Rookie Thoughts - Round 7
Any player <210k because at this point we're desperate...
In points scored order...
Backs
Kosi (201k) - This feels like his best possible game. I think you either have him or just keep walking.
Menadue (201k) - Scored quite well in both games but not worth the premium for mine.
Prior (150k) - If you didn't grab him last week when half the backs were dead, I doubt he did anything to change your opinion.
Highmore (117k) - His teammates doing everything to get him back in by being terrible... Obviously the JS is terrible but the scoring and price are so tempting if he's back.
Mansell (134k) - I think he's lucky if he hangs onto his spot, if he does the role remains alright and the price is still doable.
Jones (140k) - I doubt he's back but if he was he's the pick.
Frederick (124k) - He was excellent but you just can't go early on a Port guy right now, probably going to force Jones to win the spot back if he plays like that again and again. Wait until next week.
Murphy (124k) - Was also really impressive to me given how bad the Pies were. Role solid. Still, give him a week for sure, needs to cement as can't afford rookies not playing now.
Stocker (187k) - Going to need to play a lot better next week (fantasy wise) to be worth that premium. I thought he played well though.
Joyce (177k) - Not worth the premium on that, wait a week at best.
Mids
Scott/McNeil/Perkins/Phillips/Bruhn/Lazzaro/Zuthrie/Brockman - If you don't already have them, none have shown enough to justify paying the premium on them over the other guys who haven't shown enough... Phillips and Perkins the pick of the group, Phillips in particular as I expect he moves to the midfield eventually... but don't.
Macrae (126k) - Didn't do enough on the weekend but he's the clear pick of the crop. I've listed him in the mids as I think he's actually needed more there because there is just nothing here.
Rantall (124k) - He did a couple of nice things. That's also all he did. Gave no reason to indicate he's a go early rookie, especially with JDG likely back next week. If he can hang around and build on it, he's got some potential.
Ruck
Campbell (164k) - Actually played alright for North and is holding his spot right now. Could conceivably score a decent score one week, similar to Cameron this week for example, but hard to see anyone really having this need.
Thilthorpe (203k) - He was excellent but when the Hawks put TOB on him he went missing and was well beaten. I don't think teams will disrespect him to the level that the Hawks did of putting Scrimshaw and Jiath on him, similar to how McDonald scored great until Brisbane put Andrews on him in his first game and reckon that the last 1.5 quarters is a more realistic indicator. He was great though and showed some nice tricks, almost on the wing at times as well. It's hard to see him being worth the premium unless he backs up the debut as that one score is basically in and out and his price is so high it will barely move the needle if he's a 40 the next two. Will be watching very closely though.
Treacy (108k) - Still available for those seeking flexibility and disaster event scoring! Freo won so good chance he holds his spot.
Forwards
Scott/Jones/Frampton/Perkins/T. Berry/Brockman/Waterman/Jones/Fullarton/Langdon/Stone/Ruscoe - That some of these guys started outside the rookie price and are now in it should sum them up. The rest you know about, that first jump was about all the cash they make right now. You either have them and don't want them or you should avoid them
Flanders (192k) - He was actually really good for the Suns, note that his first score is a sub game so the 62 a better reflection. That said, I can't justify the premium on him over the next couple of guys but I say that knowing he has every chance of being the best of the trio but I like the roles of the other two more, he had a great midfield forward role in the first half but almost exclusively forward the 2nd half.
Bosenvulagi (176k) - Would love to see him get named alongside Hall this week as that's by far my biggest concern on him. Playing as a rebounding half back and showing some really good signs with a solid 67 average. The ball is going to be down there a lot, he's a mature aged guy compared to some of the kids and he looks to take the game on. Basically I think he can sustain it. Would make 150k at a 70 average which I think he's capable of but in that team and in that role there's no reason he can't spike a 100+ score. I think he's my favourite rookie option this week despite the premium...
Farrar (184k) - And if Atu isn't my favourite it's because of this guy. Played a hard lockdown role on Heeney in this game and still scored 59, such is his want to run and carry. Popped an 83 last week without such a good matchup for him. I don't think he'd get De Goey, very different matchup, and the rest of the Pies forwards are more of an opportunity than challenge. Think his average is a very fair reflection and it wouldn't shock me if he pushes high 70s even into mid 80s, Suns get a lot of ball down back, like to switch and retain it there and he's probably the best run and carry option.
Bergman (193k) - You should have him by now, he's a decent ratio (and he's playing well) from going bang. I think you're probably better off with the above two guys at lower prices but Bergman looks a solid 70s target right now as well. Given most people would be ditching Dunkley, and thus needing to field this rookie pick, I think that's an important element and that the premium on these three may actually be worth it still.
Ranking
1a - Atu Bosenvulagi
1b - Jy Farrar
2a - Miles Bergman - On-Field
2b - Finlay Macrae - Bench
3. Lachie Jones - Unlikely to be named.
4. Thomas Highmore - If named.
5. Josh Treacy - Purely utility
6. Tom Campbell - Combination of utility and cash generation potential