Community Series Notes
Carlton:
LIAM REIDY (119k RUC/FWD) started on the bench in the first and did very little when rotated on. Started the 2nd quarter by laying a tackle to give himself a shot on goal, but ultimately struggled for consistent impact throughout the match.
JAGGA SMITH (119k MID) Just lock him in! He looks comfortable and composed, and may not even need to be traded if this is any indication.
WADE DERKSEN (99k DEF) didn’t take long to take an intercept mark cutting off a long Geelong ball down the line, and then continued to play in front of, and also rolling off his opponent looking like a very exciting option. Not afraid to lay a tackle and attack the ball. Keep an eye on him because if he breaks into the team for round 1, then he should be on your bench at the very least.
HARRY DEAN (194k DEF) looks locked into the Carlton backline looking very comfortable, but probably isn’t going to justify his high rookie price.
SAM WALSH (543k MID) was checked for concussion and then was assessed again for a hip/lower back issue. Didn’t appear hampered by the ailments though, and continued playing on.
Notable Absentees: Nic Newman, Jacob Weitering, Adam Cerra, Hudson O’Keeffe, Blake Acres, Nick Haynes
Geelong:
TANNER BRUHN (276k MID) racked up the ball with 10+ disposals in the first quarter alone, and looked comfortable with the pace of the contest. Looks like he will partner with Lawson Humphries at HB for the Cats.
If you were considering MAX HOLMES (600k MID) as one of your starting midfield premiums his performance was clean, and he looked in good touch.
MITCH EDWARDS (119k RUC) jumped all over Pittonet and Reidy and looks like a really good project for the Cats. Rotated with Sam De Koning. Struggled for impact early but looks willing to create an extra number in marking contests and around the ground. Promising signs, but is he ready to take over the ruck for the Cats though?
JAY POLKINGHORNE (119k FWD) excellent mark in the first quarter and presented well at contests. Couldn’t maintain his influence however and unsure where he fits in the pecking order. Came alive again after Shannon Neale was tapped out with a shin injury in Q4.
LAWSON HUMPHRIES (398k DEF) will enter a lot of teams off the back of this performance. He seems to be the main distributor out of the Cats backline, and was prolific today. Another look in Opening Round may be needed.
Notable Absentees: Gryan Miers, Bailey Smith, Jeremy Cameron, Rhys Stanley, Jack Bowes, Tyson Stengle
full stats and sc scores:
sydney:
If you were considering BRODIE GRUNDY (677k RUC) you should have no issues settling on him if that’s the way you choose. Jumping well, covering the ground well, and looked like another midfielder when the ball hits the deck. Gave his midfielders silver service the entire game.
CHARLIE CURNOW (377k FWD) was absolutely launching for everything and looks the fittest he has looked in quite some time, but is he a SuperCoach option?
ISAAC HEENEY (593k MID) looks in great touch and there should be no reservations about starting him.
ERROL GULDEN (566k MID) looked great in the first quarter before he was tapped out with an ankle knock, but Swans confident he’s fine.
The lizard NICK BLAKEY (548k DEF) excellent as per, and CALLUM MILLS (538k DEF) looks very fit getting opportunities both at stoppages and in the backline.
JAI SERONG (119k DEF) started quiet, and then got more comfortable as the game wore on drifting forward several times. Rotated between the backline and wing throughout the match. At basement rookie price the risk is minimal, but another look in RD 0 won’t hurt.
Notable Absentees: Hayden McLean, Braeden Campbell
gws:
JAMES LEAKE (168k FWD/DEF) looked composed and clean in the backline and consistently found space to receive the outlet kick or handball, one for the watchlist.
Another rookie people had their eye on JOSAIA DELANA (119k FWD) had very little influence early on in the match, but came to life in the 3rd and 4th quarters to stake a claim for our benches.
LACHIE WHITFIELD (599k DEF) at his silky smooth best, while LACHIE ASH (583K DEF) had some rusty moments but otherwise looked OK despite the greasy conditions.
STEPHEN CONIGLIO (321k MID) is reaping the benefits of his first full preseason in quite some time. Looks like he will have a role to play with no Tom Green for the year.
