Tag: Heath Shaw

SuperCoach Player of the Decade | GWS Giants

We’ve decided to look at who I believe has been the best SuperCoach performer from each AFL club over the past ten years. Here’s who I believe it is for GWS Giants.

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Callan Ward

After developing during four seasons at the Western Bulldogs, the freshly faced Callan Ward become the new leader and one of the first players signed to the GWS Giants.

In his debut season at the club (2012) he starred for the club. For SuperCoach players who owned him this year, you’d have a special place in your heart for him. Playing 20 games, he scored 12 tons across the season including four over 130. Added to this, he had just three scores below 89 all year.

Between 2013-2018 Ward led the club in all facets and this translate into his SuperCoach scoring. During this time his lowest seasonal average was 97.3 and his smallest games tally for a season was 20. Before his season-ending ACL injury to start 2019, Ward had only missed five games in the previous seven years.

In the giants eight seasons in the league, Callan Ward’s five seasons where he has averaged over 100. The pinnacle of these was his 2014 season. That year he averaged 112, scored over 100 in fifteen matches with 11 of them over 120. During that year from round 6-19, his lowest score was 92, and during this 14 game stretch, he averaged 120.

Who Missed Out

The current captain of the Giants Stephen Coniglio has been SuperCoach relevant for well over half of the decade. It started back in 2012 as a cash cow he averaged 75.8 including two scores over 100. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that he was able to deliver premium midfield numbers. That year he played 21 games, averaged 105 and scored 13 tons. Since then ‘Cogs’ has averaged 91, 108 & 101. Certainly a solid last four years in terms of averages, but not enough to topple his former captain

The club traded Taylor Adams for Heath Shaw at the end of 2013 and for multiple years ‘Heater’ has been a defensive premium for us. The pinnacle of his scoring years as a Giant was in 2015 and 2016 were across those two seasons he played every game and averaged 109. In those 44 games, he scored 27 tons and a personal best of 203 against the Bulldogs. Two additional seasons averaging over 90 at GWS have established him as a reliable option across the decade. However, even while factoring in his positional line I couldn’t say he was the best Giant of the decade over Callan Ward. If he had joined the club upon its inception, I think he would’ve taken the title.

Toby Greene delivered arguably one of the best cash cow seasons for SuperCoach players. As a midfielder, he averaged 94 and in his final 11 games of the season had seven tons including a 165 against Melbourne. Two years later he had his first (and only) season averaging in triple digits. In 2014 he averaged 102 from 15 games. Since then Toby has provided multiple premium scoring years as a forward including a 90, 94 & 96. While his positional line does give him a value boost, the fact that he has just two seasons across his AFL career that have been over 20 games takes his worth back down a notch.

Beyond last season Lachie Whitfield had never averaged 100. Last years 111 as a defender is undoubtedly worth celebrating. But doesn’t even get him in the conversation as a podium finisher.

A common thread across this series is that if we were only using a three to five-year window, then we might be awarding the title to a different player. For the Giants, it would likely be assigned to Josh Kelly if we were focussing on just the past few seasons. Since 2017 his seasonal averages have been 113.8, 113.8 and 117.4. When Kelly is on the field, he is one of the best SuperCoach scorers available in the midfield. However, in good faith, I could let Callan Ward’s seven-seasons of reliable scoring and availability be more valuable than a dominant three seasons from Kelly.

Speaking of dominant seasons, Zac Williams has given us two outstanding seasons as a defender. His 2017 of 94 and last years 101 have made him a genuine premium for a few seasons. Two great years aren’t enough to get him a top-three finish for this club in this list.

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Marsh Community Series Review | Swans Vs Giants

It was a dirty day at Blacktown. Not just for the young Swans but also for coaches that had targeted a unique Tim Taranto as a premium in 2020.

Tim Taranto

Please make no mistake about it. This is the key takeaway from the match. The shoulder injury to Tim Taranto is a game-changer in fantasy footy. While we need to await the full medical report, the clubs initial forecast being a minimum of 10 weeks on the sidelines.

All eyes will be on next week’s Marsh Community Series to see just how Leon Cameron plans to cover one of his star midfielders. Thankfully, for him, he does not lack in options. All of Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Zach Williams, Jye Caldwell, Jackson Hately, Tom Green and many more are candidates for the additional midfield minutes now vacant.

Sam Jacobs

Across the preseason the former Adelaide Crows ruck has been a popular R2 selection. Even though he wasn’t coming up against the strong ruck opposition, it was good to see ‘Sauce’ lead the Giants midfield brigade. He had 23 hitouts and scored in the ’60s across all formats from 70% game time.

He spent a decent amount of time off the ground after copping a knee to his head from Sam Naismith. If you were keen on starting him before this game, he would’ve done nothing to change your mind.

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

Jackson Hately

With a plethora of star teammates absent, Jack Hately thrived with the additional responsibility. He attended plenty of centre bounces and with Taranto now out for an extended period he looms as a likely beneficiary.

Heath Shaw

Played the majority of the game and just swooped up the loose ball with ease. Honestly, the Giants had it all their way in this match at Heath just enjoyed plenty of easy marks and possesions.
He will still give coaches a few good games this season, but I do think he’s past his prime now for fantasy coaches to consider.

Tom Green

What an absolute bull! Yet against the GWS Giants academy has delivered a future star. 15 of his 21 touches were contested and kicked two goals. COuldn’t have done much more to push his case for round one with a performance like that.

As discussed a few times now, the real indicator of his role and potential debut will come next week when the State of Origin star return.

