I’ll be revisiting this list every Thursday until the start of the season.
Richmond
FB: Jordan McMahon, Will Thursfield, Kelvin Moore
HB: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Andrew Raines
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Joel Bowden, Cleve Hughes, Brett Deledio
FF: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Nathan G. Brown
Fol: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
Int: Adam Pattison, Richard Tambling, Matt White, Shane Edwards
In: Raines, Tambling
Out: Jay Schulz, Trent Cotchin
Iffy: Jackson, Tambling, White, Edwards
Waiting: Adam Thomson, Jake King, Ben Cousins, Schulz
No no no, I am still not putting Cuz in. The Richmond Football Club did not draft Ben Cousins just to drag him over the white line in Round 1 and then watch him pull a hammy in the second quarter. He’s there to support their run to the finals in the second half of the season. 20,000 extra punters on the opening Thursday is worth far less than the 20,000 extra they will get every game if they are top 4 in August. Meanwhile, Schulz looked awful on Subiaco, while Raines looked dazzling and Tambling did enough.
Carlton
FB: Chris A. Johnson, Michael Jamison, Bret Thornton
HB: Paul Bower, Jarrad Waite, Heath Scotland
C: Adam Bentick, 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, Shaun Grigg, Mitch Robinson
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Scotland, Bentick, Grigg, Johnson
Waiting: Jordan Russell, Jordan Bannister, Jake Edwards, Joe Anderson
It’s about time there was a quiet news week down at Cardboard Park!
Hawthorn
FB: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy
HB: Luke Hodge, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Stuart Dew
FF: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne
Fol: Robert Campbell, Brad Sewell, Chance Bateman
Int: Simon Taylor, Mitch Thorp, Travis Tuck, Ben McGlynn
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Campbell, Hodge, Lewis, McGlynn
Waiting: Brent Renouf, Jarryd Morton, Josh P. Kennedy, Cameron Stokes
Another week of not much coming out of the Hawthorn camp. The only change here is the poor prognosis on Lewis by injuryupdate.com.au, which claims he won’t play until round 3 – though they don’t list the known injuries to Ellis, Hodge and Campbell, amongst others, so I am not treating it as gospel.
Geelong
FB: Josh Hunt, Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor
HB: Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie, Joel Corey
C: Corey Enright, 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, David Wojcinski, Max Rooke
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Hogan, Gamble, Wojcinski, Milburn
Waiting: James Kelly, Shannon Byrnes, Tom Hawkins, Dan McKenna
The only change here is positional, with Corey shifted to a half back flank and Enright to a wing, with Ling in the rover slot. Not that it means a lot in today’s footy.
Collingwood
FB: Heath Shaw, Nathan J. Brown, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Marty Clarke, Ben Reid, Harry O’Brien
C: Alan Didak, Scott Pendlebury, Tarkyn Lockyer
HF: Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Dale Thomas
FF: Sean Rusling, John Anthony, Anthony Corrie
Fol: Josh Fraser, Shane O’Bree, Dane Swan
Int: Cameron Wood, Sharrod Wellingham, Shannon Cox, Ben Johnson
In: Cox
Out: Nick Maxwell
Iffy: Anthony, Wellingham, Cox, Corrie
Waiting: Anthony Rocca, Paul Medhurst, Dayne Beams, Simon Prestigiacomo
The suspension of Maxwell solidifies Reid’s claims as one of the three defensive talls, but with Adelaide likely to emphasise height in its forward line there’s every chance Presti could come in to do a job, like the one he did on Kurt Tippett in the final last year on one leg. In favour of the two younger KP backs Reid and Cox is the fact that the forwards they would be matching up on would also be young, particularly if Walker is named.
