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!
Kerrie
March 15, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Spangher – A certainty to start.
Will play the whole 22. Horses mouth.
SpikeSetsFire
March 15, 2009 at 9:57 pm
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. =)
The Real Simon
March 15, 2009 at 9:58 pm
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.
DrGroove
March 15, 2009 at 10:10 pm
(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.
Tim
March 15, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Where is Tom Logan in the power 22?
XztatiK
March 15, 2009 at 11:52 pm
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!!!
mog_dog00
March 15, 2009 at 11:58 pm
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
mog_dog00
March 16, 2009 at 12:05 am
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!!!!
XztatiK
March 16, 2009 at 12:13 am
Everitt or Addison a chance to drop out for the Dogs?
Raf
March 16, 2009 at 12:54 am
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.
Bo
March 16, 2009 at 2:42 am
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 🙁
steve
March 16, 2009 at 2:43 am
news on t. swift??
Mitch
March 16, 2009 at 7:40 am
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?
fieldy
March 16, 2009 at 9:45 am
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
fieldy
March 16, 2009 at 9:46 am
Also… Harding is far from iffy. He has been fantastic in the pre-season
poita
March 16, 2009 at 10:32 am
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.
ax
March 16, 2009 at 11:33 am
will stephen hill play for freo?he got a DT score of 90ish against the tigers in the NAB game.
Brad
March 16, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Ax,
You can put your house on Stephen Hill playing, absolute certainty!
Grahame
March 16, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Keen on Spangher. Hope that horses mouth info is on the nose.
Robert
March 16, 2009 at 2:45 pm
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.
barry
March 16, 2009 at 3:38 pm
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.
barry
March 16, 2009 at 3:39 pm
bartram to be rubbed out for round 1, so to speak.
Oosaa
March 16, 2009 at 4:22 pm
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.
Frankie
March 16, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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
noffle
March 16, 2009 at 5:59 pm
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.
dylan
March 16, 2009 at 8:05 pm
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 =)
Mark
March 16, 2009 at 11:36 pm
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
Richard
March 16, 2009 at 11:50 pm
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.
Poopa
March 17, 2009 at 12:32 am
cant decide between two players, pavlich or franklin for my 4th foward
Heater
March 17, 2009 at 8:24 am
Poopa, go for Pav as I reckon Buddy will start slow this year considering his limited pre-season
James
March 17, 2009 at 10:37 am
Pav as your 4th forward Poopa? Who the hell have you got for the three above him?
ax
March 17, 2009 at 12:44 pm
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
Brad
March 17, 2009 at 3:33 pm
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.
Benny
March 17, 2009 at 8:15 pm
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.
SpaceGoats
March 17, 2009 at 8:40 pm
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 🙂
Ben
March 17, 2009 at 9:06 pm
who do you think should be a good cheapy for the back line?
Brad
March 17, 2009 at 10:21 pm
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
PlayEr
March 17, 2009 at 11:07 pm
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?
CamT
March 18, 2009 at 1:26 am
Hey Poopa
That’s some forward line you’ve got.
wal
March 18, 2009 at 6:32 am
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.
Brad
March 18, 2009 at 8:39 am
The HUN has reported Jack Grimes will definitely miss the start of the season with another back complaint.
There goes the neighborhood.
ax
March 18, 2009 at 9:42 am
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.
Brad
March 18, 2009 at 9:55 am
Chapman out Roughead in
Grimes out Raines in
Problem solved, too easy.
adam
March 18, 2009 at 10:59 am
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?
Raf
March 18, 2009 at 11:31 am
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)
ax
March 18, 2009 at 1:53 pm
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
Brad
March 18, 2009 at 3:40 pm
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.
Ben
March 18, 2009 at 6:43 pm
who should do best this year Sharrod wellingham or kieren jack or is there someone else better at that price?
Cheers
Ben
March 18, 2009 at 6:48 pm
who should do best this year Sharrod wellingham or kieren jack or Paul Haselby or is there someone else better at that price?
Cheers
PlayEr
March 18, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Haselby.