Just though I would give it it’s own topic…

Scores are up. Lots of injuries. Cornes! Ablett? things to chase up, people to see, so there will be more detail up later.

Morning all. And watch out for that swine flu!

No big suprises last night. Carlton won. Kade once again perform better than most expects, Le Cras didn’t make a ton, even though he kicked 6, and Houlihan made any of the people who held onto him, very happy.

How are you all going?

This is not going to be a very long post, only a quick discussion on Captain selections for Round 10.   I’m assuming the discussion and comments below will prove handy for those without Ablett.

So – here’s some of the options:

1) Gary Ablett Jr.  If you have him, put him in.  Simple as that, he should rack ‘em up against the Dons.   Everyone who doesn’t have him will be praying for a sub-100 game so they can buy him next week and never have another week to worry about captain selections.

2) Leon Davis.  Should get a free run as you’d think Kane Cornes will do the run-with role with someone he can keep up with

3) One of the St Kilda midfield trimvirate – Dal Santo/Montagna/Hayes – should do more than OK against the Demons.   How much of the Pie can they each eat up.

4) Nick Riewoldt – while on the Saints, you could do worse than loading up on Roo against the Demons.

5) Brendon Goddard – and another Saints wonderful scorer.   I would probably steer clear of Fisher but heck I’ve given five options…

6) Chris Judd – fired up and against his old rivals in West Coast.  Expect a massive game from the skipper tonight.

7) Matthew Pavlich – against Richmond you must be some sort of chance of a 150.

Joel Corey – rarely disappoints and surprisingly doing better than Selwood and Bartel this year in SC average-wise.

9) Aaron Sandilands – a smoky but at home vs Richmond…you could do worse.

10) Adam Goodes – hitting form and could be a shootout against the Doggies.

Steer clear – Sewell vs Adelaide, Pendlebury vs Port Adelaide – just think the stoppers will be out in force.

Who will win, and more importantly, who will score well? All in the Round Preview. Going for 3 8s in a row, my tips are in Bold.

Friday May 29
Carlton v West Coast at Docklands, 7.40pm AEST
The WCE midfield is looking in even more trouble than usual, with their number 1 inside man Matt Priddis sidelined with a groin injury and Kerr desperately out of sorts. This means that Blues midfielders, like Chris Judd, should chop up this week at Etihad, sespecially fter seeing last week where Pies midfielders like Davis, Swan, Pendlebury and Lockyer dominated.. Judd scored 112 last year despite a hard tag by Adam Selwood, while  Dean Cox smashed Kreuzer and Cloke last year to score 149. Don’t expect it to be so one sided this week though. Also pay attention to Eagles debutant Tom Swift, who looked very good preseason.
Saturday May 30
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 2.10pm AEST

The Bulldogs were great against the Cats and should carry that form into their next match against the Swans.  Beware of late exclusions, with injury clouds over fantasy stars Higgins and Gilbee. Matthew Boyd loved the in and under style of the Swans, but they have been evolving a higher possesion gameplan, so that may change. Jarrad McVeigh kicked 6 goals in an awesome performance a against the Bulldogs last time they played at Manuka, so watch out for him. Try to avoid captains here.

North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Docklands, 2.10pm AEST

Smoky of the week. Brisbane took it right up to the Saints last week, while North looked horrible trying to sneak a win off Fremantle. Watch out for Drew Petrie and David Hale to try to conquer the undermanned Brisbane defence, while Black/Power/Adcock should do well provided they avoid Rawlings. Don’t think I can remember a less experienced midfield then the one named, if the team sheet means anything : Ross, Ziebell, Wright, Greenwood, Swallow.  Simon Black alone would have double the amount of games they have put together. Brownshaw kicked 5 each last time they played.
St Kilda v Melbourne at Carrara, 7.10pm AEST

Look out for a good old fashioned belting here. Colin Garland held Roo well last time, but he’s not here anymore, so once again consider him for captaincy. Ball, Goddard, Dal Santo and Montagna all dominated last time, and expect that to continue with Melbourne infamous for their ability to concede points in the guts.

