortunately the time frame for the recovery for this sort of operation is about 10-12 weeks.”

ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Eddie Betts (hamstring) test
Kyle Cheney (hamstring) test
Brad Crouch (groin) 3-4 weeks
Sam Gibson (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Alex Keath (ankle) 1-2 weeks
Jake Kelly (hand) test
David Mackay (hip/glute) test
Andrew McPherson (groin) 3-4 weeks
Lachlan Murphy (hamstring) test
Rory Sloane (foot) test
Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite
Taylor Walker (hamstring) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Much of Adelaide’s selection issues for the Saturday night home match against Carlton will revolve around the fitness of captain Taylor Walker, who did not play in the second half of the eight-goal win against Gold Coast after experiencing hamstring tightness, and Rory Sloane. Wingman David Mackay (hip/glute) pulled up sore against the Suns so the jury is out on his availability. The player under the most pressure to hold his spot on form is two-gamer Myles Poholke, who managed just eight disposals and 18 SuperCoach points against the Suns.
ON THE CUSP: Betts appears certain to return after missing two matches with a strained hamstring after saying on radio last week that he felt he could have played against Gold Coast. Sloane is a chance although Pyke has vowed to be cautious with him, saying he only wants him back when he is fit enough to play at his brilliant best. Defender Jake Kelly could be available after hurting his hand against the Swans. Former Giant Curtly Hampton is pressing for selection after being named Adelaide’s best in its SANFL loss to Norwood on his return from a groin injury. Rookie-listed midfielder Patrick Wilson also is pushing hard for selection.
ANDREW CAPEL’S FORECAST: Eddie Betts — the Crows’ leading goalkicker for the past four years — should return to play against his old club unless Pyke takes the conservative approach against a winless team Adelaide should beat. Kelly is expected to be back while there are fitness doubts over Walker and Mackay. Hampton and Wilson are the obvious players to make the leap from the SANFL to AFL side.

BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES
Jarrod Berry (ankle) TBC
Jack Payne (shin) 1 week
Sam Skinner (knee) indefinite
Toby Wooller (finger) 7 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Jarrod Berry hurt his ankle in a tackle and limped off the ground. Dayne Zorko struggled again, picking up just 10 disposals for the second week in a row, but he’s too important to leave out. Nick Robertson was reported for striking Harrison Himmelberg off the ball in the third quarter.
ON THE CUSP: Luke Hodge should come back into the team after he was rested. Ryan Bastinac booted four goals in the NEAFL and has to be considered to give the Lions another much-needed scoring option.
CHRIS VERNUCCIO’S FORECAST: The good news was the Lions weren’t blown out of the water by premiership contender GWS. Putting aside Zorko and Eric Hipwood’s form woes, the problem with Brisbane is too many players are serviceable and need to put their mark on a game. Players such as Allen Christensen, Lewis Taylor, Nick Robertson, Daniel McStay, Charlie Cameron (who had a rare day without a goal), Stefan Martin and Ryan Lester aren’t getting enough of the ball.

CARLTON
INJURIES
Ciaran Byrne (quad) test
Sam Docherty (knee) season
Matthew Kreuzer (groin) test
Matthew Lobbe (hamstring) 1 week
Cillian McDaid (foot) 2-3 weeks
Marc Murphy (foot) 2 weeks
Jarrod Pickett (wrist) 7 weeks
Alex Silvagni (hamstring) test
Jacob Weitering (thigh) test
Tom Williamson (back) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Jack Silvagni only registered four kicks under the Friday night lights and still doesn’t look comfortable at AFL level. Andrew Phillips won the ruck contest but if Matthew Kreuzer returns he is likely to make way. There will be plenty of discussion at match committee — are recycled players such as Cam O’Shea and Aaron Mullett the way forward?
ON THE CUSP: Darcy Lang emerged unscathed from his comeback game, collecting 17 disposals in the VFL. The ex-Cat played through the midfield and should press in coming weeks. Harrison Macreadie and Pat Kerr should be considered while Kreuzer and Jacob Weitering should overcome niggles.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Brendon Bolton’s reset has become a “full-blown” rebuild and while the coach hopes to win a couple of games by the halfway mark, a glance at the fixture is far from friendly. Is next week’s clash against Essendon the best chance to break the duck? At 0-6 — the club’s worst start in history — the Blues are hurting. But, as Bolton pointed out, the amount of talented kids in the right age bracket is exciting. Forget talk about trading the No.1 pick (in a strong draft) for Dylan Shiel, re-signing Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow beyond 2019 should be Stephen Silvagni’s No.1 assignment.

COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES
Brodie Grundy (shin) test
James Aish (knee) TBC
Taylor Adams (hamstring) test
Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season
Jamie Elliott (hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Tyson Goldsack (knee) season
Levi Greenwood (knee and quad) indefinite
Kayle Kirby (heart) indefinite
Tom Langdon (soreness) test
Brayden Maynard (ankle) test
Darcy Moore (hamstring) test
Ben Reid (achilles) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: The Magpies are counting the cost of their loss to Richmond with two serious injuries. Reid limped off the ground late with an achilles, something which could rule him out for months if the damage is bad. Likewise, James Aish hurt the PCL ligament in his knee and could also be out for more than one month. Brayden Maynard rolled his ankle but is tipped to face the Lions. Tom Langdon may also return from soreness. He was a late withdrawal.
ON THE CUSP: Collingwood will look to regain midfielder Taylor Adams and key tall Darcy Moore, while Alex Fasolo will also push for selection. His form has been building in the VFL. Nathan Buckley said Daniel Wells was unlikely but would be available for selection. Moore is important because he could replace injured centre half forward Darcy Moore.
JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Pies will have a light week on the track ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brisbane to play the Lions at the Gabba. The Magpies played three games in 10 days including Sunday’s 43-point loss to Richmond. But the scoreboard flattered the Tigers and the Magpies were much better than the margin suggested. Collingwood has won eight of its last 10 games against the Lions.

ESSENDON
INJURIES
Josh Begley (knee) season
Mitch Brown (calf) test
Travis Colyer (foot) 1-2 weeks
Matt Dea (leg) test
Orazio Fantasia (groin) test
Martin Gleeson (ankle) 6 weeks
Josh Green (hamstring) test
ON THE BLOCK: Take your pick of out of sorts Bombers. Jackson Merrett will probably make way after two chances at AFL level while youngster Matt Guelfi committed some costly errors against Melbourne. What has happened to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti? Where is Adam Saad’s halfback explosion that we saw at Gold Coast? What on earth has happened to Joe Daniher, who kicked 65 goals last year? He is the biggest problem right now.
ON THE CUSP: Orazio Fantasia should be passed fit, Conor McKenna is available after serving a three-match biting suspension while Tom Bellchambers and David Myers were rested. Surely all come in. The VFL had a bye.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: This team has too much talent to be playing this poorly. The third quarter lapses are staggering — they’ve been outscored by 25, 14, 5, 4, 13 and 37 points. They’re giving up three goals straight after halftime and have kicked 17 goals in the past fortnight with a potent attack. Trouble at 2-4.

FREMANTLE
INJURIES
Matt Taberner (broken foot) TBC
Harley Bennell (calf) TBC
Sean Darcy (knee) 5-6 weeks
Hugh Dixon (ankle) 5-6 weeks
Brady Grey (hamstring) 1 week
Bradley Hill (knee) TBC
Griffin Logue (foot) 3-4 weeks
Lee Spurr (knee) 3-4 weeks
Matt Taberner (foot) 6-7 weeks
Michael Walters (knee) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Livewire Michael Walters is expected to miss a month after suffering a medial ligament injury in his left knee in the opening quarter of Fremantle’s eight-point western derby loss on Sunday. Ruckman Aaron Sandilands looks likely to avoid being rested when Fremantle tackle reigning premier Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.
ON THE CUSP: Veteran defender Michael Johnson wasn’t convincing as Sandilands’ back-up ruckman in the derby, meaning coach Ross Lyon may look at other ruck options. Injury-prone tall Michael Apeness impressed in a ruck/forward role for Peel Thunder, finishing with a game-high 37 hit-outs and a goal. Experienced duo Tom Sheridan and Danyle Pearce were also among Peel’s best in a disappointing loss, putting their hand up for a recall.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Beating top side Richmond on their home turf isn’t exactly an easy task, but Fremantle did it last season at the ‘G thanks to David Mundy’s after-the-siren heroics. The Dockers are one of eight sides with a 3-3 record in a mid-table logjam, but their growing injury list and lack of depth is a concern. It took cross-town rivals West Coast to hand Fremantle their first Perth Stadium loss, with two winnable home games coming up against St Kilda (Round 8) and North Melbourne (Round 10).

GEELONG
INJURIES
Gary Ablett (hamstring) test
Nakia Cockatoo (knee) TBC
Cam Guthrie (ankle) 5-6 weeks
Lachie Henderson (knee) indefinite
George Horlin-Smith (concussion) test
Lincoln McCarthy (quad) test
Quinton Narkle (knee) 2-3 weeks
Brandan Parfitt (foot) TBC
Scott Selwood (concussion) test
Sam Simpson (knee) TBC
Harry Taylor (foot) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: A lot of watching of video will be taking place at the Cattery after the last-quarter debacle. The Cats have lots of injury concerns with George Horlin-Smith (concussion) and Brandon Parfitt (foot) joining the list over the weekend. Parfitt was a late withdrawal and coach Chris Scott wasn’t sure how long he would be out given the conservative approach taken with any foot injuries. Ruckman Rhys Stanley is the player most in the gun after the Swans ran rampant in the centre square with a push to get the more traditional tap ruckman in Zac Smith back into the set-up.
ON THE CUSP: Scott Selwood should return from concussion for Friday night’s home clash with GWS while Daniel Menzel (groin) is also expected to come back after one week’s rest. The most intrigue will be around Gary Ablett who trained strongly on Saturday and is talking up being ready to return from a month out with a hamstring strain. Given its his second soft tissue issue of the season, the coaching staff will be very conservative which makes for some interesting discussions at selection.
SCOTT GULLAN’S FORECAST: I’m backing Gazza to win the battle and come back for the crucial prime-time Giants clash with Scott Selwood and Menzel to cap off a trio of impressive inclusions.

GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES
Tom Lynch (knee) 4 weeks
Steven May (finger) 1-2 weeks
Pearce Hanley (dislocated shoulder) 10 weeks
Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) test
Sean Lemmens (broken hand) 2-3 weeks
Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 12-14 weeks
Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 14 weeks
Jack Scrimshaw (cheekbone) 1 week
Harrison Wigg (ankle) indefinite
Peter Wright (calf) available
ON THE BLOCK: Double injury blow for the Suns with Tom Lynch to miss a month with a knee injury and Steven May to miss one, possibly two weeks after undergoing surgery on his broken finger. Rory Thompson suffered an ankle injury against Adelaide but returned and played well against Josh Jenkins. He will be monitored but should take his place against the Bulldogs. Veteran Matt Rosa is clinging to his spot, while Ben Ainsworth is battling for form and Sam Day looks tired after playing every week following a year out of the game.
ON THE CUSP: The Suns looked slow on the outside against Adelaide so the name Aaron Hall will be debated at length in match committee. However third year forward Callum Ah Chee could also come under consideration. The Suns want him in the side and he has now played two NEAFL games after a bad hamstring strain wiped-out the end of his pre-season. They may decide to be more cautious and give him an extra week.
ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns had an off night against Adelaide but still sit with a 3-3 record and are desperate to hit the midway point of their season and the return to their home ground at Metricon Stadium with as close to an even ledger as possible. Coach Stuart Dew will be imploring his side for a huge effort in Ballarat and they are capable of taking the points.

GWS
INJURIES
Aidan Corr (shoulder) TBC
Toby Greene (foot) TBC
Josh Kelly (groin) test
Adam Kennedy (knee) test
Zac Langdon (knee) TBC
Rory Lobb (knee) test
Tom Scully (ankle) 7-9 weeks
Will Setterfield (knee) season
Lachie Tiziani (knee) season
Zac Williams (achilles) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Nick Shipley was quiet in his debut and could lose his spot to Aidan Bonar, who is yet to play senior football for the Giants. He was taken with pick 11 in last year’s draft.
ON THE CUSP: Josh Kelly has missed the last three weeks with a groin problem and is a chance of returning this week for Friday’s clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium. Rory Lobb’s bone bruising on his knee has been slow to recover as well but could be back too. Aidan Bonar was among the best in the Gianst NEAFL loss to Brisbane.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants will look to Sydney’s playbook to claim their first win against Geelong on their home turf. The Swans went to an ultra-small line up and dominated the contests and clearances. This will mean Rory Lobb will get another week on the sidelines to recover.

