AAMI Series Notes: Fin dive, Gawn dominates, Naismith in mix, Dean good
Two AAMI Community Series games were played on Tuesday and Wednesday with some standout performances, important injury news and role changes noted.
Tuesday, February 27
Collingwood v Richmond, Ikon Park, 6.40pm AEDT
Key notes
There wasn’t a lot to love about this game, with Nick Daicos keeping everyone guessing after 21 disposals and a score of 75/102 (AF/SC) but he only played 57% TOG.
Fin Macrae’s prospects took a major dive after playing only the second half, showing his rank in the hierarchy and scoring 28/29 from 36% TOG. Reef McInnes similarly only had 36% TOG and scored 27/15 (AF/SC), including a goal which is a major turnoff. Charlie Dean was good with 12 disposals and 8 marks, totaling 63/47 AF/SC points having missed the first half. Good signs.
There’s not a lot of interest in Richmond players but Josh Gibcus is one who’s highly owned, playing 81% TOG after missing 2023 with injury but only scoring 29/62 (AF/SC).
Injury news
With Toby Nankervis out nursing a heel problem and in doubt for the early part of the season, Sam Naismith led the ruck for Richmond, attending 12 of 18 CBAs and scoring 52/87 (AF/SC)
Nankervis said earlier this week: “I’m not sure (on a return date), honestly. I’m just session to session at the moment, but I’ve managed to do a lot of work over pre-season, and just a little bit slow in the last couple of weeks.”
Jack Graham suffered a moderate quad strain late in the game and Richmond have confirmed he’ll miss 3-5 weeks.
Wednesday, February 28
Carlton v Melbourne, Ikon Park, 6.40pm AEDT
Key notes
Max Gawn absolutely dominated with 24 touches and 5 marks, equating to 130/185 AF/SC points. Christian Salem got midfield time, attending 22 of 28 CBAs and scoring 103/102 from 23 disposals, although that role may change if Clayton Oliver returns.
Dees assistant coach Andrew McQualter said about Salem: “He did look good, didn’t he? He’s a pretty good player, so I think anywhere you put him, he’s going to be a pretty good player. Clearly, we’re going to have to get a little bit creative with our midfield. He played there tonight and was really good for us.”
Caleb Windsor was a big talking point with 11 touches and 2 goals off the wing, playing 66% TOG and scoring 46/77 (AF/SC). McQualter said: “He’s really given himself every chance, hasn’t he? He’s had a terrific pre-season. He’s trained really hard. He’s a young kid, he’s got lots in his game that he’ll still get better at. He’s given himself a real look at it. That’s one of his skillsets (two goals), but he’s also got a strong defensive side of his game. He’ll be trying to balance that out all year.”
The Blues didn’t do much overly inventive. Nic Newman only scored 56/48 (AF/SC) from 65% TOG which will cool interest in him. Likewise, Orazio Fantasia who scored 22/36 (AF/SC) at half-forward from 82% TOG and Jaxon Binns got limited TOG, so doesn’t seem a Round 1 chance.
Injury news
Jesse Motlop had a jarred foot and exited the game early. Sam Walsh remains out and Zac Williams played in the VFL game. Carlton assistant coach Ash Hansen said: “Sam Durdin and Zac Williams both played today and got through well. We’ve got nine days to assess how they recovered and what the mix looks like. We’ve got time to be methodical and have a look at the team balance and see what is going to be best for what Brisbane does and what they do this week.”