Lachlan Ash

His line-breaking speed and clean ball use were on display throughout the match. In time will be a star of the Giants backline but will find it challenging to break in without more injuries occurring.

Jye Caldwell

He was rotated through the midfield while also having some stints inside the Giants forward line. Will be one to watch next week when the Giants stars return to see if he can take some of the Tim Taranto roles. 

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Jordan Dawson

His ownership numbers much like Christian Petracca, could skyrocket after this week. The Forward/Defender eligible selection dominated the backline for the Swans. ‘JD’ was excellent in this game amassing 19 disposals and five marks, but there is still one primary reason not to get too overhyped.

In this match, the Swans were missing two of their best defenders in Callum Mills and Jake Lloyd. Without seeing how Dawson functions with these two back in the side, we could be getting a slight distortion on his role and potential scoring.

Oli Florent

Was one of the Swans best today. While he still has some parts of his game to work on, he showed he’s capable of winning the contested ball, not just being an outside option.

It’ll take a few seasons, but Oli is going to be a star of the competition. Lock him away in a keeper league now if you can.

Sam Naismith

Even with Callum Sinclair in the side, Naismith was given the lead ruck responsibility. From just over 50% game time he ended up leading winner of hitouts (28). If you’re prepared to spend a little bit of cash for insurance at R3, then you may have just found your man.

Will Gould

He played only 68% of game time, but from his ten disposals, he went at 100% efficiency. In time Gould will be a popular fantasy player given his ability to intercept and clean foot skills. However, being on a side with that has Jake Lloyd and Callum Mills along with Jordan Dawson he might it hard to break into. The only exception would be if one or two of them started to get more permanently used higher up the ground.

Dylan Stephens

He gave coaches the glimpses of why as a junior he drew parallels to Jackson Macrae and Lachie Whitfield. Dylan did some nice things off the wing in this game. He’s right in consideration for round one for the Swans.

Justin McInerney

Cash Cow Alert! I liked what I saw from Justin. He showed a great balance of composure, presence and high footy IQ. Does he find his way permanently into the Swans backline? I’m not sold, but games like that will keep his name in front of mind for his coaches.

JLT Players Of Interest: GWS Vs Adelaide

GWS v Adelaide

The Crows put on a bit of a clinic during the 2nd and 3rd quarters against the Giants as they looked to bounce back from a low 2018. The Crouch brothers, Gibbs & Sloane all played with each other for the first time as well. It amounted to a sloppy at times, possession-holding matchup.

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GWS

Stephen Coniglio: Cogs did what he has been doing for some time now – getting a lot of the ball in the GWS midfield. He seems to be their main ball winner these days and yet is not the first cab off the rank for a tag (see Kelly et al). Should have another good year.

Lachie Whitfield: Seemed to be the Giants’ only way forward at times, as the Crows held onto the ball and dominated time in possession. Did take the odd kick out as well as a few Giants shared that around. Signs positive for another good year.

Tim Taranto: Looked solid in midfield yet again with another 28 touches as he continues on his upward trajectory. An awkward price as you’ll need him to score like a premium mid this year but one that some may take the risk on.

Heath Shaw: Heater certainly didn’t take all the kick ins, sharing with a few players, but he did take several of them in his customary role. Interesting he did simply kick to the pocket from the goalsquare a couple of times and was the pocket recipient himself on another. Looks good to go for another good season to be honest, the question is whether he’ll increase from last year’s average or stay around the same mark.

Hately/Caldwell: Both showed signs however neither was a huge ball winner. Caldwell had only eight touches from his half of footy and while Hately played more gametime he didn’t see a lot more of the ball. We’ll have to wait and see whether they crack a game for Round 1.

Toby Greene: Given his injury-affected pre-season (and 2018), this game was all about blowing out the cobwebs. Toby only played half a game and looked pretty rusty at times, yet he was involved in a lot of the play up forward (and even in defense a bit) and it is surely just a matter of time for him. The question is whether he’ll rediscover that form from Round 1 or whether he needs a while to get back into the swing of things.

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Adelaide

Matt Crouch: Matty was back to his prolific best in this game, getting involved everywhere from centre bounces to link up play to last line of defense marks. 38 touches and 9 tackles later and he is hitting the season in form.

Brad Crouch: Brad is officially back. Uninjured for the time being and in form, a 30+ possession outing from him including a lot of centre bounce work suggests that he’s ready to roll from Round 1 and that the time to pick him, if ever, could well be now. The price is right, however there remains an injury risk with a player like him – certainly an interesting player to consider.

Rory Sloane: Just like the Crouch brothers, Sloane was involved in a lot during this match and had a terrific night, also showing he’s fit and in form.

Wayne Milera: Playing largely in defense, Milera got a lot of the ball yet still found time to sneak forward and kick a goal as well. Looked very good in this game – confident and involved in much.

Brodie Smith: Brodie was taking kick ins (playing on for the extra +3) but was also getting involved quite a bit on the wing and at half forward as the Crows chipped it around and looked for quality players to send them forward. Greatly promising and definitely one to consider given his price.

Rory Laird: An off night for Laird in fantasy terms, he wasn’t really the kick in guy (bar one occasion where he pretended to give it off elsewhere before playing on himself). He was involved in a lot of the possession game early as the Crows passed it around, however got involved in less as the night wore on and the Crows accelerated.

Chayce Jones: Wow, fair night from the rookie! A ripping tackle & goal, a goal assist to Sloane & a goal saving tackle on Coniglio down back all came in a big 2nd quarter and he kept presenting with pressure and another goal throughout the night. May have gotten himself a Round 1 berth with this game.