Tag: Bailey Williams

Possible DPP’s | Round 18
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Before rounds 6, 12 and 18, the gang at Champion Data add some new DPP into the game. After round 18 concludes on Sunday, the first list of names and positions will be released. Historically, players need a minimum of 35% to be considered for a new allocation in a new position. So, we have in-season DPP additions for the first time in SuperCoach & DreamTeam history. For AFLFantasy coaches, you are an old hand at these. So let’s see which players are locks, close or no chance of getting DPP.

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ADD DEFENDER

Harry Himmelberg

I never thought I’d do a ‘DPP’ write-up for Harry Himmelberg; he seemed destined to always be a tall target inside the Giants forward line. However, in rounds 10 & 11, he was thrown into a key defensive position under a new coaching regime. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. Even the return of Nick Haynes and Phil Davis has done little to move him from the role. He looks a genuine premium and is someone you can lock in for DEF/FWD status.

Brady Hough

He’s likely no longer in your classic team and even less likely in your draft team, so many won’t get too excited by this addition. However, with the Eagles cavalry starting to return, it won’t shock me to see Brady Hough squeezed out of the West Coast lineup. But keeper and dynasty league coaches might be paying a little more attention. Hough has looked at home across the Eagles halfback flank, and his round 11 score of 99 against the Bulldogs shows that he can score well within the teams structure and style. So depending on the depth of ‘keepers’, be may be worth a stash on your list.

Andy McGrath

During the preseason, Andrew McGrath was one of the most hyped players. As a midfielder, his average in the mid to high 80’s is less than ideal in drafts, let alone in classic. However, with the potential inclusion of defensive DPP being added, he does become a player of interest in drafting formats. His run off the halfback before some injuries hit was starting to look like a promising fantasy footy role.

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ADD MIDFIELD

Tom Atkins

The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past six matches. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73%, 73%, 83%, 77% & 54% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased as a direct result. The addition of midfield status might not help you on field scoring in drafts, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores. 

Bailey Williams

What a surprise, but Luke Beveridge has given a player a role change! All jokes aside, Bailey Williams has taken his opportunity on the wing. With the absence of Lachie Hunter, he has owned the wing for the past few months. His true value to his owners is he can be played as a backman. However, squad versatility is always helpful, and so should this DPP land; it’ll be another layer of potential versatility within your team.

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ADD RUCK

Jeremy Finlayson

Two things. First, the addition of ruck status for Jeremy Finlayson is an absolute lock to happen. Since round 11, he’s been the primary ruckman for the pear and had multiple games where he’s attended north of 70% centre bounces. Second, how the Power continues to use him over Sam Hayes is beyond me. Hayes has his shortfalls, but so does Finlayson in the ruck. Port Adelaide has been lucky that the decision to play Jeremy over Hayes hasn’t cost them a game… yet! 

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Mason Cox

Ever since his debut as a Magpie, Mason Cox has spent some game time in the ruck. But over the past six weeks, it’s been increasingly evident. In the past four weeks, he’s attended an average of 44% of Collingwood’s centre bounces. Even without the impending return of Brodie Grundy within the next week or two, he’s not someone to consider trading into in classic or draft formats. 

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ADD FORWARD

Wayne Milera

It’s been a tough run over the past few seasons for Wayne Milera, but he seems to have finally gotten confidence and strength back into his body. Since getting back into Crows side over the past month, he’s been deployed as a half-forward. I like this role and the use of his skill set. With Jordan Dawson and Brodie Smith playing the primary ball users across half-back and Jake Soligo and Jackson Hately holding down the wings, it’s as a forward the greatest opportunity for his skills can shine. So much has been made about Adelaide’s poor inside 50 entries over the past few years; by having Wayne as a half-forward, we should see this increase in better entries. He’s only played 6 games for the year, so while the positional data os sufficient he hasn’t played enough games to qualify.