Adelaide
FB: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens
HB: Andrew McLeod, Nathan Bock, Brad Moran
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Chris Knights
HF: Simon Goodwin, Nick Gill, Richard Douglas
FF: Tyson Edwards, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
Fol: Ivan Maric, Nathan Van Berlo, Brent Reilly
Int: Jonathon Griffin, Michael Doughty, Robert Shirley, Bernie Vince
In: Moran
Out: Aaron Kite
Iffy: Rutten, Van Berlo, Gill, Griffin
Waiting: Taylor Walker, Aaron Kite, Jared Petrenko, Patrick Dangerfield
Just quietly, the Adelaide injury curse is starting early this year, with Rutten and Van Berlo adding month-long pre-season injuries to that of Brad Symes. In other years we could conceivably have blamed the hard track regimen of Neil Craig but this year’s it’s just bad luck. With Maric unassailed as #1 ruckman the #2 spot is still up for grabs, with Griffin fighting with a pinch-hitting combination of Moran and Tippett to allow an extra midfielder. No, Walker is still not in the side, but if Collingwood look like they’re not going to have three good tall backs then his odds firm considerably.
Brisbane
FB: Lachie Henderson, Daniel Merrett, Joel Macdonald
HB: Josh Drummond, Joel Patfull, Jed Adcock
C: Tim Notting, Bradd Dalziell, Travis Johnstone
HF: Luke Power, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
FF: Mitch Clark, Daniel Bradshaw, Rhan Hooper
Fol: Matthew Leuenberger, Simon Black, Michael Rischitelli
Int: Jamie Charman, Ashley McGrath, Troy Selwood, Daniel Rich
In: Clark
Out: Tom Collier
Iffy: Charman, Leuenberger, McGrath, Selwood
Waiting: Collier, Albert Proud, Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiler
Leigh Matthews never rated ruckmen very highly – a legacy of playing next to Don Scott for years, no doubt – but even he would have had second thoughts about the situation that faces Michael Voss now: all five of the Lions ruckmen are currently injured. Brennan can not carry the ruck like he did on Saturday. Clark showed enough that he is now favourite for the #3 forward tall, with possibly some ruck duties as well. Brisbane still won the clearances despite losing the ruck taps 61-12, so maybe Lethal has a point!
West Coast
FB: Brett Jones, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Shannon Hurn, Beau Wilkes, Adam Selwood
C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Chris Masten
HF: David Wirrpanda, Mitchell Brown, Ashley Hansen
FF: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Fol: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Tyson Stenglein
Int: Mark Seaby, Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher, Brent Staker
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Wilkes, Hansen, Stenglein, Staker
Waiting: Josh J. Kennedy, Jamie McNamara, Matt Rosa, Matthew Spangher
A week of licking wounds down at Subi.
St Kilda
FB: Matt Maguire, Max Hudghton, 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, Clinton Jones, Steven Baker
In: Geary
Out: Robert Eddy
Iffy: Ray, Geary, Jones, Baker
Waiting: David Armitage, Sean Dempster, Tom Lynch, Eddy
Geary is an anonymous accumulator. Fantasy coaches wondering who is going to step into the Robert Harvey role are going to have to watch NAB Challenge reports to see if he’s mentioned over Jones or Armitage.
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, Jared Crouch, Kieren Jack
In: Bird
Out: Michael O’Loughlin
Iffy: Grundy, Shaw, Crouch, Bird
Waiting: Daniel Currie, Ed Barlow, Luke Ablett, Daniel O’Keefe
There were some signs of life in Sin City this week. Micky O admitted that he wouldn’t be right for round 1, while Leo Barry was put on the long-term injury list. It was also let slip that Currie has had an interrupted preseason, with White testing in drills for ruck and defence and Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke being tried in the NAB this week against the Power in the ruck. Barry’s injury leaves the door open for a rookie elevation, and while it would be exciting to see a Canadian play senior AFL, fantasy coaches would be hoping to see Kristin Thornton‘s name more prominent in such discussions. With Jake Orreal also set to play against Port at Manuka, that game will be closely monitored for fantasy ruck bench potential, particularly in Super Coach.
