AXV: Taiwan Dolphins

[Koop]

TAIWAN DOLPHINS 2017 TEAM

Zac Williams, Josh Smith, Zach Tuohy, Tom Cutler

(Brayden Maynard, Nick Vlastuin, Andrew McGrath (M), Jayden Hunt, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jackson Nelson, Alex Johnson, Thomas Barrrass* Jeremy Finlayson*, Taylin Duman*)

Stephen Coniglio (C), Jarryd Lyons (VC), Brad Ebert, Trent Dumont

(Zac Fisher, Alex Sexton, Jake Barrett, Jack Graham)

Matthew Kreuzer

(Tom Boyd (F), Andrew Phillips, Dan Gorringe* (F))

Josh Caddy (M), Isaac Heeney, Nick Graham (M), Mason Wood

Jamie Cripps, Jack Steele (M)

(Dean Kent, Peter Wright, Bradley Hill (M), Travis Varcoe, Ben Griffiths, Brendan Ah Chee (M), Mitch Honeychurch (M), Josh Schache, Jordan Murdoch, Nick O'Kearney (M), Jake Waterman)

[Koop]

PNG midfield too strong for Taiwan in Port Moresby
Koop (@KoopsKickas) - 27/03/2017 from Port Moresby


A clinical opening round performance from PNG's engine room has seen Taiwan's side downed by 35 points in Port Moresby on Saturday night.

The 216-181 scoreline was reflective of the skill gap between the respective sides midfield units, with returning Headhunter Dyson Heppell the main enforcer, backed up by rising stars in Rory Atkins & Clayton Oliver. While Lachie Hunter, Tom Rockliff & Tom Scully were also all at their scintillating best.

In what has been seen as a season of opportunity and growth for the Dolphins, the performance of their defence and the re-emergence of Brad Ebert without the captaincy would give them plenty to smile about regardless of the addition to the loss column on the ladder. While a knockout performance in the ruck from Matthew Kreuzer will be expected to continue as the season progresses.

In what has been a point of concern leading into the season for Taiwan's coach, Jack Steele did an admirable job stepping up into the midfield in the absence of a playing replacement for injured captain Stephen Coniglio, but the hunt for consistency continues.

PNG would also be happy with their performance. Scoring 200+ in the first week of the season after missing finals in 2016 is a real positive step for the team, who have struggled to be high scoring in recent years. They even scored more than last years preliminary finalists Tibet, who they play in Port Moresby next Saturday night.

Taiwan next travel to Manila to play the Folders, who suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Crocs, on Sunday afternoon. Number 2 Asian draft pick Andrew McGrath is expected to debut for the travelling side, while Jayden Hunt and Brayden Maynard are also knocking down the door for selection.

VOTES
10 - Brad Ebert (157)
9 - Matthew Kreuzer (155)
8 - Jamie Cripps (141)
7 - Zac Williams (138)
6 - Zac Tuohy (135)
5 - Nick Vlastuin (132)
4 - Jack Steele (117)
3 - Trent Dumont (102)
1.5 - Peter Wright (99)
1.5 - Jarryd Lyons (99) (c)

Did not poll - Josh Smith (95), Tom Cutler (95), Josh Caddy (83) (vc), Bradley Hill (81), Tom Boyd (43)

[Koop]

Casualty Ward

Andrew Phillips - Foot (Indefinite)
Travis Varcoe - Suspension (1 week)
Taylin Duman - Ankle (2 weeks)
Jake Kolodjashnij - Groin (Test)
Stephen Coniglio - Ankle (6 weeks)
Mason Wood - Hamstring (1-2 weeks)
Jack Graham* - Ankle (Indefinite)
Isaac Heeney - Glandular Fever (2 weeks)
Alex Johnson* - Knee (Indefinite)
Jake Waterman - Foot (8 weeks)

Not having Coniglio until Round 8 really stings hard. Heeney & Wood hopefully straight back into the side in the next few weeks, while some depth options frustratingly under injury clouds if the first XV goes awry.

[Koop]

Captain Ebert & Hill save Taiwan late
@KoopsKickas 02/04/2017

TAIPEI - The Taiwan Dolphins have survived an almighty scare from a depleted Manila outfit to run out 174-173 winners in front of a packed house at the National Stadium in Kaohsiung on Saturday night.