Griffin Logue

A DPP gain that’s not fantasy relevant for us but is a warranted add if the gang at Champion Data feel inclined. Griffin Logue was initially deployed as a forward after the Dockers underwent a calamity of injuries to their key position forwards. However, he did a good job bringing the ball to the ground and applying defensive pressure on the opposition’s best interceptor he’s been given a great opportunity in the role. Again, it’s not a beneficial fantasy gain but a factual one.

Lachie Jones

Port Adelaide fans have been calling for Lachie Jones to get a strong run at the AFL level for a while. The pear has found the best place to give him this opportunity has been to use him as a forward. His trademark physicality has been on display, and while he’s not scoring massively, it is a DPP gain that’s warranted. 

Nat Fyfe

Plenty will be calling for it, but Nat Fyfe has played just three games, and the minimum qualifying amount is ten at this stage of the season. He won’t get it as much as Fyfe is certainly being used as a primary forward. 

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Sam Walsh

Fantasy coaches have come to understand more in 2022 that players starting position at centre bounces play a significant role in a player being DPP eligible. Sometimes without being at the games to watch the ground and how players have been coached to set up, it’s hard to notice this. However, the TV stations covering his games have quickly said that Walsh is starting inside the forward 50 under the 6-6-6 rule and then pushing up into the contest as an extra midfielder.
Over the year, Walsh is averaging 54% of centre bounce attendances and just 47% in the last seven weeks. What’s not factored into CBA’s is when a player starts on the wing, which Walsh has done, especially in the first few months of the season. So I’d suggest it’s more doubtful than probable that it gets MID/FWD status. But if he does, it’ll be a positional change that will shake up the team’s ideal best on-field forwards.

Jack Billings

Much like Fyfe above, Jack Billings is spending plenty of time forward but won’t be eligible due to him playing insufficient games.

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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Additions | Round Fifteen
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Read Time:5 Minute, 8 Second

After rounds 3, 6, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. As always, players are required to have played a minimum of 3 games to be eligible and to be playing the new position as their primary role in the side. So, for the final time this season, let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Elliot Yeo | ADD BACK

It’s been a tough few seasons if you’ve owned Elliot Yeo. Injuries have sadly got the best of him. However, in the limited games that he has played, he’s been deployed into the backline as an interceptor. The role isn’t unfamiliar to him as it’s where he played when he first got traded to the Eagles. Adding back status is a huge boost to his owners potential scoring. In the past two weeks, he’s scored 84 & 80. As a centre only, that’s just in contention to be on the field. Now, he’s an absolute lock to play on the ground as a defender. 

Harry Himmelberg | ADD BACK

Some positional moves come out of the blue and pay massive dividends for coaches every year. In 2022 the move down back Harry Himmerlberg is in contention for that mantle. He was drafted in just 18% of teams with an ADP of 293. However, since the move, he’s been an animal playing the intercepting and key position defensive role. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. After having just one score over 70 between rounds 1-9, he’s scored a 74, 101, 161, 99 & 117 in this new role. Even the return of Nick Haynes and Phil Davis has done little to move him from the role. 

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Jayden Short | ADD CENTRE

Normally when a player gets some heavy midfield time, we see a spike in scoring. Sadly for Jayden Short owners, that hasn’t been the case. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still been very good, but he hasn’t entered the uber scoring that owners might have been hoping for with the role shift. Since round six, Short has been attending an average of 52% of centre bounces for the Tigers. An obvious and easy addition for the gang at UF!

Tom Atkins | ADD CENTRE

The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past five matches. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73%, 73%, 83% & 77% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased as a direct result. The addition of centre status might not help you on field centre line scoring, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores. 

