The Easter bunny gave fantasy coaches a holiday gift with a high scoring week in Dream Team and Super Coach.
The long weekend, which included eight games in the space of five days, was a highly successful one for fantasy coaches, with high scores had all round.
Two of the oldest players in the AFL, Warren Tredrea and Matthew Lloyd both showed they had lost nothing, combining for 11 goals and pulling their sides to victory.
The Cats started off the weekend with a commanding 27-point win over their ‘bogey team’ Collingwood. St Kilda asserted themselves as proven contenders for the flag, demolishing West Coast. Brisbane and Essendon had hard fought victories Saturday night. Port Adelaide bounced back well from last week’s defeat. Hawthorn got their first win and Adelaide ran over the top of Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs defeated an dispirited Richmond on Monday.
There were quite a number of injuries to report: Ben Johnson, Xavier Ellis, David Hale and Scott Stevens. Fantasy coaches have been sweating over the health of Carlton prodigy Bryce Gibbs who was rumoured to have a fractured thumb but has been given the all clear by Carlton staff.
Fantasy coaches will be a little more anxious over the large number of reports. Heath Shaw has been sent straight to the tribunal and Peter Burgoyne has been offered a two-match ban with an early plea. An early plea for Campbell Brown
and Nick Maxwell will give them two-match bans, while Dominic Cassisi can accept a one-match suspension. Plus a little funny one in Steve Johnson, who can accept a $900 fine for pinching Harry O’Brien!
Luke McPharlin and David Hille both got off. Liam Picken will be assessed after his hit on Brett Deledio.
Geelong 18.14.122 def Collingwood 13.17.95
Geelong kept their winning record intact with a come-from-behind win at the hands of Collingwood. The Pies were strong early and went into quarter time with a 20-point buffer. But after that it was all Geelong, they kicked eight unanswered goals in the second term to blow the Pies out of the water. Collingwood had enough chances, but they were unable to convert when the game was on the line.
The Geelong midfield were yet again dominant. Chapman (152 DT/160 SC), Bartel (106/81), Ablett (134/150), Selwood (93/101) and Corey (85/92) were awesome, all getting at least 20 touches. They controlled the middle of the ground, something Collingwood weren’t able to do as they chipped around on the wings. Remember too, both clubs were coming off a five day break, so for Chapman and Ablett to get 37 and 35 touches respectively was remarkable. The latter had a lazy 27 disposals in the last half, including 17 in the last term.
Travis Varcoe (72/88) and Tom Hawkins (68/71), both in their third seasons of AFL footy, may have played their most important game for their club on Thursday night. Both kicked two goals, but it wasn’t what they did on the score sheet that would have impressed Bomber Thompson. Varcoe applied heavy pressure in the forward 50, while Hawkins led hard and created structure for his teammates. Steve Johnson (97/105) also played another good match.
Josh Fraser (130/134) again worked hard for his team as the lone ruckman, against the inexperienced pair of Trent West (13/12) and Mark Blake (71/62). He pushed forward hard, but couldn’t convert, being one of three Pies to kick 1.3 on the night. Dane Swan (112/116) was again good, picking up 30 touches and eight clearances.
The Pies’ goal kicking hopes rested on the shoulders of Paul Medhurst (95/97) and Alan Didak (72/97), who played well and combined for four goals, but Mick Malthouse will want more out of them than that this season, especially considering the lack of other scoring threats.
Ben Johnson (16/16) broke his leg early after tagging Ablett for most of the first quarter. His injury may pave way for the debut of Steele Sidebottom, or the return of Anthony Rocca, as the Pies look towards other avenues to goal. Their key forwards were quiet. Travis Cloke (39/34) didn’t trouble the scorers, while Leigh Brown (65/68) looked decent early but faded badly.
Heath Shaw must have been living under a rock this past week, as he made contact with umpire Michael Vozzo. Contact with umpires was a major talking point last week and it will again come under scrutiny after Shaw touched Vozzo on the arm. He may be looking at a few weeks.
Star Man: Paul Chapman. Whenever a man delivers with 35 touches and four goals straight, he demands the accolades as best on ground.
Shocker: Trent West. Didn’t touch the pill, apart from his 16 hit outs. Gazing across the stats he recorded just the one FA and one clanger, not to good as apart of a winning side.
When will we see the back of Mick Malthouse?
St Kilda 25.11.161 def West Coast 9. 10.64
St Kilda strengthened their claims for their first premiership in over 50 years, with a 97-point annihilation of West Coast. Geelong and Hawthorn will be on high notice, as St Kilda showcased a new relentless pressurising game on the hapless Eagles. St Kilda kicked 10 goals straight to West Coast’s two to open out a 63-point lead heading into half-time.