Melbourne
FB: Paul Wheatley, Stefan Martin, Colin Garland
HB: Matthew Whelan, Jared Rivers, Simon Buckley
C: Brad Green, Brock McLean, Matthew Bate
HF: Cameron Bruce, Brad Miller, Aaron Davey
FF: Colin Sylvia, Michael Newton, Austin Wonaeamirri
Fol: Paul Johnson, Cale Morton, Nathan Jones
Int: Mark Jamar, James McDonald, Lynden Dunn, Brent Moloney
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Rivers, Newton, Dunn, Moloney
Waiting: Addam Maric, Ricky Petterd, Jack Grimes, James Frawley
With Rivers rolling his ankle at the Demons intra-club this week, it seems there’s no stopping the string of injuries that keep him from being 100% match fit. If he does miss extended periods there’s not a whole ot of senior experience in the shed with Nathan Carroll retired, which is why it was good to hear that Frawley was one of the most impressive in the praccy, particularly with his run-and-carry. Doubt still surrounds a lot of this team, so we should know more after the Launceston game this week.
North Melbourne
FB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson
HB: Jesse W. Smith, Drew Petrie, Gavin Urquhart
C: Adam Simpson, Daniel Harris, Daniel Wells
HF: Matt Campbell, Lachie Hansen, Lindsay Thomas
FF: Corey Jones, David Hale, Ben Ross
Fol: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey
Int: Andrew Swallow, Sam Power, Scott McMahon, Leigh Harding
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Ross, Urquhart, McMahon, Swallow
Waiting: Jack Ziebell, Josh Smith, Ed Lower, Scott D. Thompson
Further media snippets this week confirm that Hansen will be started at centre half forward in the absence of Aaron Edwards. Ziebell also got talked up by Pratt in the press, though I am not trusting that as an ironclad endorsement just yet.
Port Adelaide
FB: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Mitch Farmer
HB: Peter Burgoyne, Troy Chaplin, Domenic Cassisi
C: Travis Boak, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Justin Westhoff, Danyle Pearce
FF: Daniel Motlop, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
Fol: Dean Brogan, Steven Salopek, Shaun Burgoyne
Int: Brendon Lade, Josh Carr, Paul Stewart, Robbie Gray
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Farmer, Stewart, Gray, Salopek
Waiting: Jacob Surjan, Nick Salter, Marlon Motlop, Jason Davenport
Another team we will know more about after this week’s NAB games.
Essendon
FB: Sam Lonergan, Dustin Fletcher, Jay Nash
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Andrew Lovett
C: Kyle Reimers, Jobe Watson, Bachar Houli
HF: Jay Neagle, Scott Lucas, Scott Gumbleton
FF: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Leroy Jetta
Fol: David Hille, Brent Stanton, Mark McVeigh
Int: Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Hayden Skipworth, Angus Monfries
In: Skipworth
Out: Michael Hurley
Iffy: Nash, Lonergan, Neagle, Myers
Waiting: Tayte Pears, Ricky Dyson, Courtenay Dempsey, Michael Hurley
Skippy has to be picked after that NAB performance, and Hurley is the odd man out in my estimation due to his gall bladder surgery. I know he is due to regain health before the start of the season, but he’s more likely to be eased into the game with an easy stint at Bendigo first.
Fremantle
FB: Michael Johnson, Antoni Grover, Marcus Drum
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Roger Hayden
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Paul Hasleby, Byron Schammer
HF: Kepler Bradley, Matthew Pavlich, Daniel Gilmore
FF: Chris Mayne, Chris Tarrant, Des Headland
Fol: Aaron Sandilands, Rhys Palmer, Ryan Crowley
Int: Brett Peake, Stephen Hill, Steven Dodd, Clayton Hinkley
In: Hill
Out: Andrew Foster
Iffy: Peake, Hinkley, Hill, Drum
Waiting: Scott Thornton, Josh Head, Nick Suban, Greg Broughton
It is against my better judgment to keep Peake in this side, but he did increase his workrate in the last quarter of the NAB game against Richmond, and that may save his skin. Foster Browne failed to impress. Suban doesn’t have to pass much to get into this 22, to be brutally honest.
Western Bulldogs
FB: Lindsay Gilbee, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Andrejs Everitt
C: Ryan Griffen, Daniel Cross, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Daniel Giansiracusa
FF: Shaun Higgins, Brad Johnson, Jarrad Grant
Fol: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd
Int: Will Minson, Callan Ward, Dylan Addison, Josh Hill
In: nil
Out: nil
Iffy: Eagleton, Everitt, Hill, Ward
Waiting: Tim Callan, Jarrod Harbrow, Sam Reid, Stephen Tiller
Another blessed week of no new injuries for the Bulldogs.
