Tag: Shaun Higgins

AFLFantasy | Possible DPP Additions | Round 12

Before round 6, 12 and 18, the gang at AFLFantasy team up with Champion Data to add some new DPP into the game. After round 5, the first list of names and positions will be released. Historically, AFLFantasy has said that players need a minimum of 35% to be considered for a new allocation in a new position. So let’s see which players are locks, close or no chance of getting DPP.

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Jy Farrar | ADD DEFENDER

With scores of 86 & 74 in the opening 2 weeks, it looks as though the Suns had unearthed another player. However, since round 7, he’s had only 1 score over 50. Jy spent his time previously as a forward in the SANFL, but the Suns have developed him into a defender, and to be fair, he’s playing his role. Chances are you’ve traded him out already, but for those who haven’t, it just makes trading him out even easier.

Chayce Jones | ADD DEFENDER

It’s not a high fantasy relevant gain, given his top score is 56 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level. Jones has shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous fortnight. If he plays this role against the Tigers this week, he should have done enough to be a DPP addition.

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Liam Baker | ADD MIDFIELD

Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have been destroyed by injuries through the midfield. It’s meant their coaching staff has had to get creative with who plays through the midfield. Liam Baker has played heavily through the midfield last few weeks. It looks like this was enough to give the premiership tiger a new DPP. Handy again for owners trying to maximise on field players during the bye rounds.

James Harmes | ADD MIDFIELD

Normally the addition of midfield status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the bye rounds or care about rankings. This DPP might help you with field scores if your scampering for every available option.

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Tom Green | ADD FORWARD

The ‘bull in a China shop’ midfielder has evolved his game over the past 4 weeks. It’s no coincidence that since the Giants have gotten that midfield balance right, they’ve started to win plenty of footy games. GWS had a very talented but one dimensional midfield with Tom Green, Callan Ward, and Tim Taranto leading the clubs centre bounces earlier. However, over the last month, Green has spent a growing amount of time playing (not just resting) forward and creating some real headaches for the opposition.

In his first 5 games of the season, he kicked just two goals in total. In the past month he’s kicked 2.1, 0.0, 1.0 & 2.2. Clearly, he’s spending more time forward and impacting the scoreboard. It’s translating to an increase in AFLFantasy scores. Over his first 5 games of the season, he averaged 58 with a top score of 77.

In the last four weeks, he’s averaging 95 with a top score of 114. If he gains DPP, he’s a legit cheap option as he’ll still be priced under $600k. With matches against North Melbourne, Carlton & Hawthorn after the bye, it looks like a genuinely good pick.

Sam Berry | ADD FORWARD

I really like Sam Berry as a player. He adds something to an Adelaide Crows side that, for a few years, they’ve lacked. That being a hard at it defensive mindset and a player that loves to tackle. He averages 5.3 tackles per game, and in time, the other elements of his game will develop. As that happens, the Crows are letting him build along nicely as an occasional midfielder, but more so as a pressure forward. His average of 50 isn’t anything to flash, but it’s his DPP and round 14 bye that’ll help coaches over the next month.

Shaun Higgins | ADD FORWARD

Shaun has filled the void left by the Goat Gary Ablett in the Cats forward line. With scores of 78,85 & 120 since returning from injury, he moves from a probable bench option as a centre to an on-field forward. He’s a handy draft leagues pick up. At $569,000 isn’t the worst post-bye round purchase if you think he has a few more tons left in him.

Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. The club loves his run and carry, and given they have an abundance of half backs to fit them all in; they’ve needed to develop some in new roles. Beyond last weeks game against the Saints, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is fantasy friendly.

UltimateFooty | Round 9 Positional Changes

After rounds 3, 6, 9 & 12 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in 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.

14 players have gained an additional position. Five players have gained back status, three gaining centre, one new ruck and five have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Aaron Hall | ADD BACK

Not even Nostradamus saw the scoring volume coming from Aaron Hall in 2021! He, alongside skipper Jack Ziebell, is mopping up everything inside the Kangaroos defensive half. While based on his history, he feels like an injury risk for his coach every single week, the scoring he’s offering is sublime. His true relevance is scoring big as a forward eligible option, but the DPP addition does add some versatility for his owner. An easy addition for UF to make.

James Stewart | ADD BACK

He’s playing a role for the Bombers, but the role isn’t translating into scoring for UltimateFooty. Playing as a key position option in the bombers defense his top score of 43 is nowehere near worth considering as a pickup.