Fremantle v Richmond at Subiaco Oval, 5.40pm AWST

OK, they’re 1-8, they’re playing Fremantle, and they’re going to lose. I think. Does anyone really care? (other than Terry Wallace?) Pavlich scored 113 last time against them, but other than that there isn’t much to say. Go Broughton, make me some money!

Sunday May 31
Adelaide v Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium, 12.40pm ACST

Home ground advantage is the only thing that may keep the Crows form losing. It will be interesting to see if Bock plays on his bunny, Buddy Franklin, who he has kept quiet extremely well. Expect Roughead to suffer as well on Ben Rutten. Adelaide’s hopes will be pinned on their mid sized forwards in Porplyzia, Knights and Vince. Expect a tough, physical game with a very small margin. Interestingly, Andy Otten scored -1 last time in SC against the Hawks, so all of his owners (like me) will be praying that doesn’t happen again.

Essendon v Geelong at Docklands, 2.10pm AEST

Sorry Bombers, but this is Geelong. Expect all the Cats midfielders to dominate, and stick a big C next to Gary Ablett if you have him. The Cats are the masters at running, the Dons are the apprentice, and expect the scoreboard to reflect that (though hopefully it won’t be a 99 point flogging like last year).

Collingwood v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 4.40pm AEST

Neon Leon killed it last year, scoring a lazy 164. Port allowed the Swans midfielders to run wild last week, and that will benefit captaincy options like Pendles and Davis. Look out for the return of Didak and Krakouer and the dropping of Sidebottom. It all depends on which Power turns up; the good one or the absolutely terrible one. On recent form, the Pies should be able to knock off the Power, though neither are impressive.

OK it’s a time for some best buys.  I’m putting in a structured blog that maybe one we stick with in the future depending on your feedback.  I will go through each position and give the best buys in three categories: rookie (sub200), midrange (201-449) and premium (450+). 

Needless to say, the best time to trade is after lots of thought on Friday after teams are announced, and if in doubt say NO and cop a zero or emergency!

Without further ado…

DEF
Rookies (sub200)
1) Broughton 83400
2) Grima  94200
3) Greenwood 94200
Comments: Nothing great in defence.  Cheney too expensive to downgrade to and doesn’t get a game.   Better to stick with one of these three who have found potential to get 2 games.   Collier was close, but his BE is pathetic and two years running hasn’t done it for me.  Spudrenko..? No.

Midrange (201-449)
1) Ryder  414200
2) P Burgoyne 417300
3) Grimes  252000
Comments: Ryder is still on the up, P Burgoyne can’t drop much more, and Grimes is still not a bad selection.   Well recommended within the Demons hierarchy and negative Breakeven.  Adcock unlucky to miss – nearing his low point.   Value to be had here with Ryder playing in the ruck now.

Premium (450+)
1) McMahon 451200
2) Maxwell 487200
3) Gilbee 463100
Comments: McMahon and Maxwell are in red hot form.  Whether that is because of the deficiencies in their team’s forward structure or not remains to be seen.  Of the rest, Gilbee is probably the best value, but there are a host of others in the running such as Newman and Birchall still in reach.  Most of the other premiums are too far away and could drop further in weeks to come.

MID
Rookies (sub200)
1) Muston 94200
2) Cockie  154700
3) Sheldon 154500
Comments:  OK really only Muston is value here.  I still reckon wait a week or even two – he will be on the list again next week at the same value, but with less risk if he can get through unscathed.   Cockie and Sheldon are the safe bets who should play fairly regularly from their teams from now on.

Midrange (201-449)
1) Stevens  413200
2) Edwards  414100
3) McGlynn  284800
Comments:  A bit of the old fossils coming out this week.  Stevens is at a fairly low point, and Edwards is a consistent performer.  So long as McGlynn keeps getting a game he will keep rising.   Not so much value here compared to premiums and rookies.

Premium (450+)
1) Cross  495400
2) Boyd  496500
3) Goodes  509100
Comments:  A rare day when you can find Cross and/or Boyd at under 500k.   The good ship Goodes hasn’t sailed yet – he still churns out points and quietly ups his value.  Junior boy is coming next week.  Get your $ ready.