I think I’ve ironed out about half of the kinks you complained about during last week, but I am still not budging on Cousins or Walker. Don’t believe the hype! Or, believe it and tell me why I’m wrong in the comments.
XztatiK
February 19, 2009 at 2:50 am
Ohhh you wait till Tex Walker kicks 8 on Matty Scarlett on Saturday night, m0nty. Haha. I would say 10 but you know us Crows supporters like to have realistic expectations.
You’ve almost got the Crows right. Although I highly doubt we will play all four of Maric/Griff/Moran/Tippett so I’d cut out Griffo for Danger.
“Schulz looked awful on Subiaco, while Raines looked dazzling and Tambling did enough.”
I thought Tambling was shocking! Couldn’t do a thing right and that’s why he was handed the orange guernsey before long.
Chad
February 19, 2009 at 6:32 am
Didn’t rate tambling much either. I think Pettigrew can be added to the iffy as well. Petigrew/surjan/farmre all playing for the same spot.
jarrad
February 19, 2009 at 10:17 am
collier will defitnetly play round 1 and most of if not the whole season
Chris
February 19, 2009 at 10:20 am
Again Xztatik is right, the Crows wont be playing 4 ruckmen. They will bring in a midfielder for Griffin, probably Dangerfield.
I also don’t understand why you dropped Tom Collier. He played well in their first NAB Cup match, and seems like the type of player Voss would like. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him ahead of Charman or McGrath.
And you just keep showing how little you know about Fremantle. “Foster failed to impress”. Foster is out with a back injury and wont play in any of the pre-season matches. It’s pretty hard to impress when you don’t play. And DeBoer would be pretty close to that waiting list, possibly before Head after his average match on Sunday.
Raf
February 19, 2009 at 10:23 am
They can’t keep Cousins on ice (pun actually unintended!) for half a season, he won’t be match fit and he’s as likely to do a hammy then as he is now. I’m not saying he’ll play every game, they may well rest him here and there, but he’ll play round 1. Kudos for sticking to your guns though, if you’re right you can have a big I told you so moment!
Liam Anthony must be in your mix for rd 1 at North, if not in the team yet.
Still think you’re crazy to have James Kelly out of the team at Geelong.
I probably missed the Collingwood news, is Medhurst not going to make round 1 due to injury? Maxwell out may be premature too, the appeal could work… OTOH, isn’t Van Berlo going to miss rd 1 at Adelaide?
Brisbane is a very hard call. If Leuenberger AND Charman AND Brown AND Bradshaw AND Brennan AND Henderson all play though, I think Clark really pushes them towards being top heavy. He would have to come in for Henderson if he comes in on a positional basis, or for Selwood if Voss just wants to get games into his younger blokes. Collier has potential, and dropping him for Clark seems to be a bit of a merrygoround tome.
Melbourne who knows, all 4 of your waiting guys are definitely possibles… depends who sucks the least in NAB cup and practice matches.
All the rest looks pretty good to me!
Jason
February 19, 2009 at 11:42 am
Right on Chris,
That Freo write up is way off the money. Foster didn’t play and definitely will take no part in round 1. Peake is actually looking very fit, he spent most of the first half on the bench while Harvs played the young guys, his work rate only increased in the last quarter because he spent more time on the ground when the game was up for grabs. Peake’s a certain round 1 starter for mine. The main surprise from that NAB match was Greg Broughton who is probably ahead of both Deboer and Suban just at the moment.
Phillip Molly Malone
February 19, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I think Dowler is ahead of Thorpe for the Hawks but we will know more after this weekend I guess
Quigley
February 19, 2009 at 12:47 pm
jarrad – I disagree on Collier being a cert for round 1. I agree though that he will play a lot this year. I think Voss starts with his experienced guys like Notting and Selwood and with Henderson as the third tall in defence. I think he is about number 23 atm and with an injury I can see him starting but I think he has to wait his turn a little. I love the kid though and think he will do very well this year.
