The bye rounds are behind us and we are back into the real stuff and boy did the players respond! A HUGE scoring week and just one or two poor scores would have left you chasing the pack.
Some good recent picks like Briggs (59) and D Cam (58) really put some coaches behind as the big dogs shone. So what can we take out of all this?
Cough Cough
We finally got the chance to have Tim Taranto (80) as a VC and of course what happens? His ton run comes to an end… The vigilant coaches out there may have seen some late news that he was a bit under the weather and jumped off, well played to you. As for the Lions, it seems a tale of two teams here with Neale (127) and McCluggage (116) excellent at home, along with Ashcroft (95) who seems to love the Gabba. Another popular VC option was Junkley (72) who was going OK before being subbed out. Personally I think look for him at Marvel, but the other boys seem to be more at home in Brisbane.
The two little pigs
Those who did not go one of the big two on Thursday night, may have stuck with the emerging piglet in Errol Gulden (128) who did not disappoint. His co-worker in Angus Sheldrick (93) flourished with Chad Warner out of the side and I just cannot wait to see this guy crack the 80% TOG mark. Seriously under-priced premium Callum Mills (85) got the mid minutes we wanted, but the score was just so so. Watching the game though, there were a few chances to bump this score and this might be the week to jump on before he finds his rhythm again.
Match up, match up, match up
Well if there is a theme I have hammered on about this year it is about finding the right match ups. This was one of those… Jordan Dawson (136) did exactly what those who gave him the C wanted, Ben Keays (132) has been a great pick and continues to thrive and even ROB (133), Mitch Hinge (119) and Rory Sloane (112) managed to tonne up! Jack Ziebell (86) picked up an injury and it was instant reward for Harry Sheezel (106) who looks a bonified keeper. One to keep an eye on is Tristan Xerri who has been dominating the VFL and with Goldy subbed in this one, is a return on the cards?
Tons of fun
Nine tons came from the Dogs/Freo game and at the top of the tree was break out sensation Caleb Serong (134). Personally I thought last year was going to be his year, but he has well and truly broken out now and is a good chance to even be a top 8 mid come season’s end. All the other big boys did their thing, but it is the form of Liam Henry (116) that really surprises. It would be bold and unique, but just maybe he has found his place in this team. Also keep an eye on Nat Fyfe (46) as his injury could open the door for Matt Johnson (87) to keep his elite scoring going (sicko I know…).
Instant hall of famer
There has been a lot said of Nick Daicos (150) in a very short career so far, but seriously, what can’t this kid do. Number one pick in any keeper league for the next few years for sure (not to mention in our classic sides!). Wil Powell (105) kept his good form going and those who took the risk on Sam Flanders (101) were well rewarded straight up. In this game it was the rucks who were the biggest disappointment. D Cam (58) and Wittsy (60) were atrocious and perhaps it is time to say goodbye (certainly to the latter!).
Darcy is back
Now you would think I would jump straight to my boy Connor (145) in this one, but it was actually to form of Darcy Parish (123) that really pricked my ears up. After a long layoff, Parish has returned and is looking like his old self. He ran hard up and down the ground to find the ball and even tackled ferociously. With 4 behinds this score could have been much bigger and if you are looking for a unique premium, do not hesitate bringing him in. On a side note, it looks like Scott Lycett might be out for the near future so streaming rucks against Port is once again a serious option (Witts and D Cam in the next three… duh).
Flying under the radar
I was big on Adam Cerra (114) last year and although he was solid, it was not what I was hoping for. Another one that just took that one extra year and is now having a sneaky good season. A real unique and for those who backed him in, they would be very happy. Doc (113) just did his thing and should be in your team before the end of the year, otherwise not much else to speak of from this game. For those holding Will Day (79), perhaps this was the final straw and the time for an upgrade is now?
Wet = Tough
In horrendous conditions, as expected, the big bodied mids got to work. Jack Viney (148) had a really slow start to the season but has been terrific since Clayton Oliver went down. Similarly, Trac (117) has just been churning out tonnes in this time and is a great upgrade option. Tom Green (108) and Cogs (105) also got their mitts dirty, further exaggerating the point that this time of year is made for the mids as the weather gets colder and wetter. Can owners of Briggs (59) forgive this one…? We will see…
Did someone say match ups?
Although the Saints did not have it all their way as we may have thought, the fantasy scores went almost exactly to script. Brad Crouch (137) went off with 17 tackles, Ro Mar (130) did what rucks do against the Eagles and the West Coast backs in Hurn (133) and Witherden (131) got heaps of it as expected. Unfortunately, Jack Steele (87) owners were hoping this was the turnaround game, yet got more of the same. It is a scary thought to jump off someone as good as the Saints captain, but how much of this can coaches put up with? No doubt the big score will come the week after you trade 😉
Well in a week where a score in the 2400s saw many coaches lose rank, it is now vital that you have the premos with the run home to get that edge. Have a good look at what is to come and make smart decisions based on what could come, not what has been. Good luck for Round 17!
