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