CLAYTON OLIVER (500k MID) looked OK. As the game wore on, he started to look like the Clarry we remember. An inspired selection for anyone willing to take the gamble.
Notable Absentees: Tom Green (ACL), Toby Bedford, Finn Callaghan, Sam Taylor, Kieren Briggs, Brent Daniels, Joe Fonti, Aaron Cadman
full stats and sc scores:
This game was on while we were recording this week’s podcast, so notes are from the first 2 quarters only.
brisbane:
WILL ASHCROFT (543k MID), JOSH DUNKLEY (621k MID) and LACHIE NEALE (573k MID) all playing in typical fashion for the trio.
ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY (119k RUC/DEF) got the opportunity with all the big names out and looked comfortable. Used the ball well around the ground with admirable efforts in the ruck. Maybe he did enough to cause a headache?
KEIDEAN COLEMAN (233K DEF) returned to the backline, but not being used as the main distributor.
Notable Absentees: Harris Andrews, Sam Draper, Oscar Allen, Eric Hipwood, Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner, Ryan Lester, Darcy Fort, Dan Annable
gold coast:
NOAH ANDERSON (619k MID) Smooth mover through the centre, predictable at stoppage, using his run and carry at every opportunity as well. Looking very good.
CHRISTIAN PETRACCA (522k FWD) Ball. Magnet.
Not someone you’d likely start with, but TOUK MILLER (586k MID) spending a lot time forward, kicked a couple of goals in the first half. A DPP candidate to keep an eye on throughout the season.
LEO LOMBARD (119k FWD) playing across half forward and looks like he has that role for the Suns, should be a good bench option for us.
JOHN NOBLE (531k DEF) much the same as last season, will be a solid selection again.
ZEKE UWLAND (199k MID/DEF) very little impact, only disposal in the first quarter was a turnover. Got more of it in the second with a nice forward 50 entry, but overall looked to be struggling with the pace.
Notable Absentees: Matt Rowell, Charlie Ballard, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers
full stats and sc scores:
Due to lightning near the venue, the game was suspended and then ultimately called off after 2.5 quarters.
MELBOURNE:
CALEB WINDSOR (283k DEF) looks born to play in the midfield, looks so comfortable roving to Gawn, and then using his speed out of stoppage.
JACK STEELE (510k MID) played his same role, just in a different coloured jumper. Beast on the inside, used hands to get it out to his runners.
If you’re paying up for MAX GAWN (689k RUC) it looks like he’s worked the out how the new ruck rules can work to his style, his reach and leap standing out. His hitouts also precise getting the ball into the hands of his midfielders.
The Dees midfield mix appears to be Windsor and Steele and then a rotation of Pickett, Rivers, Langford and Sparrow.
Rookie priced options XAVIER TAYLOR (158k DEF), TOM MATTHEWS (113k FWD), HARRY SHARP (156k FWD) started on the bench, while LATRELLE PICKETT (158k FWD) started on the field.
(Notable Absentees: Brody Mihocek, Matthew Jefferson, Jake Melksham, Jake Bowey, Jai Culley, Jack Viney)
RICHMOND:
SAM LALOR (298k FWD) looks fit and split time between the midfield and the forward line.
JOSH GIBCUS (139k DEF) started on field and looked fit, but he had an accountable role which might not be the role we had hoped for.
SAM CUMMING (176k MID) started on the bench, but set up a nice goal early on, and then hit Tom Lynch lace out later again in the first quarter. Unfortunately left the field with a shoulder/arm issue and was ruled out.
SAM GRLJ (172k DEF/MID) started on field and wasn’t scared to get amongst the contest. Started quiet, but got more comfortable as the game went on. Had a great passage of play in the 2nd quarter ducking and weaving through traffic.
(Notable Absentees: Patrick Retschko, Nick Vlastuin, Taj Hotton, Dion Prestia, Noah Balta, Josh Smillie)
FULL STATS AND SC SCORES:
wESTERN BULLDOGS:
JOEL FREIJAH (428k MID/FWD) played mostly at half forward only attending a small handful of centre stoppages. If the midfield role we’ve been teased is happening, it wasn’t on show here tonight.