Raf – the Lions want to get as many games into Leuenberger, Clark and Henderson as they can and having 3 kps at either end seems to be the way things are going. 2 rucks is also standard so I don’t think the Lions will be all that top heavy compared to most teams. Bear in mind that Charman is also very iffy for round 1. Clark is also the man that Brown expects to break out this year. If any of those guys is likely to be in and out of the side I think it will be Henderson but saying that I will be shocked if Clark and Henderson are not in the side come round 1.
Monty – no way in hell Cousins doesn’t play round 1 imho.
Turk
February 19, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I’ve noticed that mitch farmer has been in port’s team for at least the last 2 of these. Don’t know a thing about the kid ie disposal/place in team/style of play but I’m looking at him for SC…anyone wanna fill me in?
Fatty
February 19, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Jeez you’re a stubborn bugger Monty. Kelly will play in Round 1!
regards,
REB
m0nty
February 19, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Ah, I was getting Browne mixed up with Foster – two Andrews. Sorry about that Chris and Jason.
There’s every chance that one or both of Charman or Leuenberger will drop out for Collier due to injury, so don’t sweat on that one.
BOB
February 19, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Wayde Skipper had a few reasonable touches during rd1 NAB. He doesn’t figure in your line-up at all. Am I missing part of the puzzle?
Presti will take his place in rd1 for the Pies – i concur with your huntch.
Hentschel ADE seems to be MIA from your list. I’ve got him starting Rd1 (35 days time). Am I optimistic or blind?
Ballantyne FREO ! Will we see this talented youngster?
drewriffic
February 19, 2009 at 1:34 pm
couple of questions:
whats the likelihood of either of the two Hawthorn Beaus (Muston and Dowler) getting a game this year- they look like they’ll get good numbers if picked.
if joel corey does move to halfback, is that likely to increase or decrease his numbers?
i dont blame you on the andrew mix-up- neither of them have got on the park consistently in ages.
and finally, is it me, or do freo have a terrible, terrible list?
m0nty
February 19, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Freo does have a poor list drewriffic, it’s true, mainly because they had a huge cleanout of senior players in the offseason. They need a huge lift from their 16-22 if they’re going to do anything this year.
I would expect Corey’s DT numbers to be down slightly but his SC numbers to improve if he stays on half back.
As for the two Beaus, not much to go on so we’ll have to wait for the NAB.
Chris
February 19, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Fremantle’s list isn’t that bad. Our best 22 is more than capable of competing with and beating the other 15 teams, it’s just that our depth is mainly comprised of young players – many who haven’t played yet.
And m0nty, don’t be saying bad things about Andrew Browne to a lot of Fremantle supporters. Some are convinced that with an injury free season, he will be a star.
Rupe
February 19, 2009 at 3:02 pm
BOB, Hentschel is pretty much over the knee injury but still struggling with soft tissue problems. Will need to play a few good NAB games to sneak ahead of Walker, Gill, Tippett for a forward spot.
Brendan
February 19, 2009 at 3:19 pm
If the Crows do indeed go in with four ruckman, it could be a good strategy to adapt to having extra boundary umpires and hence faster throw-ins. Other clubs may follow suit.
jeremy
February 19, 2009 at 3:27 pm
What’s happened to Scott Welsh?
adam
February 19, 2009 at 4:06 pm
surely david armitage will play!!!!!james kelly is rated very highly at the cattery so he will play round 1 and every 22 games if fit.and how bout rusling,will he play…u cant be to sure lol..how bout petterd,im a melbourne supporter and can remember just how much talent his got,why isnt he in?thanx for this anyway mate
Nickelass
February 19, 2009 at 4:26 pm
For the Pies…
IN: Presti, Medhurst
OUT: Cox, Corrie
If Maxwell gets off Goldsack will make room.
Medders had a full training session today and as previously stated, Presti WILL play.
ong
February 19, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Adam, are you 12?
Burley
February 19, 2009 at 5:03 pm
geez Monty James Kelly is a LOCK for the cats mate. He was basically the cats best player for the first couple of months last year and is an absolute “monty” (pun intended) to play 22 games if fit. Do you have S Hogan in your DT or something, just praying he gets a game?
