Mitch Robinson‘s debut was overshadowed by 2009’s most popular fantasy player injuring his knee.
The mainstream media were all talking about Ben Cousins, but fantasy coaches’ eyes were mostly glued to the progress of Andrew Raines on Thursday night, and he was having about as good a game as could be expected under the circumstances until he fell with a grimace in the last quarter and came off limping with a problem in what coach Terry Wallace described later as the lateral outside of the left knee. Dr Peter Larkins diagnosed the injury as bruising on radio MMM at the time, but no one will know for sure until the swelling goes down and scans are done in the next couple of days.
Those of us who bought him – and according to FanFooty’s databases, he is the most popular player among those of you who have used FanFooty’s Exteam feature (which is how you get live team and head to head scoring) – will be hoping that it’s just bruising and nothing more serious, because this could be the start of a 2008-level backopalypse given the continuing paucity of options around his price. With Lachie Henderson not making the Lions 25, if his owners are to be forced into a sideways trade, the options are players like Jarryn Geary, Josh Head, Shannon Hurn and Ricky Petterd, all of whom have upside and/or fitness concerns. Depending on the length of the injury, the temptation may be to rely on Stephen Hill, Jared Petrenko or the like while Raines recovers… but that’s why they were on the bench in the first place, we didn’t want to start a darn rookie in the backs! Gah!
Robinson’s excellent numbers, however, were a welcome sight to those who made the right decision, especially those who were hemming and hawing over him or Dayne Beams and couldn’t get into the sites during the 160 minutes of maelstrom. For myself, however, it was tinged with a flash of hatred for Dean Laidley. I don’t need much reason to hate him at the best of times, but I have now discovered how, even though he has named Liam Anthony and Jack Ziebell in his starting 18 for round 1, he is going to sabotage my team: he has somehow managed to convince me subconsciously to leave Robinson as an emergency and start Anthony, which could cost me anywhere up to 80 points! Grr!
Ryan Houlihan looked like being a bit of a disappointment by not joining in the party, but it was an excellent sign for fantasy purposes that he got some cheap numbers in the last quarter when he was rotated into the middle to give the regulars a rest. He’ll be right. The frustrating thing about it from my point of view is that he may very well be the nuff-nuffs’ trade of choice for Raines, if (as they wouldn’t have if they hadn’t done their research) they didn’t have Houlihan to begin with. Feh!
Those of you who were whinging in the chat about my recent potting of Chris Judd will not get a retraction. My comments were only ever fantasy related – and I didn’t rule him out of SC considerations. Give it a month and see if he’s still averaging 100 in DT. Harrumph!
I’m sure there are plenty of other aspects of this game you want to talk about in the comments, so I’ll leave the rest to you and go to bed. It’s been a big day, with the kicker being that Champion Data have decided, in their infinite wisdom, that no one should have live Super Coach scores – not even the Super Coach site! Further news on this if it comes to hand. Rest assured that the SC numbers currently on FanFooty are the right ones – beware incorrect imitations. I’ll post my teams tomorrow for you to snipe at. I hope your team went well!
Jay-Z(iebell)
March 27, 2009 at 11:58 am
Let’s hire someone to follow around Raines until we get a verdict on the knee. Does anyone know anything yet? When is it getting scanned?
Simonoz
March 27, 2009 at 11:58 am
Where is the Harvey news about Hill guys ?
oddsok
March 27, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I really dislike Mark Harvey at the moment (if the news if true. Where did you see this info?)
Bloody DT site didn’t allow me to change my emergancies last minute, so I have no one to cover Hill in the backs. And if it wasn’t for Sylvia not being picked I wouldn’t be stuck with a sore Fev.
Fingers crossed Raines isn’t too bad. I’d rather weather it out, than waste a trade, because I already have Houlihan.
Leighroy
March 27, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Gentlemen dont stress for those of you that have not picked up ryan houlihan, I doubt that he will keep scoring as well as he did. I was observing the game and he was going terrible up until the 3rd quarter. The only reason he scored so well is because the blues absolutely smashed the tigers…..
Simonoz
March 27, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I’ve now checked 7 sites…..nothing out there that Harvey has named the 22…..why would he 5 hrs before he has to ?
Muppet & Devastated – spam or fact boys?
patty
March 27, 2009 at 12:11 pm
fortunately i didnt add cousins to my team,
but i also traded in mitch morton for josh hill a few hours before the match started.
That was a mistake, but hopefully johj goes well…
yerrr marc murphhy
zach
March 27, 2009 at 12:15 pm
hill is named on an extended bench..he’ll probably play
Devastated
March 27, 2009 at 12:16 pm
The teams were up on the Game Day Live site, with no Hill and Suban on the interchange. Here’s hoping it is wrong then and Harvey does change it before he has to lock it in.
zach
March 27, 2009 at 12:17 pm
nah the game day live site doesnt mean shit..hes made no final decisions yet
Simonoz
March 27, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Theres no guarantee yet that he makes the 22, but he hasn’t yet NOT made it….