HAWTHORN
INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) 6 weeks
Dylan Moore (shoulder) 2 weeks
Paul Puopolo (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Cyril Rioli (knee) 4 weeks
Liam Shiels (back) test
ON THE BLOCK: It’s harsh to say, but Round 6 debutant James Worpel’s position in the team is tentative once Liam Shiels comes back. Worpel will be a powerhouse in the middle for the Hawks one day, but will probably have to make way. The vice-captain was close to playing against St Kilda but in the end medicos opted not to risk his dodgy back. Gun recruit Jarman Impey was an underachiever against the Saints, however a team-best eight tackles might be the thing save him a spell in the twos.
ON THE CUSP: Liam Shiels should be back for the clash with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday. Jonathon Ceglar is only a week or two away from his return from a back injury. The big ruckman is finding match fitness at Box Hill. It is only a matter of time before the Hawks pull the trigger on this return. Ben McEvoy worked tirelessly against the Saints winning 25 hit-outs but in the end he needed a chop-out from Roughead and O’Brien. Most sides are showing their commitment to one ruckman but the Hawks figure if they have two big men who can influence the game in the ruck and up forward, they will play both.
JAMES BRESNEHAN’S FORECAST:The competition is so close and the battle for spots in the top four is red-hot, but few would have thought Hawthorn would have been one of them. The Hawks have been the most consistent team in the top eight over the past five games — win, loss, win, loss, win — and based on that are due to drop their clash with Essendon. However, the Bombers don’t have the cattle to stop Tom Mitchell, Isaac Smith and Harry Morrison in the middle, or Luke Breust and Jack Gunston up front. That’s why Hawks will win and be about halfway to securing a spot in the finals.
Christian Petracca is likely to be back this week. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Christian Salem (thumb) 1-3 weeks
Dean Kent (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite
Christian Petracca (finger) test
Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 7-8 weeks
Jack Viney (foot) 2 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Alex Neal-Bullen registered only three kicks against the Bombers although his 51 pressure points were far from the worst. Hard to see much change at the Demons after their best half of footy for the season.
ON THE CUSP: Christian Petracca will slot straight back in against St Kilda — the team which probably should’ve drafted him. Jack Viney is a week or two behind while Sam Frost will be considered if coach Simon Goodwin wants an extra tall defender. Frost collected 19 disposals for Casey although Tim Smith (20 disposals and 10 tackles) was the VFL best.
SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: Really like where the Demons are at. They play a forward-half game — which is sustainable — and, despite the scoreboard, were actually pretty good against the red-hot Tigers. They backed that up with a dominant second half against Essendon and aren’t far away from fielding their best line-up. If they can reap close to maximum reward for inside entries they can become a premiership force. And Oscar McDonald has become a helluva full-back.

NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES
Shaun Higgins (concussion) test
Declan Mountford (ankle) test
Ed Vickers-Willis (concussion) test
Declan Watson (knee) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: Shaun Higgins didn’t play last week, and remains in some doubt after his sickening concussion against Hawthorn in the previous round. Brad Scott won’t chase an answer until Wednesday when a clearer picture will be available. Higgins sat in the coaches’ box in the game against Port Adelaide and has made some big steps forward over the past few days. But the certainty is the Kangaroos won’t take any unnecessary risks with the star midfielder, and if there is any small concern, he will have another week on the sidelines.
ON THE CUSP: Mason Wood is yet to play a senior game for the Roos this season, but took a big step towards changing that when he kicked six goals in the VFL clash on the weekend. He and Taylor Garner, who kicked four of his own in the VFL, are knocking on the door of a senior recall after strong performances on the weekend.
GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Tough ask for the Kangaroos this week taking on Sydney at the SCG. Brad Scott’s team got beaten around the ball early against Port Adelaide last Saturday, and as much as they fixed that across the next three quarters, it was in Scott’s words “too little too late.” Ben Brown was beaten and still kicked four goals, which is a sign he is never out of the play for long, and the burgeoning young North Melbourne midfield is seemingly getting better all the time. Hard to see them winning this week, but the Roos will take some more scalps soon.

PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES
Matthew Broadbent (ankle) indefinite
Willem Drew (foot) indefinite
Hamish Hartlett (knee) season
Paddy Ryder (achilles) available
Chad Wingard (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Someone could be quite unlucky at Port Adelaide this week with Paddy Ryder coming straight back in. Wingard out means it could be as simple as one out, one in, but if Hinkley wants to rejig his line-up then Dom Barry or Aidyn Johnson could be in trouble. Both were inclusions for the win over the Kangaroos and both played well, but Barry was the quieter of the two and could be a little nervous heading towards selection for the trip to Perth to play West Coast.
ON THE CUSP: Ryder is the obvious inclusion after missing the past five weeks with an achilles injury and that will allow Charlie Dixon to play permanent forward again. There are plenty of Magpies putting their hand-up for selection led by Jasper Pittard, who is returning from a hamstring injury and midfielders Jack Trengove and Tom Rockliff.
REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: Port Adelaide has its mojo back after beating North Melbourne and will go to Perth to play West Coast pretty confident having rolled the Eagles on their home ground last year. Wingard out is a blow but Ryder back is huge. I’d expect Jasper Pittard to essentially replace Hamish Hartlett, who ruptured his ACL at training last week, but Trengove and Rockliff may have to wait for a senior recall.

RICHMOND
INJURIES
Daniel Rioli (foot) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Maybe someone will need a rest this week, but it’s hard to say who that will be until later. Reece Conca has been in brilliant form but he as well as Kamdyn McIntosh, who has also been good, were a bit quiet. Jack Graham also had limited impact.
ON THE CUSP: Sam Lloyd was prolific in the VFL but the really interesting one is Brandon Ellis, dropped after 111 consecutive games. Hardwick said it was one of the most difficult calls he’s had to make and he backed his proud defender to return to the senior side. The question is, when.
ELIZA SEWELL’S FORECAST: The Tiger train won’t be derailed against the improving Dockers this Sunday. While Freo caused an upset to defeat Richmond by two points in this match in Round 8 last year, can’t see it happening this time.

ST KILDA
INJURIES
Josh Bruce (back) 6-7 weeks
Darren Minchington (knee) 2-3 weeks
Dylan Roberton (heart) indefinite
Koby Stevens (concussion) indefinite
ON THE BLOCK: When it was his time to shine in a low-scoring affair on a slippery deck against Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday night, teenager Nick Coffield did not deliver. He had seven touches, and of those two were contested. The Saints must decide whether to continue feeding their No.8 draft pick to the wolves or give him more time to learn his craft in the twos.
ON THE CUSP: Ruckman Billy Longer must be about to return. The Saints can’t ignore his VFL form and he unexpectedly finds himself is a race with Rowan Marshall to get into the side as a ruckman. Marshall played primarily as a forward last year but has emerged as a promising ruckman.
JAMES BRESNEHAN’S FORECAST: Based on its form against Hawthorn, St Kilda will upset the applecart of a lot of teams aspiring to be in the top eight and will influence who plays finals. Unfortunately, the Saints won’t be one of them. Six rounds in, they have one win, four losses and that gallant draw with GWS. At this stage, only Brisbane and Carlton are better prospects for the wooden spoon. Having said that, they are a solid chance to beat Melbourne at Etihad on Sunday.

SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES
James Bell (hamstring) 4 weeks
Jordan Dawson (quad) 4 weeks
Jordan Foote (toe) 4 weeks
Lance Franklin (bruised heel) TBC
Dan Hannebery (groin) TBC
Alex Johnson (groin) 4 weeks
Lewis Melican (hamstring) test
Sam Naismith (knee) season
Toby Pink (ankle) 2 weeks
Sam Reid (quad) 8-9 weeks
Dean Towers (eye) TBC
ON THE BLOCK: Dan Robinson was quiet in his first senior game of 2018 and will come under pressure to hold his place from Dean Towers.
ON THE CUSP: Lance Franklin remains a week-by-week proposition with his bruised heel. Dan Hannebery is in the same boat with is groin strain. Dean Towers is expected to recover from the poke in the eye he copped at training. Lewis Melican is also close to a return from a hamstring strain. Darcy Cameron was in good form in the NEAFL loss to Gold Coast kicking two goals as was Tom McCartin if John Longmire decides he needs some added height against North Melbourne on Saturday.
NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: After the win against Geelong John Longmire will feel less pressure to rush Franklin back into the line up and will give him more time to recover from his bruised heel. Dan Hannebery will continue his recovery while Dean Towers should come back into the team to help.

WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES
Hamish Brayshaw (knee) 2 weeks
Lewis Jetta (calf) TBC
Eric Mackenzie (toe) indefinite
Tony Olango (knee) test
Luke Partington (hamstring) test
Liam Ryan (ankle) 9 weeks
Daniel Venables (ankle) 10 weeks
ON THE BLOCK: Chris Masten could be in trouble over an incident involving Docker Ed Langdon. The in-form midfielder appeared to drive his forearm into Langdon’s face before taking a short swing which appeared to land on his upper body. Lewis Jetta hurt his calf in the Eagles’ thrilling derby win and is in doubt to face Port Adelaide, while fellow speedster Jack Petrucclle struggled to get into the game in his AFL debut.
ON THE CUSP: West Coast’s WAFL affiliate East Perth is flying at the moment, with a number of Eagles-listed players driving their rise up the ladder. Midfielder Mark Hutchings had a game-high 33 possessions and 14 marks in the Royals’ 66-point thrashing of Peel Thunder on Sunday. Tall forward Matthew Allen booted five goals straight, ruckman Fraser McInnes (21 disposals, 14 hit-outs and a goal) continued his strong form and recruit Brendon Ah Chee (15 disposals, six tackles and a goal) was solid in his second game back from an ankle injury.
JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: The Eagles keep proving the doubters wrong, recording their fifth consecutive win and are percentage off top spot. The next month will be a massive test of how far Adam Simpson’s men have come, with four top-eight opponents in a row starting with the Power at Perth Stadium on Saturday. If they can get at least two wins from their next four matches, it will go a long way to booking a finals berth.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES
Easton Wood (hamstring) 3 weeks
Marcus Adams (ankle) 4 weeks
Kieran Collins (ankle) 3 weeks
Hayden Crozier (knee) test
Tory Dickson (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Tom Liberatore (knee) season
Brad Lynch (hamstring) 7 weeks
Dale Morris (knee) 5-6 weeks
Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite
Jack Redpath (knee) 12 weeks
Clay Smith (knee) 5 weeks
Roarke Smith (hip) 1-2 weeks
Josh Schache (ankle) test
ON THE BLOCK: The Bulldogs got through with a clean bill of health — bar Caleb Daniel’s helmet, of course — and finally showed signs of improvement after the disappointing loss to Fremantle. Five Dogs had played less than 10 games but showed no such signs, with the likes of Billy Gowers and Aaron Naughton doing their bit. Depending on returning players, coach Luke Beveridge could well keep the status quo this week.
ON THE CUSP: With a bye in the VFL, Lucas Webb and Mitch Honeychurch had no opportunity to stake their claim for a recall, while Josh Schache and Roarke Smith are expected to face fitness tests after ankle and hip troubles respectively.
LAUREN WOOD’S FORECAST: The Bulldogs have a great opportunity to consolidate this week. They’re off to Ballarat to take on the Suns having won their last four against Gold Coast and will be desperate to get a win at Mars Stadium having lost their previous encounter at what they are hoping will become a fortress-style home away from home. Tom Boyd showed glimpses of what he’s capable of and can be seriously scary when he’s on song. Marcus Bontempelli has struck the balance between midfield and forward and had serious impact against the Blues so look out for the young gun to make a return to his best. The Suns have been solid in their long stint away from home and can’t be underestimated.

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach Investor: Trade tips for Round 7, hold off on Patrick Dangerfield trade

Dan Begala, Herald Sun

12 minutes ago

Subscriber only

IT WAS market mover week at the SuperCoach Stock Exchange (‘SSX’) with some teams — including yours truly — making some giant leaps up the rankings curve.

Your team may be humming along, but if you’re keen to maintain your place in the peloton, you’ll need to continue with the aggressive trading strategy or potentially, risk a sudden demise.

AFL DAILY:*ALL THE LATEST FOOTY NEWS IN ONE PLACE

THE PHANTOM:*IT’S TIME TO TRADE HOLMAN

BAROMETER:*LATEST INJURY AND SELECTION NEWS AT YOUR CLUB

There’s plenty of challenging decisions to be made this week with a breadth of rookies and SuperCoach “Hall of Famers” catching the eye of the investment community.

Our resident investment analyst, Daniel Begala, casts his thoughts across the key decisions affecting us on the eve of Round 7.

FARMING 101

It was farming week in Round 6 with penny stocks David Mirra, Matt Guelfi and Jack Higgins arriving at the SuperCoach Stock Exchange to ring the bell of their IPO’s (‘Initial Public Offering’).

All stocks, as expected, experienced a bumper first day of trading with an increase of upwards of $60,000 experienced by each of the “bubble boys”. IPO’s are short-lived, however, so investors must now turn their attention to the next wave of penny stocks set to skyrocket in value over the coming weeks and leading into the byes.

Jack Higgins generated a nice price rise for those that traded him into their side. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Casting our eyes back to Round 6, there were two standout rookies that are sure to attract the attention of investors in Round 8 — yes, Round 8 — not this week.

Charlie Spargo ($117,300 MID) and Ben Ronke ($123,900 FWD) burst onto the scene as they each booted two goals and had a string of influential touches that are sure to set trade tongues wagging.

Keep the likes of Bailey Banfield, Andrew Brayshaw and Nick Holman on ice as prospective trade options should Spargo and Ronke demand selection in Round 8.

This week, however, it’s worth noting Thomas Cole ($170,400 DEF) is averaging a healthy 82.5 points and appears to boast sound job security over in the West.

We’ve been treated to phenomenal rookie stocks, so if you’re considering Cole, it’s essential that you conduct the trade at the expense of Nick Holman ($263,500 MID) whose services — unfortunately — can no longer be relied upon with dividend yields of 32 and 33 clocked up over the first six weeks of trading.