The new ruck rules appear to suit TIM ENGLISH (600k RUC) jumping over Meek several times, and getting the better of him in several contests around the ground.
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (706k MID) just rolled around in second gear and still racked it up.
Despite the stat sheet showing lean outings, both LACHIE JAQUES (119k DEF) and MICHAEL SELLWOOD (119k DEF) had some nice moments and one will shoot into frame as a rookie option to consider, the other will likely make way for Bailey Dale. To the eye it would appear Sellwood had the stronger performance though.
ED RICHARDS ($602k MID) has been finding space at will, and looks very sharp. A nice POD to consider for your midfield.
Small forward ARTHUR JONES ($119k FWD/MID) used his pace and goal sense to consistently remain dangerous on the wing and as a small forward in attack
CONNOR BUDARICK (245k FWD) played at half-back and looks comfortable in the Dogs system.
(Notable Absentees: Adam Treloar, Bailey Dale, Laitham Vandermeer, Sam Darcy)
HAWTHORN:
CONNOR MACDONALD (381k FWD) had flashes of brilliance but was mostly quiet, but in a good sign attended a fair share of the centre ball ups.
AIDAN SCHUBERT (113k RUC/FWD) was activated after half time but had very little impact. He did have one highlight where a nice handball set up a Cam Mackenzie goal.
JOSH WEDDLE (433k DEF) played all over the ground, flashed in defence, up forward, on the wing and even attended a centre ball-up. Swiss army knife.
JOSH WARD (450k MID) was strong through the middle all night, and appears likely to get a bigger role next to Newcombe in the Hawks midfield, but his SC relevancy remains up in the air.
NOAH MRAZ (119k DEF) looked good down back in the absence of Tom Barrass, but probably doesn’t feature early on in the season unless injury strikes.
(Notable Absentees: Tom Barrass, Will Day, Ned Reeves, Karl Amon, Calsher Dear)
FULL STATS AND SC SCORES:
ST KILDA:
NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA (622k DEF) tore the game apart with 17 disposals and 3 goals in the first half alone. High price to pay, but it looks like it will be worth it.
SAM FLANDERS (396k FWD) did exactly what we wanted to see and has embedded himself as part of the main midfield rotation for St Kilda.
MATTAES PHILLIPOU (168k FWD) built into the game nicely with a big second half showing, at his rookie price he is a no brainer selection.
ROWAN MARSHALL (572k RUC) and TOM DE KONING (524k RUC) split the ruck duties, and pretty much split the stat sheet at the same time. Hard to pick either one, it looks like it could be match up dependent what the split is in each game.
If you’re going to JACK SINCLAIR (602k DEF) as a POD then this game should have only confirmed your selection, looked in excellent form.
JACK CARROLL (119k MID) with 17 disposals for 60 points, he was solid without being spectacular. Appears to have the role opposite Sinclair. A rookie to keep on the radar, especially in the midfield where options appear to be thinning.
ESSENDON:
LACHIE BLAKISTON (295k DEF) got off to an excellent start for the Bombers leading the ruck, before a quiet second half. Looks like he could be a nice midpriced selection, however Nick Bryan is getting close and a timeline would make the selection easier.
DARCY PARISH (334k MID) looked comfortable and fit in the midfield, no reason not the select him. We’ve seen plenty around this price now we can pivot to should injury strike again.
DYSON SHARP (149k MID) and (JACOB FARROW 163k MID/DEF) were both solid. Sharp split time between the midfield and the half forward line, but looked like he was ready for the pace of the contest, while Farrow and MAX KONDOGIANNIS (113K DEF) are still fighting it out for a spot, Farrow appears ahead.
FULL STATS AND SC SCORES:
FREMANTLE:
MURPHY REID (370k FWD) doesn’t need midfield time to score well, but he looked good when getting the chance. Awkward price, but a second year breakout is not out of the question. Looked one step ahead of the game the entire time.
LUKE JACKSON (611k RUC) was excellent, however splitting his time in multiple positions. It could lead to volatile scoring, but his versatility is part of the appeal for most SuperCoaches.