Jy Farrar | ADD BACK

With scores of 86 & 74 in the opening 2 weeks, it looks as though the Suns had unearthed another player. However, since round 7, he’s had only 1 score over 50. Jy spent his time previously as a forward in the SANFL, but the Suns have developed him into a defender, and to be fair, he’s playing his role. Last week 9.8% of coaches dropped him back to the player pool, and I suspect another sub 50 score, even with a new DPP, will see a similar number of squad delistings. Pass!

Atu Bosenavulagi | ADD BACK

The former magpie forward has found a home inside a new loop Kangaroos backline. A simple addition for the team at UF, but not a highly relevant one. Before these DPP gains hit the system, we have 63 backs that are averaging 70 or more, while it’s just 54 in the forwards. Meaning, that right now, it’s harder to get a forward who could go 70 than a defender. If you weren’t one of the 9% of leagues that already own him, this DPP gain shouldn’t have changed your assessment of him.

Jack Sinclair | ADD BACK

Jack Sinclair getting back status is possibly less exciting than what it looked like in the preseason after scoring 112 in the AAMI Community Series. But with the saints trying to squeeze everyone into that midfield, Sinclair has been one of the players moved to the backline. A score of 102 plus two additional scores over 70 in his last five is solid enough to be picked up and added to your roster.

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Dan Houston | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for Dan Houston, the timing is additionally helpful for coaches who play through the bye rounds and might in some rounds be scampering for every available on field option.

Jack Crisp | ADD CENTRE

See comments above from Dan Houston!

Liam Baker | ADD CENTRE

Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have been destroyed by injuries through the midfield. It’s meant their coaching staff has had to get creative with who plays through the midfield. Liam Baker was played heavily through the midfield last week and spent some weeks prior also higher up the ground. It looks like this was enough to give the premiership tiger a new DPP.

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Caleb Graham | ADD RUCK

Here are a list of reasons for why you should consider picking up Caleb Graham

  1. You are Caleb Graham, and you’d like to own yourself!
  2. As coach, you are intentionally tanking your league results to benefit your own future draft position or annoy other league coaches.
  3. It’s a customised league that means you play with 2 rucks on the field plus bench cover. Meaning anyone playing with ruck status helps, and his weekly 40 points are the difference between having bench cover and no cover at all.

Other than these three reasons you should be steering clear.

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Lachie Hunter | ADD FORWARD

By name value, this is probably the biggest addition to DPP stocks for this batch. Historically, Lachie Hunter has been a safe 90-100 performer over the years. But in 2021, he’s been squeezed out of the wing role instead of playing as a high end half-forward. He had an ADP of 39, so this is some respite for coaches who spent an early pick on him and have been getting a low return on investment. He moves now into the F1 or F2 spot for most coaches.

Callum Ah Chee | ADD FORWARD

From his 8 games in 2021, he’s scored over 50 in just 2 of these games. You don’t want that as a back or a forward. Pass!

Sam Berry | ADD FORWARD

I really like Sam Berry as a player. He adds something to an Adelaide Crows side that, for a few years, they’ve lacked. That being a hard at it defensive mindset and a player that loves to tackle. He averages 5.3 tackles per game, and in time, the other elements of his game will develop. As that happens, the Crows are letting him build along nicely as an occasional midfielder, but more so as a pressure forward. His average of 50 isn’t anything to consider for seasonal leagues, but in keepers, he might be worth a pick up depending on how many you can hold on your list.

Shaun Higgins | ADD FORWARD

Earlier in this article, I highlighted the lack of forwards who weekly are safe 70+ scoring options. With Shaun Higgins now added to the list, existing owners now have something to smile about. Shaun has filled the void left by the Goat Gary Ablett in the Cats forward line. With scores of 78 & 85 since returning from injury, he moves from a probable bench option as a centre to an on-field forward. He’s still available in 20% of leagues, and I expect this DPP gain, ownership, and value to owners to increase.

Chris Burgess | ADD FORWARD

One score over 60. Pass

AAMI Community Series Review | Cats Vs Bombers

What a weird game of AFL. Geelong spent the vast majority of it either unwilling or unable to apply much defensive structure. At the same time, Essendon was playing as if they had 4 premiership points available. Regardless, there was plenty to take away from the AAMI Community Series clash between the Cats and Bombers.

Patrick Dangerfield

All you wanted to see from Danger in this match was getting through it pain and problem free. Mission accomplished. The former Brownlow Medalist was a prolific part of the Geelong midfield when he was on the ground. If Paddy was already in your starting squad, you’d have no reasons to question that choice. However, those without him currently might have a few nervous nights sleep. He looks fit and ready to dominate through the Geelong midfield again.