Josh Kennedy was huge against the Cats.THE OLD FAVOURITES

There’s nostalgia aplenty among the SuperCoach community with a host of forgotten stars stamping their claim for an immediate recall (or selection) in our sides.

SPONSORED

CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL

Dayne Beams ($472,500 and in 2 per cent of teams), Josh P. Kennedy ($441,600 and 3 per cent) and little Lachie Neale ($523,400 and 4 per cent) wound back the clock to yesteryear with arguably all notching up best-on-ground honours in Round 6.

They delivered some of the most handsome dividends in season’s gone past, but do you — as an astute investor — have the faith that you’re signing up to the “premium” of old?

If you’re motivated by the rankings pursuit, it’s essential that you pay heed to the importance of a point-of-difference (with ownership less than 5 per cent) as these stocks — if picked well — may supercharge your portfolio and help you to “beat” the market.

The SuperCoach Investor’s preference — given his derby heroics — is Lachie Neale who has averaged upwards of 112.5 (2016) and 109 (2017) over the past two seasons and shown a much-loved penchant for scores in excess of 140.

Patrick Dangerfield isn’t producing the sort of SuperCoach numbers we’re used to. Picture: Peter RistevskiDANGER WHO?

This was the week, or so many of us thought, that we’d be acquiring the most explosive player in our game.

His performance against the Swans, although serviceable (94 points), was not conducive to the Patrick Dangerfield of old that takes games — often on a knife’s edge — by the scruff of the neck.

The astute investors among us will resist the lure of Dangerfield and instead focus on the fundamentals of SuperCoach investment — price, performance and investment yields.

There’s no player in our game, not even Dangerfield, who commands a spot in our sides when priced at $640,000, averaging 112 SC points and boasting a break-even in excess of 150.

Sorry, Paddy.

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes.*SIGN UP NOW >

Follow Dan Begala on Twitter*@danbegala

MORE SUPERCOACH NEWS

 

[Professor]

Richmond’s blessed run with injuries continue as premiership rivals count cost of bad luck

SAM EDMUND, Herald Sun

May 1, 2018 10:00pm

Subscriber only

RICHMOND’S blessed run with injury has been revealed as Greater Western Sydney count the cost of more bad luck.

No club has*lost more players to injurysince the start of 2017 than the Giants, while the Tigers’ premiership defence has started with a near-empty medical room.

Richmond’s imperious grip on the competition is franked by a playing list that has missed a combined 15 games in 2018 — 11 fewer than the next best, the Brisbane Lions.

BAROMETER:*EVERY CLUB’S ROUND 6 INJURY LIST

AFL DAILY:*PIE REID GETS GOOD INJURY NEWS

DEMON:*AMPUTATION WAS AN OPTION: PETRACCA

The Tigers’ Grand Final rival Adelaide, on the other hand, has lost a league-high 56 games this season as the Crows battle a hamstring crisis.

GWS, who have made back-to-back preliminary finals despite having a squad far from healthy, are again battling with one hand tied behind their back.

Absent Brownlow Medal fancy Josh Kelly (groin) and star forward Toby Greene (foot) have both had a recurrence of injuries they rested and nursed throughout the pre-season, while Rory Lobb (knee) hasn’t been seen since Round 3 and Tom Scully faces 8-10 weeks out with a broken ankle.

Toby Greene celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Zac Williams has already been ruled out indefinitely with an achilles injury.

GWS football manager Wayne Campbell on Tuesday said Kelly would play “in the next couple of weeks”, while Greene will this week see a specialist in an attempt to determine the nature of his soreness.

“That will give us the best indication because we don’t absolutely know what the problem is,” Campbell said on Greene.

“There’s a hot spot there, but we don’t know if that’s causing the pain. It got a bit sore over time, he’d had it pre-season and we rested him, but it came back after he started playing again.”

The Giants, still 4-2 and third on the ladder, face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in a blockbuster clash on Friday night having already lost 50 games through injury this season, behind only Adelaide (56), Carlton (54) and Fremantle (52).

But Campbell said the Giants didn’t just explain the injuries away as misfortune and were determined to find answers.

INJURY LADDER

ClubGames Lost to InjuryClubGames Lost to InjuryAdelaide56Sydney40Carlton54Essendon40Fremantle52Gold Coast34GWS Giants50St Kilda34Geelong48Port Adelaide31Collingwood47Hawthorn29W.Bulldogs44Melbourne29Nth Melbourne44Brisbane Lions26West Coast41Richmond15

“You’re working on your program on a daily basis to make sure there’s no luck involved. Whether that’s the running side of it in pre-season, the way they train in terms of tackling technique or the recovery work they do. Then you require a bit of luck,” he said.

“I think you can control most things. But sides have shown, and the Western Bulldogs did it in 2016 — they were almost the opposite of Richmond.

Taylor Walker and Brodie Smith are both missing for Adelaide.

“The Dogs had lots of injuries and they just got them right at the end of the year ... but it’s been shown you can do it.”

The injury ladder is detailed by Champion Data. The game’s leading analysts also measure the effect of injuries on what they consider to be a club’s best 22.

The Tigers missed 136 games through injury in their premiership year — the 10th most — but only 74 of those hit their best players — the 15th most.

This year, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs have lost the most games (39) from their first-choice sides.

The best 22 measurement names Gold Coast as the hardest hit team of the past two years.

The Suns, who have had 187 of their 198 games missed through injury hit their best side, have now lost co-captains Tom Lynch (knee) and Steven May (finger) for Saturday’s meeting with the Western Bulldogs.

 

[Maccas marvels]

Thanks Professor, appreciate the updates.

 

[Professor]

Thanks Professor, appreciate the updates.

nw anytime.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach cash cow bible: We review every rookie in Round 6
Tim Michell, Herald Sun
May 2, 2018 2:20pm
Subscriber only

TRADES are at a premium at this stage of the season and you don’t want to be burning too many before the bye rounds arrive.
But with popular picks Nick Holman and Riley Bonner losing money at the weekend and rookies such as Bailey Banfield and Cam Rayner approaching higher break-evens, some tough calls need to be made on whether you cull or hold your initial rookie picks.
Fremantle’s Taylin Duman and West Coast’s Tom Cole loom as the pick of the downgrade options this week, while some coaches might take a punt on Sydney forward Ben Ronke after his impressive display against Geelong on debut.
SuperCoach expert Tim Michell reviews every cash cow ahead of Round 7

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON

Andrew Phillips ($224,300, Ruck) — 69 points Breakeven: 2
Another score in the 60s for Phillips, which should be about his range when he replaces Matthew Kreuzer in the Carlton side. The ruckman’s selection depends on whether Kreuzer is fit or not, which is why he figures in less than 1000 teams. Spend your money elsewhere.

Harry McKay ($207,800, Fwd) — 63 points Breakeven: -3
From a premium rookie price, McKay is only likely to make small cash gains before his break-even and average score meet. You would be better served waiting for a cheaper rookie to emerge up forward if you missed the boat on Jack Higgins and Matt Guelfi. He had 10 disposals, five marks and kicked one goal against the Dogs.

Paddy Dow ($241,900, Mid) — 59 points Breakeven: 14
Dow has been a slow burn for owners, but he’s probably worth trying to hold on to until Carlton’s bye unless an obvious midfield rookie replacement presents itself. Unless he starts to score below his break-even, let his price mature as much as possible before pulling the trigger and cashing in.

Cam O’Shea ($173,000, Def) — 48 points Breakeven: 41
O’Shea failed to meet his break-even of 49 and dropped in price after a minimal rise last week. He was in more than 10,000 teams before Friday’s match, but those owners need to be looking at a way to move him on, be it upgrading to a fallen premium or downgrading. You might even need to bite the bullet and pay extra for a player on the rise like David Mirra.

Lochie O’Brien ($184,600, Def-Mid) — 39 points Breakeven: 9
Last week was possibly the last time we will see O’Brien’s break-even in negative territory and your midfield or defensive cash is better spent elsewhere. He’s averaging less than 50 points a game and hasn’t gone above 61 points in his short career.
Paddy Dow has been a slow burn in SuperCoach.

Tim English ($285,400, Ruck-Fwd) — 44 points Breakeven: 47
A disappointing return for the owners who have been relying on English in their second ruck position. It shaped as a game he could take control in the centre square without Matthew Kreuzer playing but he only had one kick in his 10 disposals. His opponent Andrew Phillips won the hit-outs 48 to 15.

Ed Richards ($240,900, Def) — 58 points Breakeven: 41
Richards hasn’t been a huge scorer, but he’s consistently averaging about 60. At this rate, he can sit on our defensive bench until at least the Bulldogs’ bye and accumulate cash.

Pat Lipinski ($204,000, Mid-Fwd) — 69 points Breakeven: 1
Three goals from 15 disposals for Lipinski against the Blues and his score reflected this. If he keeps performing as he did on Friday, he’ll maintain his spot in the Bulldogs’ side. Whether he can score prolifically enough to be Supercoach relevant is another thing.

Billy Gowers ($220,800, Fwd) — 78 points Breakeven: 5
Gowers saved his best score of the season to date for his former side, kicking two goals and taking seven marks up forward. He’s worth holding for a while yet if you have him, as this score will help his value rise in coming weeks.

Aaron Naughton ($282,300, Def) — 78 points Breakeven: 27
We’ve all made mistakes and judged rookies too quickly before. Those who traded out Aaron Naughton after his first couple of games would be cursing themselves. After scores of 25 and 48, he’s produced four consecutive totals of 60+ and twice tallied 78 points. Build your bank in the lead up to the byes and you should be able to turn Naughton into a player such as Kade Simpson or Elliot Yeo after they share the Round 12 bye.

GEELONG v SYDNEY

Ben Ronke ($123,900, Fwd) — 92 points
Disregarding Tim Kelly, this is as exciting as any debut we have seen this year purely from a Supercoach perspective. Former Calder Cannon Ronke was superb playing a forward pressure role against the Cats, with 15 disposals, seven tackles and two goals. John Longmire has no shortage of small forward options, so wait until Ronke is on the bubble next week unless you are desperate.

Tim Kelly ($367,600, Mid) — 106 points Breakeven: 39
He’s no longer rookie-priced, but it’s important we include Kelly on this report as we weigh up how long he stays in our sides. If he continues to average about 100, don’t consider parting with him until at least Geelong’s tricky Round 14 bye. Kelly was arguably the Cats’ best midfielder against the Swans with 19 possessions and five tackles.

Jordan Cunico ($246,100, Mid) — 71 points Breakeven: 15
This was the last chance to grab Cunico before his price rise and paying more than $200,000 for a four-game player seems risky. Cunico has been in promising form since coming in to the Cats’ side, but his price always meant he was an unlikely Supercoach pick.

Esava Ratugolea ($246,700, Fwd) — 70 points Breakeven: 6
Ratugolea is winning plenty of fans at the Cattery and he competed strongly up forward in the defeat to the Swans. The next step in his output which would truly make him Supercoach relevant is to regularly hit the scoreboard and turn his scores in the 60-70 range into 90-plus totals.

Jack Henry ($217,800, Fwd) — 54 points Breakeven: 27
Plenty of coaches were left relying on Henry this week due to the carnage up forward and while he started strongly, he barely scored a point in the second half. He’ll have a bit more money left to make yet and you will likely need to hold on to him to compensate for other forward line issues.

Lachlan Fogarty ($294,800, Mid) — 50 points Breakeven: 36
This was only the second time Fogarty has gone below 70 points in his first AFL season and he will continue to be a reliable cash cow for some time yet. Only move him on once an obvious replacement becomes available or you have the money banked to upgrade him to a proven scorer.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Riley Bonner ($314,500, Def) — 53 points Breakeven: 70
Jasper Pittard is close to returning, Bonner has fallen in price for the first time and the pre-season hype which surrounded the dashing Power back-flanker has lifted. If you are still holding on to him, now is the time to cash in after four consecutive scores below 70, his current break-even.

Aidyn Johnson ($199,700, Fwd) — 72 points
A handy return from Johnson, but you would need him to produce this sort of score regularly if you were to choose him. He’s on the fringes of the Port Adelaide side and far too risky at his price.

Dom Barry ($171,900, Mid) — 35 points Breakeven: 28
Coaches who chose Barry rejoiced when he returned to the Power side, only for him to return a score of 35 against the Roos. He hasn’t made much money, so you could consider holding in the hope of a big score or using him for a captain loophole if he doesn’t hold his spot.

Cameron Zurhaar ($190,200, Fwd) — 44 points Breakeven: -18
See notes on Aidyn Johnson above.

Luke Davies-Uniacke ($191,700, Mid) — 32 points Breakeven: 45
Davies-Uniacke’s monster TAC Cup numbers haven’t translated to AFL level and he has left coaches who chose him frustrated by a lack of cash generation. If you missed the chance to bring Jack Higgins or Matt Guelfi in cheap, you could even consider a straight trade either player who is going to boost your team’s value faster.

GWS GIANTS v BRISBANE

Zac Langdon ($163,300, Fwd) — 60 points Breakeven: -28
Langdon was one of the highest-scoring players on the ground heading toward halftime before he was taken out of the game in the second half due to an injury. It was a disappointing result for both Langdon and his owners, as a score closer to 100, which he was tracking toward, would have caused his price to skyrocket.