With Manila spearhead Josh Jenkins out early in the first quarter for the visiting side, many expected Taiwan to run romp after last weeks valiant performance against PNG. However Manila weren’t going down without a fight. A career-best 31 touches from Christian Salem, including 24 kicks, as well as an equally impressive 34 from Jake Lloyd rebounding out of defence kept Manila in the game until the dying stages along with 4 goals from a resurgent Menzel. A late goal from Brad Hill iced the game for Taiwan, much to the relief of the home side, who had far too many passengers for coach Koop’s liking. 28 touches from Ebert in a return to the armband pleased the coach, as well as an improved performance from its bonafide guns.

Taiwan next host the Gazelles at home, in what is seen as a perfect opportunity to blow out the cobwebs against a similar-scoring side and amend for this week. While Manila will travel to front up to the Llamas, in what will be a massive test for the young outfit who are reeling at 0-2 and the bottom of the ladder.

Tom Barrass impressed in the Taipei reserves for the home side, and along with the returning Varcoe, will be right in the mix to replace under-performing players this week. While Josh Hill kicked 3 goals to knock down the door for Manila if Jenkins doesn’t pull up in time.



BEST

TAIWAN: Hill, Lyons, Ebert, Caddy
MANILA: Salem, Gibson, Menzel, Ross, Cripps, Gibbs

VOTES

10 - Bradley Hill - 142
9 - Jarryd Lyons (vc) - 140
8 - Brad Ebert © - 135
7 - Josh Caddy - 127
6 - Trent Dumont - 108
5 - Tom Cutler - 104
4 - Josh Smith - 101
3 - Jayden Hunt - 86
1.5 - Andrew McGrath - 83
1.5 - Matthew Kreuzer - 83

Did not poll - Zac Williams (82), Zac Tuohy (82), Jamie Cripps (82), Jack Steele (68), Nick Vlastuin (61),

LEADERBOARD

Brad Ebert - 18
Jarryd Lyons - 10.5
Matthew Kreuzer - 10.5
Bradley Hill - 10
Trent Dumont - 9

[Koop]

Second consecutive scare for scrappy Taiwan
@KoopsKickas 10/4/16

ISTANBUL - The Taiwan Dolphins have snatched a second consecutive win away in the dying seconds of the game, with Dean Kent slotting one late in added time to disappoint the capacity crowd at Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadium overnight in what was a thrilling contest.


Matthew Kreuzer continued his splendid early-season form in the ruck, winning out against surprisingly noble opponent Braydon Preuss for much of the match. Dean Kent was at his scintillating best in his first game back from injury as he looks to cement a permanent spot in the 15. Brad Ebert had another strong output, in what has been a welcome point of continued consistency in a tumultuous opening 3 rounds for the side.

Turkey started with a limp, their Dangerfield-led midfield was at its electrifying best and brought them back into the contest as the time dwindled, a huge last quarter from Tom Mitchell almost got them across the line but ultimately they were left to rue the inconsistency of their formation at either end of the ground. They will however, take huge heart from the emergence of big-man Preuss and a return to form for Jack Watts into their challenging road trip game against Tibet next Sunday.

Jarryd Lyons was reported for striking, however his only sanction was a $1000 fine from the ARP.

Nick Vlastuin had his nose broken in the third quarter by a stray elbow, however Coach Koop believes he should front up in time for the home game against Mongolia this Sunday if selected.

In the reserves, Jayden Hunt responded immediately to being dropped from last weeks seniors with a BOG performance including 30 touches. While Varcoe also made a successful return from a 1 round suspension.

On the injury front, none of Coniglio, Heeney or Mason Wood are due back before Round 5 at the absolute earliest. With Coniglio slated for a Round â...ž return. Nick Graham has found no cure for his spuditis and continues to find himself outside the best 15.



BEST

TURKEY: Dangerfield, Watts, Mitchell, Preuss, Duncan
TAIWAN: Kreuzer, Kent, Ebert, Steele

VOTES


10 - Matthew Kreuzer (170)
9 - Dean Kent (144)
8 - Brad Ebert (c) (139)
7 - Jack Steele (127)
6 - Brad Hill (119)
5 - Zac Williams (113)
4 - Trent Dumont (110)
3 - Jarryd Lyons (vc) (106)
2 - Josh Smith (102)
1 - Tom Cutler (95)

Did not poll - Zac Tuohy (88), Jamie Cripps (77), Andrew McGrath (76), Josh Caddy (57). Nick Vlastuin (52 inj)

[Koop]

Ablett masterclass not enough as Taiwan score massive boilover

@KoopsKickas 01/05/17

TAIPEI - A vintage Gary Ablett performance as vice-captain was not enough to save KL as home-side Taiwan came away with a remarkable upset victory on the weekend, in front of a capacity crowd at the Kaohsiung stadium in Taipei.