Jeremy Cameron

He took his time to build into the game, but with two second quarter goals, Jezza showed glimpses of his brilliance. This was his first competitive hit out for his new side, so it was no surprise to see he and Tom Hawkins occasionally get in the way of each other. Both he and his Cats will be better for the run.

If you were keen before tonight, then there was nothing from this game to suggest to cool your interest in him.

Shaun Higgins

Subbed out of the game at 3/4 time, but his class through the midfield and inside forward 50 was evident. If he maintains this split role, he should be gain himself a MID/FWD eligibility and become a valuable forward commodity in drafts formats of AFLFantasy & UltimateFooty.

Jordan Clark

Floated around playing in a vairety of roles and ended the match as the leading metres gained player in the game. He displayed some of his line breaking speed and took the odd kick out whenever Stewart couldn’t.

At under $250k in SuperCoach, he’s a genuine option if named round against the Crows. In this match, he showed his workrate, improved the defensive stuff and his ability to drive the ball forward. With minimal defensive cash cows with job security, it’s players like this we need to consider.

Tom Atkins

This one is more for draft coaches, but the human moustache has thrived in his new role off half-back. Gaining defensive eligibility in UltimateFooty and AFLFantasy is a certainty if this role continues. He got into dangerous positions across the backline and won plenty of the ball in the cats high possession game style. Certainly worth a late round flyer if positional changes are on,

Tom Stewart

It was business as usual for the defensive general. Yet again, he was the primary mover of the ball for kick-ins for the Cats from the defence. His teammates still look to him to control the play’s tempo, and barring an injury; he’ll be right in the mix for being a top 6 defender in 2021.

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Jye Caldwell

If before this match you were a Jye Caldwell truther then tonight’s game would only further have established that view. It’s clear, at Essendon he’s got that centre bounce heavy midfield role he never would’ve got at GWS.

Conversely, if you were still skeptical, not of the role but of his scoring potential then he’s probably not changed your mind tonight either.

Zach Merrett

Open match, low defensive pressure from the opposition and plenty of midfield minutes = a prime Zac Merrett style of game.

Harrison Jones

I was impressed with this kid. I think in time, he’ll provide a great marking target for the club. Even though he’s undersized physically, he still competes and throws his body around. He took a ripping aerial grab late in the game. I think he’s done enough to secure a round one debut.

Alec Waterman

He came into the game late, was only present for the final quarter. You can read this from one of two lenses. The first is an optimistic perspective and that the dons where wanting manage his workload and look at giving others a go in the forward structure. The other is more pessimistic that potential a forward line of Cale Hooker and Peter Wright the Dons have room for one of Waterman and Jones.

Dyson Heppell

The halfback role is there, but I’m not convinced the scoring will be. And while Heppell does have the halfback gig, he’s not going to be the primary mover. The club based off tonight will either look to get Hind’s hands to rebound and run or allow Ridley to be the general with his foot skills.

I’ve had him on my side at various times of the preseason in all formats. But for now, I think we’ve got better scoring options at comparable prices. Sorry Dyson, your getting replaced!

Nick Hind

He was impressive with his run and carry off half-back for the first three quarters of the game. However, at three quarter time, he was subbed out of the game with a shoulder injury. He’s likely to be among the first to gain a new position, and in draft leagues especially, he’s a nice late flyer option.

Jordan Ridley

The role and the scoring trend we all came to know and love in 2020 appears to be carrying through into this year. He’s the clubs preferred kick in candidate and is still one of the best interceptors in the league. He’s a safe top 10 defenders in SuperCoach and right around the mark in AFLFantasy.

Darcy Parish

Another one that’s probably more draft relevant than classic formats, but Parish was impressive tonight. He played through the midfield, was clever and tight, and would then work hard to push into space for link-up possessions. Hopefully, the Bombers keep him in this role. He’s got the potential to be a fantasy performer if he does.

Ned Cahill

Worked his way into the game, and provided some drive late especially once Hind went off injured. He won’t be a great scoring cash cow, but he’ll be a pulse if we get desperate in our forward lines.

Nik Cox

Floated between playing a forward and defensive role. No doubt the Bombers will try to get plenty of games into him, but don’t expect a lot of points as he’s a key position player. His DEF/FWD DPP is probably more helpful than the actual scoring or cash generation he brings.

Also, on behalf of Rids… get a haircut!

