Injuries to key players are opening up spots in depth charts all over the AFL, as opening weekend looms.
I am including injury, suspension and retirement lists for each team, including the four official additions to the long term injury (LTI) list. Keep in mind that these are all projected for round 1, so that some who are currently injured are not included because I expect them to recover in a fortnight’s time.
Richmond
FB: Jordan McMahon, Will Thursfield, Kelvin Moore
HB: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Andrew Raines
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Richard Tambling
HF: Joel Bowden, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
FF: Mitch Morton, Jay Schulz, Nathan G. Brown
Fol: Troy Simmonds, Nathan Foley, Daniel Jackson
Int: Angus Graham, Matt White, Dean Polo, Ben Cousins
In: Schulz, Cousins
Out: Cleve Hughes, Shane Edwards
Iffy: Cousins, White, Polo, Tambling
Waiting: Edwards, Adam Thomson, Jake King, Adam Pattison
Injured: Graham Polak, Trent Cotchin, Mark Coughlan, Kane Johnson, Hughes
Alright, alright, alright. Cuz gets his spot, you lot in the comments can lay off now. Quite apart from his excellent outing against the Lions in the NAB Challenge game, a training report published on One-Eyed Richmond swayed me more than anything that the Shane Edwards experiment at half back is over, and that Cousins is a lock in the 22… for one round at least. “Steamer” Hughes has been sporting the increasingly popular fashion accessory for the style-conscious footballer - the moonboot - and Schulz gets a reprieve to allow him to stink up the Richmond goalsquare. Graham had a stinker himself in the Brisbane praccy, but he’s already got the Terry Wallace seal of approval so Pattison will have to wait in the magoos. Polo is probably the most at risk in this 22, with Thomson still having a claim to that last bench spot. With Foley’s knee knock on the weekend, Thomson is a lock for the emergencies at least, and is every chance to be a late inclusion if Axel doesn’t come up.
Carlton
FB: Chris Johnson, Michael Jamison, Bret Thornton
HB: Paul Bower, Jarrad Waite, Heath Scotland
C: Shaun Grigg, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Ryan Houlihan, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Walker
FF: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Chris Yarran
Fol: Cameron Cloke, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy
Int: Shaun Hampson, Richard Hadley, Jordan Russell, Mitch Robinson
In: Russell
Out: Adam Bentick
Iffy: Scotland, Hadley, Russell, Robinson
Waiting: Dennis Armfield, Simon Wiggins, Sam Jacobs, Brad Fisher
Injured: Andrew Carrazzo, Robert Warnock (LTI list)
Suspended: Setanta O’hAilpin, Nick Stevens
Bentick is still struggling to recover from last year’s knee problems. Scotland is still underdone, with Armfield eying his spot. The biggest question mark for me, however, is on Yarran and Robinson. I had thought a week ago that Robinson was locked in and Yarran just needed to maintain fitness to be selected, but after a week of speculation by Blues supporters I’m not so sure. A lot of fan 22s contain one of the two draftees but not both, and some include neither. Then again, a fair few of them also have Fevola, Kreuzer, Cloke and Fisher all in the same forward line, which is way too tall. The Blues have struggled in recent years with forward pressure, due to a lack of small forwards chasing their opponents as they rebound from halfback to set up coast-to-coast goals. Betts needs help, that much is clear, so to my mind Carlton need to have Yarran at the very least to give Betts some assistance, if not also Robinson and maybe even Wiggins or Garlett as well. Fisher is the odd man out due to lack of match practice, though at least he’s had more of a run than Kreuzer. I’m still of the opinion that Carlton need Cloke in the ruck, to give at least token resistance. I could see Kreuzer out for Jacobs with Cloke slotted into CHF, though. At least we’ll have these teams to peruse on Wednesday week.
Hawthorn
FB: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Campbell Brown
HB: Luke Hodge, Thomas Murphy, Grant Birchall
C: Chance Bateman, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Mitch Thorp
FF: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne
Fol: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Travis Tuck
Int: Brent Renouf, Stuart Dew, Brendan Whitecross, Cameron Stokes
In: Whitecross, Stokes
Out: Ben McGlynn, Jarryd Morton
Iffy: Campbell, Hodge, Brown, Birchall
Waiting: Morton, Beau Dowler, Josh P. Kennedy, Garry Moss
Injured: Trent Croad, Xavier Ellis, Tim Boyle, Rick Ladson, Stephen Gilham, Jordan Lewis, McGlynn
McGlynn was rocking the moonboot on Friday as well, according to one source, though another said he had splints on. Either way, he’s out of the race for round 1. Whitecross had a good outing on a half back flank in the Eagles game, so at the moment he’s bobbed his head in front of the large pack. Be warned, however, that Whitecross is likely to be first out when the senior players start trickling back in by round 3. I didn’t particularly like Morton’s game all that much on Friday, and the news of Hunt’s injury at Geelong seals it for me: Stokes is a better matchup to exploit the holes in the Cats aging defence. Doesn’t hurt that the coach likes the kid either. Thorp has that third tall position locked in for the moment, though judging on Friday’s structure it will not be lucrative for fantasy purposes, as Thorp’s instructions seemed to be to let Buddy run past him up the ground, and then watch the ball sail over his head. Dowler is an outside chance at a defensive spot if the Hawks hierarchy don’t want to entrust the ruck to the Taylor/Renouf tandem, or if Campbell’s multitudinous ailments catch up with him. Hodge, Brown and Birchall should all play.
Geelong
FB: David Johnson, Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn
HB: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
C: Joel Corey, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Paul Chapman
FF: Ryan Gamble, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Fol: Brad Ottens, Gary Ablett jnr, Cameron Ling
Int: Mark Blake, Simon Hogan, James Kelly, Max Rooke
In: Kelly, D. Johnson
Out: Josh Hunt, David Wojcinski
Iffy: Johnson, Hogan, Gamble, Milburn
Waiting: Wojcinski, Jeremy Laidler, Dan McKenna, Tom Hawkins
Injured: Matthew Egan, Tom Harley, Hunt
Hunt’s injury is going to hurt the Cats, no question. David Johnson is a like-for-like swap, though at this stage of his career it’s a bad sign if he is playing in the ones. There are other options available to the Cats: moving Enright to Hunt’s role and rotating Corey and Bartel through Enright’s position; shifting Lonergan back and using Hawkins up front; or blooding a kid like McKenna or Laidler. On the downside: none of the draftees have the kicking skills of Hunt; Lonergan should be kicking goals instead of the unfit Tomahawk; and robbing from the midfield would leave Geelong short in other areas. Whichever way the Cats hierarchy goes, something is going to have to be sacrificed. In the short term, they’re going to have a devil of a time finding a matchup for Rioli in round 1, which is why I’ve plumped for the genuine defender option. Wojcinski’s fitness is also an issue, which is why Kelly gets a reprieve.