In what has been repeatedly stated as a development year for the club, the young squad performed above expectations and stamped their premature finals credentials with minimal passengers for the majority of the contest. Season-best games from Zac Williams, Josh Smith, Tom Cutler, Isaac Heeney and Jack Steele really put the onus on KL to perform from the outset. Gary Ablett was at his mercurial best for the Crocs, his 45 touches, 9 tackle effort almost singlehandedly enough to drag his team over the line, but late performances from Josh Smith and Zac Tuohy sealed the deal for the Dolphins.

Kuala Lumpur was slightly down on previous weeks performances, with Dayne Beams and Joel Selwood both disappointing for the visiting side in the guts, while Buddy was well-held with the captain's armband. It sets up a mouth-watering clash with Tibet for the premiership aspirants, in a game both teams will be desperate to win to stay in touch with the Crabs and Ales.

The Dolphins seem to be a world away from the team that finished 2nd bottom in 2016, and now find themselves at 4-2 with a tough fixture coming up. Sri Lanka have been in ominous form, scoring above 1900 in 4 out of their last 5 outings, and while the Dolphins have strung together two 2000+ scores in a row now, coach Koop is doubtful they can do it a third time in a row with such a young and inexperienced list. They will, however, receive an extremely timely boost, with captain Stephen Coniglio expected to be fit for the blockbuster clash in Colombo.

In the seconds, Andrew McGrath responded in fine form after his omission with 23 touches and 6 marks, however, will find it tough to crack the in-form Dolphins backline until a forced change opens up or the byes come along. Peter Wright kicked two goals in a welcome return to form to take his season tally to 6 as he struggles with a game style shift. While both Tom Barrass and Alex Sexton continue to put in strong showings in the reserves week in week out, and both are expected to be used heavily throughout the bye period.


BEST

KUALA LUMPUR: Ablett, Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Shaw, B. Smith
TAIWAN: Heeney, Steele, J. Smith, Tuohy, Williams, Kreuzer, Cutler, Ebert, Lyons, Graham


VOTES

10 - Isaac Heeney (161)
9 - Jack Steele (152)
8 - Josh Smith (148)
7 - Zac Tuohy (144)
6 - Zac Williams (140)
5 - Matthew Kreuzer (136)
4 - Thomas Cutler (131)
3 - Brad Ebert (129)
2 - Jarryd Lyons (121)
1 - Nick Graham  (120)

Did not poll - Bradley Hill (101), Mason Wood (94), Josh Caddy (84), Jayden Hunt (83), Trent Dumont (81)

[Ricochet]

Congrats Koop, far too good on the day

[Koop]

Congrats Koop, far too good on the day

Cheers mate, Bangkok & yourselves still the teams to beat this season. :)

[Koop]

MID-SEASON REVIEW

W/L:

9 WINS / 3 LOSSES

Ladder Position

4TH

RESULTS

RD 1 - LOSS (1813-2158) VS PNG HEADHUNTERS (10TH)
RD 2 - WIN (1740-1729) VS MANILA FOLDERS (12TH)
RD 3 - WIN (1767-1745) VS TURKEY GAZELLES (6TH)
RD 4 - LOSS (1762-1945) VS MONGOLIAN LAMBS (11TH)
RD 5 - WIN (2020-1842) VS KATHMANDU ESKIMOS (9TH)
RD 6 - WIN (2075-1964) VS KL CROCODILES (2ND)
RD 7 - WIN (2269-1950) VS SRI LANKAN STRIKERS (7TH)
RD 8 - LOSS (1714-2096) VS TIBETAN LLAMAS (3RD)
RD 9 - WIN (1765-1731) VS BANGLADESH BEARS (15TH)
RD 10 - WIN (1814-1457) VS HONG KONG DONGS (16TH)
RD 11 - WIN (1995-1371) VS AUSTRALIAN ALES (8TH)
RD 12 - WIN (1988-1639) VS LAOS ELEPHANTS (5TH)

UPCOMING FIXTURE

RD 13 - VIETNAM VIPERS (13TH)
RD 14 - UAE TIGERS (14TH)
RD 15 - BANGKOK CRABS (1ST)
RD 16 - PNG HEADHUNTERS (10TH)
RD 17 - MANILA FOLDERS (12TH)
RD 18 - TURKEY GAZELLES (6TH)
RD 19 -  MONGOLIAN LAMBS (11TH)

COACHES COMMENT: Draw has been extremely kind to us in 2017. Running into the right teams on our down weeks has created an illusion that we are better than we are in a rebuilding phase. Will not be unhappy with a first round finals exit from here as a realistic goal as we are still prone to shockers.

