Alex Witherden

[Ringo]

Yeah I wouldn't think of starting him but will of course consider him as an upgrade target if he performs well

Even as a Lions supporter not starting him - Bit pricey when you consider others around the same price. No doubt he will be favourite for the Rising Star.

For sure. Him and Jack Graham from last years crop will be right up there

Hi Quinney, go Tiges.  Are you tempted to play Jack this year ??

;)

Certainly tempted and had him earmarked until his price was released. Expensive for a guy that only played 2 regular season games. Think he could average 85-90 though

Witho was on my radar and was wishfully hoping for a mid $330k price, Silly me and $478k for a guy that has only played 9 games scared me.
Questions to ask are:
Will he have 2nd year syndrome? - Has not re-signed yet so may have $ in eyes as well.
Will teams start to put some work into him with forward pressure given his accurate boot?  He still has some work to do in gym as he still looks a little underdone as well.

[RaisyDaisy]

The 9 games doesn't bother me - kid is class

But the fact that I can get so much other proven guys for the same price is why I wouldn't pick him

Unless he turns out to be a 100+ defender, there is no benefit to starting him

[Peter]

When you know there are at least half a dozen proven 100+ defenders, just have to pass on him at the moment

[fanTCfool]

When you know there are at least half a dozen proven 100+ defenders, just have to pass on him at the moment

At least a half dozen? Please... go on name them.

[Peter]

Hurley, Laird, Yeo (all averaged over 100 in 2017),  Hibberd (99 and now Lever takes main tall), Houli (8 tons), Simpson (7 tons and no Docherty), Savage (upon returning - 5/8 tons), Howe (9 tons and 3 90’s from 2017).

[fanTCfool]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

[Peter]

Well thst leaves Laird to go 100+. Means a stack in the 90’s, so any of about 15 will do

[Levi434]

Don't need Witho when I can get some cookie cutters for around about the same price.

[crowls]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

[enzedder]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

Simpson played 512 out of his last 515 games.  ;) something like that anyway

[crowls]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

Simpson played 512 out of his last 515 games.  ;) something like that anyway

yea NZ my starting def prems are Simmo, Williams and Laird.   Did a write up on simmo some time ago.  Def prems are the only over 30 players worth considering.

[enzedder]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

Simpson played 512 out of his last 515 games.  ;) something like that anyway

yea NZ my starting def prems are Simmo, Williams and Laird.   Did a write up on simmo some time ago.  Def prems are the only over 30 players worth considering.

Safe 3 picks I think. Not a bad rule either. Will be some exceptions of course but at the moment I reckon I'm using the same rule without realising it. There seems to have been a changing of the guard... GAJ, Pendles and co are questionable picks whilst Danger, Titch, Dusty and others are more desireable options.

[Peter]

Simpson, Hibberd and Williams for my starting backs, with Laird first upgrade after price comes off a bit

[Sabretooth Tigers]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

Simpson played 512 out of his last 515 games.  ;) something like that anyway

yea NZ my starting def prems are Simmo, Williams and Laird.   Did a write up on simmo some time ago.  Def prems are the only over 30 players worth considering.

Safe 3 picks I think. Not a bad rule either. Will be some exceptions of course but at the moment I reckon I'm using the same rule without realising it. There seems to have been a changing of the guard... GAJ, Pendles and co are questionable picks whilst Danger, Titch, Dusty and others are more desireable options.

Are you sure about Gazza NZ ? According to Danger in today's H/S the little champs is training very well and he would really want to retire on his terms and at the top of his game. The more I think about him the more I want to take the risk. If he is anything like a POD come Rd.1 he is in and screw the byes.

:)

[shaker]

The number of tons players racked up last year does not make them proven 100+ defenders. What good is hitting the hundred a few times if you score 70 every other week and average in the 80s or 90s?

I would be expecting Hibberd, Houli, Simpson, Savage and Howe to average below 100 again this year. Hurley and Yeo may well join them.

also expecting 90-100 from this group.  preference is to pick a 22 gamer if i can work out which one it will be

Simpson played 512 out of his last 515 games.  ;) something like that anyway

yea NZ my starting def prems are Simmo, Williams and Laird.   Did a write up on simmo some time ago.  Def prems are the only over 30 players worth considering.

Safe 3 picks I think. Not a bad rule either. Will be some exceptions of course but at the moment I reckon I'm using the same rule without realising it. There seems to have been a changing of the guard... GAJ, Pendles and co are questionable picks whilst Danger, Titch, Dusty and others are more desireable options.

Are you sure about Gazza NZ ? According to Danger in today's H/S the little champs is training very well and he would really want to retire on his terms and at the top of his game. The more I think about him the more I want to take the risk. If he is anything like a POD come Rd.1 he is in and screw the byes.

:)

Only thing with Gaz he has not played any where near a full season since 2013 , he has a R/14 bye like many other guns that will be picked and he is $631K , he should score well but we are yet to see how he will be used think I would rather not start him and see how he is going can't see him being any more expensive than his starting price