Every AFL clubs best UltimateFooty sliders

Success in your draft league isn’t normally found in the opening handful of rounds. Rather it’s where coaches discover diamonds in the rough towards the end of the draft. As draft day approaches for coaches, I decided to share who I think are every AFL clubs best UltimateFooty sliders

FYI: The average draft position (ADP)’s are taken from our friends, The Draft Doctors, and their current UltimateFooty mock draft simulator.

Lachlan Sholl | ADP 224

One of the biggest positive things that came from the 2020 season for Adelaide was Lachie Sholl’s emergence. He offers two key quality traits that the Adelaide midfield has been crying out for. That being outside speed and classy ball use by foot.

His round 17 performance against Carlton last season was a nice sampler of his potential. He had 24 possessions, 2 goals and scored an 89 ( 111 adjusted) in UltimateFooty.

In the preseason, he has won the Crows time trial and the coaching staff has been desperate to get him playing across the wing. As a defensive eligible option, hoping for an average of 75+ isn’t out of the equation.

Joe Daniher | ADP 204

It’s a theme that you’ll see across these sliders. Forwards suck, so I’m seeing if can we get some late potential value rather than burning an early pick. Joe Daniher has had a faultless preseason and is seemingly finally getting the best out of his body. His 2017 season averaging 84.7 is a long time ago now, but it does highlight his scoring potential.

Normally picks beyond 200 are just purely speculative picks with an upside that often end up back in the player pool. So given his proven performance, it’s well worth a late pick.

I wrote about Joe Daniher earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Will Setterfield | ADP 182

How a player ends a season can be a great indicator of how the coming season will track. And for those who draft Will Setterfield this season, they’ll be hoping that this is true. Last year his season average of 67 (83 adjusted) was fine, but it’s his final 7 games that would have coaches interested.

Between round 11 til seasons end he scored 77 (96), 70 (87), 92 (115), 91(113), 54 (67), 86 (107) and 93 (116). That’s a seven game average of 80 (100 adjusted.) You’ll take scoring like that in the middle of the draft, let alone this late.

Isaac Quaynor | ADP 179

Despite only playing 11 games of AFL footy, Isaac Quaynor has started to show promising signs. Both as a rebounding defender and as a fantasy footballer.

In round 14 against Carlton, he had 20 possessions, 5 marks, 5 tackles, and 84 (105 adjusted) in UltimateFooty. A fortnight later, against the Suns, delivered a 76 (95 adjusted).

It’s a small sample size, but the upside is there. Plus, Collingwood have always been a highly relevant and high scoring fantasy side.

Dyson Heppell | ADP 195

Don’t expect a return to the 100+ averages from Dyson Heppell. 2018 was the last time he delivered numbers that high, and while it’s not that long ago, alot has happened in those 2 seasons. Both on the injury front, and the players added to the Bombers midfield unit

Rather, the big potential value in Dyson is around an impending DPP allocation. In the offseason, Heppell has been training with the defenders, and the club wants the ball in his hands rebounding out of the defensive 50. If he picks up this allocation, he moves from being just ‘bench cover’ as a 75-85 midfielder to being an on-field D3/D4.

I wrote about Dyson Heppell earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Hayden Young | ADP 242

5 games of AFL is a super small sample size, but in round 4 & 5 last year, Hayden Young owners would’ve spotted something special. His booming left boot returned scored 77 (96 adjusted) and 58 (72).

The dockers loved getting the ball in his hands and allowing him to set up the play with pinpoint precision. I think he’ll take another step towards fulfilling his fantasy potential, which will ultimately culminate in him being a long term premium for us in time.

Shaun Higgins | ADP 145

If your draft league has positional changes on, then Shaun Higgins is a must consider. His move to Geelong has him earmarked for the forward role previously held down by Gary Ablett.

At best, he gains a MID/FWD DPP and averages in the ’80s, making him a strong F2. At worst, he maintains a heavy midfield role, and he averages 90+. You really can’t lose.

Noah Anderson | ADP 197

It’s a rare talent that can bust out of the second year Blues. But it wouldn’t shock me at all to see Noah Anderson join the club and do it. In his final 4 games of the year, he averaged 71.5 (89 adjusted). Noah possesses both a damaging inside and outside game which makes him a perfect fantasy performer. He might not pop in 2021, but he’s as good a chance as anyone at a second year breakout.

Isaac Cumming | ADP 207

You could probably put Lachie Ash in this spot too. If you get the chance to handcuff them together, it should increase the pick delivery chances.