“””But the coach said he would assess the Bulldogs’ likely line-up before making a final decision on whether to include the fleet-footed midfielder/defender, who weighs just 69kg.
“I’ve been happy with the way he’s gone,†Harvey said.
“I said to him that he’s got to learn to, when he does get a senior game, to look after himself.
“But having said that we’ll have some guys (who can do that) in and around him anyhow if he does play.†“”””
Muppet Executioner
March 27, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Hitler Dreamteam Parody Vid
This is pure gold – probably best to wait to get home due to language only – gold
http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=r7aeu1usror6
Muppet Executioner
March 27, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Monty – it’s a good old mess with the subtitles parody about Hitlers dreamteam
Ropes
March 27, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Really hope Raines is okay, maybe miss a week at most. In DT have PEtrenko to cover him and in SC have Suckling (if he gets another gig) & Petrenko to cover.
Houlihan will do well in a good team, his scores will hover around that mark all year. Have him in SC not DT however. Was thinking his FA’s were going to kill me until his junk time stats.
Any further news on Goddard at all??
zach
March 27, 2009 at 12:26 pm
the game day live lineups arent right until just a short time before the games. daniel ginaciracusa is not even named on the interchange bench for the doggies at the moment which will be corrected later, as will be the inclusion of Hill
dub's$men
March 27, 2009 at 12:33 pm
that sucks about Hill… my backline is starting to look a bit shacky.. eeek
korza
March 27, 2009 at 12:34 pm
If Hill were not to play,and Freo loses.Harvey may as well pack his bags and head home.I hear thier maybe a coaching position available down at punt road.
Terry Wallace and his love for hasbeens (Cousins,Bowden,Brown,and Richo’s role) will eventually cost him his job…
Based on Harvey’s /08 decision with Palmer not playing round 1.He will not suffer the same fate with Hill.
boomerforbrownlow
March 27, 2009 at 12:43 pm
@ Brad & Socko
You kids need to relax. I didn’t say I was jumping up and down when I saw the guy got injured. I just said that I was happy. It’s not that big a surprise. Any one of the 10% of DTers who didn’t choose Raines would have felt happy with their selection after he got injured. My reaction wasn’t “yay he is down”, it was “thank f**k i traded him out”
m0nty
March 27, 2009 at 12:50 pm
zach is correct the GDL lineups mean nothing. I would say Hill will play, as the West carried an article today quoting Ken Judge putting even more pressure on Harvey to play Hill. Then again Harvey might drop him just to spite the West. Football’s a funny game in Perth…
ronl
March 27, 2009 at 12:53 pm
anyone know how long crow Scott Thompson is supposed to be out with hammy?
Heater
March 27, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Ronl: Hammies are usually 2-3 weeks so my guess he may be back for Rd4. Depends when he did it, severity, etc. Doing his hammy probably sums up his pre-season…..
In regards to S.Hill. I’d be very surprised if he did not play. Sure the guys’ a bit skinny but his skills are exceptional and that is what Freo need FFS! Have a look at Garlett for Carlton; the kid is all prick and ribs yet he played and played well. lets hope Harvs throws caution to the wind and plays these young kids; Freo fans (like us all) need something to look forward to in the future.
Orba
March 27, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Totally off-topic but this one seems to be moving quick. I was just wondering how serious some people take their DT (monty?). Me and my mates have been playing for about 6 years, and it gets more and more serious each year. We all chuck in $50 each with the winner taking the lot. A few years back we got a trophy so the last 3 years have their names engraved and get to keep it at their place for the year. Last year the interest was so big that we started an A and B grade compeition. The bottom 4 teams in A grade made way for the top four in B grade this year so we are really hoping to get a high league ranking. Last year we ha a shocker and finished around 250 but the year before we finished 20th which was a great result.
So yeah just interested what other people do? I was speaking to a guy i work with that has mid and end of season awards and they all go out for dinner and get trashed. PRetty funny stuff.
Goldmoss
March 27, 2009 at 1:05 pm
To those who didnt have Raines and are justifying their decision arguing he wouldnt score well anyway:
Last night he played in a team that were thumped and scored about 70. Times this by the magic number and you come up with a value of $300k.
Not bad for a $188k investment.
Argue he was an injury risk, sure, but dont say he wasnt going to average about 60ppg.
m0nty
March 27, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Goldmoss makes a good point. 76% of FanFooty exteams had Raines in them. I see that as a good indicator of how important he was because I rate FF users’ knowledge. 😉
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Goldmoss, can you please enlighten me as to what the magic number is or where i can find the formula?
I would be very appreciative.