FWD
Rookies (sub200)
1) Wright   94200
2) Cornelius 94200
3) Sidebottom 175900
Comments: Probably the last week you can get onto Sidebottom; will be interesting to see with Didak/Thomas/Medhurst returning if he maintains his spot in the 22.   Wright looks composed at North, and the highly rated Cornelius did well on the weekend, and with holes bigger than Texas in the Brisbane backline, may be having a few more runs.  Apologies to Dick but I think he might get the tap on the shoulder this week.

Midrange (201-449)
1) McGlynn  284400
2) B Johnson 414400
3) Fevola  362600
Comments:  No midrange value to speak of.  Have to include McGlynn the MID-FWD option.  I have to include the old stagers because realistically these two are the only guys in that midrange value capable of getting to 500k.  Big risks for both though.

Premium (450+)
1) Wirrpanda  477200
2) Franklin  469600
3) J Brown  454200
Comments:  All in the 400s with capacity to move to the 500s.  Wirra and Buddy are scoring nicely now, and their ships have just about sailed.  J Brown is a strange candidate – normally logic would suggest he won’t be much lower, but a 153 breakeven makes me think next week, mate (or maybe not even then).

RUC
Rookies (sub200)
1) Hampson 185400
2) Pyke  83400
3) Spencer 83400
Comments:  At least Hampson’s getting a game.  Looks OK.  The rest are pure cash cows who probably won’t play but at least you’ll have cash-in-hand.

Midrange (201-449)
1) Jolly 419800
2) Kreuzer 432600
3) Wood  326700
Comments: Two great ruckmen this season, and the up and comer from Colling-wood who managed to shade Cox on the weekend.  Maybe that will get his season going.  There’s points to be had from all 3 at discounted prices.

Premium (450+)
1) Petrie 476200
2) Cox  562300
3) McIntosh 482800
Comments:  There aren’t many other rucks over 450k, but Petrie is starting to churn the good scores out after a slow start.   Not worth a trade without an injury, but these 3 are the best.

For those with Waite, I’d think about doing just that and NOT trading this week, but as most defences are in a shambles, I’d think seriously about Ryder, Maxwell and McMahon.  Probably Ryder given his changed role.   But also remember Laycock could spoil the party as he returns from injury (Bomber fans shudder).

Best of luck to you’se all.

With the Under 18 Championships underway, it’s time I give some linky love to AFL Draft Info

While it might be combersome to navigate, and yanno, hit the majority of branches when it fell out of the ugly tree, it does have some excellent info to be gleaned from it.

Not just info from the under 18’s either. There are reports from both the WAFL and SANFL.

Also, don’t forget the AFL’s home for the U18

A fantastic resource for research into next year.

I’ll be keeping an eye on this and trying to report back the juicy bits and pieces… But you’ll find your life a lot easier next year if you follow this thing!

Wow, what a week. I though the curses of round 7 had passed… but round 8 turned to be a false dawn…

But before I start on the bad, let’s reflect a little on the good. we’ll start with a classic by one Jerry Jeff Walker.

I knew a man, BeauMuston, and he danced for you
In worn out shoes.
With silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants,
The old soft shoe.
He jumped so high, jumped so high, then he lightly touched down.

135! What a debut performance for this kid. He’s being brought into my team so fast it’s gunna make your head spin! (Well, after next week anyways… three knee reconstructions don’t provide me too much faith… )

Jesus is back and as good as ever… still has a break even of 198 though, so those thinking of jumping on board still have one more week to free up a little dosh.

Neon Leon is back! What an absolute freak! Definitely the performer of the year so far (in my opinion!)

And finally, Haselby… making himself a fairly safe #6 mid to those of us both with him, and struggling for trades…

Now onto the bad news.

Paul Chapman. OUCH! I was suprised to here 1-2 weeks… I’m doubting one week… particularly with two games to play before the split round week off.

Shaun Higgins. Keep an ear out on this boy. Injury prone, but man, do we all wish he could become a keeper!