Collingwood
FB: Ben Reid, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Heath Shaw, Nathan J. Brown, Harry O’Brien
C: Nick Maxwell, Scott Pendlebury, Tarkyn Lockyer
HF: Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak
FF: Dale Thomas, John Anthony, Paul Medhurst
Fol: Josh Fraser, Shane O’Bree, Dane Swan
Int: Cameron Wood, Marty Clarke, Ben Johnson, Sharrod Wellingham
In: Medhurst
Out: Anthony Corrie
Iffy: Reid, Wellingham, Johnson, Medhurst
Waiting: Shannon Cox, Chris Bryan, Dayne Beams, Steele Sidebottom
Injured: Anthony Rocca, Sean Rusling
Medhurst seems to have recovered to the point where he can play, though his touch may take a little longer. Corrie has disappointed me greatly this preseason. I still can’t quite find a spot for Beams or Sidebottom, with Beams still far more favoured to get a round 1 gig. One possibility might be Clarke moving into Reid’s spot in the backline, leaving a bench spot open, though with Adelaide looking like starting three genuine tall forwards, Reid will probably be needed. Sorry folks, I can’t find a hole big enough elsewhere to squeeze in Beams while the entire senior midfield brigade is fit. Malthouse needs to win early while his team is up, so he will probably not want to gamble.
Adelaide
FB: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens
HB: Andrew McLeod, Nathan Bock, Jared Petrenko
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Chris Knights
HF: Jarrhan Jacky, Trent Hentschel, Richard Douglas
FF: Tyson Edwards, Kurt Tippett, Taylor Walker
Fol: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Brent Reilly
Int: Michael Doughty, Robert Shirley, Bernie Vince, Andy Otten
In: Walker, Otten, Jacky, Hentschel
Out: Nick Gill, Nathan Van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield, Brad Moran
Iffy: Rutten, Tippett, Petrenko, Otten
Waiting: Moran, Dangerfield, Aaron Kite, Brodie Martin
Injured: Brett Burton, Brad Symes, Greg Gallman, Jason Porplyzia, Van Berlo, James Moss
For better or worse, Neil Craig has committed to both Hentschel and Jacky, while Otten’s NAB Challenge form is demanding selection and all you Walker fans will finally get your wish. Another word of caution: note that there is still no Griffin in this 22, and with Moran likely to be squeezed out, the Crows are going to need some cover for Maric in the ruck. The way I see this playing out is that Hentschel holds down centre half forward against Brown, while Tippett rotates from full forward to ruck with Walker only getting time on ground (TOG) at full forward when Tippett isn’t there. Apart from the TOG concerns endemic to draftees playing in Craig-coached sides, standing at full back will be the formidable Simon Prestigiacomo. No, I’m not joking. Presti has quietly had an outstanding preseason, and I expect him to almost completely nullify whoever is in the goal square with him.
Brisbane
FB: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Joel Macdonald
HB: Josh Drummond, Lachie Henderson, Jed Adcock
C: Tim Notting, Bradd Dalziell, Travis Johnstone
HF: Luke Power, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
FF: Mitch Clark, Daniel Bradshaw, Scott Harding
Fol: Matthew Leuenberger, Simon Black, Michael Rischitelli
Int: Tom Collier, Albert Proud, Troy Selwood, Daniel Rich
In: Proud, Harding
Out: Jared Brennan, Rhan Hooper
Iffy: Black, Proud, Harding, Rich
Waiting: Justin Sherman, Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiller, Hooper
Injured: Jamie Charman, Pat Garner, Todd Banfield, Daniel Murray, Joel Tippett, Sam Sheldon, Brennan
I have some bad news for you. Rich may not be the lock in this 22 that you all think he is. Brisbane fans over on BigFooty are currently devising 22 after fan 22 with no Rich to be seen. I think they may just be doing it to make us fantasy coaches cry. It must be said, though, that Brennan’s injury eases a lot of the pressure, and Black is no guarantee to be ready in time either. Wouldn’t it be the final kick in the head for all of us who bought Proud last year if he’s the one who tips out Rich this year? As for Hooper, he missed not only the weekend game but also training during the week, with no word from the club as to why. Until I hear of him attending training again, I’m assuming he’s gone AWOL again and Harding’s solid preseason will be rewarded instead.
West Coast
FB: Brett Jones, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitchell Brown, Adam Selwood
C: Brent Staker, Daniel Kerr, Chris Masten
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Andrew Embley
FF: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Fol: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Tyson Stenglein
Int: Mark Seaby, Sam Butler, Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Hansen, Embley, Ebert, Masten
Waiting: Josh J. Kennedy, Matt Rosa, Eric Mackenzie, Matt Spangher
Injured: Beau Waters, Adam Hunter, Nick Naitanui, Patrick McGinnity, Luke Shuey
Masten’s cramp at the end of the Friday game shouldn’t scare you off him, though Rosa did a few nice things and he could conceivably replace Masten, Ebert or Fletcher in this side. Cox is apparently going to be carrying a broken cheekbone during the season after a knock in the proto-Derby. Good old Coxy, he’s not happy unless some bone of his is sticking out of his skin! Hansen looked completely awful on Friday, so if Kennedy shows anything like match fitness then the Eagles hierarchy would be crazy not to play him instead. They seem to have a blind spot where Hansen is concerned, unfortunately.
St Kilda
FB: Xavier Clarke, Zac Dawson, Farren Ray
HB: Raphael Clarke, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Jason Gram, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna
HF: Jason Blake, Nick Riewoldt, Sam Gilbert
FF: Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Adam Schneider
Fol: Steven King, Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball
Int: Michael Gardiner, Jarryn Geary, Steven Baker, Colm Begley
In: Clarke, Begley, Dawson
Out: Max Hudghton, Matt Maguire, David Armitage
Iffy: Gram, X. Clarke, Baker, Begley
Waiting: Clinton Jones, Andrew McQualter, Leigh Fisher, Tom Lynch
Injured: Hudghton, Maguire, Armitage, Jarryd Allen, Sean Dempster, Robert Eddy
Hudghton picked up a hamstring injury in the weekend’s NAB Challenge game against Port, while Saint fans have admitted to themselves that Goose Maguire is many weeks away from full fitness. The latest fan 22s all have Dawson at full back, with one even sticking Blake at CHB! That’s what they drafted Dawson for, I suppose, and they have one rookie elevation spot available even if they don’t put Allen on the LTI list. It does put into question the premium status of Sam Fisher, if he is called upon to play a more defensive game. Armitage has a 2-4 week hamstring strain, Xavier Clarke picked up a niggle himself on the weekend, while Gram has had an almost non-existent preseason. With Koschitzke struggling at training with soft tissue issues, Riewoldt underdone and King now suffering minor ailments, it’s lucky for St Kilda that they have an extremely soft schedule in the first month of the season. By the way, he’s not listed above, but word from training is that Jack Steven is burning up the track, so don’t be surprised if he turns into an Eddy-style fantasy midfield rookie worth picking up.