Brendon Goddard‘s (134/175) early move forward paid dividends for St Kilda and Ross Lyon, kicking four first quarter goals to get the ball rolling. Talk of him being less than 100% was proven to be hot air. Clinton Jones (140/138) was superb, picking up 25 touches and laying a round high 14 tackles.
Leigh Montagna (144/174) was also a key, with 31 disposals and eight tackles. Nick Dal Santo (121/135) continued his awesome start to the year, with another 30+ touch game. Nick Riewoldt (102/104) was good but his kicking let him down once again, finishing with 1.3. Sam Gilbert (87/130) provided plenty of value for his coaches to ensure his price will rise. Justin Koschitzke (73/92) picked up just the 10 touches, but kicked four for the Saints.
Nothing went right for the Eagles, their kicking efficiency a measly 72%. Dean Cox (120/112), Daniel Kerr (79/108) and Matt Priddis (126/100) should be the only Eagles to have their heads at least some of the way raised on a dark day for West Coast, just six days after beating Port Adelaide by 50 points.
Star Man: Brendon Goddard. Started it all off with easily his best quarter of footy in his career. His 11 marks were a game high.
Shocker: Chris Masten (20/7). Still a young kid but didn’t do anything, just the eight touches.
Can St Kilda be now ranked alongside Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn as the only contenders for the flag?
Brisbane 15.10.100 def Sydney 9.13.67
var iamInit = function() {try{initIamServingHandler(234,318,843628,”http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/Resources/Css/css2.css”)}catch(ex){}}()Brisbane got their first win over the Swans since 2004, as they won a hard fought contest in battering rain at the Gabba. Michael Voss’ new game plan paid off as the Lions got home by 33 points.
Josh Drummond (110/164) was allowed to roam the defensive 50 at ease picking up 25 disposals, 20 of which were kicks. He took a game high 11 marks. Jed Adcock (126/144) showed he is not a spent force in fantasy, collecting 25 touches plus 12 tackles, though the 44% disposal efficiency rate would bewilder his owners, only to think of what he could have reached. Justin Sherman (93/120) was good up forward in booting three, while 46% efficiency robbed Bradd Dalziell (101/99) of an excellent Super Coach score. Daniel Rich (84/112) strengthened talk of his Rising Star aspirations after another awesome display. B1 (Brown) (79/98) and B2 (Bradshaw) (73/95) booted 4.2 each.
Darren Jolly (133/131) again stood out for the Swans on a night Jesse White (52/49) went missing. Jude Bolton (104/95) was among the Swans’ best with 29 disposals, but an efficiency rate of only 38% due to the heavy rain cost him and his team.
Star Man: Darren Jolly. 46 hit outs, followed up last week’s display with another good game. Jolly again made use of his opposition’s weak ruckmen.
Shocker: Simon Black (36/43). Well held by Brett Kirk for only 16 touches. An ordinary efficiency rate of 44% didn’t help his scores either.
Were Sydney right in playing Barry Hall with below par fitness?
Essendon 17.14.116 def Carlton 16.16.112
Essendon got over the top of a confident Blues outfit by four points Saturday night. The best contest of the weekend was played out in front of the biggest crowd, 70,411.
Matthew Lloyd (105/151) proved he still has so much to offer booting 5.1 and showing Brendan Fevola down the other end the trick to kicking straight. Brent Stanton (106/112) got the better of his battle with Marc Murphy. Courtenay Dempsey (98/126) showed dash through the midfield, something the Bombers have been lacking in recent years, kicking two goals. Alwyn Davey (80/114) was electric, laying a game high seven tackles and kicking two. The hype surrounding David Zaharakis (58/45) was dulled after he only managed 12 disposals.
Bryce Gibbs (74/74) was the only member of the ‘Fab Four’ not to record 20 possessions. Judd had 33, Stevens (102/120) 23, Murphy (94/103) 20 and Gibbs 19. Brendan Fevola (104/116) had 11 scoring shots, but was unusually inaccurate in kicking 4.7. His six contested marks went some way to ensuring he had high fantasy scores. Ryan Houlihan (89/101) was also good for the Blues.
Star Man: Chris Judd (113/119). 33 possessions which included 12 contested.
Shocker: Jarrad Waite (59/65). Well beaten by Lloyd at Centre-half-back. He only recorded 15 touches, not worst on ground, but for his effectiveness and return for fantasy coaches, one of the worst.
Has Matthew Knights proved his worth as an AFL coach yet?