Lindsay Gilbee. Lots have recently traded him in due to his form lift… here’s to hoping he doesn’t miss a week.

Aaron Sandilands. See Gilbee…

Jarrad Waite. Oh dear god WHY!!! WHY Do this to me!!!

As well as bad scoring all around.

Heck, the #1 team, retained their position with a score of 2,060.

The Number 3 league moved up to Number 1 with an average of 1895. Way below their overall overage of 2118.

That said, that league is known as the TooSerious Legends.

Way to go boys! A supurb effort! Currently headed up by Virginia. Who’s sitting in 34th overall!

A brilliant effort everyone!.

So… should I ask about your weekends? Or perhaps just hide under a rock for the week?

And BJ missed a classic game winning kick on the siren.

I reckon that might have gotten him the top score for the night.

But instead that honor goes to one Gary Ablett, who has certainly come back with a vengeance.

Making all those best and fairest players who picked him smile (not to mention the coaches that held onto him.)

Decent performances by Corey and Selwood, but shockers from Bartel, Chappy, Higgins, Lake, Cooney and Gilbee will see a bunch of coaches disappointed with their Friday nights…

Here’s hoping we can get something a little better tomorrow… (Or Sunday… Carn Roo!)

How are you all doing?

Aright, this one deserves it’s own post… People have been umming and ahhh-ing about his upgrade for the week…

Now, your hand might be forced on the issue.

PORT Adelaide will be without young playmaker Nathan Krakouer when it heads to Sydney to tackle the Swans on Sunday.

Krakouer, 21, has been a revelation across half-back but the lightly framed West Australian has developed some soreness over the opening eight rounds.

So, is that going to Duck anyone up? or perhaps has lack of going down will be a blessing is disguise for those who bench him? Plus, a week off might do him wonders.

Well I didn’t go so well last week, with Essendon performing surprisingly well against the Saints. At least Bartel, my first non Saint pick, performed and chipped in a 180 odd.

1. Nick Riewoldt. He let me down last week (sort of), but with no Patfull or Merrett, he should dominate.
2. Gary Ablett. Do I need to give a reason? Groin injuries traditionally cut scoring output though (Luke Ball had one didn’t he?)
3. Dean Cox. A champion of the game. If Fraser doesn’t play, he may even take #1. Racked up 155 points in a team that lost by 100 points with Fraser in the team last year, so who knows what he could do if the Eagles are close?
4. Brad Sewell. Hasn’t failed yet, and is playing the Dees. They haven’t let many score too big though.
5. Scott Pendlebury. The #1 scorer in the competition, likes the Eagles. Expect another solid score.
6. Chris Judd. He has a bad record against Adelaide, but that was mainly due to Shirley who will miss this week. In irresistible form, with 3 120+ scores in a row.
7. Matthew Pavlich. Had a day out last year with 8 goals against the,. In the middle now, but still scoring well.
8. Brendon Goddard. Another player in excellent form.
9. Jimmy Bartel. Great game on the weekend, and don’t put it past him to back it up.
10. Nick Dal Santo. If Selwood isn’t named, strongly consider.

Also look at: Daniel Cross, Josh Drummond, Leigh Montangna, Leon Davis, Lenny Hayes, Joel Selwood.

Now since this is a football website, I thought I’d have a crack at trying to nail the 8 this week (succeeded last week-knew I should have started then!)

My tips are in BOLD
Geelong v Western Bulldogs ETIHAD

Its Geelong

Kangaroos vs Fremantle, ETIHAD

Never tip Fremantle away from Subiaco.
Adelaide vs Carlton, AAMI

At AAMI, Adelaide should beat the Blues.
West Coast vs Collingwood, SUBIACO

My smoky. Collingwood will be keen to rebound, while the WCE may be a little dispirited after just losing last week.

Richmond vs Essendon, MCG

Carn the Dons!

Sydney vs Port, SCG

Should win at home.

St Kilda vs Brisbane, ETIHAD

St Kilda to go 9 in a row.

Hawthorn vs Melbourne, MCG

Never tip Melbourne. No conditions here, just don’t pick them!