Nicholas Shipley ($117,300, Fwd) — 41 points
The GWS side is a hard one to crack and while Shipley earned a debut, his job security must be a question mark. Look elsewhere.

Oscar McInerney ($123,900, Ruck) — 54 points
McInerney spent a lot of the game playing up forward, picked in the Lions side to provide support for No.1 ruckman Stefan Martin. The forward and second ruck role won’t generate many points unless he is regularly kicking at least a few goals each game.

Cameron Rayner ($290,900, Mid-Fwd) — 52 points Breakeven: 61
A quieter week for Rayner, whose form and scoring had been improving in the past few rounds. With forward options difficult to come by and his versatility as a Mid-Fwd, consider taking him through until Brisbane’s bye before moving him on. He’s already made a tidy profit on his starting price.

HAWTHORN v ST KILDA
David Mirra ($165,700, Def) — 71 points Breakeven: -27
Kudos if you picked up the mature-age Hawk this week, although deciding which defensive rookie to part with would not have been an easy call. Mirra’s experience has been an important addition to the Hawthorn backline and he’s going to make some nice cash for your side and provide defensive cover.

James Worpel ($117,300, Mid) — 64 points
Worpel was in many sides about halfway through pre-season after the former Geelong Falcon enjoyed an impressive first off-season as a Hawk. A score of 64 was a promising start and while it wouldn’t be wise to bring him in this week, he has to be considered after game two if you are still holding on to Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke or Paddy Dow.

Ben Long ($269,900, Fwd) — 45 points Breakeven: 18
Long’s scoring has fluctuated each week this year and the past two rounds were his greatest differential yet. He backed up his score of 97 and Rising Star nomination with only 45 against the Hawks. Don’t bring him in at this stage of the season.

Nick Coffield ($235,000, Def-Mid) — 24 points Breakeven: 54
Bringing in high-priced rookies has proven a fraught strategy this year and although he had three scores over 60 before his price rose, Saturday’s 24 will mean Coffield won’t generate money fast unless he can produce a monster score in the next few weeks. If you brought him in before his price climbed, you can’t afford to trade him out now.

ADELAIDE v GOLD COAST
Tom Doedee ($337,300, Def) — 83 points Breakeven: 17
Much like Tim Kelly, Doedee’s price has easily exceeded the usual range to be included in any rookie reports. He’s been a brilliant addition to the Adelaide defence and a consistent scorer with five totals of more than 80. He should be a player you try to hold until Adelaide’s bye in Round 14, but plan your strategy clearly as the byes approach in case you need to make changes sooner to your defence.

Myles Poholke ($123,900, Mid-Fwd) — 18 points Breakeven: 2
Poholke could only manage eight touches and three marks in a big win.

Nick Holman ($263,500, Mid) — 33 points Breakeven: 35
The lowest scoring Sun at the weekend and this was the second time in three weeks he’s dropped below 40. The first time was forgivable considering he’s produced a steady price rise for coaches, but the week has come to move Holman on. My eyes are on an upgrade to a fallen premium such as Zach Merrett after his return to form.

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE

Bayley Fritsch ($238,000, Fwd) — 90 points Breakeven: -7
Patience is certainly a virtue in SuperCoach. If you parted with Fritsch when he was left out on Anzac Day eve you missed his best score of the season. He experienced a nice price jump as a result and has plenty of cash left to make.

Charlie Spargo ($117,300, Fwd-Mid) — 81 points
Spargo looked like he had been playing at the top level for a while on debut, producing an impressive display which included two goals. Hold out another week before bringing him in unless you are desperate for cover.

Sam Weideman ($175,300, Fwd) — 31 points Breakeven: 9
Weideman is on the bubble this week, but don’t burn a trade bringing him in. He won’t score consistently enough to justify his initial price tag.

Kobe Mutch ($123,900, Mid) — 66 points
It will be interesting to see which way John Worsfold goes at selection this week as he tries to ignite the underperforming Bombers. Does he keep playing the kids or trust his senior players to turn it around? Mutch has been a regular performer in the VFL and had 20 possessions and six marks on debut.

Matt Guelfi ($177,500, Fwd) — 63 points Breakeven: -27
No longer at his lowest price, Guelfi should only be traded in if you need to move on a struggling low-priced rookie and can still make a small profit. He gained $60,000 and hasn’t scored below 60 yet.

COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND

Sam Murray ($327,400, Def) — 62 points Breakeven: 54
His break-even is above 50, but Murray hasn’t done much wrong yet. You could do worse than hold him until the byes and focus on more pressing issues in your side. He’s averaging 76 so can make more money yet.

Flynn Appleby ($121,900, Def) — 58 points
A solid debut for Appleby, but he’s unlikely to be a regular fixture in the Magpies side.

Jaidyn Stephenson ($322,600, Fwd-Mid) — 47 points Breakeven: 56
After a huge few weeks, Stephenson experienced a drop off on Sunday not uncommon for first-year players. He’s probably got a few more weeks of cash generation with a break-even of 56.

Jack Higgins ($196,900, Fwd-Mid) — 71 points Breakeven: -45
A $66,000 price rise for Higgins who still has a break-even well into the negatives. He was on track for a triple-figure score on Sunday before he was kept quiet in the second half.

Jack Graham ($256,100, Mid) — 51 points Breakeven: 47
He opened 2018 with a ton but we haven’t seen much to get excited about since. If you think he can turn his form around, this might be about as cheap as you can get Graham for.

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST

Andrew Brayshaw ($237,100, Mid) — 61 points Breakeven: 18
It took a while but the No.2 draft pick is starting to enjoy a price rise. He jumped about $15,000 at the weekend and is expected to experience a similar rise next round. It would be a bonus if he could get to $300,000.

Taylin Duman ($123,900, Def) — 53 points Breakeven: -65
One of this week’s bubble boys and has made a decent start to his AFL career. Backing up his debut score of 85 was always going to be tough, but you’d take an average of 69 per game from a player who offers Def-Mid swing. Strongly consider.

Bailey Banfield ($269,900, Mid) — 52 points Breakeven: 41
Banfield has made almost $150,000 but he is close to maxing out his value. The tagger now has a break-even of 41 and you will need to weigh up how long you want to keep carrying him. Start considering downgrade options for the next two weeks.

Mitch Crowden ($221,700, Mid-Fwd) — 48 points Breakeven: 28
Crowden went close to his average of 53 and he should be in your side as bench cover. Michael Walters’ injury might give him a more prominent role in the Dockers’ attacking half.

Adam Cerra ($241,100, Mid) — 44 points Breakeven: 12
In only 2201 teams, Cerra has averaged 55 in five games. He’s too expensive to be trading in now.

Jake Waterman ($267,000, Fwd) — 85 points Breakeven: 29
Who picked Waterman as a forward line saviour? As the key dominoes fell around him for many coaches, the Eagle stood tall with 85 points and he’s proven to be one of the forward rookies of the year. With a low break-even he’s capable of rising above $300,000.

Tom Cole ($170,400, Def) — 67 points Breakeven: -64
This has to be the week you jump on if you want Cole. He’s projected to rise by more than $50,000 and if you think $170,400 is expensive, you won’t want to part with $220,000 to add him to your side. He’s scored 98 and 67 in his two games this season.

Willie Rioli ($210,200, Fwd) — 46 points Breakeven: 1
Rioli shouldn’t be a trade in target, but keep him as forward cover if you already brought him in.

Jack Petruccelle ($117,300, Fwd-Mid) — 12 points
Petruccelle showed a few nice bursts of speed on debut but with questionable job security and a low score in game one your attention should be elsewhere.

 

[Professor]

Jon Ralph, Herald Sun

21 minutes ago

Subscriber only

RICHMOND’S unique list model, mixing superstars with cheap role players, has allowed them cap room to pitch for Suns free agent Tom Lynch.

Many*observers have wondered how the reigning premiers would afford the Gold Coast key forward*given their existing salary cap demands.

But if the 25-year-old does return to Melbourne as many expect he will in effect take a pay cut.

PODCAST:*PLANETS ALIGNING FOR TIGERS, LYNCH

INJURY:*LYNCH HAD TO BE FORCED TO TAKE BREAK

MISSING:*TIGERS FLAG FIT AS INJURIES BITE RIVALS

Already on around $1 million a season, he would accept less at a Victorian club than Gold Coast is able to offer him next year given the Suns’ huge salary cap room.

The Tigers are ideally placed despite paying Dustin Martin $1.2 million a year and more than $700,000 to Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin and Dion Prestia.

Richmond has its best five players taking up an estimated $4.5 million of the salary cap, but also has had many players on extremely modest contracts.

Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch.

The club’s cheap-as-chips premiership heroes include Jack Graham, Nathan Broad, Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna, Dan Butler, Kamdyn McIntosh and Jacob Townsend.

Many have recently signed new deals but key Tigers figures Brendon Gale and Damien Hardwick have publicly stated they have room for a big fish.

Recent premiers Hawthorn and Geelong did not have the outrider like Martin but had a solid core of eight to 10 players on extremely healthy contracts.

It has been made clear to rival clubs that Richmond, Hawthorn and Collingwood are the three contenders, with other inquiring teams firmly told they are not in the race.

Tigers star Alex Rance said recently if Lynch wanted to talk with the Tigers leadership group he would be happy to meet him.

But it is understood Lynch will not meet rival clubs mid-season.

Tom Lynch hasn’t played a final with Gold Coast.

He had previously said he would not consider his position until mid-year, with Lynch now out until after the Round 10 bye with a knee injury.

Like returning free agent Patrick Dangerfield before him, that deadline is likely to drift back until later in the year and eventually the post-season.

Gold Coast and his management have left the decision and timeline up to him but even former coach Rodney Eade says his gut feel is Lynch will leave.

Lynch is desperate to win a premiership, with Richmond and Hawthorn seen as clubs where he could slot in as a star without being the saviour.

But Collingwood’s recent strong performances and core of young tight-knit players — many from the Paul Connors stable — will help their chances.

The salary cap jumped from $10.37m to $12.4m last year and hits $13.54m by 2022, plus marketing payments.

This year it is $12.59 million plus $1.093 in additional service agreements for marketing, climbing to $13.02 million next year and $13.28 million in 2021.

Richmond has also had unexpected departures — Ben Griffiths retired to be a college punter this year, Brett Deledio moved to GWS and Chris Yarran retired to move to Perth.

Bachar Houli is out of contract at the end of the season.

Shaun Hampson, Bachar Houli, Reece Conca, Shai Bolton, Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis and Nathan Broad remain out of contract at the Tigers.

Lynch is already paid around $1 million a year at the Suns, so are expected to offer a more generous contract than Melbourne teams.

Like Dangerfield before him, Lynch would be extremely well paid but not demand the type of contract that would prevent the club from keeping a premiership list together.

Tigers vice-captain Alex Rance told AFL Tonight recently he did not want to inflame the situation or put more pressure on Lynch.

But he made it clear if he wanted to talk to the Tigers players he would be more than willing to make a pitch.

“Obviously if he wanted to come he would come and have a chat with us. You want a pulse check of the culture,’’ he said.

“Coaches and recruiters are probably going to paint a pretty good picture of what the club is. If I was to go to another club I would really want to feel the nitty gritty of what’s wrong with the club because everyone is going to say what’s right with the club. But I would think at some stage if Tom wanted to come he might want to sit down with the leadership group.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. I want him to enjoy his footy. I don’t want to say something sensational like he is coming or he is not.”

 

[Maccas marvels]

Hi all, thanks to all the contributions with the articles from the paper, any more from today or late last week would be great to see and greatly appreciated

 

[Presto]

The SuperCoach stars you need this week and the duds to boot
Paul Dunn, Herald Sun
May 6, 2018 9:00pm
Subscriber only

SOME big scores this week as we also saw the biggest score of the season so far.
But for every great score there are usually quite a few poor ones.
There are certainly a few we must bring in but also some that must be traded out.

BOOT HIM

SAM MENEGOLA ($528,000, Mid-Fwd)
A second poor game in a row for Sam. He just doesn’t seem to be showing the consistent scoring that we are looking for from him to have him stay as one of our premium forwards.

TIM ENGLISH ($287,400, Ruck-Fwd)
If you are playing English on your field it is time to stop and bring in a recognised ruck and put Tim on the bench. 44 and 53 in the last two are certainly not good enough for him to be taking up an on field position for you but he is good bench cover.

ZACH MERRETT ($503,700, Mid)
We have had him in both sections of this article over the last few weeks but this week he is back in the Boot Him column. He was tagged again this week and held to 72 ending his three week run of good scores. This is particularly disappointing for those coaches that brought him in this week with his low BE (which he just missed out on by three points).
Zach Merrett didn’t bring any smiles to his SuperCoach owners this week.

LUKE SHUEY ($465,700, Mid)
Unfortunately went down with a hamstring injury very early on in the game and early reports were that it looks to be a bad one. This could see him miss multiple weeks and hence you should look at trading him out if it ends up being more than 2 weeks on the sidelines.

TODD GOLDSTEIN ($432,700, Ruck)
Goldy hasn’t cracked a score over 90 now since Round 2 and you can’t rely on him anymore. He needs to be upgraded to one of the premium rucks of the competition.