Port Adelaide 22.15.147 def Melbourne 14.6.90
Port Adelaide inflicted another loss on Melbourne as their already tortured season continued with a 57-point hammering. The Demons were again woeful showing they will be again easy beats this year. They did provide themselves something to carry into next week, winning the last quarter.
The Power had seven players break the ton in Dream Team and 10 in SuperCoach. The Cornes brothers were again dominant, each having 29 possessions. Chad (121/126) and Kane (100/94). The midfield pair of Danyle Pearce (116/108) and Steven Salopek (108/134) combined for 62 possessions. Across half back Nathan Krakour (97/112) and Travis Boak (101/103) got a lot of easy touches.
Aaron Davey (108/127) was one of the only shining lights having 30 touches in his 100th match. Cameron Bruce (118/113) played well across half-back and as usual Brad Green (104/99) gave his all.
Star Man: Warren Tredrea (113/120). Booted six goals to silence his critics.
Shocker: Brad Miller (42/24). Now one of the most experienced players at Melbourne and he needs to get more of the ball and kick more goals. Just the two goals from 9 touches.
Of the 16 clubs who do Melbourne have a serious chance at beating, maybe only Freo?
Hawthorn 19.9.123 def North Melbourne 10.9.69
Hawthorn got their first win of the season at the hands of a mentally fragile North Melbourne. After a week of off-field dramas, the Roos’ ended the week on a sour note going down by a massive 57 points.
Brent Guerra (119/126) compiled the round high of 38 possessions mostly in the back half, as he continued to play the loose man so well. Chance Bateman (114/107) was good, getting 29 disposals and kicking two goals. In only his first decent game all year, Stuart Dew (111/104) booted three goals. Grant Birchall (95/125) was again effective – his 26 disposals were at an efficiency of 92%. Jarryd Roughead (106/109) kicked five playing up forward and as the second ruckman. Lance Franklin (74/72) was well beaten by Josh Gibson early but kicked a few cheapies late.
Brady Rawlings (122/140) was easily the best for the Roos, he got 35 touches after tagging Cyril Rioli, a bit of a surprising one for mine. Andrew Swallow (112/111) had 24 possessions and laid nine tackles. Adam Simpson (115/87) toiled hard after a highly publicised week. Hamish McIntosh (103/98) continued his good start to the year.
Star Man: Sam Mitchell (112/147). 37 possessions, 14 of them contested, and at efficiency of 92% was sublime.
Shocker: Corey Jones (57/44). Recalled to the North Melbourne side, he did nothing to prove that he wants to stay there next week.
Are Hawthorn back or will Port give them a red hot go next week?
Adelaide 15.14.104 def Fremantle 11.14.80
Fremantle were again their worst enemy after they fell to Adelaide by four goals. Adelaide almost handed the match to Fremantle before a spirited last 15 minutes got them over the line.
Both sides will need to improve as they face tough opposition next week. The Crows host the unbeaten Cats at AAMI Stadium, while Fremantle travel to Melbourne to play the Saints.
Adelaide’s youngsters were again impressive, Patrick Dangerfield (72/102) had a good first half, Taylor Walker (85/88) showed promising signs and Andy Otten (73/83) was good picking up 20 disposals. Michael Doughty (95/102) and Richard Douglas (83/113) were solid contributors.
Paul Hasleby (107/131) looks a lot fitter than this time three weeks ago, he had 28 disposals. Ryan Crowley (93/100) looked good as the lead-up forward and Michael Johnson (106/120) provided good service into the forward 50. Matthew Pavlich (78/96) didn’t look himself, but still returned some decent scores. Watching the last quarter on Sunday, one man who impressed was Stephen Hill (73/66). All of those who traded him out last round may have to watch on in agony as he starts to get more of the footy.
Star Man: Tyson Edwards (86/90). Continues to perform for his beloved Crows. Had 22 disposals on a day where no player really stood out.
Shocker: Kepler Bradley (31/27). Continues to surprise me that he is able to conjure an AFL game. He and Mark Harvey must have a special bond from their time at Essendon.
Western Bulldogs def Richmond
Western Bulldogs continued their unbeaten run to the season and kept Richmond’s winless record intact at Etihad Stadium on Monday. The Tigers opened up an early lead but the Dogs got in front and never looked back, winning by 47-points.
Shaun Higgins (86/124) served his coaches well with another good match, he had 24 touches and booted two. Brian Lake (82/116) held Richo well early and had 17 disposals and nine marks himself. Lindsay Gilbee (100/81) shared the honours in his battle with Nathan G. Brown. Jason Akermanis (110/107) was very cheap, dominating the last quarter when most had given up.