TOTW/RS NOMINATIONS

Matthew Kreuzer - 4 (3 ruck, 1 util)
Isaac Heeney - 2 (1 fwd, 1 util)
Brad Ebert - 2
Bradley Hill - 2
Tom Cutler - 1
Zach Tuohy - 1
Mason Wood - 1
Josh Smith - 1
Zac Williams - 1
Jarryd Lyons - 1 (1 util)

Rd 9 - Andrew McGrath

MEMPH MEDAL ODDS

Brad Ebert $2.50
Matthew Kreuzer $5.00
Bradley Hill $7.50
Jarryd Lyons $9.00
Zac Tuohy $9.00
Jack Steele $17.00
Zac Williams $21.00
Isaac Heeney $24.00

BEST TRADE

Several trades could be brought into discussion here, such as is the lucked out nature of the team at the moment. However Brad Ebert's stunning return to form, coupled with Cam Guthrie's decline after a breakout year, make the trade to re-unite him with Coach Koop a clear winner.

Brad Ebert + 3rd Round Pick
for
Cam Guthrie + Tory Dickson

WORST TRADE

Trent Dumont was a player earmarked by the coach of Taiwan to have a breakout year this year, that unfortunately has not transpired, with the South Australian only increasing his output marginally. Considering that the picks traded to Bangkok were used to snare Ben Ainsworth & Dylan Clarke (with Jarrod Berry taken by Bangkok a pick later), Taiwan must wonder what could have been, despite the fact Dumont is only 21.

Trent Dumont + Pick 33 (ontraded to Turkey)  + 3rd rounder (Quinton Narkle)
for
Pick 4 (Ben Ainsworth) + Pick 21 (Dylan Clarke)

INJURY LIST

Travis Varcoe (Hamstring) - Test
Stephen Coniglio (Ankle) - 7 weeks
Jack Graham (LTI) (Ankle) - Test
Nick Vlastuin (Shoulder) - Test
Alex Johnson (LTI) (Knee) - Indefinite
Jake Waterman (Foot) - 5 weeks

[iZander]

WORST TRADE

Trent Dumont was a player earmarked by the coach of Taiwan to have a breakout year this year, that unfortunately has not transpired, with the South Australian only increasing his output marginally. Considering that the picks traded to Bangkok were used to snare Ben Ainsworth & Dylan Clarke (with Jarrod Berry taken by Bangkok a pick later), Taiwan must wonder what could have been, despite the fact Dumont is only 21.

Trent Dumont + Pick 33 (ontraded to Turkey)  + 3rd rounder (Quinton Narkle)
for
Pick 4 (Ben Ainsworth) + Pick 21 (Dylan Clarke)

[/center]

:-[ i tried :P

Dumont will be a gun though :D

[Koop]

WORST TRADE

Trent Dumont was a player earmarked by the coach of Taiwan to have a breakout year this year, that unfortunately has not transpired, with the South Australian only increasing his output marginally. Considering that the picks traded to Bangkok were used to snare Ben Ainsworth & Dylan Clarke (with Jarrod Berry taken by Bangkok a pick later), Taiwan must wonder what could have been, despite the fact Dumont is only 21.

Trent Dumont + Pick 33 (ontraded to Turkey)  + 3rd rounder (Quinton Narkle)
for
Pick 4 (Ben Ainsworth) + Pick 21 (Dylan Clarke)

[/center]

:-[ i tried :P

Dumont will be a gun though :D

Hope so! It's not like he is doing atrociously, but still. :p

[Koop]

Taiwan Dolphins List Mgmt. 2017-18

1. Stephen Congilio
2. Brad Ebert
3. Matthew Kreuzer
4. Jarryd Lyons
5. Bradley Hill
6. Isaac Heeney
7. Zac Williams
8. Jack Steele
9. Tom McDonald
10. Josh Caddy
11. Bachar Houli
12. Brayden Fiorini
13. Brayden Maynard
14. Peter Wright
15. Trent Dumont
16. Josh Smith
17. Andrew McGrath
18. Jamie Cripps
19. Tom Cutler
20. Mason Wood
21. Jack Graham
22. Jordan Murdoch
23. Jake Kolodjashnij
24. Tom Boyd
25. David Cuningham
26. Dean Kent
27. Dan McKenzie
28. Alex Sexton
29. Jake Barrett
30. Zac Fisher
31. Thomas Barrass
32. Brendan Ah Chee
33. Andrew Phillips
34. Jackson Nelson
35. Josh Schache
36. Travis Varcoe
37. Taylin Duman
38. Ben Griffiths
39. Jeremy Finlayson
40. Quinton Narkle
41. Jake Waterman
42. Ryan Burrows
43. Aiden Bonar
44. Nathan Murphy
45. Cameron O'Shea
46. Colin O'Riordan

