It was a tale of two halves with the Hawks dominating the first while the Tigers came out on top in the second. Both sides would’ve felt like they got what they wanted out of the game, but from a fantasy perspective, we learnt plenty.
Richmond
Trent Cotchin
His game mirrored precisely that of his team. Weak in the first half and lacked his usual skill, composure and intensity, but after half time he was a bull, winning clearances at will. His seven inside 50’s and two last quarter goals were the difference in the game. I wouldn’t touch him in salary caps as I believe we have stronger value options than him in the midfield, but in drafts, he’s certainly going to deliver stronger scoring returns that on last season.
Jack Higgins
Was injected into the centre bounces in the last term and provided another spark for the Tigers. He looks to have elevated his game to another level with 22 possessions, eight score involvements and three goals. While certainly a breakout candidate the format I’d be more inclined to own Higgins is in AFLFantasy. He’s the perfect F3/F4 because his upside based on his price he offers some value.
Dustin Martin
If you were locked on Dusty before tonight, then you should still be very confident on him this year. Played his midfield role and was dominant winning ten clearances. He presents value in every format of the game and this preseason Dusty’s looking ready to take his mantle back as one the best fantasy players in the game.
Jack Graham
I love this kid! Goes at it a million miles an hour and never gives up. Graham adds plenty of pressure on the ball carrier, had no problem winning the clearance and was critical in many of the Tigers score involvements. In draft leagues, he’s going super late, but I think he’s a great option to draft as his upside is enormous given the point your likely selecting him.
Noah Balta
Reinforced the steady work, he did from last week and kicked a goal, added some excellent pressure around the ground and won 6 hitouts when needed in the ruck contest. Even with Tom Lynch likely to play it looks like the Tigers love his versatility and presence and he should be ready to roll cash cow for us.
Jayden Short
Couldn’t get his running game going, but you could say the same for Bachar Houli. If you were a Short owner before last nights game, then his performance shouldn’t deter you from starting him. We’ve seen over the 2018 season and last rounds JLT what he can deliver, and I think he keeps lifting his game to another level. I’m not sold it’s enough to be a top 10 defender, but he could go close.
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Jaeger O’Meara
The absence of Tom Mitchell in 2019 means the responsibility of leading the midfield falls to O’Meara. If this match was any indication, he’s going to relish the responsibility to lead his hawks. Thirty-three possessions, 10 of those were contested, four clearances, three inside 50’s and five score involvements. On a recent podcast fellow panellist, Jimmy talked up O’Meara’s scoring potential and relative low ownership percentage, games like this remind people just how fantasy relevant JOM can be.
James Worpel
Did his ownership numbers no harm with another strong performance. Twenty-four touches, a goal and plenty of midfield time for this second-year player. The injury of Tom Mitchell has forced the Hawks hand to give players like Worpedo more exposure into the midfield, and at the moment he’s showing signs he’ll be a midfield bull for many seasons to come. The questions are, can you get more value for money with some cheaper options lower down? And will he score enough to average 90+ for the season?
James Cousins
Cuz was excellent early on winning plenty of clearances and drove the ball inside fifty on multiple occasions. Like his teammates, he fell away in the second half and made some errors with the ball under the Richmond pressure. Priced a little out of the market in AFLFantasy, but in SuperCoach especially he provides plenty of value if you’re looking for a low ownership option.
Jack Scrimshaw
Had the ball on a string inside the first term picking up a dozen possessions. Found it a little more tough going in the second and third terms but made some excellent decisions by foot to open up the game in the last. After an interrupted preseason Jack looks like he’s made his way into the Hawks best 22 and is a genuine cash cow we need to consider.
James Sicily
Played just over 50% of the game time but most importantly was used back in his fantasy-relevant role inside defensive 50 for the Hawks. Sicily was involved in all facets of the game current, and potential owners would’ve been hoping for from kick-ins, contested and intercept marks. The positive for Sicily owners is he’s had a ‘quiet’ preseason and could be more unique than what you’d expect. #WINNING
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