Muppet Executioner
March 27, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Yes Goldmoss – whats the magic number?
matt
March 27, 2009 at 1:28 pm
For those of you ready to jump on the Mitch Robinson band-wagon i think you should first consider this: lookin at Carltons list they have great depth this year which means in the coming weeks (unless if theres more injuries) someone who has performed well will have to make way for Stevens, Grigg, Carrazzo, Walker etc. Given how good Carltons defensive pressure was last night i doubt it will be Wiggins or Hadley after they had 20 tackles between them to go with their 20 odd possessions each. Grigg for Joseph next week, i think Garlett will ONLY make way IF Yarran is picked, Johnson will ONLY make way IF Carrazzo is picked… That leaves Walker, and with Stevens in for Round 3 and the only 2 likely players i see to make way are Russell & Robinson… it would be tragic to see Robinson dropped just b4 the bubble with 2 solid games…
korza
March 27, 2009 at 1:40 pm
4.2857142857142857142857143
Blake
March 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm
hey guys
raines injured = bad news. and even worse if its anymore than 4 games that he’ll miss.
although as for trading him (if needed) i think the man to replace him at tigerland will be alex rance, has looked the goods through the preseason, has the body and is ready for afl, and plays a simarlar game style to raines (run and carry). also consistantly averaged around 50 in SC through the nab challege games. could be a good cash cow.
I’ve always had rance as emg so thats who im hoping will replace him anyway if the injury is worse than expected.
korza
March 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Hey Monty thats a bit harsh.I was feeling pretty good about myself until i read your last post.Does that mean any nuff nuff who enters a team in ff gets a rate.Wow…
m0nty
March 27, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Did you buy Raines, korza? If so, then I rate you… 😀
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Hello Korza,
Assume that is the magic number?
How do you apply that to the averages?
Am i that stupid that i am missing something totally obvious?
korza
March 27, 2009 at 1:57 pm
i hate you monty
korza
March 27, 2009 at 2:01 pm
@ Brad ave multiplied by the MAGIC NUMBER will give $k
@ Monty D/T yes S/C a big NO take a look…
I was not trying to be antagonistic maybe i just took it the wrong way.
And i rate all opinions weather good or bad it only makes me a better player.
korza
March 27, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Hahahah to the wannabe me
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 2:08 pm
@ Korza,
Thanks a lot mate.
Cheers
lovepelican
March 27, 2009 at 2:13 pm
@Brad
I think you will find Korza was having a lend of you!
The player prices, at the start of the season, with the exception of rookies and “discounted players” are the 08 Average x a “magic number” (which is approx 4,440 for DT).
So, if you think Raines “true” average is 70 (i.e like he scored last night)his “true” price would be 70 x 4,400 = 310,800 i.e a $300K player.
Obviously he will only rise to $300K if he can string together more than 1 game!!
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 2:16 pm
@ Lovepelican
Thanks for clarifying mate.
John
March 27, 2009 at 2:17 pm
What ideas do all the FF readers have on the best replacement for Cousins around the same value??
Chad
March 27, 2009 at 2:19 pm
“On other news, recently elevated rookie Wade Thompson has been left out of the side to tackle the Bombers at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.Tom Logan and Toby Thurstans are also likely to miss out when the squad is cut to 22 on Friday afternoon.”
you beauty, thurstans out.
korza
March 27, 2009 at 2:28 pm
@ Pelican head.
Dont slag my theory im just going off the ff exteam experts.
Goldmoss clearly stated Raines would be a $300k value player if he were to ave 70pts.
If the highly rated Goldmoss had said $310,800.You are 100% correct.
I have a caculator here in front of me and $300k devided 70pts will give you the MAGICAL NUMBER.
ezyalien
March 27, 2009 at 2:30 pm
raines arrggghhhhh
well i think i’ll be trading him unless petrenko, hill and suban give decent numbers.
will be watching the numbers of the eagles, st kilda and essendon games as my replacement would come from there.
lovepelican
March 27, 2009 at 2:34 pm
@ Korza
Thats some calculator. Gives answers to 25 decimal points!!
Muppet Executioner
March 27, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Like 712K divided by 132 gives you the SC Ablett number?
ben to benno
March 27, 2009 at 2:37 pm
well if there was a coach position in fantasy footy it would be great to see everyone dumping terry wallace like a load of chookpoo after that appalling display. good work plough for selecting mitch morton but the tiges looked like no-one had told them they would be playing a game last night. no ideas about cousins cause you were foolish if you had him, looked so unfit.
no idea about SC – why they didn’t allow more space, knowing the rush would come, is beyond me.
ps name change: i will post as benno now as another ben or two have popped up (like anyone will notice my infrequent comments).
korza
March 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm
say no more the rated ffs with the magical numbers
Knox
March 27, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Andrew Raines out for min 3-4. Could be more
benno
March 27, 2009 at 2:46 pm
devastated, you fuckwit, keep your bogus misinformation to yrself. hill has been named on a long bench.
lovepelican
March 27, 2009 at 2:47 pm
@ Muppet
Yes, i.e approx $5,400 per point.
So based on Raines’s score last night of 54, he is a $292K player (ie 54 x 5,400) which is close to his actual price of $280K).
Which very limited info suggests he is not a bargain in SC but is in DT!!
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 2:47 pm
@ Korza,
I did some calculations based on your “magic number” and it seems pretty close to spot on i reckon.
Brad
March 27, 2009 at 2:49 pm
@ Benno
LOL
@ Knox
Raines link please mate?