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Bailey Williams | ADD CENTRE

What a surprise, but Luke Beveridge has given a player a role change! All jokes aside, Bailey Williams has taken his opportunity on the wing. With the absence recent absence of Lachie Hunter, he has owned the wing for the past few months. His true value to his owners is he can be played as a backman. However, squad versatility is always helpful, and so like Atkins above, it’s just adding versatility to your team

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Jeremy Finlayson | ADD RUCK

Since round 11, Jeremy Finlayson has been the primary ruckman for the pear and had multiple games where he’s attended north of 70% centre bounces. He’s delivered a couple of scores in the high 70s in this role and has been a handy player pool pick-up. Just be aware that first choice ruckmen Scott Lycett is due to return shortly.

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Wayne Milera | ADD FWD

It’s been a tough run over the past few seasons for Wayne Milera, but he seems to have finally gotten confidence and strength back into his body. Since getting back into Crows side over the past month, he’s been deployed as a half-forward. I like this role and the use of his skill set. With Jordan Dawson and Brodie Smith playing the primary ball users across half-back and Jake Soligo and Jackson Hately holding down the wings, it’s as a forward the greatest opportunity for his skills can shine. So much has been made about Adelaide’s poor inside 50 entries over the past few years; by having Wayne as a half-forward, we should see this increase in better entries. 

Lachlan Jones | ADD FWD

Port Adelaide fans have been calling for Lachie Jones to get a strong run at the AFL level for a while. The pear has found the best place to give him this opportunity has been to use him as a forward. His trademark physicality has been on display, and while he’s not scoring massively, it is a DPP gain that’s warranted. 

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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Additions | Round Fifteen
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After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.

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Harry Himmelberg | ADD BACK

I never thought I’d do a ‘DPP’ write-up for Harry Himmelberg; he seemed destined to always be a tall target inside the Giants forward line. However, in rounds 10 & 11, he was thrown into a key defensive position under a new coaching regime. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. After having just one score over 70 between rounds 1-9, he’s scored a 74, 101, 161, 99 & 117 in this new role. Even the return of Nick Haynes and Phil Davis has done little to move him from the role. Lock him in for BACK/FWD status!

Elliot Yeo | ADD BACK

It’s been a tough few seasons if you’ve owned Elliot Yeo. Injuries have sadly got the best of him. However, in the limited games he has played, he’s been deployed into the backline as an interceptor. The role isn’t unfamiliar to him as it’s where he played when he first got traded to the Eagles. Unfortunately, he’s only played four games, and one of those was an injury-affected match. Regardless, he hits the criteria of the game to earn DPP and should be a name that the boffins at UltimateFooty consider allocating back status. If he does, it’ll be a huge boost for his owners. 

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Tom Atkins | ADD CENTRE

The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past three weeks. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73% & 73% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased directly. Between rounds 1-9, his top score was 81. However, in the previous three games, he’s posted an 87, 96 & 82. The likely addition of centre status might not help you on field centre line scoring, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores. 

Bailey Williams | ADD CENTRE

What a surprise, but Luke Beveridge has given a player a role change! All jokes aside, Bailey Williams has taken his opportunity on the wing. With the absence of Lachie Hunter, he has owned the wing for the past few months. His true value to his owners is he can be played as a backman. However, squad versatility is always helpful, and so should this DPP land; it’ll be another layer of potential versatility within your team.

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Jeremy Finlayson | ADD RUCK

Two things. First, the addition of ruck status for Jeremy Finlayson is an absolute lock to happen. Since round 11, he’s been the primary ruckman for the pear and had multiple games where he’s attended north of 70% centre bounces. Second, how the Power continues to use him over a Sam Hayes is beyond me. Hayes has his shortfalls, but so does Finlayson in the ruck. Port Adelaide has been lucky that the decision to play Jeremy over Hayes hasn’t cost them a game… yet! 

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Wayne Milera | ADD FORWARD

It’s been a tough run over the past few seasons for Wayne Milera, but he seems to have finally gotten confidence and strength back into his body. Since getting back into Crows side over the past month, he’s been deployed as a half-forward. I like this role and the use of his skill set. With Jordan Dawson and Brodie Smith playing the primary ball users across half-back and Jake Soligo and Jackson Hately holding down the wings, it’s as a forward the greatest opportunity for his skills can shine. So much has been made about Adelaide’s poor inside 50 entries over the past few years; by having Wayne as a half-forward, we should see this increase in better entries. 