TigerFever
February 19, 2009 at 5:19 pm
M.White shouldn’t be a iffy hes a gun.
Fairley
February 19, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I think your getting lethal confused with grant thomas. if lethal didn’t rate rucks very highly i highly doubt we would have drafted leuey over boak and selwood..
ryz
February 19, 2009 at 6:36 pm
this may be super stupid, but did i miss something, and has aker retired? also, ive heard andrew browne is meant to be a star for like 3 years now. does his hammy every second game? whats up with this bloke?
Other Dan
February 19, 2009 at 6:51 pm
I agree with Raf, Cousins will play Rd 1.
However, he won’t be in my DT or SC side anymore, he’s been priced out of the game.
On other news picked up the SC little black book today. It’s going to be a real challenge to be ahead of the pack as there’s plenty of quality information in it.
Other Dan
February 19, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Why I believe Cousins will play…
1. It’s on telly
2. Cousins has been the no.1 off season AFL story
3. Richmond gave into the fans to pick Cousins, they will give into the clammer to play him round 1.
4. Judd v Cousins
Juice box
February 19, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Richmond dont’ run the TV
Off season story means fk all to Richmond
Richmond didn’t ‘give in’ when they picked him up. They wanted him.
Cousins plays Rd1 Vs Cousins plays most of the season in good health
I have to agree with Monty’s view on this one, but only time will tell
MiGZ
February 19, 2009 at 9:09 pm
You guys who are saying he wont play are treating cousins as though hes a bloody invalid. The guy is fit as anyone in that Richmond team, and if he continues the way he is, he will play round 1.
Lakey91
February 19, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Monty, suban to get a game in first few rounds then?
Also – re nick dal santo, if i am correct (may not be) he played alot of loose man in defence on saturday? Kind of like corey probably did in intra-club. Maybe he will play that role too? Maybe him and goddard will swap?
Also – any news on why simon buckley isnt playing this week?
Brad
February 19, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Damn that little black book the Herald Sun put out today.
Let the fantasy footy blow ins/newbies do their own bloody research instead of having very solid information and strategies handed to them on a silver platter.
Let people learn the hard way thorugh experience like everyone else has done.
Higgos
February 19, 2009 at 10:14 pm
What about Sidebottom from Collingwood, not a mention at all. I thought he was one of the frist rookie locks for this season behind Rich? Will he play??? Thoughts…
ryz
February 19, 2009 at 10:27 pm
whats this black book? lucky most my mates are clowns and dont get into the papers much, but as for the dt community haha what has been done?
i also agree, saying that if cousins plays round one then all of a sudden wont be able to play the rest of the seson as opposed to sitting out a few weeks to make sure he plays every game after is silly? tezza said he was a month away at best, and that was already like 2 weeks ago, and thats from being fully match fit/
he has to play, im going to the game just for that sole reason (oh, and also cause FOOTY IS BACK BABYYYY, so maybe 2 reasons)
Lakey91
February 19, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Higgos – when you looked at pies round one nab team, it looked pretty settled, and with rocca and medhurst still to come back, it will be a tight squeeze of beams/frontbum to make 22.
Dazz
February 19, 2009 at 10:56 pm
love your work mate. can’t wait for the next version, hopefully it’s not too far away.
however, being a very close carlton supporter i haev to pull you up on a couple of things. grigg is NOT iffy. very evry highly rated down at PP and willg et a gig ahead of bentick on the wing any day of the week. i also think brad fisher will play and hadley is very doubtful given he’s had a modfied program thsi season. you should at least put him in the iffy section imo.
other than that, think your just about spot on mate. keep up the good work.
fryzie
February 20, 2009 at 12:39 am
I’m half with monty on the Cousins thing. I would almost guarantee he’ll be NAMED for the round 1 game, if for no other reason than to sell tickets 😉
However if he has the slightest niggle leading up to the game or doesn’t feel 110%, he won’t play round 1.