The GWS Giants defensive unit has undergone an offseason overhaul, with Heath Shaw, Aiden Corr and Zac Williams departing the club. This opens up plenty of opportunities for the talented youngster. Isaac uses the ball well by hand and foot & has a high footy IQ. Certainly someone with upside late in a draft.

Liam Shiels | ADP 205

I’m all for looking for ‘upside’ late in drafts, but sometimes in the hunt for the one in a thousand breakouts (aka Luke McDonald), we ignore other solid options. Liam Shiels has been a consistent performer over numerous seasons and has also shown that he can punch out some tasty tons in the right match.

Last seasons 67.7 average (84 adjusted) isn’t horrid. While the three seasons prior, he averaged 91, 97 & 95. Getting potential numbers like that in the 20th round of a draft is a steal. He’s certainly worth the pick as some bench depth, if nothing else.

James Harmes | ADP 160

As each day passes, the earlier it seems James Harmes is going in drafts. Why? Because the experiment of him playing in the backline is over. And the club has confirmed that he’ll return to the midfield. Just 12 months ago, he was coming off a 2019 season wherein the midfield her averaged 94. If he delivers numbers like that, he’s a genuine D1 and getting picked up in drafts at a position of a D5.

Luke Davies-Uniacke | ADP 193

As a junior, Luke Davies-Uniacke drew comparisons to Carlton and West Coast champion Chris Judd. Sadly, injuries haven’t been kind over the past few seasons to the former first round pick.

Now fit, he’s finally firing and ready to establish himself in the North midfield. LDU is an explosive midfielder and has elite stoppage traits. If it all clicks for him, he can push an average of 85-95.

Xavier Duursma | ADP 253

All the preseason hype is head towards both Zak Butters and Connor Rozee. And understandably so. However, I think coaches forget about the scoring potential of Xavier Duursma. In his second AFL game, he scored 102, and across the remainder of his debut season, he scored another ton plus an additional four scores between 90-99.

The third year breakout rule is in effect for the archer, and given his ADP, the potential upside is insane. He goes from being possible last selected players, to being an on field midfielder.

Toby Nankervis | ADP 169

The knee injury to Ivan Soldo means the Tigers will likely leave Toby Nankervis as a sole ruck for the season, with various talls playing a supporting role. In 2017 & 2018, when the Tigers adopted this strategy, Toby averaged 86 & 89 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 88 & 98 in SuperCoach.

If you choose or are unable to get one of Brodie Grundy, Reilly O’Brien or Max Gawn in your draft, then getting Nank as a late pickup is a handy target.

Sebastian Ross | ADP 221

All it takes is for a couple of injuries in the St Kilda side, and the relevance of Seb Ross will bolt. While you’d never wish injuries on anyone, the Saints have their fair share of ‘injury prone’ midfielders. Recruit Brad Crouch and Dan Hannebery have missed plenty of footy over the last 3 seasons. Should either miss big chunks of this season, then Seb could well get pushed back into a core midfield role.

Between 2016-2019 he averaged 98, 102, 107 & 94. At this point of the draft, where he’s basically last picked in your team, there is now risk. And he doesn’t just have ‘potential’; he’s a proven performer. When looking for upside, the ‘proven’ is a better pick than the ‘potential’ scorer.

Lance Franklin | ADP 214

Are you a forward? And do you have the potential to score over 80? If so, coaches will consider you on draft day! The scoring history of Lance Franklin even at 1,000 years old isn’t the concern. Rather it’s on his durability. But at this point of the draft, it’s all upside.

I wrote about Lance Franklin earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Luke Shuey | ADP 122

It isn’t a ‘flashy’ pick, nor is ita drastically ‘late’ pick. But given what Luke Shuey can do, it’d be a great get to get him even at his ADP on draft day. Before 2020, Luke was an incredibly durable player, and his scoring consistency was incredibly reliable.

Between 2015-2019 he missed just 6 games and averaged 93, 94, 99, 98, 87 & 101. You can put down his poor scoring of last year due to a few injury niggles and nothing more. A fit Shuey will become one of the best picks on the draft day given his return at this point in a draft.

Mitch Wallis | ADP 221

Thin pickings here, most dogs you want OK, draft coaches, you know it, but the forward stocks in 2021 suck. So it’s players with job security and scoring potential that can pop that we’re looking at later in the draft. The Bulldogs new Vice-Captain Mitch Wallis won’t get any midfield time, but he’s safely inside the Dogs best. However, because so much of his scoring is based on tackles and goals, if the Doggies can dominate the inside 50 game, he should turn in several 70-90+ scoring games.

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: