Waiting in the Wings: Ginnivan pushes for debut, Parker dominant, Coniglio to return
A number of rookies continue to push their case for selection led by Jack Ginnivan, Matthew Park and Noah Cumberland, while GWS could be welcoming back their captain this week after another strong performance.
ROOKIE FLAGS
Collingwood’s Jack Ginnivan (AF $170k SC $102k M/F) put in another impressive performance to put his hand up for a debut, kicking four goals for the second week in a row.
Max Lynch (AF $229k SC $123k RUC) was dominant again in the ruck, finishing with 40 hit-outs and two goals. Reef McInnes (AF $226k SC $117k MID) collected 18 disposals in his return from an ankle injury.
Richmond’s mid-season draftee Matthew Parker (AF $308k SC $141k M/F) continues to find plenty of the ball at the lower level, finishing with 24 disposals.
Noah Cumberland (AF $170k SC $123k M/F) had his best performance in the VFL on the weekend, collecting 20 disposals and kicking a game-high five goals. Will Martyn (AF $171k SC $123k MID) was impressive in the midfield, finishing with 31 disposals.
Eagles mid-season draftee Connor West (AF $170k SC $102k MID) was prolific with 33 disposals and six tackles. West Coast VFL coach Daniel Pratt said: “Really impressed with how he’s going… he was tough and clean all day.”
Essendon’s Sam Durham (AF $170k SC $102k D/M) was impressive again in defence, registering 19 disposals.
RETURNING GUNS
GWS captain Stephen Coniglio (AF $670k SC $477k MID) could make his return to selection this weekend after dominating in the VFL. Coniglio had a team-high 35 disposals and layed 7 tackles.
Xavier Duursma (AF $568k SC $390k MID) made his long-awaited return from injury on the weekend, finishing with 14 disposals and four tackles. His availability could put pressure on the job security of Miles Bergman (AF $451k SC $337k D/F), although his position in the team appears to have been solidified in recent weeks.
Dan Hannebery (AF $662k SC $338k MID) played limited minutes in his return from injury and finished with 12 disposals and a goal.
IN THE MIX
West Coast’s Luke Foley (AF $269k SC $197k DEF) could also come into contention again after another solid performance, finishing with 22 disposals.
GWS big men Kieren Briggs (AF $255k SC $174k D/F) and Matt Flynn (AF $463k SC $422k RUC) both had strong moments in the ruck and kept their name in conversation if Shane Mumford needs a rest.
Hayden Young (AF $369k SC $280k DEF) made his return from injury and put together a solid performance. If he is available for selection he could put pressure on the job security of Brandon Walker (AF $252k SC $159k DEF).
Jack Bytel (AF $372k SC $259k MID) was dominant in his return from concussion, collecting 37 disposals and 10 clearances. His availability could put pressure on the job security of Leo Connolly (AF $232k SC $136k D/F).
After a slow start, Jordon Sweet (AF $349k SC $226k RUC) worked his way into the contest collecting 31 hit-outs and two goals.
Ben Jarvis (AF $194k SC $139k D/F) was named best-afield for Geelong, finishing with three goals and 15 disposals.
Logan McDonald (AF $286k SC $212k FWD) put in a strong performance, kicking a team-high four goals from his 18 disposals and 14 marks. Sydney’s VFL coach Jeremy Laidler adding “McDonald’s work rate was through the roof and he got rewarded with four goals and probably should have kicked a lot more”.
Following the weekend’s injury to Eric Hipwood a spot may have opened up in Brisbane’s forward line. Tom Fullarton (AF $215k SC $164k F/R) finished the game with 18 disposals and four marks.