Lakey91
February 20, 2009 at 7:30 am
For some reason i just looked into my crystall ball and saw cousins = stuart dew. Starts well, gets hamstrung, is in and out of team with fitness/injury, comes to finals time and he makes an influence. Just a thought…
seven
February 20, 2009 at 7:39 am
G’day Monty,
– Just a few questions, any idea on Hamish Hartlett’s preseason and if he’ll be seeing much of the seniors this year?
– Is there an expected return date for #2 pick Nick Nat?
– Also haven’t heard much about Rusling, is he fit?
Keep up the good work!
Heater
February 20, 2009 at 8:18 am
I think Lakey is correct in regards to Collingwood; I can’t see Beams or Sidebottom getting a game Rd1 unless of course there is an injury especially when we saw the form and fitness of Johnson for instance. I thought Beams was a lock but have my doubts now. See how he goes in the next NAB game I suppose.
aydo
February 20, 2009 at 8:34 am
lol at those comments about the ‘little black book’. if you guys are worried it’s revealing your tricks then you must be struggling big time
Jonny Hart
February 20, 2009 at 8:53 am
Richmond stated a few weeks ago they want him for round 1. The plan is 2-3 pre-season games and then round 1. These reservations you have are unfounded. There are no injury concerns for him yet.
Prestigiacomo was begged to play on by Colingwood last year. They needed him AND Wakelin, but only Presti put his hand up. Unsure where reservations about him come from as well.
Sidebottom and/or Beams will definitely play Round 1. Both have sublime disposal and kicking for goal. Beams is a clearance genius. They fill gaps for C’wood.. You’ll see against the Tiggers…
Jazzman
February 20, 2009 at 8:57 am
OMG, this obsession with Cousins. Sure, he’s been pulling headlines left, right and centre but is he DT-relevant? Most DT related comments have agreed that he is too pricey and too risky. Is there anyone out there still considering him?
TwoBeaus
February 20, 2009 at 9:04 am
Cuz will be rested throughout the season in the same way crawford was but will play round 1.
Harbrow will be in the dogs team cos rocket loves him (i dont rate him)
On ability you would choose muston over dowler, but on fitness and availability to play, its clearly dowler. Muston is not in squad for game against melbourne.
The black book is woeful. it is the bleeding obvious, (dont pick rutten) and the dubious (Jamar is good pick???)
Brad
February 20, 2009 at 11:06 am
But the black book does give basic knowledge to newbies who would have normally just picked their favorite players and done shithouse.
Anyway enuf of the black book, it will not help seasoned fantasy footy punters anyway.
Heater
February 20, 2009 at 11:21 am
The Black Book did one thing for me. I was teetering on the edge in regards to Scott Thompson (Adel) but he is in my side now (just as he was last year!)
jjcs
February 20, 2009 at 11:30 am
IIRC Andrew Browne was named as Freo’s best in the West Australian and is also in the best on the afl.com.au report. Read into that what you want.
Raf
February 20, 2009 at 11:35 am
Yep, Maxwell got off!
Big Jim
February 20, 2009 at 11:38 am
m0nty – with all due respect to injuryupdate.com.au, that site is pretty hit and miss – it lists the Saints as having “no injuries” (Dempster? Allen?), doesn’t mention Carrazzo’s injury at all, says Tom Harley is recovering well and will be in for Round 1 (despite a number of conflicting reports), and doesn’t even list Pat McGinnity as injured, despite him owning the most famous broken jaw in the AFL at the moment.
Delete it from the favourites people – that site is dangerous if you dare to rely on it!
Anton
February 20, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I found the little black book to be an interesting read, however its only purpose is to give the newbies some idea of what to do to get more people interested and join up !
One thing it also does it if you want to have a different team to everyone else, dont pick the players the book talks about !!
Lakey91
February 20, 2009 at 1:32 pm
What is this black book thing?
Johnny HArt: “Richmond stated a few weeks ago they want him for round 1. The plan is 2-3 pre-season games and then round 1. These reservations you have are unfounded. There are no injury concerns for him yet.”
Cousins has done his hamstring 5 times in last 9 matches or something ridiculous – he HAS and always will have injury concerns, especially at his age. He will be eased in.