Friday was full of match sim with a few standout performers and an injury scare for Touk Miller, while there were updates on Mattaes Phillipou, George Wardlaw, Jye Menzie and Finn Callaghan’s Round 1 prospects.
MATCH SIM
Numerous clubs played match sim on Friday, offering an insight into roles and showcasing those in good touch, although we must caution it’s still a month until the season begins.
Touk Miller (AF $972k SC $662k MID) left Gold Coast’s Friday match sim at quarter-time with a tight hamstring, although he reportedly didn’t seem overly concerned. Ben King (AF $316k SC $176k FWD) played the first half, kicking two goals, as he aims to return to AFL footy after an ACL injury.
Finn Callaghan (AF $406k SC $244k MID) continues to impress in GWS’ pre-season. The club’s match sim report said: “Midfielder Finn Callaghan produced his second consecutive standout performance, showcasing his speed and penetrating left foot kick.”
Nat Fyfe (AF $681k SC $313k M/F) booted three goals up forward in Fremantle’s match sim, while Caleb Daniel (AF $768k SC $495k DEF) enjoyed more midfield time in the Bulldogs’ match sim.
Jye Menzie (AF $283k SC $154k FWD) looms as a Round 1 cheapie having impressed in pre-season with Essendon, along with a strong Thursday match sim display. The club’s match sim report said: “Youngster Jye Menzie proved a standout, moving up and down the ground while also converting on the scoreboard.”
Fergus Greene (AF $200k SC $123k FWD) also impressed at Hawthorn’s Wednesday match sim. The club report said: “Rookie forward Fergus Greene also put his hand up for Round 1 selection after producing a strong performance.”
James Sicily (AF$854k SC $624k DEF) picked up an ankle injury during the game, but Hawks assistant coach Adrian Hickmott told SEN: “He’ll be fine. It was really, really minor.”
UPDATES
AFL Draft pick 4 George Wardlaw (AF $294k SC $193k FWD) is unlikely to debut in Round 1 with North putting him in a new reconditioning phase after a few years interrupted by illness and injury. North Head of Performance Kevin White said: “(We’ll) re-assess after that six-week block where George sits to reintegrate among the main group, and look towards games and beyond.”
Dayne Zorko (AF $731k SC $453k FWD) is nursing a hamstring injury and Lions coach Chris Fagan said he’ll likely miss next weekend’s practice game against Sydney. Fagan said: “I don’t think so. We won’t take any risks with him. Tendon things need a bit more time. We’ll just go as slowly as we need to with him… I expect he’ll be right for Round 1 unless he has a setback.”
Mattaes Phillipou (AF $282k SC $166k M/F) looms as an early sason debutant with St Kilda coach Ross Lyon indicating he’s firmly in the mix for Round 1 selection. Lyon told 7News Melbourne: “He’s every chance (to play Round 1). You can’t have favourites but he’s as impressive a first-year player as I’ve experienced for focus on improving his footy.”
The Saints have a few injuries with key forwards, although assistant coach Robert Harvey cooled talk on SSP signing Anthony Caminiti (AF $200k SC $102k FWD) playing early. He said: “That’s a big stretch as he’s coming from a long way back. I will say he’s attacking it really well. We’re excited but we won’t get too ahead of ourselves with Round 1. If he gets a look at some stage this year, we’d be happy.”
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick talked up the prospects of young forward Jacob Bauer (AF $200k SC $123k FWD), who may get an early chance with Tom Lynch recovering from injury. He told afl.com.au: “He’s that undersized key forward who can compete really well. He was very close to playing senior footy last year. He’s starting to find his footing. We’re really impressed by the way he goes about it. He’ll hopefully get some opportunity in pre-season games this year.”