TAYLOR ADAMS ($484,700, Mid)
If you have held him through his injury period you would have been very disappointed with his 14-possession game. He will drop further and he is still without a 100-plus score from his four games.

BUY HIM

JOEL SELWOOD ($554,700, Mid)
After a couple of poor scores in rounds three and four he seems to be back to his best. With Patrick Dangerfield not and Gary Ablett still out of the side, Joel has played his way back into form, hopefully he can maintain it when the other boys get going.

JACK MACRAE ($628,400, Mid)
Produced the highest SuperCoach score we have seen so far this year by any player and it brings his average to 132. With just two scores under 120 you have to seriously consider a way to get him into your side.

TOBY McLEAN ($524,600, Fwd)
After getting a big hit in the first quarter he went on to post his best score of the season and given that he is eligible as a forward he provides a heap of value to your team. With just two scores under 110 he is a must have.

JAMES SICILY ($498,000, Def-Fwd)
Just like Zach Merrett, James has appeared in both sides of this article over the last few weeks. He had a great 145 which makes him very hard to overlook. Hopefully he has gotten all his suspensions out of the way early in the year and can settle into some good scoring.
James Sicily at Hawthorn training. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

JACK REDDEN ($410,800, Mid)
Redden has now put together two great scores in a row and is delivering on the promise he showed us in one of the JLT Series games. Hopefully this is the start of things to come for him and with Luke Shuey out he will be relied upon even more.

JOSH P KENNEDY ($473,500, Mid)
After two really low scores JPK appears to have turned things around and with his 151 this week he showed us that he still has it. Ben Jacobs went to him but it didn’t stop him as he posted his best return for the season.

MATT CROUCH ($529,100, Mid)
Crouch has returned from his hamstring and posted two solid scores now with this week being his best. If not for the game he got injured, all of his scores would be 100-plus and his BE has come down making him ripe for the picking either this week or next.

LACHIE NEALE ($500,900, Mid)
100, 151 and now 123 in his last three weeks Neale seems to have regained the form we saw from him last year. Not only did he have 35 touches this week but he also had 11 clearances which is a great sign. He will cost a little more but his value will keep rising with scores like this so jump on now if you want him.

CLAYTON OLIVER ($559,900, Mid)
A poor week in Round 6 saw his BE go up but with his price come down. Take advantage of this because he is more likely to put up scores like this week than the poor ones. He won’t be cheap for long.

CAPTAIN SCORECARD
A+: Jack Macrae, Toby McLean, Josh P Kennedy, Dayne Zorko
A: Joel Selwood, Matt Crouch, Rory Laird, Max Gawn, Tom Mitchell
B+: Dyson Heppell, Stefan Martin
B: Patrick Dangerfield
C+: Robbie Gray, Luke Parker
C: Stephen Coniglio
D: Scott Pendlebury

ROOKIE WATCH
Should have started on the field: Jack Henry 114, Tim Kelly 115, Esava Ratugolea 73, Aaron Naughton 75, Billy Gowers 76, Tom Cole 88, Brayden Crossley 65, Willie Rioli 109, Tom Doedee 68, Paddy Dow 74, Jack Higgins 78, Adam Cera 75, Bailey Fritsch 65, Charlie Spargo 78

Should have stayed on the bench: Jordan Cunico 62, Jeremy Finlayson 62, Riley Bonner 63, Andrew Brayshaw 62, Zac Langdon 42, Tim English 53, Charlie Ballard 33, Kobe Mutch 52, James Worpel 33, Jack Petruccelle 33, Dom Barry 52, Darcy Fogarty 55, Taylin Duman 39, Bailey Banfield 50, Mitch Crowden 41, Hunter Clark 48, Nick Coffield 59, Matt Eagles 48, Oscar McInerney 65

HiPAGES NAILED IT

We had Ben Higgins and Daniel Begala on our podcast this week with their predictions.

DAN BEGALA: We registered our biggest FAILED IT of the season with Dan predicting a big score from Marcus Bontempelli. Unfortunately for Dan, the Bont was a late out before the game giving him a 0.

BEN HIGGINS: Higgo went for Dustin Martin to score 100 or less. He ended up with an 87 and that is a NAILED IT It for Ben this week.

 

[Matt]

ADELAIDE
INJURIES

Wayne Milera (hamstring) TBC

Brad Crouch (groin) 3 weeks

Sam Gibson (hamstring) 1 week

Curtly Hampton (adductor) TBC

Kyle Hartigan (hamstring) 1 week

Alex Keath (ankle) 1 week

Andrew McPherson (groin) 3 weeks

Rory Sloane (foot) test

Brodie Smith (knee) indefinite

Taylor Walker (hamstring) test

ON THE CUSP: Stand by for a major injection of class and experience but more importantly leadership at the Crows for the Showdown with captain Taylor Walker and vice-captain Rory Sloane both set to return. Sloane has been pushing to play for a fortnight after overcoming a niggling foot injury but Adelaide has been ultra cautious and only wants him back when he’s 100 per cent. Walker meanwhile will test the hamstring he appeared to hurt against Gold Coast two weeks ago and should be right. Riley Knight is the other expected inclusion after he was “managed” and sat out the win over Carlton.

ON THE BLOCK: If those three come in then there are going to be three unlucky casualties from the 55-point win over Carlton on Saturday night. The most likely scenario is Wayne Milera may either not come up or will be “managed” and Darcy Fogarty and Jordan Gallucci make way. If the Crows decide they want Gallucci’s speed and goal sense in the forward line, then the omission may come from the midfield where Cam Ellis-Yolmen is doing nothing wrong and would be very unlucky.

REECE HOMFRAY’S FORECAST: The Crows have won the past five Showdowns against the Power and are the form team of the two going in to Saturday’s clash. Expect Walker, Sloane and Knight to all come in but could understandably be a little underdone meaning Adelaide could be a little vulnerable against a Port Adelaide team playing in front of its home crowd.


BRISBANE LIONS
INJURIES

Jack Payne (shin) 1 week

Sam Skinner (knee) indefinite

Toby Wooller (finger) 7 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Most Lions players produced their best individual game of the year against Collingwood so don’t expect widespread unforced changes. Jarrod Berry (ankle) and Cam Raynor (shoulder) are touch and go after suffering injuries in the seven point loss. The Bulldogs aren’t tall so Oscar McInerney may come out of the side and even Matt Eagles, who made an impressive debut, may be a victim of no suitable match-up against the Dogs.

ON THE CUSP: Nick Robertson is available after serving a one match ban. The Lions NEAFL side had the bye so no one had the opportunity to force their way into a side. Should there be the need for changes Sam Mayes or Jake Barrett would be the primary contenders.

Andrew Hamilton’s forecast

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: Brisbane played its best game of the year against Collingwood but despite all the back patting about a brave effort, that was a game they could have won. The Bulldogs, likely to be without Marcus Bontempelli, present the same opportunity. If the Lions get a little luck this week on the injury front with Berry and Raynor they are a red-hot chance to get a breakthrough win at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.



CARLTON
INJURIES

Levi Casboult (ribs) TBC

Lachie Plowman (quad) TBC

Ciaran Byrne (quad) 5 weeks

David Cuningham (hamstring) 1 week

Charlie Curnow (ankle) test

Sam Docherty (knee) season

Matthew Lobbe (hamstring) test

Caleb Marchbank (ankle) test

Cillian McDaid (foot) 2 weeks

Marc Murphy (foot) 1 week

Jarrod Pickett (wrist) 6 weeks

Alex Silvagni (Achilles) 2 weeks

Tom Williamson (back) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Levi Casboult spent a night in hospital after a knock to the ribs/lower back late in the loss to Adelaide. Lachie Plowman is also in doubt after copping a quad injury.

ON THE CUSP: It was all about Jacob Weitering in the VFL with the former No.1 pick collecting 28 disposals and 17 marks in a best-on-ground display. Jack Silvagni also impressed with 20 possessions and nine tackles. Pat Kerr could replace Casboult after kicking three goals. Expect Charlie Curnow and Caleb Marchbank to return

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: The Blues showed a bit against Adelaide and will more than fancy themselves against the under-siege Bombers. However, the injuries continue to mount with Casboult and Plowman likely out but Curnow and Marchbank should return. If Marc Murphy can overcome his foot injury, the Blues could even be favourites.

COLLINGWOOD
INJURIES

Scott Pendlebury (ankle) TBC

James Aish (knee) 9 weeks

Tim Broomhead (broken leg) season

Jamie Elliott (hamstring) 2 weeks

Tyson Goldsack (knee) season

Kayle Kirby (heart) indefinite

Brayden Maynard (ankle) 1 week

Ben Reid (Achilles) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: The Pies had a lot of tired and sore bodies against the Lions after three games in 11 days so there could be more players managed this week. Jarryd Blair and Chris Mayne both played a role but seem the most vulnerable as players near returns from injury. He kicked the winning goal but youngster Jaidyn Stephenson could be due for a rest.

ON THE CUSP: Callum Brown was managed and should be ready to return against Geelong, while Daniel Wells must be very close to ticking the fitness boxing Nathan Buckley is waiting on after getting through another VFL game. Tom Langdon missed a second match with soreness but is likely to come into consideration to tackle the dangerous Cats forward line. Alex Fasolo booted two goals in the Pies’ win over Werribee but is being kept out of the AFL side Stephenson and Ben Crocker. Brayden Maynard (ankle) and Ben Reid (achilles) were both said to be battling 1-2 week injuries so could be a chance to return against the Cats. Levi Greenwood played his first game back from injury on Saturday but will need a couple of weeks in the VFL to build match fitness.

KATE SALEMME’S FORECAST: Collingwood players were clearly fatigued in the second half against Brisbane so to secure that win in trying circumstances was massive and says a lot about the maturity of Buckley’s team this year. Now through the difficult block of playing three games in 11 days, the Magpies should be able to reload for its next month and with a 4-3 win-loss record can build momentum towards a potential finals berth. The Magpies have won three of its last four against the Cats and will see an opportunity to knock off another finals contender before the fixture really opens up with matches against the Saints, Dogs and Dockers (home) to come. Collingwood has put itself in a really good position.



ESSENDON
INJURIES

Josh Begley (knee) season

Mitch Brown (calf) test

Travis Colyer (foot) 1 week

Martin Gleeson (ankle) 6 weeks

Josh Green (hamstring) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: John Worsfold wouldn’t rule out making several changes for Saturday’s must-win clash with Carlton, but stressed it would only happen if there were players worthy of inclusion. One of those under pressure to find some form or risk being dropped back to the VFL is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who is sadly out of sorts. He had only seven disposals against the Hawks and slipped a few telling tackles that he would have previously nailed. There are others, too, including out of sorts forward Joe Danihe, who would be feeling nervous when the selection committee meets.

ON THE CUSP: Orazio Fantasia pressed his case for his return to take on the Blues after he played second half of the club’s VFL win over North Melbourne on Saturday. A knee injury on the eve of the season, and a groin issue that kept him out of Anzac Day, has cost him game time. His presence is sorely missed in the Bombers’ team, and Worsfold can’t wait to have him back.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: This is a massive game for the Bombers, and for Worsfold, who must repair a sinking season before it is too late. Part of that is turning around its third-quarter wasteland that has buried them in many games this season. They must show more spirit and system, and relinquish the handball-happy streak that hurt them so badly against the Hawks last weekend. And out of form forwards Joe Daniher and Jake Stringer must start getting more of the ball, and that can come from better delivery into them as well.

FREMANTLE
INJURIES

Harley Bennell (calf) test

Sean Darcy (knee) 4 weeks

Hugh Dixon (ankle) 4 weeks

Bradley Hill (knee) indefinite

Griffin Logue (foot) 2 weeks

Lee Spurr (knee) 2 weeks

Sam Switkowski (hamstring) indefinite

Matt Taberner (foot) indefinite

Michael Walters (knee) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle got through their 77-point thrashing at the hands of Richmond unscathed – physically at least. Several young Dockers were taught a lesson against the reigning premiers, with Ethan Hughes, Taylin Duman and Mitchell Crowden among those to struggle against the Tigers’ relentless pressure. Ageing ruck giant Aaron Sandilands needs a rest sometime soon, but there’s not exactly anyone banging down the door to replace him.

ON THE CUSP: Several Dockers-listed players impressed as Peel Thunder recorded their first win since round one against Claremont on Saturday. Forgotten veteran Danyle Pearce had a game-high 33 disposals, while fellow midfielder Tom Sheridan (28 disposals, six tackles) also found plenty of the ball. Speedster Stefan Giro (25 disposals, four inside-50s) looked good as he builds match fitness following a knee injury, while raw big man Luke Strnadica (16 disposals, 21 hit-outs, three goals) had his best game at WAFL level. Swingman Ryan Nyhuis was the travelling emergency against Richmond and will be in the mix again this week, and defender Michael Johnson should return after being “managed”. Luckless midfielder Harley Bennell got through his latest injury return, playing about 50 per cent game time for the Thunder. Bennell, who will play the next three matches in the WAFL, finished with nine disposals, three marks, three inside-50s and two tackles.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: Captain Nat Fyfe’s stunning form and the emergence of youngsters Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Bailey Banfield are all positives, but the Dockers don’t look like a top-eight side. They sorely missed the pace and class of Michael Walters and Bradley Hill against the Tigers. After a tough fortnight against the competition’s best two sides, Fremantle get some respite with a winnable clash against the out-of-sorts St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. A win would even their record at 4-4.