JORDAN CLARK (568k DEF) and CALEB SERONG (571k MID) did nothing to ward off their owners, they were solid and appeared fit and ready.
ANDREW BRAYSHAW (616k MID) was good without being great, but in a preseason game he did what he needed to which is the aim. Owners shouldn’t be deterred by the performance.
Being able to select HAYDEN YOUNG (389k MID) at his price is a gift.
ADELAIDE:
LACHLAN MCANDREW (119k RUC) appears to have the number ruck role nailed down, and will outperform his rookie price without worry.
RORY LAIRD (559k DEF) is a POD flying under the radar, but it was same old Rory and appears once again to be a safe selection.
JORDAN DAWSON (611k MID) is another POD flying under the radar, looked powerful at times commanding the ball and storming forward out of the middle for the Crows.
Keep an eye on CHARLIE EDWARDS (119k DEF/MID) he was solid and raced to double digit disposals before slowing down in the second half. Another at the price we can’t lose sight of with the midfield rookie stocks looking less reliable as the season approaches.
FULL STATS AND SC SCORES:
NORTH MELBOURNE:
HARRY SHEEZEL (580k FWD/MID) showcased his usual ball winning capabilities and in several moments his elite vision came to the fore, he probably wishes he used the ball better at times though
LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE (526k MID) racked the ball up at will and looked sharp
TOM BLAMIRES (99k MID) the newly signed SSP recruit was quiet early on but got more comfortable as the game went on. All game he was getting into the right positions providing an outlet despite not always being used. If he can work on being a little more assertive, he’ll be a great pickup. Basement price rookie you could stash if you wanted to.
(Notable Absentees: Luke McDonald, Aidan Corr, Charlie Spargo, George Wardlaw, Colby McKercher, Jackson Archer)
COLLINGWOOD:
Note: Collingwood played without 10 or 12 of their best 23.
JOSH DAICOS (525k DEF) looked good in a half-back role, and took his share of kick-ins too. His earmarked midfield role appeared only ended up being short cameos but he was smart with the ball regardless of where he was playing and ended up as one of leading disposal getters for his side
HARRY DEMATTIA (119k MID) didn’t get a lot of the ball but appeared to be first choice on the wing, something to keep an eye on especially with the thinning midfield rookie options
DARCY CAMERON (602k RUC) much of the same as what he was doing in the State of Origin game. Should be a solid pick.
(Notable Absentees: Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Jamie Elliott, Tim Membrey, Darcy Moore, Jordan de Goey, Bobby Hill)
FULL STATS AND SC SCORES:
WEST COAST:
WILLEM DUURSMA (203k MID) was good at times, but his disposal let him down. At his premium rookie price, we want a lot better than this, however he might have the best job security out of any rookie we select.
JOSH LINDSAY (122k DEF) built himself into the game nicely, and used his kicking with aplomb. Looking like someone we may be able to have on field, but more confidently on the bench.
TOM MCCARTHY (504K DEF) looked assured in the middle, and appeared to be the Eagles best midfielder, however due to West Coast getting torn apart by Port Adelaide, he struggled to get his hands on the footy regularly.
DEV ROBERTSON (119k FWD) attended the most centre bounces out of any Eagle on the field. They have a few names missing, but its clear how much Mini McQualter rates the addition of Robertson.
HARRY SCHOENBERG (119k MID) he was good in flashes, but wasn’t great overall. I don’t hate the selection if he’s there in round 1, but we’d hate to be forced to use him on field based on this preseason performance.
PORT ADELAIDE:
ZAK BUTTERS (654k MID) and CONNOR ROZEE (568k DEF/MID) should just be picked. They dominated the game as a duo, and looked in great touch.
TODD MARSHALL (147k FWD) got on the end of 5 intercept marks to atone for his quiet practice match performance, but West Coast gifted him a few opportunities with their poor forward entries. It would’ve been good to see him against a more capable forward line.
JACK WATKINS (99k MID) a second 99k player has emerged. Where does he fit when Bergman and then Wines returns though? That’s the only question.