Shane Tuck (123/109) was good for the Tigers, he had 33 disposals. Nathan Foley (118/88) had 29 touches in a losing side where he was near best on. Brown (111/91) had 28 possessions and kicked one, while Chris Newman (92/111) had 20 disposals.
Star Man: Daniel Cross (115/116). 27 possessions and seven tackles for the Bulldogs star.
Shocker: Richard Tambling (45/20). He didn’t do anything, much the same as the rest of his career.
What do Tigers fans think of their side after yesterday and seeing them sit last on the ladder? What are your thoughts from this high scoring long weekend of footy?
benno
April 14, 2009 at 1:23 pm
steve johnson. pinching the side of o’brien’s mouth. what a strange man, what a bloody wizard. first player i picked.
Frank
April 14, 2009 at 1:32 pm
great stuff from Stevie J considering he was -4 (sc) after the 1st quarter. I had just traded Booma for him too so the decision was justified also considering Booma is down and Stevie is up – overall
Pat
April 14, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Monty, a bit of trivia for you. Three of the most picked rookies have the exact same average for the year in SC.
Walker – 54.67
Ziebell – 54.67
M Brown- 54.67
Josha
April 14, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I traded Hill last round – doh!
Lee
April 14, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Anyone know if Leight Harding really did injury his knee or not? Looked bad at the time but very little said about it since.
mEnty
April 14, 2009 at 2:23 pm
inspirited richmond. lol
Nick
April 14, 2009 at 2:24 pm
“David Hale and Leigh Harding have both escaped serious injury, the club says”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/74857/default.aspx
James Rose
April 14, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Shattered I took so many Saints players out of my team before the season started… I was too scared it was bias.
At least I had Goddard as captain though!
m0nty
April 14, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Pat, I added the author images so you could tell us apart! This article’s by Mitch Cleary, not me!
Chad
April 14, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Pat, and Walker is the pick of the lot because his high score in Round 3 will roll over into the round 4 and 5 price changes 🙂
Glad i stuck by Hill, hope he can back up that game. Very happy with Ziebell so far, if he can average 70 for the next 3-4 weeks would be an awesome return. Hope sidebottom is still a week or two away.
Frank
April 14, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Lee – read afl.com.au.
I am sure more will come of this but apparently Harding is fine and will be considered for this week.
Caleb
April 14, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Hey Mitch.
Thanks for the wrap. I disagree with you about the Demons however and i think Toby made a good point on Footy Tragic today regarding them.
They are actually playing quite well and wont be easybeats all year – they just don’t have any decent forward targets at the moment. Robbo will be back soon, and Jack Watts will make an impact when he gets the chance.
quelt
April 14, 2009 at 2:59 pm
No mention of whitecross?????
Also Brichall apparently out for a month with fractured thumb.
Lee
April 14, 2009 at 3:04 pm
PBurgoyne, DCassissi and NMaxwell all accepted 2-week suspensions. HShaw apparently likely to cop 2 weeks as well. Burgoyne and Shaw’s “holidays” will no-doubt stretch a few fantasy backlines even further. Thankfully dodged those bullets myself but have doubts about Leigh Harding’s knee, despite the positive spin on AFL website.
Pat
April 14, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Sorry about that Monty Mitch.
Good article Mitch.
Chad- Agree with the walker comment, as with Henstchel out Walker is the go to man.
Richard Head
April 14, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Monty, your the one we want.
Out of Walker, Brown and Ziebell i am most happy with Ziebell as he has been starting for my team and avg over 70. Walker will hopefully score 80s in the next couple weeks also to earn me some big cash and then do the trade to sidey.
But i have one problem… i have anthony on the bench and this is the las tweek before zaharakis goes up. SO trade Anthony for zaharakis or KEEP anthony and pray he gets a game soon
Kerr
April 14, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Shaw = window seat
Richard
April 14, 2009 at 3:53 pm
walker is no. 1 forward now which means that he gets no. 1 backman – good luck on matty scarlett this week taylor.
sam
April 14, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Richard Head, im in the same position. i have anthony and dont no weather to trade him for zaharakis or picken or beams!
sam
April 14, 2009 at 4:11 pm
any suggestions???
keep anthony or trade him for beams/picken/zaharakis???
Aidonis
April 14, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Your first comment had a red background, but your second one (at 3:43 pm) didn’t Monty.
The 30 Spartans
April 14, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Whilst the injuries to practically all of Adelaide’s forward KPP (Hentschel, S.Stevens, Bock and Gill) may seem like a blessing.