Lachie Jones | ADD FORWARD

Port Adelaide fans have been calling for Lachie Jones to get a strong run at the AFL level for a while. The pear has found the best place to give him this opportunity has been to use him as a forward. His trademark physicality has been on display, and while he’s not scoring massively, it is a DPP gain that’s warranted. 

Nat Fyfe | ADD FORWARD

Plenty will be calling for it, but Nat Fyfe has played just two games, and the minimum qualifying amount is three. He won’t get it as much as Fyfe is certainly being used as a primary forward. 

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Replacing Zac Williams
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Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

Heading into the AAMI Community Series, approximately one third of coaches across all fantasy formats were picking Zac Williams. With the confirmation of his suspension being upheld, these coaches now need to plan for how they’ll be replacing Zac Williams in there starting side. Here’s my take on some of the best available players and strategies.

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You Don’t Have To Replace Him

OK, this is purely a DreamTeam and SuperCoach strategy, so hear me out.

By opting to hold Zac Williams, you can play one of our playing defensive rookies on the field and, after the round concludes, slide him onto the ground. While you will likely take points hit in round one, it does enable you to hold a player you believed would be a premium defender in 2021.

Remember, he’s not injured, just suspended. And if anything, the AAMI Community Series taught us that players who have elite ball skills and speed would get plenty of handball receives opportunities. These are two skills that Zac has in spades!

The obvious limitation with this strategy is that with Carlton having the first game of the round, you cannot use him as a captaincy loophole. Making his position and cash allocation locked away from the moment the round starts.

Even though you are ‘locked’ out from using or moving his spot during the round, the positive of round one is we generally have the most cumulative available rookies. That means that should your on field cover option for him not be selected; another should be available.

Like anything, it’s a risk. But the core reason to make this play is that your convinced that the reward outweighs the risk. What’s the reward? That you get someone you believe is a top 6 defender with low ownership percentage.

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AFLFantasy | One Week Matchup

If your super bullish on Williams in AFLFantasy, you can still look to own him as early as round two against Collingwood. Rather, you can pick a player with the specific intent that you will own them for a one week match up and then pivot back to Williams.

It becomes more of a daily fantasy style strategy where you can play the matchup game and look for players with favourable history and scoring trends against the opposition. For example, opposition defenders against both Adelaide and Collingwood scoring well over their averages. As recently as the AAMI community series, we saw players like Dan Houston and Jayden Short dominate against these teams. That means Geelong and Western Bulldog players are potentially in line for an extra scoring bump.

At the same price point or lower, you could consider Bulldog Bailey Williams or Jason Johannisen. Both love to get into space and transition the footy. At the same time, Mark Blicavs and even Lachie Henderson will intercept everything against the Crows. Even Jordan Clark could be a great one week plug and play pick.

Another option is Port Adelaide defenders. They come up against the rebuilding Kangaroos and have a field day chopping off the forward 50 entries. Dary Byrne-Jones, Hamish Hartlett, Ryan Burton, and even Riley Bonner could see all pop a 90+ score.

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Go Up

Got some salary cap space? Then the decision could be pretty simple. Pick the premium defender that your most keen on that’s not currently on your side. It probably won’t make your side more unique, but by picking Williams, that clearly wasn’t in your thinking anyway.

Get the best available. Whether that’s Jake Lloyd, Rory Laird, Jack Crisp, Luke Ryan, Tom Stewart, Jordan Ridley or even a Caleb Daniel, pick the best defender you can and lock in those points.

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Go Down

It is not all the way down to a cash cow but rather drops down to a lower stepping stone or breakout candidate. The extra benefit in this is it allows you to free up some salary cap to now be able to bring in a preferred premium. Again, these are unlikely to be breakout candidates that pop to be premiums. Rather a stepping stone that gets you points and makes you money along the way.

Potential candidates could be Isaac Cumming, Lachie Ash, Lachie Sholl, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McPherson, Trent Rivers, Oleg Markov or Changkuoth Jiath.

Look Across

Here’s where you’re looking for another player to ‘breakout’ into the top tiers of defenders. Names like Liam Duggan, Jack Lukosious, Hunter Clark and Brodie Smith should all come into consideration. If you believe that either of them could be comparable scoring candidates, it could be a relatively easy move. Just make sure to factor in your bye structure.

Different Line

Don’t just think about replacing Williams in a liner line for line move. With a few cheaper defenders stepping up during the AAMI Community Series, you can suddenly use the cash from Zac on another line option.

Whether that’s getting a Jye Caldwell, Tom Phillips, Zak Butters or even Josh Dunkley up forward, let alone getting some more reinforcements in the midfield like Rory Sloane or Matt Rowell.

The key part of nailing this strategy is looking at the player combination replacements. For example, does Liam Duggan and Ned Cahill score more than Thomas Highmore and Tom Phillips? Your answer will ultimately determine which combination to go for.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Marsh Community Series Review | Power Vs Bulldogs
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This was quite an entertaining game – both teams had great periods of attack and the wind made for an interesting finish too – Lienert covering himself in glory with the two winnings goals to finished it off. To start with however, here’s a list to keep in mind of important players who didn’t play:

Port: Wines

Western Bulldogs: Duryea, Libba, Naughton, Ed Richards

What’s interesting is that basically this was both teams’ best 22’s. The only players missing are all due to injury, so if you had your eye on someone and they didn’t play in this game and weren’t injured, it doesn’t bode well for them.

Connor Rozee

For those looking at the mid-priced forwards this year, Rozee would have been one to look at. Coming off a sensation debut year last year, Hinkley and track watchers have oft-remarked that he is naturally increasing his midfield time this preseason.

He did so again in this game though still wasn’t able to accumulate points strongly through the 2nd half, either tiring of just not getting to where the ball was.

His 81% TOG for 64 points showing him to perhaps still be a year away, however for those who remember it Fyfe had a similar game early in his 2nd season but then kicked on to really break out. Still one to watch but perhaps with a bit less confidence than prior to the weekend.

Dan Houston

It’s gonna be hard to leave this bloke out – running through the midfield again and getting quite a bit of the ball, he was then rested for the 2nd half. There wasn’t much not to like however, and the role & the scoring is looking good for the position and the price.

Scott Lycett

The major thing to come out the game for Lycett (and Ladhams?) is that Lycett went off halfway through the 3rd qtr with ice taped around his achilles. Later diagnosed as a minor ankle concern, it’s something to monitor in the lead up to Round 1.

Mitch Georgiades

One the forward rookie options that we’ve all been looking at, it just wasn’t there for us on this display. The fact that he played in this game at all is good for his Round 1 selection chances, given it was Port’s strongest team. However, seven disposals from 73% TOG as a forward is a portent of things to come in the regular season. Even if he plays Round 1, is he worth picking as a cash cow?

Bontempelli/Macrae/Dunkley

These guys all did everything you needed to see. They all played midfield and they all looked as good as ever. The Bont even had seven centre clearances to further cement that he’s a midfielder this year, and the three of them all looked like they’d be good options if you were already considering them.

Tim English

Will you go there? A ruckman on the up, he will no doubt be fantasy relevant sooner rather than later – is this the year? His role and scoring was similar both before and after Lycett went off, although his hitout win % did increase afterwards (a weakness while he still increases his size and strength).

He is certainly mobile and capable of filling out the stat sheet across the board, something which always bodes well for fantasy scoring.

Bailey Williams

More of a draft consideration, the ball seemed magnetised to him at times (Ten! Intercept possessions), reminiscent of a couple of years ago. Going late in drafts currently, he could prove to be decent value if this performance continues into the regular season.