GEELONG
INJURIES

Jed Bews (shoulder) TBC

Zac Smith (back spasms) TBC

Gary Ablett (hamstring) test

Nakia Cockatoo (knee) 4 weeks

Cam Guthrie (ankle) 4 weeks

Lachie Henderson (knee) indefinite

George Horlin-Smith (concussion) test

Daniel Menzel (groin) 1 week

Brandan Parfitt (foot) indefinite

Quinton Narkle (knee) 2 weeks

Harry Taylor (foot) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Forward Tom Hawkins has been referred directly to the tribunal for making contact with an umpire and will have to await his fate on Tuesday, with a one-game suspension possible.

ON THE CUSP: Coach Chris Scott has declared midfielder Gary Ablett will make his return from a hamstring that has sidelined him since Round 3. Forward Daniel Menzel is also a chance to return after having a reaction to an injection meant to help his groin injury. Defender Harry Taylor (foot) is hopeful of playing this week and is in the mix to slot straight back into the AFL side.

CHRIS CAVANAGH’S FORECAST: The Cats are ticking along pretty nicely given they have been missing up to eight of their best 22 through injury. Three of those – Ablett, Menzel and Taylor – are in the mix to return this week against Collingwood, which would be a major boost. That match shapes as a blockbuster between two sides which both hold 4-3 records but whether Hawkins plays could be a telling factor.


GOLD COAST SUNS
INJURIES

Brayden Fiorini (leg) indefinite

Pearce Hanley (dislocated shoulder) 9 weeks

Sean Lemmens (broken hand) 2 weeks

Jesse Lonergan (knee) indefinite

Tom Lynch (knee) 3 weeks

Darcy MacPherson (broken leg) 13 weeks

Steven May (finger) test

Tom Nicholls (shoulder) 13 weeks

Jack Scrimshaw (cheekbone) test

Harrison Wigg (fractured ankle) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Matt Rosa will have scans on the shoulder he hurt against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Although he finished the game he must be in some doubt for Saturday’s match with Melbourne at the Gabba. Jarryd Lyon had a poor game but has credits in the bank. It was a greatly improved performance against the Bulldogs but they failed to capitalise on their periods of dominance before being run over in the final term. The cupboard is bare at the Suns now due to a rising injury list so coach Stuart Dew may not have the luxury of making too many changes.

ON THE CUSP: Captain Steven May is a chance to return from a finger infection. Peter Wright has now played one game in the NEAFL and would help their scoring issues but it would be a gamble to bring him straight back in. Josh Schoenfeld has been in good form in the twos but against Melbourne they may look for more inside ball winning power and last year’s top ten draft pick Will Brodie may get his chance.

ANDREW HAMILTON’S FORECAST: The Suns were their own worst enemies against the Bulldogs and again faded in the final quarter. Dew is refusing to mention their travel schedule but it is clear oppositions finish games better than his side most weeks. Although the Gabba is not home, it is at least in their own state which gives the side an extra day to recover and prepare. Expect another brave showing but the Demons would have to be heavy favourites against an injury depleted Suns outfit.

GWS
INJURIES

Jeremy Cameron (toe) 1 week

Brett Deledio (hamstring) 1 week

Toby Greene (foot) indefinite

Josh Kelly (groin) 1 week

Adam Kennedy (knee) indefinite

Rory Lobb (knee) 1 week

Tom Scully (ankle) 8 weeks

Will Setterfield (knee) season

Lachie Tiziani (knee) season

Zac Williams (Achilles) indefinite

ON THE CUSP: Rory Lobb is set to return after a month on the sidelines with a knee injury. Leon Cameron will be keen to have him back in the line-up but will have concerns over his match fitness and may bring him back through the NEAFL.

Harry Perryman was among the best in the reserves and is highly rated by Leon Cameron. Dawson Simpson bounced back well after being dropped with a good performance.

ON THE BLOCK: Nick Shipley picked up just the solitary possession in Friday night’s bad loss to Geelong. Former Carlton small forward Dylan Buckley was also quiet in his debut for the club but wasn’t helped by the Giants horrible ball use.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: The Giants could certainly use any number of their injured stars when they take on the in-form West Coast at Spotless Stadium on Saturday but are unlikely to get any of them. Harry Perryman looks the most likely to be promoted along with Dawson Simpson who would allow Jon Patton to return to the forward line while Jeremy Cameron remains on the sidelines.

HAWTHORN
INJURIES

Ricky Henderson (illness) test

Will Langford (back spasms) TBC

Grant Birchall (knee) 6 weeks

Dylan Moore (shoulder) 1 week

Paul Puopolo (hamstring) 1 week

Cyril Rioli (knee) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see too many changes coming from the Hawks, who would have been pleased with the way their impressive group of younger players took on the Bombers last Saturday. Much of that will come back to match-ups as Alastair Clarkson eyes off a Sydney outfit still smarting about their loss to North Melbourne.

ON THE CUSP: Ricky Henderson is likely to return after gastro made him a late withdrawal, while the back spasms that kept Will Langford out will be assessed. Jono O’Rourke’s solid form in the VFL will again see his name again under discussion, while Paul Puopolo (hamstring) is still a few weeks away.

GLENN McFARLANE’S FORECAST: Who would have tipped Hawthorn would be fourth on the ladder with five wins from the first seven rounds? Clarko and his lieutenants have done a superb job in balancing their experienced players with a group of hungry young players, and now get the chance take on the Swans on their home MCG deck under the Friday night lights. After a few Friday night blowouts, this one looks like being a cracker. Win that, and a return to the finals after a year’s absence, will be a step closer for the Hawks.


MELBOURNE
INJURIES

Neville Jetta (head) TBC

Harley Balic (plantar fascia) 2 weeks

Dean Kent (hamstring) 4 weeks

Mitch King (elbow) 3 weeks

Corey Maynard (hip) 2 weeks

Pat McKenna (hamstring) indefinite

Christian Salem (thumb) 1 week

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 4 weeks

Jack Viney (foot) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: It’s hard to see Simon Goodwin making too many changes to a team that’s now won two games on the trot. Neville Jetta will be monitored during the week after clashing heads with Saint Paddy McCartin. Co-captain Jack Viney is pushing to play but could be held back with the Demons travelling to Brisbane to face GOld Coast.

ON THE CUSP: Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Casey had the bye this week, meaning the club’s fringe players missed out on a chance to impress.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: Melbourne has winnable games against Gold Coast and Carlton over the next fortnight to help catapult them up inside the eight. Things for Simon Goodwin’s men are starting to click after a rocky start to the year. The Demons trialled a new, taller three-pronged forward set-up and it worked against St Kilda. Tom McDonald, Sam Weideman and Jesse Hogan combined for seven goals and Max Gawn wreaked havoc early. Doubt Simon Goodwin will change much. The VFL team had the bye.

NORTH MELBOURNE
INJURIES

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) TBC

Majak Daw (foot) indefinite

Declan Mountford (ankle) test

Mitch Hibberd (knee) 2 weeks

Gordon Narrier (hip) indefinite

Declan Watson (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Ed Vickers-Willis is a likely out after injuring his knee in the tense win over Sydney. Given the Kangas win, Brad Scott would be wise to reward his players with a quiet week at selection.

ON THE CUSP: Top draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke could continue his in again-out again formline after collecting 18 disposals in the VFL. With Vickers-Willis down Sam Durdin is well placed to get the call up after having 17 touches. Nathan Hrovat finished with 12 touches and two goals.

BEN HIGGINS’ FORECAST: What a win by North Melbourne. The Kangaroos remain in the top eight after stunning Sydney at the SCG but faces a far tougher test on Sunday in Richmond at Etihad Stadium. A solid showing will only enhance North’s reputation.

PORT ADELAIDE
INJURIES

Matthew Broadbent (ankle) indefinite

Hamish Hartlett (knee) season

Sam Hayes (shin) indefinite

Peter Ladhams (knee) indefinite

Jarrod Lienert (knee) 7 weeks

Todd Marshall (personal reasons) indefinite

Lindsay Thomas (suspension) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: There are plenty of players who should be worried after a lacklustre performance against the Eagles in Perth on Saturday night. Karl Amon and Jake Neade could make way for experienced players who are likely to return but there could be other casualties.

ON THE CUSP: Former Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff and Sam Powell-Pepper both played well for the SANFL team against Norwood on Friday night and appear certain inclusions. Coach Ken Hinkley said they had needed a run for missing a bit of football, and they both did enough to return in the Showdown.

JESPER FJELDSTAD’S FORECAST: Showdowns are notoriously difficult to predict, but form and logic suggest the Crows would be too much for the Power, which with the exception of a nice win against North Melbourne have struggled for consistency and form for several weeks after a good start to the season.


RICHMOND
INJURIES

Nathan Drummond (hamstring) TBC

Ben Miller (hamstring) TBC

Dion Prestia (calf) TBC

Trent Cotchin (knee) test

Oleg Markov (quad) 1 week

Daniel Rioli (foot) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to see too many changes this week after Richmond belted Fremantle. Sam Lloyd was last in after being a late inclusion for Trent Cotchin. Dan Butler had a quiet day with just 11 disposals, two tackles and no scoreboard impact.

ON THE CUSP: Cotchin will face a fitness test after being a late withdrawal on Sunday. Expect Brandon Ellis to return after being axed last week after gathering 18 disposals and laying six tackles. Anthony Miles continues to bang down the door at VFL level after 32 touches four tackles and a goal against Footscray. Corey Ellis had 20 disposals.

BEN HIGGINS’S FORECAST: The Tiggy Train rolls on. Fremantle put up a fight in the third quarter but as they’ve done all season, Richmond steamrolled them in the final term. Earlier in the season, we would have said North Melbourne would provide little resistance but after a gutsy win over Sydney in Sydney, the Kangaroos can’t be under-estimated.

ST KILDA
INJURIES

Paddy McCartin (head) TBC

Sam Gilbert (leg) TBC

Shane Savage (ribs) TBC

Josh Bruce (back) 4 weeks

Darren Minchington (knee) 2 weeks

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Koby Stevens (concussion) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Paddy McCartin is in doubt for the Fremantle match after suffering whiplash and struggling with his diabetes condition on Sunday. He was feeling unwell on Sunday night, football manager Simon Lethlean said. Jack Billings is another who was below his best on Sunday, while Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle were beaten in defence by Melbourne’s key forwards.

ON THE CUSP: Jack Sinclair was dropped to the VFL and fired for Sandringham at the weekend. Jack Lonie and Bailey Rice were also among Sandringham’s best players. Blake Acres sat out with groin soreness but is expected to be available and Ed Phillips is also in the mix. Nathan Freeman returned from another hamstring surgery at the weekend but will spend more time in the VFL.

JAY CLARK’S FORECAST: The Saints are struggling and face a tough month ahead including a pair of trips to Perth, starting with Saturday night’s clash against Fremantle. It was another disastrous day on the goal kicking front and that has to improve, coach Alan Richardson said.

SYDNEY SWANS
INJURIES

James Bell (hamstring) 3 weeks

Jordan Dawson (quad) 3 weeks

Jordan Foote (toe) 3 weeks

Lance Franklin (bruised heel) 1 week

Dan Hannebery (groin) 1 week

Alex Johnson (groin) 3 weeks

Lewis Melican (hamstring) 2 weeks

Sam Naismith (knee) season

Toby Pink (ankle) 1 week

Sam Reid (quad) 8 weeks

ON THE CUSP: Lance Franklin will be jumping out of his skin to play against his old team under Friday night lights and the MCG. He did limited training on the weekend along with Dan Hannebery who is recovering from a groin injury. John Longmire indicated Franklin was closer to playing than Hannebery. Aliir Aliir is in the mix as well after playing well in the NEAFL loss to Aspley.

ON THE BLOCK: Ollie Florent had a very quiet first half against North Melbourne before finishing better after the long break. He will come under pressure to hold his spot if Hannebery proves his fitness for Friday night. Harry Cunningham was also quiet and could make way for Franklin or Aliir Aliir.

NEIL CORDY’S FORECAST: Wins against the Hawks have been hard fought for the Swans since their epic 2012 grand final win with the record standing at 3-9. Lance Franklin will help their chances in a big way and Sydney will benefit from the two weeks where he hasn’t been the central figure in their forward thrusts. Aliir Aliir is a big chance to come into the team to give Callum Sinclair some assistance in the ruck.


WEST COAST EAGLES
INJURIES

Luke Shuey (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Hamish Brayshaw (knee) 3 weeks

Lewis Jetta (calf) 1 week

Eric Mackenzie (toe) indefinite

Liam Ryan (ankle) 8 weeks

Dom Sheed (foot) indefinite

Nathan Vardy (adductor) 1 week

Daniel Venables (ankle) 9 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Star midfielder Luke Shuey his hurt hamstring in the opening minutes of West Coast’s 42-point win over Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Coach Adam Simpson said Shuey had a “one or two week injury”. It’s unlikely Simpson will make too many other changes considering his side hasn’t lost since round one.

ON THE CUSP: It’s not only the Eagles that are flying, with the club’s WAFL affiliate East Perth also on a winning run. The Royals made it four on the trot with a 33-point win over East Fremantle on Sunday, with Luke Partington (29 possessions, five inside-50s and a goal) and Brayden Ainsworth (23 possessions, five tackles and a goal) putting their hand up to replace Shuey. Young defender Josh Rotham was dominant across half-back, first-year forward Jarrod Brander keeps improving and big man Fraser McInnes continued his impressive season. Speedster Lewis Jetta is a chance to return from a calf injury.