Sydney
FB: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bolton, Paul Bevan
HB: Nick Malceski, Ted Richards, Martin Mattner
C: Amon Buchanan, Brett Kirk, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Jarred Moore, Ryan O’Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh
FF: Patrick Veszpremi, Barry Hall, Heath Grundy
Fol: Darren Jolly, Jude Bolton, Adam Goodes
Int: Jesse White, Craig Bird, Ed Barlow, Kieren Jack
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: White, Grundy, Shaw, Bird
Waiting: Mike Pyke, Jared Crouch, Daniel O’Keefe, Ryan Brabazon
Injured: Leo Barry (LTI list), Daniel Currie, Henry Playfair, Tim Schmidt, Michael O’Loughlin, Luke Ablett, Campbell Heath
Retired: Tadhg Kennelly, Nic Fosdike
Paul Roos was quoted on the weekend as saying that four spots in this 22 were still up for grabs, but who is he kidding? He’s barely got 22 fit blokes to pick in the first place. Sydney’s depth is almost non-existent even at this early point.
Melbourne
FB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Colin Garland
HB: Brad Green, Jared Rivers, Jack Grimes
C: Matthew Bate, Brock McLean, Cale Morton
HF: Cameron Bruce, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
FF: Colin Sylvia, Michael Newton, Lynden Dunn
Fol: Paul Johnson, James McDonald, Nathan Jones
Int: Jake Spencer, Simon Buckley, Brent Moloney, Clint Bartram
In: Spencer, Wonaeamirri, Newton
Out: Mark Jamar, Aaron Davey, Matthew Whelan
Iffy: Rivers, Whelan, Bartram, Dunn
Waiting: Matthew Warnock, John Meesen, Neville Jetta, Rohan Bail
Injured: Jamar (LTI list), Davey, Whelan, Russell Robertson, Paul Wheatley, Daniel Bell
Wona has miraculously recovered to be back on track for round 1, while Jamar will be put on the LTI list to promote Spencer - which is as stark an indictment of Meesen’s abilities as you could get. Newton had an impressive first half against the Bulldogs which puts him back in the frame, though you get the feeling that he’s only shown just enough enthusiasm and no more. Dean Bailey was quoted as saying that he would “lose” all three of the injured players from the NAB game - Bell, Davey and Petterd - though apart from Bell’s broken thumb the other two didn’t sound like their injuries were all that bad. Petterd was used at full forward in that game, a sign of desperation to find a place in the Demons structure for him. Full forward is not it. Meanwhile, Warnock is very close to getting into this side, and probably will if Bartram’s report for front-on contact to Giansiracusa results in a suspension.
North Melbourne
FB: Daniel Pratt, Nathan Grima, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott D. Thompson, Lachie Hansen, Gavin Urquhart
C: Michael Firrito, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells
HF: Matt Campbell, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
FF: Corey Jones, David Hale, Jack Ziebell
Fol: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey
Int: Liam Anthony, Sam Power, Scott McMahon, Leigh Harding
In: Thompson, Anthony, Grima
Out: Jesse W. Smith, Daniel Harris, Andrew Swallow
Iffy: Jones, Power, McMahon, Harding
Waiting: Swallow, Harris, Josh Smith, Ed Lower
Injured: Robbie Tarrant, J. W. Smith
Suspended: Aaron Edwards (club)
Dean Laidley is playing silly buggers. Surprise surprise! He left Harris out of the squad for the NAB game against Essendon for no good discernible reason. Oh well, if he focuses his implacable evil on Harris and not Ziebell or Anthony, fantasy coaches will be happy. As with Carlton, the worry here is that the two draftees are fighting for a single spot in the 22, a battle which Anthony would be leading based on his preseason numbers. As for Smith, time to cut bait on this kid from a fantasy perspective. Same goes with those of you who were still holding a candle for Swallow. As for Grima, he has played in both NAB Challenge games for DT scores of 19 and 39, so even if the Roos do decide to commit to the kid at full back coming off his ACL last year, he looks like being a Nathan J. Brown type for DT (though I look forward to seeing his SC scores).
Port Adelaide
FB: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Paul Stewart
HB: Peter Burgoyne, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Krakouer
C: Travis Boak, Domenic Cassisi, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Justin Westhoff, Danyle Pearce
FF: Daniel Motlop, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
Fol: Dean Brogan, Chad Cornes, Shaun Burgoyne
Int: Brendon Lade, Josh Carr, Steven Salopek, Robbie Gray
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Stewart, Gray, Krakouer, Salopek
Waiting: Wade Thompson, Jacob Surjan, Marlon Motlop, Toby Thurstans
Injured: Jackson Trengove (LTI list)
Gray’s three goals on the weekend has him just in front of Thompson at this late stage. Mark Williams loves him some flashy indigenous boys, nevertheless. The choice between Surjan and Stewart is equally even.
Essendon
FB: Sam Lonergan, Dustin Fletcher, Courtenay Dempsey
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Andrew Lovett
C: Hayden Skipworth, Jobe Watson, Bachar Houli
HF: Jay Neagle, Scott Gumbleton, Leroy Jetta
FF: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas
Fol: David Hille, Brent Stanton, Mark McVeigh
Int: Tom Bellchambers, Angus Monfries, Jay Nash, Jason Winderlich
In: Winderlich
Out: David Myers
Iffy: Gumbleton, Dempsey, Lonergan, Nash
Waiting: Ricky Dyson, Michael Hurley, Tayte Pears, Heath Hocking
Injured: Andrew Welsh, Jason Laycock, Brent Prismall, Kyle Reimers, Myers
The saga of Scott Gumbleton’s back-related-hamstring problem, which is the subject of a hilarious and scary 24-page thread over on BomberBlitz, looks like continuing all the way up to the start of the season. As far as I can tell, in between a lot of miscommunications and outright lies, Gumby has suffered a three-week hamstring injury which is part of a chronic issue that will have to be managed through the season, if not his career. Meanwhile, Neagle has a chronic ankle problem, though he returned this weekend with a creditable performance against the Kangaroos. Myers picked up a knock that will see him out for round 1 but back soon after, allowing Winderlich to profit from his impressive preseason form.
Fremantle
FB: Chris Tarrant, Antoni Grover, Marcus Drum
HB: Paul Hasleby, Michael Johnson, Roger Hayden
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Byron Schammer, Stephen Hill
HF: Ryan Murphy, Matthew Pavlich, Daniel Gilmore
FF: Kepler Bradley, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy
Fol: Aaron Sandilands, Rhys Palmer, Ryan Crowley
Int: Brett Peake, Scott Thornton, Steven Dodd, Clayton Hinkley
In: Thornton, Murphy
Out: Des Headland, Chris Mayne
Iffy: Thornton, Hinkley, Dodd, Murphy
Waiting: Nick Suban, Greg Broughton, Josh Head, Michael Walters
Injured: Headland, Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne, Andrew Foster, Andrew Browne, Adam Campbell, Paul Duffield, Brock O’Brien, Matthew DeBoer, Clancee Pearce, Ben Bucovaz
Suspended: Dean Solomon
What a dog’s breakfast the Fremantle list has become. Their injury list is worse than Hawthorn’s was last week, and it will get to Essendon-of-08 levels if it keeps on going like this. Apparently the Docker gameplan in the game against Carlton in Bunbury on the weekend was to play all the forwards in the backline and all the defenders forward. Newsflash: that’s what they’re planning for round 1 as well! Tarrant on Fevola didn’t work at all, but it seems Mark Harvey is determined not to play him in the forward line, even with all of his other genuine forwards injured. Murphy showed terrible form in the preseason but he’s all they’ve got left. Suban and/or Broughton are every chance to replace any of the bench players in this 22, though it wasn’t good to hear that Suban got a knock to the shoulder in Bunbury.
