Week one of the Marsh Community Series has wrapped up. We’ve had 5 games, with 10 teams play. It’s time to look at 10 Players that stood out in the Marsh Series in week one.
Embed from Getty ImagesMarcus Bontempelli
From the first bounce to the final siren looked like a Lamborghini in a Holden factory. Marcus Bontempelli was clean, precise, articulate, smooth and creative. He brought his best with 37 disposals at 78% efficiency, 17 contested, 10 clearances and 8 tackles. He attended 24 centre bounces and 2 last quarter goals to notch up a massive 195 SC and 151 AF points.
If you haven’t already noticed, his ownership across all formats received a healthy bump
Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.
Tom Mitchell
Let’s be honest, this guy was a major reason we tuned in for this game. Our headline act returned after 12 months out and most importantly got through unscathed. His numbers were decent, 21 touches and 5 tackles from 3 quarters, but it was his intent and attack on the ball that stood out and really impressed me. 60 seconds into the game, he had laid 2 tackles and by the quarter time, it was 4. Yes, he was a bit handball happy, but he was at most stoppages looking hungry for the ball and once he shakes off the cobwebs, will be looking like himself again.
Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.
Christian Petracca
There’s no dancing about this one. Angry midfield Petracca is the best kind of Petracca. Started the day lined up against Brad Crouch but neither paid the other any respect in a sometimes fiery contest. Trac dominated all over the ground and pushed forward on occasion for a couple of goals, which should remind Coaches of his value inside the forward 50 – which is not where we want him playing if you select him.
It’s also worth noting that Angus Brayshaw didn’t play and that if Trac has an opening quarter like that in the real thing, he’ll have a tagger hanging off him for the other three. Still, there’s potential value here if you believe that a permanent midfield role beckons.
Hugh Greenwood
A relatively popular, value premium in some sides already, this game won’t do anything to put you off. He was more in the midfield than up forward although it wouldn’t surprise to see this flip during the regular season, with his pressure being a strength. He may also find himself as the Suns’ tagger at times if needed. The Suns’ ultimate midfield splits in the regular season will be fascinating for both Greenwood and their team as a whole.
Aiden Bonar
As a cash generation option hold Mid-Fwd DPP he eased into the game. He attended nine centre bounces had eight tackles from 61% time on the ground. A positive trend, but don’t forget Jack Ziebell and Shaun Higgins were missing from this team, so keep the powder dry for at least another week.
Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.
Hunter Clark:
All the pre-season hype in the backline has been around Dan Houston and rightly so but some have forgotten how well Clark finished last season. After a quiet start, he really got going and provided the Saints with great drive off half back where he roamed for most of the night. His 3rd quarter impressed as he collected 8 possessions and kicked a beautiful goal on the run. Finished with 22 touches and only 2 marks but I’d expect him to take more advantage of the junk time action that was offered when the real stuff starts.
If you’re looking to run a value heavy backline, then Hunter certainly fits into that category.
Dan Houston
He’s one of the most hyped players of the preseason, and all eyes were on whether Dan Houston would give the much-promised midfield role. For those that missed the game, the news is positive. Houston led the Power for centre bounce attendances and was clear with the ball both in traffic and with space.
Brad Crouch
For all the talk about Petracca in the Crows and Demons clash, it warrants mentioning that Brad Crouch was very very good. Won plenty of ball at the coalface and was damaging delivering inside 50. Had more kicks than handballs which is a rarity for him.
His scoring style is more suited to AFLFantasy/DreamTeam formats but if he keeps building off his season from last year then Brad is destined again for a top 10 midfield average.
Quinton Narkle
A big game from Narkle, following on from his large, although limited, efforts from 2019. He led all comers for clearances, led Geelong for Inside 50s and generally ran around and collected a lot of the ball.
Before getting too ahead of ourselves though, scroll back up and read the list of Cats mids who didn’t play this game, as well as the limited minute’s Danger, had, and take it with a grain of salt. Still, one to keep an eye on, however.
Lachie Neale
He had the footy on a string in this game. Lachie Neale had 46 disposals, 26 contested possessions and 12 clearances. Rather than looking to shut him down, Port was happy to attempt to go head-to-head against the Lions star midfielder.
To be clear, Neale was excellent and displayed to all current owners just how good he can be with a score over 160 in all formats of the game. If you currently have him in your team, then he gave you 0 reasons to not select him.
However, games like this do two things. Firstly, they highlight how little defensive pressure sides place in the preseason games. Secondly, it sets a giant reminder to opposition teams around the importance of negating his influence around the contest.
Please read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.
