Author: James

Team Reveals | Jimmy’s DreamTeam

Firstly – I had no intention to create a team this year, swearing it was draft only for me. And yet here we are. This was thrown together in the ten minutes before the bounce last night but I really like the overall look and feel of this team. It’s absolutely hit and giggle but will be a lot of fun which honestly is what this game is all about.

Defenders

Running defenders who mark and distribute look to be key this year so I’ve loaded up on those, and a couple who are more midfield types. I’m happy to take on Lloyd to start with and see what happens. I really liked what I saw of Buckley late last year and his role in the ACS, but he’s an easy drop to the best rookie I missed if it doesn’t pay off.

Midfield

I’ve loaded up here and mostly picked players I really enjoy watching. Crucially these are also midfielders who can win their own ball and have the stamina to gut-run for the receive late in games. Reduced interchange and the new man on the mark rules will benefit these types, I think.

Rucks

And here you see how I can afford the above backline and midfield. We usually start building our teams by picking the best available cash cows and filling in the gaps with premiums and breakout contenders. All three rookie priced rucks start the season with job security and scoring potential. Absolute worst case I can trade down on another line and upgrade one, or cop a rookie flavoured donut. For me, the benefit FAR outweighs the risk. Who says you have to start a premium ruck anyway?

Forwards

Dunkley’s new role and the fire in his belly make him an easy pick. I think Phillips is the #1 forward this year. Brodie and Caldwell are two of my favourite breakout contenders this year but as always if they don’t deliver it’s an easy fix after two weeks.

Patreon Exclusive | Jimmy’s 2021 Ultimate Footy Rankings

Got your draft coming up soon? Then now, you can use my 2021 rankings to help you on draft day.

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First Round Preference

                    1 Max Gawn 
                    2 Brodie Grundy 
                    3 Reilly O’Brien 
                    4 Patrick Dangerfield 
                    5 Jake Lloyd 
                    6 Rory Laird 
                    7 Sam Docherty 
                    8 Zac Merrett 
                    9 Lachie Neale 
                 10 Jack Steele 
                 11 Tom Mitchell 
                 12 Jack Macrae 

General strategy notes:

  • Regardless of what I take in round one, it’s best available mid in round two
  • The top handful of forwards, backs and rucks are daylight ahead of the next crop
  • Don’t reach for mediocrity on one line to ignore a genuine gun on another
  • Players like Atkins, Murphy, Heppell, Sinclair should gain DPP at some stage | draft accordingly especially if lacking depth back/fwd
  • There is absolutely nothing wrong with drafting for trade value

Defenders

Jake Lloyd SY – B
Rory Laird AD – B,C
Sam Docherty CA – B
Zac Williams CA – B
Jack Crisp CW – B
Tom Stewart GE – B
Caleb Daniel WB – B
Luke McDonald NM – B
Callum Mills SY – B
Christian Salem ME – B
Harry Perryman GWS – B,C
Dan Houston PA – B
Jeremy Howe CW – B
Alex Witherden WC – B
Jackson Hately AD – B,C
Hunter Clark SK – B
Daniel Rich BL – B
Luke Ryan FR – B
Jordan Ridley ES – B
Jayden Short RI – B
Nick Haynes GWS – B
James Harmes ME – B
Jordan Dawson SY – B
Liam Duggan WC – B
Darcy Byrne-Jones PA – B
Jack Lukosius GC – B
Nick Vlastuin RI – B
Steven May ME – B
Bailey Williams WB – B
Brodie Smith AD – B,C
Jack Bowes GC – B
James Aish FR – B,C
Nicholas Coffield SK – B
Sam Petrevski-Seton CA – B
Harry Cunningham SY – B
Wil Powell GC – B
Damon Greaves HW – B
Will Day HW – B
Jack Scrimshaw HW – B
Hamish Hartlett PA – B
Brad Sheppard WC – B
Isaac Quaynor CW – B
John Noble CW – B
Ben McEvoy HW – B,R
Ryan Burton PA – B
Callum Ah Chee BL – B
Jimmy Webster SK – B
Michael Hibberd ME – B
Blake Hardwick HW – B
Trent Rivers ME – B
Ethan Hughes FR – B
Oleg Markov GC – B
Lachlan Ash GWS – B
Lachlan Sholl AD – B,C
Isaac Cumming GWS – B
Jordan Clark GE – B,C
Connor Menadue NM – B
Trent McKenzie PA – B
Riley Bonner PA – B
Brandon Starcevich BL – B
Trent Bianco CW – B,C
Liam Stocker CA – B
Will Gould SY – B

Midfield

Zach Merrett ES – C
Lachie Neale BL – C
Jack Steele SK – C
Tom Mitchell HW – C
Jack Macrae WB – C
Clayton Oliver ME – C
Taylor Adams CW – C
Nat Fyfe FR – C
Tim Taranto GWS – C
Sam Walsh CA – C
Josh Kelly GWS – C
Matt Crouch AD – C
Andrew Gaff WC – C
Christian Petracca ME – C
Jarryd Lyons BL – C
Marcus Bontempelli WB – C
Stephen Coniglio GWS – C
Patrick Cripps CA – C
Adam Treloar WB – C
Lachie Hunter WB – C
Matthew Rowell GC – C
Andrew McGrath ES – C
James Worpel HW – C
Luke Parker SY – C
Brad Crouch SK – C
Bailey Smith WB – C
Scott Pendlebury CW – C
Hugh McCluggage BL – C
Hugh Greenwood GC – C
Andrew Brayshaw FR – C
Adam Cerra FR – C
Jy Simpkin NM – C
Dylan Shiel ES – C
Ollie Wines PA – C
Blake Acres FR – C
Brandon Ellis GC – C
Josh Daicos CW – C
Jarrod Berry BL – C
Jacob Hopper GWS – C
Caleb Serong FR – C
Touk Miller GC – C
Timothy Kelly WC – C
Jack Billings SK – C
Sam Menegola GE – C
Cameron Guthrie GE – C
Jaeger O’Meara HW – C
Shaun Higgins GE – C
Dom Sheed WC – C
Tom Liberatore WB – C
Jed Anderson NM – C
Rory Sloane AD – C
Ed Langdon ME – C
Lachie Weller GC – C
Darcy Parish ES – C
Ben Keays AD – C
Noah Anderson GC – C
Marc Murphy CA – C
Will Setterfield CA – C
Brayden Sier CW – C
Xavier Duursma PA – C
Jack Sinclair SK – C
Devon Smith ES – C
Rory Atkins GC – C
Tom Green GWS – C
David Swallow GC – C
Dyson Heppell ES – C
James Cousins HW – C
Luke Davies-Uniacke NM – C
Darcy Tucker FR – C
Dylan Stephens SY – C
Zane Trew WC – C
Jack Graham RI – C
James Rowbottom SY – C
Brayden Fiorini GC – C
Dom Tyson NM – C 
George Hewett SY – C
Patrick Lipinski WB – C
Justin McInerney SY – C
Riley Collier-Dawkins RI – C
Charlie Constable GE – C
Will Martyn RI – C
Jeremy Sharp GC – C
Luke Valente FR – C
James Jordon ME – C
Jay Rantall CW – C
Jack Ross RI – C
Sam Berry AD – C
Luke Pedlar AD – C
Tom Sparrow ME – C

Ruck

Max Gawn ME – R
Brodie Grundy CW – R
Reilly O’Brien AD – R
Rowan Marshall SK – R,F
Tim English WB – R
Oscar McInerney BL – R
Peter Ladhams PA – R,F
Todd Goldstein NM – R
Jarrod Witts GC – R
Ben McEvoy HW – B,R
Toby Nankervis RI – R
Sam Draper ES – R
Marc Pittonet CA – R

Forwards

Patrick Dangerfield GE – C,F 
Toby Greene GWS – F
Dustin Martin RI – C,F
Josh Dunkley WB – C,F 
Steele Sidebottom CW – C,F
Rowan Marshall SK – R,F
Dayne Zorko BL – C,F
Tom Phillips HW – C,F
Isaac Heeney SY – F
Jye Caldwell ES – C,F
Shai Bolton RI – C,F
Jordan de Goey CW – F
Jack Martin CA – F 
Kyle Langford ES – C,F
Will Brodie GC – C,F
Peter Ladhams PA – R,F
Zak Butters PA – F
Jamie Elliott CW – C,F
Robbie Gray PA – F
Kane Lambert RI – F
Chad Wingard HW – F
Zachary Bailey BL – C,F
Ben Ainsworth GC – F
Gryan Miers GE – F
Cameron Rayner BL – F
Ely Smith BL – C,F
Sam Powell-Pepper PA – C,F
Paddy Dow CA – C,F
Jaidyn Stephenson NM – F
Joe Daniher BL – F
Patrick Ryder SK – R,F
Jeremy Cameron GE – F 
Tom Lynch AD – F
Nick Blakey SY – C,F
Lachlan Fogarty CA – F
Jack Higgins SK – F
Aaron Hall NM – F
Jack Ziebell NM – F
Charlie Dixon PA – F
Tarryn Thomas NM – F
Izak Rankine GC – F
Matthew Kennedy CA – C,F
Aaron Naughton WB – F
Harry McKay CA – F
Jake Riccardi GWS – F
Peter Wright ES – F
Ned Cahill ES – F
Matt Taberner FR – F
David Cuningham CA – F
Hugo Ralphsmith RI – C,F
Nakia Cockatoo BL – C,F
Rhys Mathieson BL – C,F
Jayden Laverde ES – F
Sam Flanders GC – F
Bailey Scott NM – C,F
Laitham Vandermeer WB – C,F
Samuel Wicks SY – F
Rhylee West WB – F
Tristan Xerri NM – F
2020 Draft Rankings