Western Bulldogs
FB: Andrejs Everitt, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Tim Callan
C: Ryan Griffen, Daniel Cross, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Daniel Giansiracusa
FF: Shaun Higgins, Brad Johnson, Jason Akermanis
Fol: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd
Int: Will Minson, Jarrod Harbrow, Dylan Addison, Josh Hill
In: Callan, Akermanis
Out: Jarrad Grant, Callan Ward
Iffy: Eagleton, Everitt, Hill, Callan
Waiting: Ward, Grant, Sam Reid, Stephen Tiller
Injured: Tom Williams
Bulldog fans are united in leaving Grant out of their 22s for round 1, so I can’t argue with that even though he might still be battling with Hill for that last spot. Dog supporters also like Callan as part of the starting back six, and Aker to play even though he is lacking match fitness in recovery from his calf problems. Plenty of Bulldogs are going to be underdone for round 1, including Murphy, Cooney and Everitt.
This post took out all of my Saturday. I had to trawl through endless forum threads filled with gloom, backbiting, lying, swearing, insults, and invites to real life fights. And that was just on BomberBlitz! Seriously, those guys need at least a decade of learning how the other half live. Anyway, I expect you all to shower me with praise and affection seeing as I’ve given you all what you want: Cousins, Kelly and Walker all starting. I’m sure you’ll find something else to pick fault with in the comments. Have at it!
all looks good to me monty.. no qualms here.. keep up the good work.. it must take up all your weekend..
righto. why no effort on the swans, again? sure, bring on the cracks about a boring team on the slide, but white, vezspremi, grundy and malceski all look underpriced to me (maybe not grundy) and could turn out to be good deals. nice work otherwise. have you given up on s.selwood?
Oh Monty, you spoil us… =)
After reading Version 6 approx. 100x - so glad you gave up your Saturday just so I could turn the page and start reading Verison 7 100x…..Many thanks.
The three biggest things I take out of this are Mitch Robinson, Daniel Rich and Wade Thompson.
Does anybody else have a take on them - for the last 4 weeks they’ve all been generally locked in…now, maybe not so much.
Any thoughts from other readers?
Turn to L. Anthony if Mitch Robinson disappears and I’m still sure Vossy will commit to Rich.
Monty:
Do you really think Williams will give N Krak. time to develop into the role or is it a passing fancy? I worry that as soon as they lose a game, he’ll be a scapegoat.
Thanks Monty, relying on your team projections heavily to pick the rookie starters.
Appreciate all the effort you must have to put in.
And Cousins finally in the starting 22.
What has happened to Travis Varcoe Monty?
Played every game in pre season but does not get a mention anywhere??
Wellingham is a piece of shit why the fuck is he in your side? Cox is far better. gee you are bad dont trust this guy
Monty,
Albert Proud in regardless of his pending criminal matter?
No Bent-dick? Damn, there goes half the jokes on Stat Attack!
Oh, let’s see your best 22s, Will.
Thanks Monty - I’m finally convinced
In Cousins
Yeah my biggest concern in Krakouer… Have him as my 7th Fwd but could easily change him to Yarran and pocket the 60k… whos a better bet??
Thats fourth defender is a tough one. Malceski, Drummond Adcock or even a Scott Stevens. Can you help me?
drummond is too prone to getting injured. Adcock will be playing more in the midfield so for his price you gotta get him
fb: Grover, McPharlin, Hayden
hb: Gilmore, Johnson, Drum
c: Ibbotson, Mundy, Haselby
hf: Schammer, Tarrant, Hill
f: Bradley, Pavlich, Peake
r: Sandilands, Palmer, Crowley
i: Dodd, Hinkley, Broughton, Suban/Duffield
Duffield played against Carlton, so should be fit. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we rushed Campbell back. While Murphy, and to a lesser extent Thornton, just aren’t any good.
Gilmore has been playing half back, so that’s where he’ll play. While if a defender was to move forward, it would likely be Johnson not McPharlin.
it would have to be Adcock you’d think… Drummond seems in good form too… Malceski I dont think is worthy even though his tempting price
Hey guys and Monty ,
How is the Premium back strategy holding up considering we are only 11 days out to round 1. Is anyone adopting this selection criteria ?? How about you Monty ? will you get cold feet like last year ha your thoughts guys ?
if meesan doesnt get a gig before spencer he should retire(:
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/73241/default.aspx
Suban injured his shoulder apparently.
Hey m0nty mate, thanks for the update, you seem pretty spot on in my eyes.
“I had to trawl through endless forum threads filled with gloom, backbiting, lying, swearing, insults, and invites to real life fights.” - LOL, thats gold.
The only possible changes I could see from Hawthorn are: Campbell (injured) OUT for Dowler, with Dowler/Thorp/Renouf rotating down back or Taylor OUT for Dowler, with Renouf/Campbell/Thorp/Dowler rotating down back. I reckon the 3 genuine bulky non-athletic (perhaps bar Renouf) ruckmen could be a bit too top-heavy.
I was also wondering seeing as though there are inter-state matches this coming weekend (VFL/SANFL/WAFL). What do you think clubs mindset will be? To rest their current best 25 iffy players who are preferred for RD 1 from the reserves, or use this weeks reserve matches to investigate more positional, structural and match fitness dilemmas?
BTW, You forgot to add Petterd under the injured section for Melbourne. Thanks for the blog again, top work!
Clint Jones is in he saints best 22
Same with Mathew Warnock of Melbourne
Ed Lower will play rnd1 and so will Harris
I think surjan is not in ports best 22 but he is in mark williams 22.
Well done Monty, great post. Couple of points and questions
1. Ed Lower? I think he is quite likely to play…not sure who he will push out (anthony?)
2. Crows line up to me is one of the most volatile, a lot of players with a lot of hype about them. Petrenko, Ottens, Walker..do you think any of this will be able to hold a spot over the longer term (10 games) or will be scapegoats when the crows lose.
3. Sam Fisher, really think he won’t produce this year or just scaring me?
Cheers
SC Lockout - with the opening game on the Thursday night, I’m assuming that the ‘lock’ for the whole round is at the kick off of the Richmond game ?