Pat Lipinski

Also spending time in the midfield, Lipinski looked solid again and should see good worth as a forward pick up in draft leagues. Whether he’s worth it in salary cap formats or not we will have to wait and see, although he’s unlikely to see the level of scoring that the aforementioned big three will have.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Marsh Community Series | Eagles Vs Bombers
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The Eagles welcomed the Bombers to Perth and to some strange weather for an entertaining pre-season clash which saw the visitors impress early and hold on for an 8 point win. There was a 20 minute break early in the second quarter due to safety concerns amid lightning storms in the area meaning the game was played in mostly wet conditions.

Both sides were missing a bevy of stars opening the door for some lesser lights to shine and shine they did! Whether some of these players get the same opportunities when both sides are at full strength remains to be seen and must be considered when assessing these performances.

Tim Kelly:

This was our first look at the young gun in blue and gold and I honestly expected him to blitz it causing everyone to scramble to rush him into their fantasy sides (like Bont and Petracca last week). He started very slowly though, and with the likes of Gaff and Yeo missing, it was strange to see him playing so much off half forward early.

Essendon’s mids were well on top in the first half so it wasn’t surprising to see Kelly move into the preferred midfield role in the second half. This is when he really started to sparkle, getting his hands on it 13 times in the 3rd quarter, and finishing the game with 27 disposals and a goal. Set for a big year once he finds his groove at his new home.

Luke Shuey:

Looking for a POD mid? The new Eagles captain just always gets it done and with Kelly’s arrival, should say goodbye to taggers for good. Had 31 touches and 4 tackles in this game and like Kelly, will thrive at the feet of Naitanui. Gun.

Dom Sheed:

Deceptively good. Played midfield most of the night and was his usual busy self with 28 touches but I still feel when the full Eagles midfield is on the park, he’ll spend more time forward. Worth a look late in Drafts and I’m tipping he will be in everyone’s forward line in 2021.

Shannon Hurn:

Started very slowly due in part to the heavy conditions but warmed into the game quickly. Took 7 marks on a wet night and even though he is a year older, looks set for another big year in fantasy. Will be a solid option again.

Nic Naitanui:

It is so nice to see the big fella in full flight again and we all have our fingers crossed he can have a healthy season. As expected, his minutes were limited, and his first bench rotation came within 5 minutes of the start of the game!  His time on ground was 51% but when on the field, he commanded the stoppages and looked solid with 11 touches and 28 hit outs. Should be a popular R2 option but will be frustrating to own as it’s difficult to accumulate points while warming the bench!

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

Bailey Williams:

A round 1 bolter and a real option for our R3 spot. He did some nice things and stayed involved throughout even capping the performance with a goal. Can he leapfrog Vardy and Hickey to be the Eagle’s back up for NicNat? I think he can!

Josh Kennedy:

Had a huge night kicking 6 straight and relishing the space and attention with Darling and Allen missing. He is looking sharper and more agile than he has in years but for context, he was up against the single gamer in Zerk-Thatcher. At his price, he could be a good cash maker early in the year.

Jarrod Brander:

I’d heard great things about this kid and, with it being suggested he could play on the wing this year, he was firmly on my watch list. The role on the wing was there but for a 6 foot 4 winger, I must say I didn’t notice him a great deal. He didn’t get a lot of ball collecting 11 disposals but did look clean and composed. He’s still very young and if he keeps that role, remains relevant as a rookie, particularly with that handy DEF/FWD dual status. Let’s have another look at him in Marsh 2 when some of the other midfielders return.

Lewis Jetta:

He looked good and provided great run and carry off half back, but he turned 30 last year and I can’t see him suddenly becoming relevant for us.

Devon Smith:

He did enough to suggest he’s going to be one of the big improvers this year, but I don’t think I was the only one worried early as he only attended 1 centre bounce in the first half. He was tackling hard (finished with 6) and was throwing his weight around a bit as he looked up and about and pleased to be fit again. But he needs to convert that into more fantasy points if he’s going to come even close to replicating his 2018 season.