Is your draft happening over this weekend? As a loyal Coaches Panel patreon member here are the rankings, I’ve created for the 2020 season.

Round One

Order of preference to take in the first round, regardless of who gets taken before my pick:

                    1  Brodie Grundy 
                    2  Lachie Whitfield 
                    3  Jack Macrae 
                    4  Josh Kelly 
                    5  Andrew Gaff 
                    6  Josh Dunkley 
                    7  Stephen Coniglio 
                    8  Dustin Martin 
                    9  Tom Mitchell 
                 10  Max Gawn 
                 11  Lachie Neale 
                 12  Toby Greene 

And then in round two:

If I took a midfielder in round one, I would then take Toby Greene, Jake Lloyd or Rory Laird – failing that, the best available midfielder.

If I took a ruck or forward in round one, I would then take the best available midfielder in round two

The Tim Taranto Dilemma

His average draft position this year is 51, however, this includes new keeper leagues, drafts completed prior to his injury, and auto picks afterwards. I’d be keen to pounce from about round 8 – roughly 100 players into the draft and as your 4th or 5th midfielder

Defenders

Jake Lloyd SY – B
Rory Laird AD – B
Bachar Houli RI – B
Sam Docherty CA – B 
Tom Stewart GE – B
Caleb Daniel WB – B
Dan Houston PA – B,C
Jack Crisp CW – B
Brodie Smith AD – B
Zac Williams GWS – B
Nic Newman CA – B
Daniel Rich BL – B
James Sicily HW – B 
Lachie Weller GC – B
Christian Salem ME – B
Shannon Hurn WC – B
Nick Haynes GWS – B
Sam Petrevski-Seton CA – B,C
Rory Atkins AD – B,C
Bryce Gibbs AD – B,C
Jordan Dawson SY – B,F
Chris Mayne CW – B,C 
Matthew Suckling WB – B
Darcy Byrne-Jones PA – B
Jason Johannisen WB – B
Nick Vlastuin RI – B
Hunter Clark SK – B
Heath Shaw GWS – B
Wayne Milera AD – B,C
Bailey Williams WB – B
Dane Rampe SY – B
Zach Tuohy GE – B 
Alex Witherden BL – B
Adam Cerra FR – B
Jayden Short RI – B
Harry Cunningham SY – B
Callum Mills SY – B
Harry Perryman GWS – B,C
Jack Lukosius GC – B,F
Isaac Cumming GWS – B
Zachary Bailey BL – B,C
Connor Blakely FR – B
Ryan Burton PA – B
James Aish FR – B
Sydney Stack RI – B
Brayden Maynard CW – B
Liam Baker RI – B,F
Dylan Roberton SK – B
Taylor Duryea WB – B
Jamie MacMillan NM – B
Jeremy Howe CW – B
Shane Edwards RI – B,C
Hayden Crozier WB – B
John Noble CW – B
Jacob Dawson GC – B
Adam Kennedy GWS – B
Jarrod Lienert PA – B
Jasper Pittard NM – B
Liam Duggan WC – B
Lachlan Ash GWS – B,C
Grant Birchall BL – B
Paul Ahern NM – B,C
Riley Bonner PA – B
Trent McKenzie PA – B
Levi Casboult CA – B,F
Luke McDonald NM – B
Majak Daw NM – B 
Jarrod Brander WC – B,F
Liam Stocker CA – B