When are Rd 1 squads listed in the paper?
(( Tks…I’m in New York so I may have to get up at 4am ))
do you really think taylor walker will suffer from lack of TOG? I can assure you he wont
Unless Neil Craig uses the nickname “ish” I take no assurance…
much better monty.
Why did swallow get dropped, and there is 2 rookies in the kangas squad. Will he get back in there?
suban got injured in bunbury last night shoulder, if bad does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement i have him and petrenko on the bench.
Just reading the report on the carlton v. freo nab challenge game and noticed in the injuries carl: grigg (hamstring) and freo: suban (shoulder) not sure how serious they are but might have some effect on whether they front up for round 1.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/73241/default.aspx
walker…the crows have the worst forward line, a young star in the making, hes played well preseason & the coach has a semi for him….
he’ll play, and get tog…its not rocket science
why is salopek iffy? he was named in ports best two of the past three weeks.
do players have breakevens at the moment or are they dependant upon the first game of the season
Simon Hogan has impressed in the NAB Cup and played down back for a majority of the year in the two’s last year, so he might get the gig ahead of D.Johnson.
Is Jason Davenport any chance of playing in the early stages of the season?
why is dangerfield out i thought he was a lock this season
After watching Cousins on Friday night at Carrara, I will bet my left teste he will start on the ground round 1. He was the tiges best midfielder by a long way against the Lions and was rested on the half forward flank increasing his TOG, not the bench on a number of occasions (rotating with Deleidio). He is at least 90% match fit and was BOG by quite a long margin. I didn’t have him b4 Friday, but now have him locked…
What about Davenport for PA - is it possible they subbed him on in q4 just to get a few more minutes into his legs before round 1?
Monty - I have it on good advice the Kyle Cheney from Melbourne will not only play round one but will start on the ground in the back pocket.
This information came from a good friend an player at the club.
You ought to find room for him in the side - or at least on the waiting list - actually quite a big miss or someone supposedly ‘in the know’ as you.
Secondly - COUSINS - I mean really… there was never any oubt, and you made yourself look silly but saying he would not play
West Coast Eagles: I wouldn’t be suprised if Spangher is named on the bench or possibly on the ground ahead of Nicoski. Had a sensational pre-season
Raph Clarke done a hammy. Won’t be right.
For the pies i would drop Wood for Bryan, wood has done nothing, i know they are both crap but bryan, slightly less in the NAB. Also id bring Beams in for Johnson, johnson is a hack, or even wellingham.
ANy news on FOley??
I’m looking at photos, as I type, of Fevola with his right ankle on ice at the Bunbury game. Any cause for worry? Hot spot in the foot perhaps?
The look on Suban’s face as the doctor takes him off the field is pretty bad.
From the Freo board on Big Footy it appears that Suban came back on and played in the last qtr so the injury cant be that bad.
M Motlop and Thurstans are injured. Davenport should at least be on the waiting list, and Surjan is in front of Stewart i think
salopek will play off half back…fully fit
would like to see w.thompson play round 1 but no lack of small speedy players at port
does hunts injury mean other geelong defenders become more accountable and lose points?
Interesting you should say that cmiggles, because I’ve got Warnock unlucky to miss out on that backline. Who would Cheney displace… is Grimes actually injured?
Also coasters, Nicoski was BOG for the Eagles on Friday so I think his spot is safe.
who is everybody last three defenders in SC? ive currently got s.hill in the 22 with rance and klemke on the bench.
if cheney plays round 1 then demons are tanking allready
im having trouble choosing between joel selwood and bryce gibbs any suggestions
im having trouble choosing between joel selwood and bryce gibbs any suggestions or maybe cotchin or masten instead and upgrade some where else please help me
brettl5, i would go bryce gibbs, carlton is set for a good year and he wont get tagged. also he is cheaper than selwood
From having too many cheap forwards to pick from this week seems to have cut it down. Makes our choices a bit easier.
Daniel Rich and Chris Yarran were drafted with the intention to play them for the whole season. They have decent sized bodies and are expected to slot straight into their respective teams. I haven’t seen anthing as yet to count them out. Form has been ok.
Cheers for the effort monty. Much appreciated
Just counting up the round 1 debuts:
Yarran, Robinson, Whitecross, Hogan, Walker, Petrenko, Rich, Grima, Anthony, Ziebell, Hill.
That’s 11, looks more like the average.
Thanks Monty keep up the good work
Montagneto s.cox def ahead of wellington and johnson
Great effort mOnty. Reckon that looks pretty accurate.
On Collingwood…i actually think Beams has locked in his spot. I actually can’t see us playing 5 talls down back, especially since we lacked run against Geelong. Possibly Reid will start forward.
But either way, i think Beams has done enough. Sidebottom i think will have to wait.
who is everybody last three defenders in SC? ive currently got s.hill in the 22 with rance and klemke on the bench
Klemke?
are you tanking this year?
hi guys. thanks monty keep up the good work.
any oppinions on this, im having trouble deciding: Tarkyn Lockyer or chris newman??
please advice . also should i trade kane kornes for corey or leave as is at pocket the 50k?
oh and keep us posted on the rumoured grimes injury!
People worried about Krakouer, don’t be. Had a fantastic preseason and Choco has a mancrush on him. Also, it’s not really fantasy relevant but I’d be very surprised if Stewart takes Surjan’s spot in Round 1. Maybe later though. And Tom Logan deserves a spot on the waiting list at least.
Why did swallow get dropped, and there is 2 rookies in the kangas squad. Will he get back in there?
Evan: Newman and Kornes. And please stop spamming.
Evan, do some homework. I wouldn’t have any of them.
whats the deal with j.Polkinghorne
Thanks Monty, don’t think ive been utilising the info on this site. Thumbs up to you.
MONTY - Grimes is worrying me - Did he play yesterday??? If not, that the second week running he has not played….not good.
In response to your question about Cheney - I too cant see a spot for him but according to my source he is playing round one and has been earmarked for a small defensive role/run off role. Only time will tell I guess. But rest assured my source is a high profile player from the club.
My feel is both Yarran and Robinson will play round one without a doubt. The fact that Robinson was rested along with all of the other star in the NAB cub against geelong has to mean they are priming him for round one.
Yarran = certainty
EVAN - As for lockyer or Newman - if your looking at these two players you should re-assess your entire team as you have most certainly missed some important players. Clearly a rookie DT competitor (or shoul i say light weight).
I heard on Friday when Cale Morton was on SEN that every single Demon player had Grimes in their own Dream Teams, so unless he’s picked up a new injury this weekend then I’m not so worried about Grimesy.
Looking at my Demons 22, I do have four 190cm defenders, so maybe that’s one too many and Cheney would come in for the likes of Frawley.
Monty,
you listed the round 1 debuts…did you leave M Brown off intentionally?
No opinion Ed Lower?
Brown already played seniors in 2007, mEnty.
