A couple of interesting back line options seem to have popped up in the last few weeks: Thurlow and Yeo. Yeo appears to have been released from his pinch hitting KPB role and spending much more time on the ball. He seems in a similar mold and role as JPK, Barlow/Mundy and (although I don't think the same level of class (yet)) as that other Freo midfielder. I haven't seen too many of the Cats games in recent weeks, but Thurlow seems to have stabilised his SC scoring in the triple digits after a slowish first couple of games. Any thoughts or comments on these guys as long term back line potential for the rest of the season? Concerns include the Eagles fairly soft draw so far and can they continue as well against the higher end teams and whether Thurlow can keep it up after 3 solid games in a row against decent competition. Cheers, Bill
Yeo is a Misfit, we will be injured shortly I do like him in SC though, his change of role appears to be locked in for the medium term and he is not first in line for a tag either. I haven't seen enough of Thurlow to comment.
OnThurlow Positives: He has been taking kick-ins for the cats. He is the main person the cats are trying to free up coming out of defence. He has the best DE in Geelong which helps his SC points. Geelong has an easier draw from now on. Negs: Will Kelly/Mackie returning to the team push him out? (I don't think so) He is ahead of players like Smedts, Kolodjashnij, Blease. I'd probably have him ahead of Murdoch too. I put him in my team a couple weeks ago (before pies game). Unfortunately I hit reverse trades and put in Harry Taylor instead. I would not expect 100+ ave from here on in, but if you're happy with 90-95 grab him. Should make some more cash if you want to use him as a stepping stone.
Wars and Len, thank you for the comments, much appreciated. Of the two I'm leaning towards Yeo, particularly as I have not seen much/any of Thurlow and it seems like he is in more danger of exiting the Cats side than Yeo from the Weagles. I'm looking to either upgrade McIntosh (at his current rate of scoring he does not have too much upside) or B Smith (who I'd like to think will eventually come back to form after his series of head knocks). I'm inclined to keep Smith as he should come good eventually. Thanks again! Cheers, Bill
G'day Bill. Have my eye on Thurlow, looks tasty. Also considering Rory Laird, who will likely pick up the Jaensch role. Josh Bruce tempting this week as well. Likely to go Thurlow.
Terry, I think you are right but I also think that Laird was already starting to pick up B. Smith's role with Smith doing a more mid field time. With Jaensch out this should only maintain or increase Laird's role of half back, with any sort of luck. It is an interesting thing to ponder who will join Laird in the equivalent of the 'Smith + Jaensch' from last year in the Crows back half for the rest of the reason. Cheers, Bill
I just had a quick look at the crows defender stats (and those that could be candidates to play back there) and Kelly, Henderson, Laird and maybe Lever could pick up the Jaensch role.
To any of you who did take on Thurlow post his triple tons like I did, what are your thoughts now? Apart from a 94 v Port his other 6 weeks have been e extremely average in light of the 90pt average Id budgeted for. His last 6 games reads as an ordinary mid 70average!! Keep the faith or upgrade to H Shaw?? Backline would be completed.
I got them both in and they have both been a bit hit and miss, which seems to be a pattern this year other than Heater. McDonald has dropped off, Houli had a bad week last week (by Ramadan fast is coming to an end soon, so hopefully that will be a blip and thus an opportunity to get him while his price is down). I'm ok with Thurlow's performance given I got him in for a rookie. I'm planning on hanging on to him but if funds and trades allow heading into finals, I might swap him out for a higher scoring player. If you have all your other lines premium-ed up, then the answer may be different, of course.