MIDFIELD

Josh Kelly GWS – C
Jack Macrae WB – C
Andrew Gaff WC – C
Josh Dunkley WB – C
Stephen Coniglio GWS – C 
Tom Mitchell HW – C 
Lachie Neale BL – C
Marcus Bontempelli WB – C
Zach Merrett ES – C
Patrick Cripps CA – C 
Patrick Dangerfield GE – C 
Matt Crouch AD – C
Brad Crouch AD – C
Clayton Oliver ME – C
Adam Treloar CW – C
Nat Fyfe FR – C 
Elliot Yeo WC – C
Jacob Hopper GWS – C
Brayden Fiorini GC – C
Hugh McCluggage BL – C
Jack Billings SK – C
Sebastian Ross SK – C
Jack Viney ME – C 
Jaeger O’Meara HW – C
Josh Kennedy SY – C 
Mitch Duncan GE – C 
Steele Sidebottom CW – C
Dayne Zorko BL – C 
Scott Pendlebury CW – C 
Lachie Hunter WB – C
Timothy Kelly WC – C
Rory Sloane AD – C
James Worpel HW – C 
Jarryd Lyons BL – C
Will Brodie GC – C
Sam Walsh CA – C 
Luke Shuey WC – C
Shaun Higgins NM – C
Brandon Ellis GC – C
Marc Murphy CA – C
Dion Prestia RI – C
Dyson Heppell ES – C
Dom Sheed WC – C
Luke Parker SY – C
Dylan Shiel ES – C
Adam Tomlinson ME – C
Andrew McGrath ES – C
Mitch Robinson BL – C
Bradley Hill SK – C 
Dan Hannebery SK – C
Xavier Duursma PA – C
David Swallow GC – C
Jarrod Berry BL – C
Zak Jones SK – C
Angus Brayshaw ME – C
Tom Rockliff PA – C
Touk Miller GC – C
Jared Polec NM – C
Jack Redden WC – C
Trent Dumont NM – C
Quinton Narkle GE – C
Jack Graham RI – C
Paul Seedsman AD – C
Marlion Pickett RI – C
Oliver Florent SY – C
Jackson Hately GWS – C
Tom Cutler ES – C
Callan Ward GWS – C
Isaac Smith HW – C
Trent Cotchin RI – C
Charlie Constable GE – C
Sam Menegola GE – C
Jack Ross RI – C
Jack Bowes GC – C
Matthew Rowell GC – C 
Jye Caldwell GWS – C
Will Hayes WB – C
Tom Scully HW – C
Dom Tyson NM – C
Jordan Clark GE – C
Tom Green GWS – C
Riley Collier-Dawkins RI – C
Jeremy Sharp GC – C
Brayden Sier CW – C
Rupert Wills CW – C
Patrick Naish RI – C
Mitchell Hibberd ES – C

RUCK

Brodie Grundy CW – R 
Max Gawn ME – R 
Jarrod Witts GC – R
Tim English WB – R 
Reilly O’Brien AD – R
Jonathon Ceglar HW – R,F
Rowan Marshall SK – R
Stefan Martin BL – R 
Todd Goldstein NM – R
Scott Lycett PA – R
Sam Jacobs GWS – R
Matthew Kreuzer CA – R 
Rhys Stanley GE – R
Nic Naitanui WC – R 
Andrew Phillips ES – R

FORWARD

Lachie Whitfield GWS – C,F
Dustin Martin RI – C,F 
Toby Greene GWS – F
Darcy MacPherson GC – C,F
Isaac Heeney SY – C,F
Devon Smith ES – C,F
Jeremy Cameron GWS – F
Christian Petracca ME – F 
Jonathon Ceglar HW – R,F
Bailey Smith WB – C,F
Jack Steven GE – C,F
Hugh Greenwood GC – C,F
Jamie Elliott CW – F
Andrew Brayshaw FR – C,F
Jaidyn Stephenson CW – F
Chad Wingard HW – C,F
Darcy Tucker FR – C,F
Kane Lambert RI – F
Patrick Lipinski WB – C,F
Jordan de Goey CW – F 
Jack Martin CA – C,F
Darcy Parish ES – C,F
Jordan Dawson SY – B,F
Jade Gresham SK – C,F
Tom Lynch RI – F
Sam Powell-Pepper PA – C,F
Tom Papley SY – F
Jy Simpkin NM – C,F
Connor Rozee PA – F
Jack Gunston HW – F
Luke Dahlhaus GE – F
Will Hoskin-Elliott CW – F
Ben Ainsworth GC – C,F
Will Snelling ES – F
Liam Baker RI – B,F
James Rowbottom SY – C,F
Shai Bolton RI – F
Matt Taberner FR – F
Tim Membrey SK – F
Kyle Langford ES – C,F
Jack Lukosius GC – B,F
Josh Caddy RI – C,F
Gryan Miers GE – F
Jack Higgins RI – F
Harry Morrison HW – C,F
Josh Bruce WB – F
Aaron Naughton WB – F 
Cameron Zurhaar NM – F
Jack Riewoldt RI – F 
Josh Kennedy WC – F 
Lewis Taylor SY – C,F
Alex Neal-Bullen ME – F
Jack Silvagni CA – F
Josh Schache WB – F
Nick Larkey NM – F
Cameron Rayner BL – F
Rhys Mathieson BL – C,F
Ben Keays AD – F
Izak Rankine GC – F
Myles Poholke AD – F
Darcy Fogarty AD – F
Tom Sparrow ME – F
Jacob Townsend ES – F
Rhylee West WB – F
Bailey Scott NM – C,F
Nick Blakey SY – F
David Cuningham CA – F
Connor Budarick GC – C,F
Zak Butters PA – F
Aiden Bonar NM – C,F
Marsh Community Series Review | Cats Vs Bombers