I have admitted before that I haven’t got a great handle on Kangaroo fringe players. Your guess is as good as mine as to who of about eight players will fit into about four slots.
mEnty, if you mean WCE brown hes played games before
Ah okay, thanks, listed at 86k I assumed not
Forgot Beau Wilkes for Eagles and Polkihorne for brissy,,,
m0nty, this is fantastic and a terrific resource - thanks for your efforts.
Is Brett Ebert a viable DT option in 2009? Looking primed for a good season, but will he average more than his career averages of around 60 per game? His price is quite handy..
Walker IN!
Well well Monty I do believe your onto something.
bandwagon is offically taking passengers ALL ABOARD!
PS told ya so (you knew it was coming)
Only this year have a hopped on the dream team bandwagon but i have had many years in the super coach comps. I can only hope my transition is smooth.
I’ve done a lot of reading and this site in particular with Monty has been priceless. However, I thought it would be probably most beneficial if you regular posters gave me feedback on the team I have picked out.
I did my best with balancing bargain buys and solid point getters.
Fisher, S Burgoyne, P Lockyer, T
Rooke, M Raines, A Collier, T Hill, S
Green, B Selwood, J Lewis, J
Cousins, B Hasleby, P Otten, A
Petrie, D Ottens, B
Richardson, M Harvey, B Chapman, P
Fevola, B Thomas, D Anthony, J
Any feedback is most welcome.
Thanks guys and girls and goodluck!
= )
oh and Higgins as 7th fwd
MONTY - Quite possible that Frawly could drop out.
Whilst I think what you ave done is fantastic - I do think the postion you have some players in is wrong. Whilst I agree with their selection in the side I think they will play elsewhere.
For example - I do think Brad green will play wing/midfield as opposed to a half back flank.
My point is … with a bit of tweaking and loss of maybe a frawley he ould easily slot in.
I am certain on Cheney though. The two players I was told were Cheney and Grimes. Also he said if Spencer can somehow get on the list (which i understand has happened) he would almost be their No 1 ruck and not number 2, especially in terms of his tap work and perhaps not becuase of his work rate around the ground.
If necessary I will reveal my source privately to you monty.
Lewis’ injured…
THE FONE - your isde needs a lot of work - its beyond help
Monty
Come on mate, did you just forget about Varcoe?
I don’t see a place for Varcoe once Mooney is back, Browndog. Especially if Ablett is spending time forward.
Rumour is Jacobs is prefered infront of Hampson.
Monty
you could be right, just thought it strange he was not in any list of yours
Sam Lonergan in a back pocket? I don’t think he’s played there ever for Essendon or Bendigo - only midfield or forward pocket. Henry Slattery is a lock unless his ankle keeps him out. Houli’s been dropped twice during pre-season so I’d have him as iffy and Jetta also lined up for Bendigo yesterday instead of against the Roos on Friday
Harris & Corey Jones have played in the VFL since North got knocked out of the NAB Cup. Surely Ed Lower or Josh Smith is ahead of Jones for Rd1? Sam Power’s been in superb form over pre-season so I can’t see him being an iffy one
Mitch Robinson hasn’t played seniors for Carlton since the Hawthorn game so I can’t see him suddenly coming back into consideration. Surely they would’ve included him in the squad last week if he was in the mix for Rd 1
Aaron Kite’s still out another 2 weeks with a knee injury from a pre-season SANFL game so not sure why he’s in the waiting pile.
St Kilda website is certainly talking up Steven’s Rd 1 chances so he should be in waiting.
Josh Hill’s been a regular goal kicker for the Dogs all pre-season and Jarrad Grant wasn’t even in the squad against the Dees - wouldn’t think Hill is in any danger from anybody let alone Grant.
Someone said “Ben Johnson out, Dayne Beams in”. I’d have to agree.
Ben lost the passion for the game last year, and I think he’ll be in and out of the side this year. Might only play 10 games. Could be his last year, I reckon. Looked very ordinary against Geelong and Richmond. (Didn’t play against Essendon). Dayne Beams has shown a lot of courage and heart. Should play plenty of football this year and snatch that last spot.
Other Collingwood fans might see this differently.
This is just my personal opinion.
SpikeSetsFire , I agree Beams is near certain starter round 1 for johnson. Beams is tough , skilful , can find the ball and will get the gig over first round draft pick sidebottom , at this stage anyway.
Luv you long time Monty,great work.
(I’m still rooting for J Polkinghorne in the 22,forget the Cairns game.)
opinions on some players please
Lucas, J davenport and A Mackie
Are they worth having in
DR - I had Lucas as a lock prior to the start of the NAB, however his NAB performances have concerned me so much I’ve dropped him from my squad.
If Lucas does discover his form though he’s excellent value. It’s just a very big ‘if’ IMO.
Zac Dawson @ full back for the Saints … This is a joke isn’t it Monty
DR , Lucas - like a horse without form dont pick him.
Davenport - in good form but would put thompson ahead of him at this stage.
Mackie - Definatley. doesnt turn the ball over and in a very strong side
why is callan ward now in the outs?
cotchin or kerr opinions please is grimes for melbourne injured,my back line c cornes, l gilbee, j drummond, j grimes,a raines, r houlihan, l hansen and n suban,j petrenko on the bench wat do yas think my first year in dream team, cheers for the cool site monty.
“The latest fan 22s all have Dawson at full back, with one even sticking Blake at CHB!”
Jason Blake played key defence for a lot of last year. IIRC, his opponents in finals were Lonergan, Cloke and Roughead. Blake and Dawson will probably be the key defenders for round one. Fisher will be free to play his attacking role.
Monty
love ur work, but u’ll change ur mind about Varcoe just like u did with Ablett and winderlich. U’ll see
Great work m0nty!!
Nice feedback and rumouring to gents - lots of thinking for DT to be done on the back of all of this
Cousins not Ablett
Another great piece Monty, keep it up.
Awesome work Monty. I dont know why you havn’t talked up brett peake though, he seems a steal…
Spangher - A certainty to start.
Will play the whole 22. Horses mouth.
I hope you’re right about Daniel Rich, too, Monty.
He is my smokie “non” pick. =P
11 days till lockout.
A new season of DT is nearly here. =)
I hate how people say ‘what’s your opinion on so and so?’.
You should at least give your own thoughts first, otherwise you’re just pimping.
Seems only fair.
Mega amount of work Monty. Undoubtedly, there will be some eyebrow raising selections come RD 1. And Cmiggles, how could Cheney be locked in already? I doubt the selection committee has even sat down already.
(Tigers supporter)
Shannon Cox has been racking up a lot of stats @ Collingwood for someone not in the starting 22. Looks like he’s been getting plenty of game time; he’s in my Supercoach team.
Where is Tom Logan in the power 22?
monty, got a link to the Jacky news? I haven’t heard it, it’s killing me, lol.
You’ve got the Crows spot on if that news is true (assuming Porsche isn’t ready), but take Kite and Martin off the waiting list and add Cook and Gill. Great to see Tex Walker finally in there!