JORDAN McARDLE’S FORECAST: West Coast are making the majority of pre-season predictions look sillier by the week. Saturday’s clinical win over Port was the Eagles’ sixth in a row, putting them only percentage behind ladder leaders Richmond with a 6-1 record. The next three weeks will go a long way in deciding whether Adam Simpson’s men finish in the top four. First up is a depleted Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, followed by a likely top-of-the-table clash against the Tigers at Optus Stadium.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
INJURIES

Marcus Bontempelli (hip) test

Marcus Adams (ankle) 3 weeks

Kieran Collins (ankle) test

Tory Dickson (hamstring) 4 weeks

Tom Liberatore (knee) season

Brad Lynch (hamstring) 6 weeks

Dale Morris (knee) 4 weeks

Liam Picken (concussion) indefinite

Jack Redpath (knee) 11 weeks

Clay Smith (knee) 5 weeks

Easton Wood (hamstring) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Mitch Honeychurch was the late inclusion for Marcus Bontempelli and was one of several players to turn the ball over in windy conditions. Tim English had a “muddling” day and while he went some way to redeeming himself with that last-quarter goal he might be due for a rest. Lewis Young is another who could return to the VFL.

ON THE CUSP: Marcus Bontempelli must train on Thursday if he is any chance of captaining against the Brisbane Lions. If he doesn’t get up it will be Norm Smith winner Jason Johannisen’s turn to toss the coin. Josh Schache’s three goals have been all the talk and while Schache coolly slotted the matchwinner from 50m, the pass from Lukas Webb was even more beautiful. It was Webb’s 21st disposal while Jackson Trengove collected 20 as he shared the ruck duties with Tom Campbell. Shane Biggs was also important in the one-point VFL win.

SAM LANDSBERGER’S FORECAST: A danger game against the Lions awaits however if the Dogs can salute it would be a tremendous effort to reach 4-4 given the personnel challenges. They can start dreaming about twin defensive pillars Marcus Adams and Dale Morris playing their first games for the season while Easton Wood will hopefully only miss one more week. The Dogs have fielded the youngest team every round this season and in Ballarat they had six players aged 18-20 and 15 aged 21-25. That’s a crazy profile and makes for a very exciting future.

 

[freowho]

Spargo to make way for Viney and Salem week after next?

 

[Ben's Beasts]

Spargo to make way for Viney and Salem week after next?

Possibly but would be very unlucky to be omitted.

Would much prefer two of ANB, Hannan or Tyson to get dropped over Spargo.

 

[stephen]

Spargo to make way for Viney and Salem week after next?

No guarantees for these young guys but from what I saw yesterday I reckon Hannan and Hunt (and maybe Weideman?) would be having more sleepless nights than Spargo.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach Investor: Trade tips for Round 6, plus what to do with Jack Billings and rookies
DAN BEGALA, Herald Sun
May 8, 2018 12:00pm
Subscriber only

THE dust has finally settled on a challenging round of SuperCoach with many coaches, including yours truly, failing to outperform the market over the weekend.
The SuperCoach Stock Exchange (SSX) takes no passengers, so if you’re down, it’s time to brush up on your finance and investment knowledge or risk a swift demise.
There were heroes (Jack Macrae). There were villains (Jack Billings). There were even those who failed to launch (Marcus Bontempelli).
Our resident expert, DANIEL BEGALA, casts his thoughts across the key decisions affecting pundits on the eve of Round 8.
The moment has come and it’s time to reap the benefits of our rookie toiling.
They are the young men — or “bubble boys” — that you’ve hand-picked for your portfolio since day dot.
Not only have they performed admirably, but they’ve appreciated handsomely and it’s time to realise some lofty capital gains.
If your portfolio is steadfast on rankings success, it’s time to part ways with some of our best performed rookies including Jeremy Finlayson ($358K, BE 86), Sam Murray ($336K, BE 63), Bailey Banfield ($274K, BE 60) and Nick Holman ($279K, BE 63).
We’ve become quite fond of them, but cast your allegiances aside, and focus on whether you foresee any further upside in their price.
No rookie, big or small, is safe from the axe.
The SuperCoach Investor, despite their early season heroics, has earmarked Sam Murray and Bailey Banfield for the chopping block with Charlie Spargo ($117K, MID-FWD) firmly in his grasp.
Nick Holman has risen nicely in value and is ready to be sold.
Investors say that Australia’s economy is one of the most stable and resilient in the world.
They were wrong.
Over the past month, we’ve witnessed a seismic decline in the value of some much-hyped stocks that have failed to live up to the lofty expectations of investors.
The main perpetrators — to date — have been Jack Billings ($378K, BE 122) and Todd Goldstein ($433K, BE 93) who continue to draw the ire of the investment community with sub-par scoring that is not commensurate with their historical scoring capabilities.
They’re each exceptional players capable of top-tier scoring, but at this stage in time, are entrenched in a form slump that seems unlikely to abate any time soon.
Given the drastic price decline and the finite reserves of trades available to investors, I will advocate for the retention of both players with an aim — if nothing changes — of moving them along at a significant discount once your team is settled with premium stars.
I’m an optimistic investor, so much so I’m backing Dayne Zorko (164 SC) and Josh P. Kennedy (151 SC) to respond in style.
Keep or sell Jack Billings?

THE BARGAIN BASEMENT
With the elephant in the room, Patrick Dangerfield ($620K, BE 168), still yet to catch the eye of The SuperCoach Investor, it’s now time to shift your attention to the opportunity shop.
These are the proven stars — with years of SuperCoach pedigree — who are available (at a smidgen of the price) to fill the void of the Cats’ champion.
This, my friends and loyal readers, is the phenomenon that we often refer to as SuperCoach arbitrage.
If you needed any further confirmation, look no further than Josh P. Kennedy and Dayne Zorko, who reminded coaches of their upmost scoring potential with massive, team-lifting tons over the weekend.
They were both originally priced near-or-at $600K, yet on the back of a slow-start, will only cost the astute investor a trade and pocket change.
If you foresee them averaging on par with the best in the business (i.e. 110 SC per week), then it’s time to throw caution to the wind and acquire these long-performing stocks.
One final point — before signing off this advice — is the little ball magnet, Matthew Crouch, over in the City of Churches.
Other than his injury effected game in Round 2 (51 SC), Crouch has scored a ton in all of his remaining fixtures with ball-winning prowess that rivals the great Tom Mitchell — buy, buy, buy!

 

[Professor]

Actually a Fox Sports Article.

MELBOURNE co-captain Jack Viney will return to playing via the VFL this weekend.

The game will be Viney’s first competitive hitout since Round 21 last year.

The Demons have opted to bring Viney back through Casey, rather than testing him against Gold Coast in Brisbane this weekend.

“He is going to play in the VFL,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin told reporters on Wednesday.

“So obviously a slightly cautious approach by us, we want to make sure we really finish off his rehab and his ability to get to play AFL right and we think the best for him is doing that at VFL level

“So it’s great that he’s back playing but it’s at VFL level and we’ll have to wait one more week before he gets to AFL level.”

Viney returned quickly from plantar fascia surgery in Round 18 last year, but ultimately spent the end of his season on the sidelines.

The Demon hasn’t featured at senior level this year, with a setback in his recovery delaying his return until now.

Goodwin said the Demons had prepared Viney as if he was returning via the AFL, but instead opted for a VFL game.

“Obviously we did (think about bringing him straight back) — we want to get him back playing in our AFL team,” Goodwin said.

“But we just think he’s been out for nine months, we certainly prepared him to play AFL footy but at the same time we think the best approach at this point is to play him in the VFL and make sure he’s 100 per cent ready to go.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Melbourne teammate Max Gawn said he would advise Viney to return via the VFL, rather than jumping straight into AFL football.

Gawn did the latter after a serious hamstring injury last year.

“I’ll answer the question if it’s me — and I regret coming straight away into the AFL off my hamstring last year,” Gawn told*RSN927.

“I was 11 or 12 weeks (out) and Jack’s almost a year, so there’s a difference there. But Jack’s a smaller player.

“Tom McDonald came back and he was only seven weeks, but Tom did a full pre-season, so it’s all slightly different cases.

“But if I could give advice to Jack — I definitely regret not getting a couple of games in the VFL before I came into the AFL.”

 

[Presto]

We review every SuperCoach cash cow after Round 7 and look at the week’s top trade targets
Tim Michell, Herald Sun
May 9, 2018 10:00am
Subscriber only

YOUR mission this week, and you should choose to accept it – get Charlie Spargo.
The young Melbourne midfield-forward has shown enough in his first two games to suggest he will be one of the bargains of the SuperCoach season and a perfect downgrade option.
If you’ve still got Bailey Banfield, Andrew Brayshaw or Luke Davies-Uniacke in your side, considering moving these players on to add Spargo.
Sydney tackle machine Ben Ronke is the other bubble boy set to be popular this week, and deciding to go with a double downgrade to build your bank looks a strategy which could pay handsome dividends.
Meanwhile, the likes of Tim Kelly and the backline trio of Finlayson, Murray and Doedee have moved out of cash cow reckoning.
We’ve reviewed more than 50 cash cows you need to know about after Round 7.

GEELONG v GWS GIANTS

Jack Henry ($256,300, FWD) – 114 points Breakeven: -15
What a game by Henry, who had an average of 53 before this effort. If you had any plans to trade him out in the next few weeks, scrap them. This score means his price will surge for the next few weeks and you’ll be able to turn a tidy profit around the byes. He had 18 disposals, 11 marks and three tackles in a career-best performance.

Esava Ratugolea ($276,100, FWD) – 73 points Breakeven: 22
This seems to be around Ratugolea’s mark. He’s now scored 70 twice, 73 and 74 in four of his past five matches and is providing a solid return for his owners. Hard to see him being shifted from the Geelong team the way he’s going and he’s a solid on-field option if you’re carrying injured players or intent on holding trades.

Cory Gregson ($241,200, FWD) – 64 points Breakeven: 17
Gregson has slipped under the radar and three low scores in his six matches have kept his price relatively low. You’d be better served making a play for a low-priced rookie.

Jordan Cunico ($266,700, MID) – 62 points Breakeven: 26
If you wanted to bring in Cunico, you should have done it by now. His breakeven is still attainable, but you would have to question how much more money he is going to make.

Zach Guthrie ($188,400, DEF) – 46 points Breakeven: 51
Guthrie doesn’t score enough points to be on your radar.

Lachlan Keefe ($123,900, FWD-DEF) – 53 points Breakeven: -28
The Giants have been hammered by injuries in the past month and while the former Magpie squeezed his way into the starting side, you have to wonder how long he will stay there. Pass.

Dylan Buckley ($158,300, DEF) – 47 points Breakeven: 1
Buckley’s first game as a Giant and it followed a similar scoring script to his time with the Blues. His best season at Carlton was an average of 55.8 and that won’t make enough money from his elevated starting price to consider downgrading to him. He’s also likely to be squeezed out when Toby Greene returns.

Zac Langdon ($194,400, FWD) – 42 points Breakeven: 14
A few coaches had to turn to Langdon on field this week and would have been hopeful after he posted 60 in just a half against the Lions. It was always going to be a tough night for a small forward in a GWS side lacking genuine tails and he’s worth forgiving on this occasion.

Nick Shipley ($117,300) – 7 points Breakeven: 22
On the bubble this week, but look elsewhere.
Gold Coast Suns recruit Nick Holman. Picture: Nick Holman

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST

Nick Holman ($278,500, MID) – 70 points Breakeven: 63
Those who traded Holman last week would have been second-guessing themselves when he responded from a disappointing 33 by scoring 70 against the Bulldogs and easily going past his breakeven. It’s easy to forget five of his seven scores have been 70 or better. Try and get him to see you through to Gold Coast’s bye before you decide whether to move him on.

Brad Scheer ($159,400, FWD) – 69 points Breakeven: -43
In his first game for the season, Scheer managed 14 disposals, three marks and seven tackles. Only consider him if he backs this effort up with a big score.

Brayden Crossley ($117,300, RUCK) – 65 points Breakeven: -60
Crossley is definitely a player worth monitoring in the next two weeks. If he holds his spot and you bring him in after Gold Coast’s bye, he’ll be able to carry you through the bye rounds. Watch his second match with interest.

Charlie Ballard ($117,300, FWD-MID) – 33 points Breakeven: 4
We didn’t see enough from Ballard in his first game for the Suns to put him on the rookie radar.

Billy Gowers ($252,200, FWD) – 76 points Breakeven: -3
Gowers was initially a slow burn but he has found a niche up forward for the Bulldogs and is hitting the scoreboard regularly. Consecutive scores above 70 have been reward for those who started with the former Blue and have kept him in their side.

Pat Lipinski ($227,300, MID-FWD) – 54 points Breakeven: 13
Lipinski probably relies too heavily on kicking goals at this point in his career to be a SuperCoach option. This might be the last time he features in the rookie review as your attention should be elsewhere.

Tim English ($287,400, RUCK-FWD) – 53 points Breakeven: 75
If you’ve been relying on English for your second ruck spot, the time has come to consider how to upgrade him. A couple of low scores in the past two weeks are going to sit in his cycle and he’s just about maxed out his cash generation.