This was a fun game with which to end the preseason. It was a low scoring arm-wrestle but highly entertaining with both clubs apparently giving it their all. Here are a few final notes to finish your preseason homework before the next podcast drops:

Jack Steven

Played midfield. Looked explosive around stoppages and racked up plenty of possessions from limited game time. I’d be interested to know if the reduced TOG was deliberate to ease him back into senior footy and it’s only a practice game anyway, or if it was because he’s not quite fit enough after an interrupted preseason (and an interrupted 2019). Got through the game unscathed though which is the most important thing.

Quinton Narkle

Also played midfield. More handball-happy than usual but he sure stands out with that ridiculous haircut. Can’t miss him and neither did his teammates. His price is awkward in salary formats after a mini-breakout last year from a handful of games, but he’s a very interesting draft prospect.

Darcy Fort & Rhys Stanley

Fort played half a game and performed admirably enough to put Rhys Stanley under pressure. Geelong’s ruck situation is an interesting one but the bottom line is that Smith leaving doesn’t necessarily mean Stanley is #1 all season.

Zac Tuohy

Loves playing kick to kick with his teammates and might be an underrated option in fantasy formats this year. The role is definitely still there for him.

Patrick Dangerfield

He’s actually pretty good at football, in case anyone had forgotten.

Zach Merrett

He’s also actually pretty good at football too. Not as good as Dangerfield, but still pretty good.

Devon Smith

This is what track-watchers wanted to see heading into round one. Double figure tackle numbers and not anchored inside forward fifty – although he did spend plenty of time there. Enough to be concerned? Probably not.

Andrew McGrath

Has his time finally come? Solid midfield minutes in both Marsh games and ooh ahh he’s looked good doing it. McGrath seems suited a little more outside than inside but the intent and endeavour is definitely there.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

You’ll enjoy having him in your team just so you can say his name every week. Bit of luck and he’ll make you some cash too. 12 of his 18 possessions were interceptions and he read the play like a player with many more years of experience.

Jacob Townsend

That’s premiership player Jacob Townsend, by the way. He did not play the inside midfield role that we hoped he might, but he did play very well as a pressure forward. The same role in which he won a premiership medal. Playing in a premiership. Premiership player Jacob Townsend, that is. Anyway, he might have earned himself a spot for round one on that performance but his scoring will still be heavily reliant on goals if he’s dancing around the forward pocket.

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Marsh Community Series Review | Kangaroos Vs Swans

Both teams were missing their marquee big forwards in Brown and Franklin but despite that this was about as entertaining as a Sydney vs North game can get. There were some fascinating one on one contests across the ground and some interesting faces made some interesting cases for selection. Here’s what I noticed while nursing a post-shiva hangover:

Shaun Higgins

AKA Benjamin Button. I reckon he may have improved every year since crossing from the Dogs and he wasn’t bad then either. Even so, you couldn’t possibly pick him in salary formats… could you?

Todd Goldstein

Goldy did what Goldy does. If you had your eye on him as a unique selection, he gave you no reason to change your mind.

Curtis Taylor

Ownership rose from 2% to about 98% (unverified) in all formats after this game and rightly so. Kid looks the goods.

Aaron Hall

Gee it’s great to see him back on the ground again. Loves a cheap possession but can genuinely do some damage with it when he’s in the mood. Plays midfield, kicks goals, third (at best) in line for a tag. AFL Fantasy is calling.

Jack Ziebell

Didn’t spend much time on field and took it at a un-Ziebell-like leisurely pace when he did. Keep an eye on the news but I don’t think there’s much to worry about there.

Jy Simpkin

Played a great game just quietly. This kid is developing very nicely and personifies the changing of the guard for North. Seems like he’s been “almost” an option for a decade but he’s only 22 years old. Recommend you snaffle him in as many keeper leagues as you can.

Josh Kennedy

If Shaun Higgins is Benjamin Button then Kennedy is… I don’t know, Benjamin Button on steroids. Perfectly legal and non-suspendable steroids, of course. I’ll just point out he played less than 70% game time yesterday and still managed 37 disposals, 8 clearances, 10 tackles and a goal. Someone forgot to tell him this was only a practice game.