Lol @ Dawson! Lucky they’re only playing Sydney.
I think Grant will play.
Roos and Freo fans give us info!!!
Dr groove don’t waste your time with shannon cox!! i noticed he is 372k (SC) he is no good. he peaks too much and coughs up possesion. hot tip - say no to shannon cox as he is a spud pick
well im personally fairly settled on my supercoach squad atm. i wish the season would just start already so i stop playing with it!! the only blokes im sweating on is hentschel, and i have ziebel and rich as my mid emergancies who are in doubt all of a sudden!!!!
Everitt or Addison a chance to drop out for the Dogs?
Great work monty. Very well thought through (now that you’ve given in on Cousins!).
I’m actually not too bothered if Rich doesn’t play early in the season. He’s got the high-draft-pick hype but from a DT point of view he’s not really a ball magnet or endurance player and Brisbane have a very established midfield. Rich starts 40k above rookies and may well not do better than 40-50 average. If he doesn’t play I will feel even better if I leave him out
If Suban can’t make Freo’s team with this many injuries, then he’s not worth picking up in my view, as unless he plays a blinder and forces the coach to keep him the coach must see him as too far down the pecking order.
Whats with all the worry about rich. Have you seen brisbane’s list ? you could blindfold him and he’d be better than 5 of those guys. Krakouer is a lock.
Mackie is not the best supercoach player, more effective in Dreamteam. Lucas is done, no one should have him. BL supercoacher, ward looked like a steal, but monty can always be wrong
Shannon cox is soooo terrible its not funny
news on t. swift??
Would it be worth picking up Z.Dawson as a back-up backmen.
Also does anyone have any news on how far away Ballantyne is?
On the Kangas…
As mentioned earlier, Jones and Harris have been left out of the seniors since the first NAB Cup game so I find it unlikely that either will play Round 1. And Lower has done enough in the practice matches to justify a spot, probably at the expense of Ziebell. I also don’t think Thompson and Grima will play in the same side. McMahon should take the spot on the back flank.
So in summary:
OUT: Thompson, Jones, Ziebell
IN: Swallow, Josh Smith, Lower
Also… Harding is far from iffy. He has been fantastic in the pre-season
You are dreaming if you think Matthew Warnock won’t be in Melbourne’s side. He would be in the first 10 picked, no question. None of Dunn, Frawley or Bartram are certainties, and Rivers probably needs more games.
will stephen hill play for freo?he got a DT score of 90ish against the tigers in the NAB game.
Ax,
You can put your house on Stephen Hill playing, absolute certainty!
Keen on Spangher. Hope that horses mouth info is on the nose.
I can’t split Cousins and Goodes, any thoughts?
Goodes should come back stronger than last year given he’s now fully fit, and should appreciate in value.
But will he score as many points as Cousins, who is looking really good atm?
I’m slightly in favour of Cousins.
ive seen most of the dees games and this is how i see the round 1 side
B: Cheney Warnock Garland
HB: Frawley Rivers Grimes
B: Morton Moloney Green
HF: Petterd Miller Bruce
F: Wona Bate P.Johnson
R: Spencer McLean McDonald
I: Jones, Sylvia, Dunn, Davey
E: Buckley, Jetta, Martin
davey on the bench as i believe he may be injured, if injured jetta a certain starter.
bartram to be rubbed out for round 1, so to speak.
Great read, I think this is a fantastic resource. Thank you very much.
I do think that a some of people are thinking it is the best 22 for a team, however your prediction is for the best 22 per team for round 1.
Good stuff Monty! What are peoples thoughts on Troy Selwood and Sam Butler as # 5 and 6 midfields? Pretty cheap and have good potential of making big scores. Cheers
Monty, could you do best 22s aswell as Round 1 projections? It’d be great to see how these rookies fit in with the full strength side.
very interesting read. was happy with my team but reading this now makes me want to fit in a few more.
If Jacky does play i think it will be 1 game till his out. From what i have been reading his kicking is horrible and its not much good been a crap kick in a forward pocket.
Robert not sure on Goodes, he always seems to start a season slow.
I had a question but have forgotten it after reading this whole thread. When it pops back into my mind i shall post it =)
XztatiK here is that post of neil craig talking up jacky… i think he only says he will play him if porps isnt right to go
http://www.afc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4417/newsid/73158/default.aspx
Didn’t sift through all of the posts so this might have already been brought up but although he is a mega spud nick gill has to be up for selection with trent hentschel due to do his knee again they would be a big man short. also why is bernie vince on the bench when jacky is on the field.
cant decide between two players, pavlich or franklin for my 4th foward
Poopa, go for Pav as I reckon Buddy will start slow this year considering his limited pre-season
Pav as your 4th forward Poopa? Who the hell have you got for the three above him?
I’d take Pav anyday over Buddy; i read pav has slimmed down abit and is going to be playing up the ground / on a wing alot more ala richo, so i expect he will pull in alot of touches = big DT points!
troy selwood seems great value for money in the midfield, what do you guys think?
i also have barry hall, i think he is abit of a dark horse, word is he has had a great pre season and im banking on not many people having him in their team
Ax,
Agree with your thinking on Barry Hall.
I have him as well because i think in 09 he has one more big shot left in the locker.
A few of the Adelaide supporters mentioned after the NAB Challenge game that he looked fit, strong and capable of returning to playing his best footy.
I guess my only concern with Hall is that his potential might be effected by lack of quality supply this year but having said that they still have McVeigh coming off his best season and a fit and firing Adam goodes as well.
I think Hall will be a reasonably unique pick which is what you need considering most teams i have seen this year are almost identicle.
Great work Monty! I reckon Sam Jacobs will start in the ruck for Carlton in round 1. He was Carlton’s best in the hit outs throughout the NAB games and against Sandilands on the weekend. He has just been elevated as a nominated rookie making him good to go from round 1.
Suban should be ok, took a knock and went off, dry reached for a bit but came on again in the fourth, got 2 weeks to rest so looks good for him. Stephen Hill is a certain starter he played another good game for freo against carlton i thought, not too many possesions but showed a lot of courage and skill and coaches love that stuff. Also Broughton and Deboer got elevated to the seniors so keep an eye on those two playing early both had good pre season
who do you think should be a good cheapy for the back line?
Ben are you serious with that question?
Give us a couple of players you are considering and for what reasons, and your budget? At least then we can see you have done some research before asking that pimp daddy of a question.
You will get nothing if you dont offer something first
Defenders seem to be a hot topic again, particularly due to low cost and good chance of racking up DT points.
Would it be to big a risk having players who have sustained lots of injuries in 2008? I have Adcock, Melceski, Raines and C.Dempsey. I also really want Petterd remove Grimes). Thoughts?
Hey Poopa
That’s some forward line you’ve got.
Great stuff monty.
Now that he’s been promoted, how far off a game do you think Suckling is? I’ve been impressed by his pre-season.
The HUN has reported Jack Grimes will definitely miss the start of the season with another back complaint.