Thankfully, he had a big second half as he was given more midfield opportunities attending 8 centre bounces and collecting 14 touches. Will be better for the run as this was his first game since round 8 last year.

Ultimately with Devon, the test we needed to see is did he add defensive pressure and tackle? The answer to that is he did!

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

Darcy Parish:

I absolutely loved his game as he was solid throughout the 4 quarters and played a fantasy-friendly game. He was never far from the ball and even snagged a nice snapped goal in the 1st quarter. Finished with 29 touches and 4 tackles from just 65% game time. Fits the bill for a breakout perfectly.

William Snelling:

Could be one of the stories of last years mid-season rookie draft (after GF hero Marlion Pickett) as he looked very much at home on the big stage albeit a pre-season stage. He looked fantastic playing high half forward and was all over the ground laying tackles and taking important marks. He only played 65% of the game but still had 20 touches, 7 marks, 7 tackles and kicked 2.2. I’m not sure the same opportunities will be there in the season proper, but this performance has made me take notice.

Jordan Ridley:

Very much under the radar in fantasy circles perhaps after not quite delivering on his potential last season. He looked the real deal in this game though, as he commanded the half back line dashing up and down the ground and even took some of the kick in duties.

He had a good spread of stats with 21 touches, 7 marks and 5 tackles and could be a nice unique option. The only concern is the impact of Saad and Mckenna on his role and scoring output when they return. One to watch.

Dylan Shiel:

He is so great to watch when he’s on, but I just wish he got more involved on the outside. His lack of +6’s makes him hard to consider with the competition for midfield premo spots is so tight. Had 27 touches, 6 tackles but no marks and is probably more relevant in the sense that when he plays this well, the taggers should go to him and leave Merrett alone.

Zach Merrett:

Speaking of Merrett, he barely got out of second gear and had lowish time on ground at 65%. He was very busy early with 8 touches in the first quarter but wasn’t heavily involved beyond that. It doesn’t matter though, he’s a proven fantasy jet. If he was in your side before this game, just keep him there and enjoy him.

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

Andrew McGrath:

What an absolute shame he has lost dual position status! He looked brilliant tonight playing big midfield minutes and getting involved in everything, particularly early. Had a massive first half with 16 disposals and even though he slowed down after that, would definitely be in the votes (if there were any). I don’t think I can pick him in the midfield, but Bombers fans can get excited because I think this will be his year.

Kyle Langford:

After being in and out of the senior side last year, it’s hard to know where Langford’s at. If this performance is anything to go by, he can say goodbye to his VFL days for good because he was excellent.

Playing mid-forward, he was all over the ground and stayed involved all night with 25 touches and a goal. It’s hard to see him being trustworthy enough for salary based comps but one to watch in Drafts.

Andrew Philips:

One to consider if you don’t trust Jacobs or Naitanui. He looked ok and held his own against his more fancied opposite ruck in NicNat. I’m not sure he’s worth the risk though and not convinced he’ll keep a healthy Bellchambers out.

Michael Hurley:

Acting captain for the night and like Hurn started slowly in the rain. Worked into the game well but was put on ice at 3 quarter time and was even seen with ice, strapped to his leg. Hopefully, just a precaution as the Bombers have enough players battling to be fit for round 1. Finished with 12 touches and 5 marks.

Jacob Townsend:

The former Giant and Tiger barely got a look in as he played forward for the first 3 quarters with little impact. Had a great chance to finish off some good work with a goal in the third quarter but fluffed his shot. He was given a good run on the ball in the last quarter attending nearly every centre bounce and was very involved but didn’t look confident when dropping a sitter in his defensive 50.

Finished the game hobbling off with a proppy knee which thankfully didn’t look too serious. It’s hard to see him getting a permanent spot in the midfield with some of the performances of others but his price point keeps him relevant. Wait and see.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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