Jake Lloyd

Reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. There’s no logical reason to suggest that his scoring will drop substantially this year but many seem to think it might. 28% ownership in DreamTeam and 27% in Supercoach isn’t exactly unique but it’s extraordinary when he’s rated the outright top scoring defender going into this season.

Lewis Taylor

Played a lot more midfield than I expected he would, but other than maybe Hewett I’m not sure there were too many Swans missing from the round one lineup. Does the former Rising Star finally rise again?

James Rowbottom

I wouldn’t exactly call it a tag but Rowbottom spend a lot of time holding onto Cunnington’s jumper before the Roo was subbed out for the second half. If you’re owning him anywhere you don’t want him tagging but if he’s allowed to run off his man like he did today then there might be something of a breakout on the cards.

Dylan Stephens

Ooooooft. This kid is an absolute jet. Big fan.

Sam Naismith vs Cal Sinclair

Sam Naismith won this one comfortably. If it’s one or the other playing round one, I’d be betting on Naismith. If it’s both, they’ll make a mess of each other especially as neither seem like the answer to Sydney’s forward woes. We had a great discussion about Naismith and other cheap rucks on the podcast Monday night, check that out here:

Marsh Community Series Review | Demons Vs Hawks

I was punished for not turning up to the latest podcast by being asked to watch the Dees Hawks game so none of our audience would have to watch it. You’re welcome. And sorry MJ, I promise I won’t no-show ever again.

Despite both teams rolling out something very very close to their best 22 and conditions being reasonable, skills were poor with turnovers aplenty and this was a hard game to watch. Despite that, there is still plenty we can take from this game across the fantasy formats. Here are my observations on a few key players:

Max Gawn

Eased his way back from injury by playing the first half only, and looked fine doing it. That’s really all you need to know.

Luke Jackson

Looked a lot more at home this week. Played the second half after Gawn was rested and moved really well.

Jack Viney

Well well well. Being stripped of the co-captaincy appears to have lit a fire under him. Both Marsh games have yielded big scores but more importantly, Viney has shown aggression and intent that we haven’t really seen from him in some time. A little reminder that Jack averaged over 100 DT back in 2016. However, that aggression may already have him in trouble with the match review panel for a sling tackle on Stratton – watch this space.

Christian Petracca

Freako confirmed that Petracca chalked up more CBA’s than any of his teammates. Remember the golden rule of preseason games – role over points. If you were red hot after last week, then you should still be now.

Adam Tomlinson

Ran up and down the wing all night doing as he pleased. And boy did he run hard. The role is there and Melbourne presumably brought him in for a reason. Will you?

Clayton Oliver

Played the majority of the game and didn’t get injured. Tick.

Tom Mitchell

Played the majority of the game and didn’t get injured. Tick.

Chad Wingard

As with Petracca, Wingard played the right midfield role for those who were keen last week, even with Mitchell Scully O’Meara Worpel all in the team. It didn’t translate into as many points as last week but holding that role in a full-strength midfield is a great sign. Does need to keep his feet as he seemed knocked off the ball a lot tonight.

James Worpel

Worpel started strong but faded through the second half. Reckon he had more handball receives from Mitchell than anyone else (unverified stat) which is a positive indicator. His disposal was awful but he did remind us all that he can certainly find it.

James Sicily

The vision of him kicking trick goals prematch had me concerned but was relieved to see him marching straight to the backline where he stayed all game. Half the Melbourne midfielders must have thought he was on their team and kicked straight to him with alarming regularity. In fairness, Sicily must have thought the same because he often gave it right back. He accumulated marks and possessions and had the right role, but also single-handedly gave Melbourne at least four goals that I counted.

Harry Morrison

Played kick to kick with Sicily and also with the Melbourne forwards. He scored well but there must be question marks on his role and indeed his place in the best 22 after a shocking display of how not to dispose of the footy.

Jonathon Patton

Heat maps aren’t available on the AFL app yet but if you took the oval template and a red marker and coloured in the attacking goal-square, you’ve got Patton’s heat map. Scoring will be hugely dependent on marks and goals this year.

Jonathon Ceglar

Held his own against Gawn and naturally exploited his advantage against Jackson. Certainly appears to have the primary ruck role locked now and thus makes an interesting mid-price option for those looking at something different.

Marsh Community Series Review | Crows Vs Demons

It was a scrappy affair with both clubs needing a good hit-out to shake off the rust. Skills were generally pretty average and both seemed to have a lot of trouble finding fluid ball movement coming out of the back half, but once Melbourne found their groove they ran away with the game comfortably. Let’s take a look at who caught the eye:

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. Also worth noting that 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.