Who is the number 1 tall defender ala Scarlett going to go to next week… a rookie, T.Walker.
m0nty
April 14, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Just a note: anyone who posts as m0nty who doesn’t have a red background is someone pretending to be me. That’s half of why I introduced the colours.
pascoe
April 14, 2009 at 4:37 pm
i believe a side ways trade is stupid after doing year after year of DT. I believe that keeping anthony is good as long as he is going to get selected when he is right to go. if no selection for sure, then trade
Patrick
April 14, 2009 at 4:38 pm
great article mitch,
hope port smash hatwhorn next week (Y)
Joel Lucas
April 14, 2009 at 4:51 pm
awesome article mitch, should i put in dangerfield?
port 86
April 14, 2009 at 4:56 pm
from what I understand injuries- leigh harding is ok and should be good to play according to the age just a strain, travis tuck has a hip flexor problem and jury is still out on that one. While anthony should be good in the next few weeks stress fractures of the foot often are a little complicated to heel up and i wouldnt be suprised if the injury re appears later in the year.
Mitch Cleary
April 14, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Cheers Joel and Patrick.
I have Dangerfield and he has just picked up the NAB Rising Star nomination for this round. I have followed him from the Geelong Falcons and now he is showing promising signs and looks fairly stable in the Adelaide side.
If you don’t already have him I personally wouldn’t be getting him, unless you have the cash and feel like using a trade.
News is that Gibbs has no injury, but I’m not so sure.
Edward
April 14, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Yeah, can we please have the info of prices and break evens with each profile, or is that asking too much??
Anton
April 14, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Great write up Mitch. Keep up the good work !
m0nty
April 14, 2009 at 5:14 pm
you are a fool Mitch.
Chris
April 14, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Haha, spot the imposter!
Marty. Gra
April 14, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Monty in Pink – Mitch in Purple.
Not that there is anything wrong with that
Philip
April 14, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Picken is free to play.
andy
April 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm
glad i didnt take montys advice and jump off judd
Brett
April 14, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Patrick, what planet are you on ? Port smashing Hawthorn……get off the gear !
Mitch Cleary
April 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Two others that I forgot to add are Matthew Leuenberger and Grant Birchall.
It is reported the Lions ruckman will miss at least 12 weeks and Birchall to miss four weeks.
Frank
April 14, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Ive just read on theage.com.au that Shaun Burgoyne is having scans on his knee. Wtf? Anyone know anything?
LidsAGun
April 14, 2009 at 6:40 pm
@sam
gotta take beams now IMO…when anthony plays he’ll be perfect 4 the down trade from robinson/otten…i know it “wastes” 2 trades but a lot of cash to be had
hibbo
April 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
not to be rude, but who are u mitch? A mate of m0nty who also loves his dt? Just curious how u got a gig on here…
Macca
April 14, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Steven Johnson’s nipple cripple should be reviewed by the tribunal. That sort of action should be stamped out of the AFL.
If parents of young players see their heros freely giving nipple cripples – would they want their child to be a nipple crippler?
I SAY NOT!!
Random
April 14, 2009 at 8:03 pm
lol at Stevie J. Hey m0nty, i saw your picture on one of the blogs, no offence but my god you are one ugly man lol.
Coolio
April 14, 2009 at 8:30 pm
What’s the call on the Pav right now, he is a shadow of his former DT self, not a fan of trading a premium but every week I wait for him to show something I am potentially bleeding cash.
James
April 14, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Coolio, it’s finally dawned on Pav that he’s playing for a crap team and will never win anything apart from 15 Freo B&Fs. It’s broken his little heart and he’s running around like a sad puppy just chasing balls. Poor Pavvy. Shoulda left when he had the chance.
Craigo
April 14, 2009 at 8:51 pm
anyone heard any more news on Travis Tuck?
i read that he’ll miss this weekend.
i’ve also got Hille and Scotland, should i use trades and get rid of the donkeys or wait it out and hope they come good????
cranny vegas
April 14, 2009 at 8:54 pm
random, what was the point of writing “no offence” in that comment? because it in no way wavers the offensivness of the comment. you’re an unappreciative moron. m0nty you’re doing some top work here champ, can you work out a system to ban the wankers that seem to be infiltrating this site more and more often.
ihatemondays
April 14, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Mitch is a legend who had the nerve to send an email. Good article mitch.
Chris Judd
April 14, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Random, going on a website to leech off someone’s hard work to help your dt side and then bagging him! Bad form Random, bad bad form…
Patrick
April 14, 2009 at 10:18 pm
i said hope brett, u dumb rooster, why dnt u suck a chickens clakcer
Brad
April 14, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@ Random,
Warning the following may offend some viewers…
Male model are you Random?
“no offence” Randon i think you are lower than fucken maggot shit.