Adam Tomlinson was one of a number of high-profile recruits by Melbourne in the off season, but it's fair to say he hasn't quite been worth the money paid to him. Starting the season on a wing and spending time lately as a tall defender, he doesn't seem to excel in any of the positions which his body type allows him to play. In baseball terms, it's hard to see his value over replacement player (VORP) being much higher than nil. So it is with his fantasy scores, which are barely startable when in midfield and not impressive when in defence.
Adam Tomlinson was one of a number of high-profile recruits by Melbourne in the off season, but it's fair to say he hasn't quite been worth the money paid to him. Starting the season on a wing and spending time lately as a tall defender, he doesn't seem to excel in any of the positions which his body type allows him to play. In baseball terms, it's hard to see his value over replacement player (VORP) being much higher than nil. So it is with his fantasy scores, which are barely startable when in midfield and not impressive when in defence.
Giant Hawk glides south
Arriving at the club to fulfil Melbourne's wing position needs, Adam Tomlinson will be heavily depended on from the get-go. He is coming off a career best season with a high in disposals and hit outs in his last at GWS, starting on a wing and often providing a chop out in ruck despite previous years in key positions. Tomlinson has been restricted to walking laps this summer as he overcomes a strained calf that he suffered during the off season. This is a rare issue for the strong runner, playing in 98% of matches between 2017-19. As a midfield only selection, he appears to be nothing more than a late depth selection.
Adam Tomlinson is a bit of a utility at a club that needs some support players to fill roles and let the stars do their thing. This season he has been asked to mostly play as a key forward, often leading out of the goalsquare on bigger opponents. Today he gets Carlton as an opponent so he should get plenty of supply, making him a possibly viable spot start if you think the Giants are going to shake off last round's cobwebs with a big pummelling in front of their home fans.
Tool time for Tomlinson
The Giants' resident Mr Fixit, Adam Tomlinson found himself playing back, forward and even through the midfield at times during the 2018 season. Following a long-term struggle with various ailments, the Giant has now missed just once in the previous two campaigns. Tomlinson did record career bests in disposals, kicks and tackles per game, indicative of his role change. Given the role flexibility that the inaugural Giant provides, Tomlinson’s prospects are difficult to forecast. A strong runner with size to match, perhaps Tomlinson can perform as a key forward, a position the Giants are short on given the Rory Lobb departure and Jonathon Patton injury. Due to the uncertainty, a footy boffin would be unable to advise his selection.