Rook 19

Retired: Daniel Gorringe

Delisted: Alex Johnson, Tom Lamb

Best XV 2018

D: Bachar Houli, Zac Williams, Brayden Maynard, Andrew McGrath
M: Stephen Coniglio, Brad Ebert, Jarryd Lyons, Bradley Hill
R: Matthew Kreuzer
F: Isaac Heeney, Tom McDonald, Josh Caddy, Peter Wright
U: Jack Steele, Brayden Fiorini

E: Tom Cutler, Trent Dumont, Jamie Cripps

[Koop]

TAIWAN DOLPHINS 2017/18 DRAFT HUB


PICK 21 - AIDEN BONAR



Koop says: Lightning-quick athletic tall who impressed in the second half of the TAC Cup following 2 knee constructions. Lacking production & endurance at the moment but has the scope to literally be anything..


PICK 33 - NATHAN MURPHY



Koop says: Late convert to AFL who again, has ridiculous scope for improvement. Kicked 27 goals in the APS season and averaged 16.1 disposals in the back end of the TAC Cup. Unknown best position at present.

ROOKIE 19 - RYAN BURROWS



Koop says: Came from the clouds to join West Coast's rookie list. Elite left foot kick who makes things happen across the forward flanks. High footy IQ.

[Koop]

TAIWAN DOLPHINS 2018 TEAM

DEF: Bachar Houli, Zac Williams, Brayden Maynard, Josh Smith

MID: Stephen Coniglio (C), Jarryd Lyons (VC), Brad Ebert, Jack Steele

RUC: Matthew Kreuzer

FWD: Isaac Heeney (M), Tom McDonald (D), Josh Caddy (M), Peter Wright

UTL: Brad Hill, Brayden Fiorini

(Tom Cutler, Andrew McGrath, Jake Kolodjashnij, Daniel McKenzie, Alex Sexton, Jackson Nelson, Cam O'Shea, Thomas Barrass, Jeremy Finlayson (M), Taylin Duman, Colin O'Riordan)

(Trent Dumont, Jack Graham, Quinton Narkle)

(Tom Boyd, Andrew Phillips)

(Jamie Cripps, Mason Wood, Jordan Murdoch (M), Jake Barrett, Dean Kent, David Cuningham (M), Travis Varcoe (D), Ben Griffiths, Brendan Ah Chee (M), Zac Fisher, Josh Schache, Jake Waterman, Aiden Bonar, Nathan Murphy (D), Ryan Burrows)

[Koop]

TAIWAN DOLPHINS 2019 TEAM

DEF: Zac Williams, Bachar Houli, Lachie Weller (M), Andrew McGrath (M)

MID: Stephen Coniglio (C), Jarryd Lyons (VC), Brayden Fiorini, Jack Steele

RUC: Matthew Kreuzer

FWD: Isaac Heeney (M), Tom McDonald, Josh Caddy, Jamie Cripps

UTL: Tom Cutler, Trent Dumont

(Brayden Maynard, Taylin Duman, Jeremy Finalyson, Colin O'Riordan, Jez McLennan, Jake Kolodjashnij, Dan McKenzie, David Cuningham, Nathan Murphy, Tom Barrass)

(Brad Ebert, Bradley Hill, Zac Fisher (F), Brayden Sier, Jack Graham, Luke Foley)

(Tom Boyd (F), Braydon Preuss, Andrew Phillips, Darcy Fort)

(Dean Kent, Cam Rayner, Peter Wright, Aaron vandenBerg (M), Mason Wood, Connor Rozee (D), Jake Waterman, Alex Sexton, Josh Schache, Brendan Ah Chee, Quinton Narkle, Aiden Bonar (M))


DELISTED: Jake Barrett, Ryan Burrows, Cam O'Shea, Jordan Murdoch, Travis Varcoe, James Bell, Jackson Nelson, Josh Smith