Well to use the oldest cliché in the book “a week is a long time in football”. After a rank of 126 last week and all the right picks in the right spots, it was back to planet earth for this scribe this week.
Author: Ben Lamont
There were many underwhelming performances, but I digress, we are not here to talk about my rollercoaster season!
There’s big points in Carlton’s midfield
Carlton’s midfield will be good (no matter who plays in there). This time it was Acres (107), Curnow (103) and Cripps (101) hitting the tonne, while Kennedy (97) and Cerra (90) weren’t far behind. I’d be wary of many of those names with who is coming back in the near future, but there are points to be had. On the flip side, Geelong’s midfield is really not worth mentioning, however that Cameron (138) guy could just become more than draft relevant.
Clarry is a beast and will always find a way
Just when you thought Clarry (149) was a little quiet, not even the power going out could stop him. Just uber… Probably the most interesting thing out of this game though was the Max Gawn (4) injury which now leaves Grundy (97) as the sole ruck for the foreseeable future. Gawn has confirmed it was only a medial, but could the old ruck pig be a move? On a side note, Junkley (97) just saved himself after another underwhelming performance and Cashcroft (90) showed us why we all had to start with him this year.
Get on Daicos ASAP
A sad game for a Port supporter, but man it was pretty awesome to watch the Pies in that first half. Flag favourites for me right now. Nick Daicos (117) got the tag and just laughed his way to another top shelf performance. If you did not start him, get on now, there is a 40+ possession game coming soon. Darcy Cameron (109) looked great, but remember he was only against the pitiful Lycett (46). I don’t think Rozee (81) owners have anything to worried about after his head knock and slow scoring. Two marks that should have been paid (or frees) that would have been goals and his score is fine. JHF (42) owners on the other hand will be on the rage trade after that effort, learn to tackle boy.
Laird’s bounce back was never in doubt
Rory Laird (142) was back to his usual self after a strange Round 1. Taranto (108) was great again and Hopper (109) did what his owners were after in the first week. An option that was not mentioned enough in pre-season may be the big Nank (102) who just keeps getting it done. One to keep an eye on is Josh Rachele (85) whose new role pinching in the midfield looks to have improved his scoring output and with Berry’s (52) poor start to the season, could he see a further bump?
Marshall and English the best ruck combo?
The set and forget ruck combo of Rowan Marshall (116) and Tim English (117) did what we expected them to do. Although Bont (92) was a little underwhelming, the rest of the premos got it done. One name that has now popped up though is Mr Liam Stocker (98) who seems to be thriving at his new club. Could be an interesting POD? After Bevo’s comments post-match about “changing things up” I think I would just be avoiding Bulldogs at all costs now, just too much inconsistency.
Ziebell is back to his old tricks
Nick Daicos 2.0, the Sheez (127) just looks phenomenal. If you did not start him, he is still a must have with what he is doing at his price and the increases still to come. LDU (123) is quickly looking to be the under-priced premo pick of the year and a man I mentioned in an early article, Jack Ziebell (109), is back to his old tricks racking it up down back. With Freo’s game plan, their backs and mids look to be solid picks, however I worry if they keep losing that a change will come, so I would still hold strong on guys like Ryan (115) and Cox (80).
Will Day was the sideways Yeo option
Callum Mills (109) looked like he was in for one of his monster scores, but went back to 2nd gear as the Swans bullied the Hawks. Other popular picks in Moore (109) and Gulden (104) were solid and Will Day (92) is proving to be the value pick down back we all needed when Elliot Yeo went down. I think the big thing to take from this game is that teams are going to destroy the Hawks this year and it could be a scoring fest, or players could even get a rest, but forwards will be good!
Setterfield ticks all the boxes
I think the time has come that if you do not have Will Setterfield (130) he has forced our hand. The role is there, he is hitting every stat line and the bombers are winning. If you have an underwhelming premo (like one of the dogs) jump ship and use the cash to fix elsewhere. Not much else to report from this game except if you jumped on guys like Perkins (34) or Ridley (64) that would not have felt nice, or if you were like me and got in Uwland (27) to now watch him likely be dropped next week. Wah.
Rucks will dominate the Eagles, so hold Darcy
Not sure if the last game says more about the Eagles or the Giants? One thing is for sure, rucks are going to dominate WCE until Nic Nat is back, with Flynn (110) the latest to feast. Cogs (103) was on a burner but slowed up, and popular trade-in target Tom Green (90) did not live up to expectations. Lots of random scores here, but popular guys like Dom Sheed (72) were not what his owners paid for and Callaghan (61) was only just OK late after an injury scare.
Well, if you’ve made it this far you have done very well. Do not forget, this is a value-for-money game. Take risks and get the guys who are popping ASAP. Hope this helps, hope you enjoyed and if not, hope you’re still awake! Good luck for Round 3!