Clayton Oliver (& Jack Viney, I guess)

They played midfield and they got through the game without injury. If either was on your radar across any of the formats, they gave you no reason to rule them out. Conversely, if you had already decided against them for whatever reason then those scores alone should not have you reconsidering your decision-making process.

Christian Salem

Struggled early but worked his way into the game well intercepting across half back and pushing up the ground when opportunity presented. 20 kicks from 23 disposals is a nice ratio hey Fox?

Tom Sparrow

Heir apparent to Nathan Jones. Kid is a bull, tackling anyone who got near him. I’m a big fan. Played only 60% game time and scored 70+ across the formats. He’s dirt cheap and forward eligible, so if he wasn’t on your radar before then this game should make you sit up and take notice. Watch for his role next week especially if the Dees run a full-strength midfield.

Luke Jackson

Sky is the eventual limit for this kid but he was outclassed and outbodied by the Crows rucks today. His greatest relevance this season is perhaps in a deep keeper league where you can stash him away now and hold until he’s got a few preseasons into him.

Brad Crouch

For all the talk about Petracca, 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.

Rory Atkins

Bobbed up everywhere making a nuisance of himself. Ultimate Footy seem to give the Rat defence status every year despite playing a mid/fwd role and he will be very relevant in that format. Only Petracca had more score involvements in this game.

Wayne Milera

Ran around on the wing all day doing what he pleased. Lethal delivering inside 50. Would expect him to cop more attention during a proper game but did everything you’d have wanted to see if you were keen on him already.

Myles Poholke

Awkwardly priced and played just about every position on the ground at stages, but looked good doing it. I’m interested to see his role in the next game.

Ben Keays

Played the second half only, but mostly played on the ball when he did. Handball happy but got a few cuddles in which is what I really wanted to see from him. Another awkwardly priced option but could be very relevant in draft leagues lacking in forwards, if he gets the right role and opportunity this year. Big if.

Rory Laid

He only played a half of footy. Didn’t get injured but also didn’t get out of first gear. Don’t despair.

Team Reveal: Jimmy

While I love drafts more than anything else I wanted to have a crack at SuperCoach and let you have a look at it

Defense

This appears to be the year of the backline cash cow, so I’ve loaded up a bit here. Lloyd anchors the line while Sicily is a high risk / high reward option, but it feels right for me – check the excellent discussion by Benny & MJ in the 50 Most Relevant article on him earlier this preseason if you haven’t already.

Midfield

This seems relatively vanilla as a whole honestly, but I’m comfortable with that and will add some more interesting flavours as the season unfolds. Fyfe breaks the usual rule on not selecting players who didn’t play JLT, but in this format, at that price, I can’t say no. I’ll be nervously awaiting final teams on Sunday afternoon.

Rucks

Debated long and hard on which of the two big rucks to take on and eventually dumped Gawn to keep Grundy. Witts has a dream run to start the season and a late by so his 13 games will – hopefully – limit the damage against Gawn’s 12 before pulling that trigger.

Forward

Danger & Heeney are easy choices at the top end while Greene just represents too much value to ignore. We all know what he’s capable of doing on the field, and it’s not just random acts of violence. As mentioned above I like the backline cows a lot more than the forwards so Darcy Moore gets a run at this end instead.

JLT Players Of Interest: Melbourne vs Brisbane

Melbourne

Angus Brayshaw

Picked up where he left off last week, which as you may recall is where he left off in the back half of last season. Becoming less and less unique by the day.

Aaron Vandenberg

Played a great tagging role on Lachie Neale once Harmes went down and won plenty of the ball himself in doing so while curbing Neale’s influence significantly in the second half. Sixteen tackles (not a typo) a highlight of his game especially in JLT when many are not generous with their cuddles. One to watch in draft formats, Vandenberg is listed as a forward but capable of big numbers when given a job to do in the midfield and will go undrafted in many leagues.

Max Gawn

Ran around as the solo ruck for Melbourne and reminded us all why he shouldn’t be overlooked as your R2 or even R1 if you’re not confident on Grundy maintaining his figures. Sadly for Preuss but lucky for us coaches, Preuss was demoted to the VFL and copped a groin injury while there.

Christian Petracca

Is this finally the year that he becomes the superstar we know he could be? A mix of roles through the midfield and forward line today, and if you were keen on him going into the game you’d be feeling very comfortable leaving him in your team afterwards.

Marty Hore

Did his round one selection chances no harm but a timely reminder that all rookies, especially those playing key posts, are prone to scores in the 30’s and 40’s. Job security is the key for rookies early and on face value, it looks fairly safe.

Brisbane

Stefan Martin

Possibly the biggest story from this game in an AFL Fantasy sense. Was dominated by Gawn in the ruck but picked up enough of the ball essentially playing as an extra midfielder in those stoppages to put together some very solid numbers. Those hitouts will be higher against any ruckman whose surname doesn’t start with G. Even if sharing those ruck minutes with McInerney or Smith (who was sent to hospital after copping a hit to the throat), Stefan still looks like being in the top bracket of ruckmen this year.

Lachie Neale

Was on fire early but had his influence quelled by Vandenberg in the second half. Worked through the tag and still did some nice things in the right type of midfield role. I wouldn’t suggest cutting him on the basis of one tag, as this outcome is nothing new for Neale and you know the ceiling he can produce on his day. The key thing today is that he played and played well, so your stance on his selection in your teams shouldn’t change.

Alex Witherden

Had a solid game and took some kickouts. At risk of sounding like a broken record, his performance would have vindicated your decision either way. McCluggage, Berry & Raynor My word this midfield trio is going to cause some havoc over the next ten years. All three had slightly reduced minutes to ease into the season proper and any of the three could potentially have a huge breakout year ahead. It’s a matter of when, not if.

Lincoln McCarthy

Looks to have played himself into the round one team and performed well in that small forward/flank role despite not hitting the scoreboard. An interesting draft option in latter rounds but maybe a touch too expensive in salary formats at around the $240k mark.

JLT Players of Interest: Carl vs Ess

Carlton enjoyed what may be a rare win for 2019 as we got our first taste of what the new rules might mean across the various fantasy formats. Midfielders invariably had plenty of space to create play after getting first hands on the ball at centre clearances; while without exception, defenders played on and kicked long after an opposition behind. It will be interesting to see if those trends continue.

Last night we sent Jimmy down to Ikon Park to get a good look at how the game unfolded. Here’s how nine players of interest performed in their first serious hitout for the year.

Patrick Cripps

An amazing player played an amazing game. Exactly as you’d expect. At this time of year all we really need to see from our premium options is that they are moving well and not anchored in a pocket. Role over points and whatnot. If you had him in your team before last night’s game, there’s no reason whatsoever to take him out.

Nic Newman

Bizarrely, some coaches had written off Newman before the JLT series had even started. If that was you, then you may want to reconsider that stance – January and February is the time to keep an open mind on just about every player. Last night, Newman played mostly in the back half as a rebound distributor and occasionally crept up onto the wing to deliver inside 50 as well. Good signs, but we need to see this replicated in JLT 2 before getting too excited.

Andrew McGrath

Decision making and awareness wasn’t at his best however there is no question he has improved significantly. In terms of role however we do need to keep in mind that Heppell Merrett Shiel & Smith all played severely limited minutes allowing McGrath to hold that wing all game. Whether he gets the same opportunity in a fully operating midfield is another question and warrants further observation.

Dyson Heppell

Played less than a half of footy on return from injury, but gee he looked good. Ran smoothly and made good decisions with ball in hand.
A highly unique midfield option who in my opinion is definitely worthy of a spot on your salary watchlist and a decent jump in your draft rankings if he has another solid outing in JLT 2.

Zac Clarke

Does he play when Bellchambers comes back? Can he score well against top grade rucks as compared to Phillips and Lobbe? Sure, Clarke did a solid job last night but all things considered, it’s hard to read too much into it at this point.

Sam Walsh

Carlton fans are already talking up Rising Star chances while the more optimistic are talking Brownlows and Norm Smiths already. He played an outstanding game on debut and certainly looks like he belongs out there, but it maybe worth cooling the jets just a little. He won’t score 100 every week and at that inflated rookie price tag, you do need to consider the points vs the cash generation of a cheaper rookie along with how you could spend that $100k elsewhere. His performance warrants attention, certainly, but I’m keen to see him do it again next week against stronger opposition.

Michael Gibbons

Appeared to play mostly forward and didn’t have a huge impact on general play, but did kick three goals so Carlton will consider it a win playing him there. He’s a natural midfielder though so hopefully we’ll see him get the opportunity to make the most of his talents next week.

Dale Thomas

Perhaps more relevant in drafts than in salary formats, but just wanted to quickly mention that I’ve not seen Daisy move so freely or play so well in a long, long time. Just quietly though, I’d say almost the exact opposite about Kade Simpson.

Dylan Shiel

I don’t think anyone seriously expected Shiel to be the second coming of the messiah and while he did some good things in his limited time on ground, my estimation of him still hasn’t increased with the change of club at this point. While most teams don’t really tag in JTL, Sheil’s main point of relevance this year might simply be in diverting opposition taggers away from Heppell and Merrett.

Who caught your eye from this game or who did you want to hear more about? Have your say on Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram