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!
brettl5
March 15, 2009 at 3:52 pm
im having trouble choosing between joel selwood and bryce gibbs any suggestions or maybe cotchin or masten instead and upgrade some where else please help me
Evan
March 15, 2009 at 3:52 pm
brettl5, i would go bryce gibbs, carlton is set for a good year and he wont get tagged. also he is cheaper than selwood
bo
March 15, 2009 at 3:53 pm
From having too many cheap forwards to pick from this week seems to have cut it down. Makes our choices a bit easier.
Daniel Rich and Chris Yarran were drafted with the intention to play them for the whole season. They have decent sized bodies and are expected to slot straight into their respective teams. I haven’t seen anthing as yet to count them out. Form has been ok.
Cheers for the effort monty. Much appreciated
m0nty
March 15, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Just counting up the round 1 debuts:
Yarran, Robinson, Whitecross, Hogan, Walker, Petrenko, Rich, Grima, Anthony, Ziebell, Hill.
That’s 11, looks more like the average.
Joel
March 15, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Thanks Monty keep up the good work
jordahurst
March 15, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Montagneto s.cox def ahead of wellington and johnson
DaVe86
March 15, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Great effort mOnty. Reckon that looks pretty accurate.
On Collingwood…i actually think Beams has locked in his spot. I actually can’t see us playing 5 talls down back, especially since we lacked run against Geelong. Possibly Reid will start forward.
But either way, i think Beams has done enough. Sidebottom i think will have to wait.
Browndog
March 15, 2009 at 4:25 pm
who is everybody last three defenders in SC? ive currently got s.hill in the 22 with rance and klemke on the bench
Klemke?
are you tanking this year?
Evan
March 15, 2009 at 4:29 pm
hi guys. thanks monty keep up the good work.
any oppinions on this, im having trouble deciding: Tarkyn Lockyer or chris newman??
please advice . also should i trade kane kornes for corey or leave as is at pocket the 50k?
jordahurst
March 15, 2009 at 4:30 pm
oh and keep us posted on the rumoured grimes injury!
gothepower
March 15, 2009 at 4:30 pm
People worried about Krakouer, don’t be. Had a fantastic preseason and Choco has a mancrush on him. Also, it’s not really fantasy relevant but I’d be very surprised if Stewart takes Surjan’s spot in Round 1. Maybe later though. And Tom Logan deserves a spot on the waiting list at least.
aa
March 15, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Why did swallow get dropped, and there is 2 rookies in the kangas squad. Will he get back in there?
m0nty
March 15, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Evan: Newman and Kornes. And please stop spamming.
tlang
March 15, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Evan, do some homework. I wouldn’t have any of them.
bob
March 15, 2009 at 4:39 pm
whats the deal with j.Polkinghorne
IsDonIsGood
March 15, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Monty, don’t think ive been utilising the info on this site. Thumbs up to you.
cmiggles33
March 15, 2009 at 5:25 pm
MONTY – Grimes is worrying me – Did he play yesterday??? If not, that the second week running he has not played….not good.
In response to your question about Cheney – I too cant see a spot for him but according to my source he is playing round one and has been earmarked for a small defensive role/run off role. Only time will tell I guess. But rest assured my source is a high profile player from the club.
My feel is both Yarran and Robinson will play round one without a doubt. The fact that Robinson was rested along with all of the other star in the NAB cub against geelong has to mean they are priming him for round one.
Yarran = certainty
EVAN – As for lockyer or Newman – if your looking at these two players you should re-assess your entire team as you have most certainly missed some important players. Clearly a rookie DT competitor (or shoul i say light weight).
m0nty
March 15, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I heard on Friday when Cale Morton was on SEN that every single Demon player had Grimes in their own Dream Teams, so unless he’s picked up a new injury this weekend then I’m not so worried about Grimesy.
Looking at my Demons 22, I do have four 190cm defenders, so maybe that’s one too many and Cheney would come in for the likes of Frawley.
mEnty
March 15, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Monty,
you listed the round 1 debuts…did you leave M Brown off intentionally?
No opinion Ed Lower?
m0nty
March 15, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Brown already played seniors in 2007, mEnty.
I have admitted before that I haven’t got a great handle on Kangaroo fringe players. Your guess is as good as mine as to who of about eight players will fit into about four slots.
ETOH
March 15, 2009 at 5:43 pm
mEnty, if you mean WCE brown hes played games before
mEnty
March 15, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Ah okay, thanks, listed at 86k I assumed not
Hank jnr
March 15, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Forgot Beau Wilkes for Eagles and Polkihorne for brissy,,,
Luke
March 15, 2009 at 5:51 pm
m0nty, this is fantastic and a terrific resource – thanks for your efforts.
Is Brett Ebert a viable DT option in 2009? Looking primed for a good season, but will he average more than his career averages of around 60 per game? His price is quite handy..
Thorgils
March 15, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Walker IN!
Well well Monty I do believe your onto something.
bandwagon is offically taking passengers ALL ABOARD!
PS told ya so (you knew it was coming)
The Fone
March 15, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Only this year have a hopped on the dream team bandwagon but i have had many years in the super coach comps. I can only hope my transition is smooth.
I’ve done a lot of reading and this site in particular with Monty has been priceless. However, I thought it would be probably most beneficial if you regular posters gave me feedback on the team I have picked out.
I did my best with balancing bargain buys and solid point getters.
Fisher, S Burgoyne, P Lockyer, T
Rooke, M Raines, A Collier, T Hill, S
Green, B Selwood, J Lewis, J
Cousins, B Hasleby, P Otten, A
Petrie, D Ottens, B
Richardson, M Harvey, B Chapman, P
Fevola, B Thomas, D Anthony, J
Any feedback is most welcome.
Thanks guys and girls and goodluck!
= )
The Fone
March 15, 2009 at 6:03 pm
oh and Higgins as 7th fwd
cmiggles33
March 15, 2009 at 6:08 pm
MONTY – Quite possible that Frawly could drop out.
Whilst I think what you ave done is fantastic – I do think the postion you have some players in is wrong. Whilst I agree with their selection in the side I think they will play elsewhere.
For example – I do think Brad green will play wing/midfield as opposed to a half back flank.
My point is … with a bit of tweaking and loss of maybe a frawley he ould easily slot in.
I am certain on Cheney though. The two players I was told were Cheney and Grimes. Also he said if Spencer can somehow get on the list (which i understand has happened) he would almost be their No 1 ruck and not number 2, especially in terms of his tap work and perhaps not becuase of his work rate around the ground.
If necessary I will reveal my source privately to you monty.
ETOH
March 15, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Lewis’ injured…
cmiggles33
March 15, 2009 at 6:17 pm
THE FONE – your isde needs a lot of work – its beyond help
Browndog
March 15, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Monty
Come on mate, did you just forget about Varcoe?
m0nty
March 15, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I don’t see a place for Varcoe once Mooney is back, Browndog. Especially if Ablett is spending time forward.
Ash
March 15, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Rumour is Jacobs is prefered infront of Hampson.
Browndog
March 15, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Monty
you could be right, just thought it strange he was not in any list of yours
Nate
March 15, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Sam Lonergan in a back pocket? I don’t think he’s played there ever for Essendon or Bendigo – only midfield or forward pocket. Henry Slattery is a lock unless his ankle keeps him out. Houli’s been dropped twice during pre-season so I’d have him as iffy and Jetta also lined up for Bendigo yesterday instead of against the Roos on Friday
Harris & Corey Jones have played in the VFL since North got knocked out of the NAB Cup. Surely Ed Lower or Josh Smith is ahead of Jones for Rd1? Sam Power’s been in superb form over pre-season so I can’t see him being an iffy one
Mitch Robinson hasn’t played seniors for Carlton since the Hawthorn game so I can’t see him suddenly coming back into consideration. Surely they would’ve included him in the squad last week if he was in the mix for Rd 1
Aaron Kite’s still out another 2 weeks with a knee injury from a pre-season SANFL game so not sure why he’s in the waiting pile.
St Kilda website is certainly talking up Steven’s Rd 1 chances so he should be in waiting.
Josh Hill’s been a regular goal kicker for the Dogs all pre-season and Jarrad Grant wasn’t even in the squad against the Dees – wouldn’t think Hill is in any danger from anybody let alone Grant.
SpikeSetsFire
March 15, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Someone said “Ben Johnson out, Dayne Beams in”. I’d have to agree.
Ben lost the passion for the game last year, and I think he’ll be in and out of the side this year. Might only play 10 games. Could be his last year, I reckon. Looked very ordinary against Geelong and Richmond. (Didn’t play against Essendon). Dayne Beams has shown a lot of courage and heart. Should play plenty of football this year and snatch that last spot.
Other Collingwood fans might see this differently.
This is just my personal opinion.
steve
March 15, 2009 at 7:11 pm
SpikeSetsFire , I agree Beams is near certain starter round 1 for johnson. Beams is tough , skilful , can find the ball and will get the gig over first round draft pick sidebottom , at this stage anyway.
WOOFTA
March 15, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Luv you long time Monty,great work.
(I’m still rooting for J Polkinghorne in the 22,forget the Cairns game.)
DR
March 15, 2009 at 7:43 pm
opinions on some players please
Lucas, J davenport and A Mackie
Are they worth having in
Other Dan
March 15, 2009 at 7:50 pm
DR – I had Lucas as a lock prior to the start of the NAB, however his NAB performances have concerned me so much I’ve dropped him from my squad.
If Lucas does discover his form though he’s excellent value. It’s just a very big ‘if’ IMO.
Lary
March 15, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Zac Dawson @ full back for the Saints … This is a joke isn’t it Monty 🙂
steve
March 15, 2009 at 7:58 pm
DR , Lucas – like a horse without form dont pick him.
Davenport – in good form but would put thompson ahead of him at this stage.
Mackie – Definatley. doesnt turn the ball over and in a very strong side
supercoacher
March 15, 2009 at 8:02 pm
why is callan ward now in the outs?
brettl5
March 15, 2009 at 8:38 pm
cotchin or kerr opinions please is grimes for melbourne injured,my back line c cornes, l gilbee, j drummond, j grimes,a raines, r houlihan, l hansen and n suban,j petrenko on the bench wat do yas think my first year in dream team, cheers for the cool site monty.
krabzy
March 15, 2009 at 8:41 pm
“The latest fan 22s all have Dawson at full back, with one even sticking Blake at CHB!”
Jason Blake played key defence for a lot of last year. IIRC, his opponents in finals were Lonergan, Cloke and Roughead. Blake and Dawson will probably be the key defenders for round one. Fisher will be free to play his attacking role.
Johnny Bee
March 15, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Monty
love ur work, but u’ll change ur mind about Varcoe just like u did with Ablett and winderlich. U’ll see
Dare2Dream
March 15, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Great work m0nty!!
Nice feedback and rumouring to gents – lots of thinking for DT to be done on the back of all of this
Johnny Bee
March 15, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Cousins not Ablett
Mitchell Cleary
March 15, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Another great piece Monty, keep it up.
The Chief
March 15, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Awesome work Monty. I dont know why you havn’t talked up brett peake though, he seems a steal…