There goes the neighborhood.
I also believe ricky pettard suffered a hip injury and will miss the start of the season.
for cheapish backmen, i have ryan houlihan, ash mcgrath, tyson goldsack and stephen hill to compliment goddard, lake and scotland.
Chapman out Roughead in
Grimes out Raines in
Problem solved, too easy.
brent stanton or brock mclean for supercoach, what does everybody think? stanton killed me last year and i think mcleans due for a blinder. any thoughts?
I have Raines, Grimes, Firrito and Hill as cheaper backmen starting. Grimes out, Houlihan in? My trouble is that I think Houlihan is a hack and don’t get the hype around him.
I may need to get another premium back (perhaps taking the rollercoaster ride on Heath Shaw) and find a good cheapy who can start in the midfield. Any suggestions? The only mid-pricer in my midfield at the moment is Hasleby, plus I’ll be starting one of Robinson, Anthony or Beams (depending who’s playing, probably Robinson for round 1 to be safe)
ash mcgrath and tyson goldsack seem to be starters in the 22 each week and get midrange points for low price.
im buying into the houlihan hype this time as i read he has healed up his injurys and his nab form has been good
time will tell tho
Raf,
Hoops may be soft but he is no hack.
Beautiful by foot and if he plays every game last year Fev possibly kicks 10-20 more goals.
who should do best this year Sharrod wellingham or kieren jack or is there someone else better at that price?
Cheers
who should do best this year Sharrod wellingham or kieren jack or Paul Haselby or is there someone else better at that price?
Cheers
Haselby.
Ben, Haselby.
I am hoping that Beams might keep Wellingham out of the side for a while at least.
Grimes out, Cale morton in. Shuffle as required.
i hope s’bottom and beams get a few games by the way
who do ou think will be the best cheap forward john anthony and jack riewoldt or who
Cheers
Ben, do you wear a big purple fluffy over coat, a big white top hat and carry a cane like the other pimps?
Rumour coming from Arden Street is that Jesse W Smith is fit and ready for round 1!
Monty, you can lcok in Zac Dawson as a definite Round 1 starter:
“ZAC Dawson will make a surprise Round 1 debut for St Kilda at the scene of his worst nightmare.
The Saints have told Dawson he will be promoted from the rookie list in time to confront Sydney at Docklands on Saturday week.
Waiting for Dawson in the goalsquare will be the menacing Barry Hall. Dawson, the former Hawk best known for being monstered by Anthony Rocca at Docklands in 2006, has been fast-tracked because of injuries at Moorabbin.”
Since when has Sam Lonergan played in the back pocket?
He’s an inside midfielder and he has been one of Essendons best performers this pre season after a very good season last year.
He is a lock for Round 1.
A.Browne from richmond will play round 1 in place of Graham.
thanks monty it helped fine tune my final 22 line up particularly the backs
ps would you pick taylor as a stater over hentschel
bachar houli?
what do people think of him
can anyone tell me more about jarryn gearry please?
What about Tom Swift? No mention of him, he has looked great throughout the pre season.
I can tell you that Jarryn Gearry has alot of “r”’s in his name.
I think Geary plays for St. Kilda, he is a footballer… hope that helps.
hope you boys do better with ya dream teams that ya comedy act!
Dobbo Says:
Mate I am impressed. Would love to know when your F/L starts up.
Thanks!
Monty you can remove Veszpremi from round 1 considerations.
He is having surgery on a finger injury and will miss up to 8 weeks.
Why do you have Pat Dangerfield out? He was an abosolute certainty a couple of weeks ago..
Simon Hogan..
Do you think he will hold his spot in a Geelong side?
I think the Hogan hype might be over Josh.
IMO Wojo will come in for Hogan.
The minute Wojo has an ordinary game The Hulkster will get his chance.
Hey fella’s, thanks Monty, for all the work. Just getting people’s opinion on spending all your salary cap vs. leaving some cash in the bank for the start of season… Any thoughts?
hey guys. if anyone is looking for another leugue theres room in this one. 385740 and 556408. thanks guys. btw does any1 no the extent of hudges injury and what it is, i hear he’ll miss round 1
Thanks evan - be good to join some other Fan Footy players! Signed up
hi again. should i egt adcock or malceski, im leening towards adcock but i rekon i have too many brisbane players and malceski could get injures. thanks please help
“btw does any1 no the extent of hudges injury and what it is, i hear he’ll miss round 1″
Is this Hodge, and what’s the truth of it?
yeah its hodge, people are saying he could be a late withdraweral, adcock or malceski??
Version 8 soon monty? there have been a few injuries to add to the list. Will fev be ok? Ben jack riewoldt is better than anthony, more consistent this year i reckon.
Dangerfield? what’s happening with him? is he going to play or not?! and daniel rich is another? is he in the lions best 22? thanks guys, hit back
Melb vs NM
In an ideal world I would have Warnock play and one of Garland or Rivers would go forward, but wtf do I know?
what are everyone’s thoughts on dale thomas? do you think collingwood will stick with the half back experiment and does he have the potnetial to be a consistent DTer this year?
what are everyone’s thoughts on Dale Thomas? do you think Collingwood will persist with the half back experiment? more importantly is he good enough to average 80 this year?
how long will Ballantyne be out of action for? anyone!
Re: Evan
Adcock is the better choice as he pushes into the midfield and Malceski didnt perform as well in the preseason as Adcock.
Re: Daniel
I think its at least 3-4 rounds and people are expecting him to come in around round 5-8.
Re: Gooms
I’m hoping Dale Thomas can perform this year and become a consistent DTer. I read somewhere on bigfooty that Mick Malthouse had said this year they will put Dale Thomas wherever he can find the ball. So long as they get the ball into his hands early and a lot, then hes likely to change the game. Thats a good sign!
Hope that helps
AdamG03
With Grimes out for a while, who will he his replacement for Melbourne, will Petterd take his place, if not who will? Also Petterd seems to had a bad preseason, anyone with a diagnosis of how he will go?
Looking fwd to version 8 now, be interesting to see how they have changed over the months.
wats happened bout Ward???
he showed last year that he can make the cut
I can’t get over Wells’ numbers this pre-season … insane!
hey guys. i’m having some real difficulty decidein: judd and didak OR pendles and a forward of my choice (not pavlich already have).
if i choose the pendles option what fowward should i get.
please help.
GOOMS
Dale Thomas is the one forward that i don’t have that i wish i could fit in. i think he will def average in the 80’s.
I have a pretty good set up but my ruck division is letting me down in my ruck i have Mark Blake, Matthew Leunberger, Jordyn Roughead and Jake Spencer what i am asking is should i get rid of Leunberger and bring in Jesse White or should i get rid of Mark Blake to bring him in a keep a young ruck divison and save up some extra cash
And also do i have Malceski, Heath Shaw or Peter Burgyone in my side and what would be the go with Wade Thompson he had a good pre season but would he play for Port at all in the first few rounds