Ed Richards ($237,800, DEF) – 35 points Breakeven: 49
If you can downgrade Richards this week to and swing a player such as Jeremy Finlayson or James Sicily back into defence, take that option. He’s not scoring enough points to make much more money. He hasn’t scored above 60 in three weeks.

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN

Kobe Mutch ($123,900, MID) – 52 points Breakeven: -44
One of this week’s bubble boys after scores of 66 and 52 to start his AFL career. Charlie Spargo should be your first choice downgrade in midfield, so only look at Mutch if you are considering downgrading two players this week.

James Worpel ($117,300, MID) – 33 points Breakeven: -27
Spargo and Mutch loom as better options than Worpel and appear to have better job security. His 64 on debut was eye-catching but he was unable to back it up with another decent score against the Bombers.

WEST COAST v PORT ADELAIDE

Willie Rioli ($258,300, FWD) – 109 points Breakeven: -1
Who saw this coming? Rioli was brilliant against the Power after four of his past five scores were below 50. If you locked out and fielded him due to the forward line carnage of the past few weeks, go and buy a lotto ticket. His price is going to surge as a result of a 16-disposal, two-goal performance.

Tom Cole ($238,100, DEF) – 88 points Breakeven: -13
Take a bow if you paid the higher-rookie price and traded in Cole this week. He’s really found a niche in the West Coast defence and if he maintains this type of scoring, he’ll turn out to be one of the better rookie defenders of the year. His first three matches have resulted in scores of 98, 67 and 88. It’s unfortunately too late to get him now after his first price rise. Wait for other options to present.

Jake Waterman ($273,900, FWD) – 46 points Breakeven: 33
The time has come to consider cashing in on the profit Waterman has made. Charlie Spargo and Ben Ronke are both on the bubble as rookie options this week and you will make more than $150,000 by trading either option in.

Jack Petruccelle ($117,300, FWD-MID) – 33 points Breakeven: 25
On the bubble this week, but there’s better options who will tally higher scores. Petruccelle has done some nice things in his first two games but hasn’t won enough of the footy to be a reliable SuperCoach scorer.

Dom Barry ($182,400, MID) – 52 points Breakeven: 22
Coaches should know by this point of the season Barry isn’t going to be a prolific scorer. But he remains a decent bench option in midfield and hasn’t made enough money to be traded out yet. If he can hold his spot in the Port Adelaide team through the bye rounds, his score of 40-60 points might even give you an edge over a team which can’t field its full complement of players.

SYDNEY v NORTH MELBOURNE

Ben Ronke ($123,900, FWD) – 66 points Breakeven: -84
Plenty of coaches are considering a double downgrade this week to build their bank featuring Charlie Spargo and Ronke. The hard-tackling small forward has enjoyed a strong start to his career, but what will his role be once Dan Hannebery, Lance Franklin and Sam Reid filter back into the side?

Cameron Zurhaar ($218,600, FWD) – 46 points Breakeven: 41
Zurhaar started 2018 in a blaze of glory when he scored 87 points but scores of 44 and 46 in his past two games only just delivered more than his breakeven. Don’t burn a trade on him.

ADELAIDE v CARLTON

Darcy Fogarty ($191,500, FWD-MID) – 55 points Breakeven: 15
If you’re still carrying Fogarty, hold on to him for now. His job security remains the big question mark, but he should tip over the $200,000 mark in the next two weeks if Taylor Walker is still out of the Crows’ side. He could even be a useful captain loophole if he finds himself on the outer again.

Jordan Gallucci ($241,800, FWD-MID) – 51 points Breakeven: 17
Gallucci will likely make a profit for a few more weeks, but he won’t add to your team’s value enough to bring him in now.
Paddy Dow at Carlton training.

Paddy Dow ($268,100, MID) – 74 points Breakeven: 27 points
Dow and No.2 pick Andrew Brayshaw took some time to get going, but they have rewarded those who stuck fat by pushing towards $300,000. Keep him in your side until his breakeven gets closer to 50 or 60. Scores of 70, 59 and 74 in the past three weeks have been promising.

Harry McKay ($236,800, FWD) – 63 points Breakeven: 15
McKay has been a consistent scorer with three-straight 63s, but why consider bringing him in now when Charlie Spargo and Ben Ronke should be your forward targets?

Cam O’Shea ($182,300, DEF) – 62 points Breakeven: -1
O’Shea knocked his breakeven back into negative territory with the best score of five senior games this year, winning 16 disposals and taking eight marks against the Crows.

Andrew Phillips ($246,300, RUCK) – 52 points Breakeven: 26
How long does Brendon Bolton persist with playing two ruckmen? It’s a no for Phillips, even if you are desperate for ruck cover.

Jarrod Garlett ($218,400, FWD-MID) – 48 points Breakeven: 61
He’s made you more than $100,000 on his starting price and this is the week to turn a profit on Garlett. He’s no guarantee to reach his breakeven when he next plays.

Lochie O’Brien ($196,600, DEF-MID) – 37 points Breakeven: 41
If you’re one of the 4,479 points holding O’Brien, either cash him in and swing James Sicily into defence, or make your moves in the forward line this week first.
Jack Graham at Richmond training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

RICHMOND v FREMANTLE

Jack Graham ($293,300, MID) – 131 points Breakeven: -7
Jack is back! Graham had been quiet since his opening-round 100 before churning out a monster score in the Tigers’ demolition of the Dockers. If you harbour some ambition to bring him in, this has to be the week you make the move. His price is going to skyrocket from here.

Jack Higgins ($251,700, FWD-MID) – 78 points Breakeven: 1
Higgins is keeping some more seasoned teammates in the VFL and his performances have certainly justified those who used a trade to bring him in. He’s doing enough to be on the field in your forward line.

Adam Cerra ($268,900, MID) – 75 points Breakeven: 42
Cerra has a couple more games to make money before you would want to consider parting ways with him.

Andrew Brayshaw ($256,600, MID) – 62 points Breakeven: 30
Brayshaw has been trending upwards in the past few weeks and appears capable of getting close to $300,000 before being moved on. Look at getting rid of his teammate Bailey Banfield first, whose breakeven is 61.

Bailey Banfield ($273,500, MID) – 50 points Breakeven: 61
Banfield’s breakeven is right on his average, so you can feel safe trading him out this week. Charlie Spargo would net you a $156,000 profit.

Mitch Crowden ($226,900, FWD-MID) – 46 points Breakeven: 46
Crowden has made his owners almost $110,000, which isn’t an ideal return but also shouldn’t be scoffed at. If he’s the only issue in your forward line, this could be the week to cash him in.

Taylin Duman ($170,000, DEF) – 39 points Breakeven: 10
A popular trade in option before his price rise, those who opted for Duman over Tom Cole would have been slightly disappointed. But the Dockers were well beaten and only three of their players scored over 75. Hopefully he holds his place for a few more rounds yet for the coaches relying on him for defensive cover.

ST KILDA v MELBOURNE

Ben Long ($290,500, FWD) – 65 points Breakeven: 63
An ideal candidate to turn into either Charlie Spargo or Ben Ronke this week after breaking his foot and is set for 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Nick Coffield ($236,600, DEF-MID) – 59 points Breakeven: 58
Coffield is predicted to lose money for the first time this week, but considering the byes are looming and he could cover gaps in defence or midfield, he’s worth persisting with.

Hunter Clark ($186,300, MID) – 48 points Breakeven: 16
Clark still has a low breakeven and while he won’t achieve a quick price rise, he’s worth keeping on your midfield bench while you address other issues.

Rowan Marshall ($226,600, FWD) – 29 points Breakeven: 67
Paddy McCartin ($263,800, FWD) – 22 points Breakeven: 72
Both of these Saints talls need to be moved on this week if you have either in your side. If they both stay in the team, they’ll lose value.

Charlie Spargo ($117,300, MID-FWD) – 78 points Breakeven: -89
From a relative unknown a few weeks ago, Charlie Spargo should be the name on every SuperCoach’s lips this week after a stunning start to his Demons career. He’s averaging 79.5, will generate cash quickly and is on option in midfield and up forward. Tick, tick, tick. Do what you have to in order to bring him in.

Bayley Fritsch ($269,700, FWD) – 65 points Breakeven: 6
Fritsch is making some nice money after his recall to the Demons side and although the best play would be to have him on your bench, he’s just doing enough to fill the sixth spot in your forward line if you are holding injured players such as Michael Walters.

Sam Weideman ($192,500, FWD) – 48 points Breakeven: 36 points
With an average of 47.7, Weideman only has one more week before he hits his peak unless he can produce a monster score, which seems unlikely.
Cameron Rayner at Brisbane training.

BRISBANE v COLLINGWOOD

Cameron Rayner ($295,900, FWD-MID) – 73 points Breakeven: 52 points
Rayner hasn’t gone below 50 for five weeks and four of his past five scores have been 60 or more. Back him in to get through the bye rounds and then reassess his place in your side.

Oscar McInerney ($123,900, RUCK) – 65 points Breakeven: -45
A rookie ruckman on the bubble is rare, but you would be wiser using your trades to downgrade elsewhere. McInerney won’t score prolifically while he plays second fiddle to Stefan Martin.

Zach Bailey ($180,800, MID) – 55 points Breakeven: 4
Bailey hasn’t set the world on fire since making his debut and while his scoring has improved, he shouldn’t be on your radar.

Matthew Eagles ($123,900, DEF) – 48 points Breakeven: -22
What a story Eagles, the winner of reality television series The Recruit, has been. Would I recruit The Recruit into my side though? Nope.

Flynn Appleby ($121,900, DEF) – 57 points Breakeven: -42
Another player on the bubble this week but there’s too much value elsewhere to be considering Appleby.

 

[Beijing_Sting]

The Phantom.

Trade Talk: Don’t ingore* the value in the midfield, The Advertiser
May 9, 2018 9:56am - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...d/news-story/c9e0f0868be88377b4100781974668ef

*Think we ignore the spelling mitake.

Jack Macrae had been unbelievable so far in 2018.

The Bulldog midfielder, who averaged 107 SuperCoach points in 2017, has scored 130 points or more in four of his seven matches this season with a career-high 189 points coming against the Suns in Round 7.

Macrae, who is the top-ranked SuperCoach scorer after seven rounds, is averaging 32 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six marks and six tackles per game, while also botting five goals in the opening seven rounds.

With a breakeven of 45, this is your last week to jump on before his price shoots above $650k and, at the time of writing, more than 4000 SuperCoach teams have done just that.

But as good as he’s been so far, there is better value this week.


Crow midfielder and SuperCoach star Matt Crouch is a bargain at $533k this week.
If you’re in the market for a midfield upgrade, Crow Matt Crouch, for almost $100k less, should be at the top of your shopping list.

The money saved will be valuable for future upgrades and Crouch can match the scoring of Macrae from this point onwards.

The reigning Adelaide best-and-fairest wasn’t the standout in his second game back from a three-week hamstring injury against the Blues but still tallied 32 disposals and 122 SuperCoach points.

And that was following on from a score of 100 points in his return against the Suns in Round 6.

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Unlike a number of other fallen SuperCoach premiums – Dayne Zorko and Josh P. Kennedy, in particular – there is no concern about Crouch’s form.

The 23-year-old’s discount price is a result of an injury-affected 51 points in Round 3, when the ball magnet raced to 13 disposals before leaving the ground late in the first quarter.

Yes, the first quarter.

In 2017, Crouch posted SuperCoach tons in 12 of his final 13 games and averaged a huge 125 points in the final 10 rounds.

The only downside is Crouch’s Round 14 bye.

But you can’t ignore the value.

Jack Macrae (WB) $628,400

Average: 132, Breakeven: 45

Matt Crouch (Adel) $533,400

Average: 94, Breakeven: 96


JUMP ON
James Sicily (Haw) $498,000

Average: 113, Breakeven: 29

Sure he’s frustrating but Sicily has proven he is a terrific SuperCoach scorer. After scoring 87 points or more in eight of the final 10 games of 2017 – including five SuperCoach tons – the forward-turned-defender has passed the 120-point barrier in three out of his five games this season. A very low breakeven means he won’t be available for less than $500k after this week.

Charlie Spargo (Melb) $117,300

Average: 79, Breakeven: -89

The Phantom has the Melbourne draftee well ahead of the other bubble boys Ben Ronke and Kobe Mutch as the best downgrade option this week. The 18-year-old has posted scores of 81 and 78 in his first two games in the competition and has fit seamlessly into the Demons’ side.

WAIT
Dayne Zorko (Bris) $425,700

Average: 80, Breakeven: 44

As discussed earlier in the week, was Zorko’s 164 the turning point in his SuperCoach season? Give it another game to be sure.


The Power’s Round 10 bye is fast approaching so it’s best to hold off on star Robbie Gray, right, until Round 11.



Robbie Gray (Port) $574,700

Average: 115, Breakeven: 148

The Round 10 bye is getting closer so, again, hold off from trading Gray in this week – or the next – especially given his breakeven of 148.

Patrick Dangerfield (Geel)

Average: 112, Breakeven: 168

Usually, we would be praising a player with 112-point average but we all know what Dangerfield is capable of at his best. And he clearly isn’t at the moment. Be patient non-owners, he may get closer to $600k in the coming weeks.