With trading period to open at the end of next week, Darraweit has settled on its trading "tree" for the coming month or so. Again, as always - almost everyone is tradeable, but some are more tradeable than others - and some will cost more than others. For further details on each player's 2015 season, see the posts immediately before this one (including age, average, games played, etc) I am more likely to trade away a defender or forward in the coming trade period in return for a midfielder or ruckman. Age, security of position in best 22 and scoring average will all be considered. TOP OF TREE Rance (Rich - def) Ibbotson (Freo - def) Haynes (GWS - def) Armitage (Stk -mid) Tyson (Melb - mid) Newnes (Stk - mid) Coniglio (GWS - mid) Westhoff (PA - fwd) Walters (Freo - fwd) Shane Edwards (Rich - mid/fwd) Maric (Rich - ruck) UPPER BRANCHES May (GC -def) Gleeson (Ess - not suspended - def) Greenwood (Coll - mid) O’Meara (GC - mid) Harvey (NM - fwd) Vickery (Rich - fwd) Brown (NM - fwd) MIDDLE BRANCHES Butler (WCE - def) Jonas (PA - def) Lyons (Adel - mid/fwd) McGlynn (Syd - fwd) Hrovat (WB - fwd) Shaun Edwards (Ess - not suspended - fwd) Smith (Carl - def/fwd) LOWER BRANCHES Wood (Carl - ruck) If you are interested, make an offer or drop a line and we can chat.
Darraweit welcome back youngster Brad Hill in a trade which has sent Jaeger O'Meara to Venus Bay. Brad Hill was traded away to Venus Bay at the end of the 2014 season, and played well there. We are happy he is returning to the Guim. Regrettably, O'Meara did not play a game for us after being injured in pre-season 2015. We wish him well and hope his recovery is a good one. We have also, as part of the trade, procured pick 16 in the coming draft. Hopefully that pick is put to good use alongside pick 36.
Darraweit have welcomed a further two new players in the past week, as well as farewelling a couple of solid servants of the club. The Blimps welcome young defender Adam Saad, who is already making his mark felt in pre-season training by continually taking the ball from his teammates in any drill and running away with it. We also welcome Jono Ceglar, who will hopefully provide our spiritual leader Ivan Maric with a timely backup in the ruck. We expect big Ivan to be extremely pleased. Leaving us are Ben McGlynn, who is off to Lovely Banks, and young defender Nick Haynes, who is going to the Lagoon. We wish them both well. It is unlikely Darraweit will be involved in any more trading during pre-season. We've done what we needed to do, and will now let things settle before the ORFFA draft.
In the lead-up to the 2016 ORFFA season, Darraweit Guim has confirmed its captain, vice captain and leadership group for the year ahead. And for the first time, the Blimps have gone with a co-captain arrangement, naming star midfielder David Armitage and premier defender Alex Rance as joint leaders for 2016. Vice captain will be big Ivan Maric, while Jack Newnes, Shane Edwards and Justin Westhoff round out the leadership group. Former captain and "Hindy" winner Brent Harvey will step back from the leadership group to concentrate on his play during what is likely to be his final season in the league. Our squad is taking shape, with two delistments to be made before four picks in the ORFFA pre-season draft next month. Cameron Wood looks likely to move on from the club during the delistment period. DEFENDERS: Rance, Saad, Ibbotson, May (depth from Gleeson, Jonas, Butler and Smith) MIDFIELDERS: Armitage, Coniglio, Greenwood, Tyson (depth from Newnes, Hill, Shane Edwards and Lyons) RUCKS: Maric (depth from Ceglar) FORWARDS: Westhoff, Harvey, Shane Edwards, Walters (depth from Vickery, Brown, Shaun Edwards, Lyons, Hrovat and Smith)
Seeking some further depth and consistency for our backline, the Blimps have traded for Hawthorn defender Ben Stratton. We welcome Ben aboard - joining Hawthorn and now new Darraweit teammates Brad HIll and Jono Ceglar. The Blimps will be delisting three players before the draft begins in earnest. Our modified squad: DEFENDERS: Rance, Saad, Ibbotson, May (depth from Gleeson, Stratton, Jonas, Butler and Smith) MIDFIELDERS: Armitage, Coniglio, Greenwood, Tyson (depth from Newnes, Hill, Shane Edwards and Lyons) RUCKS: Maric (depth from Ceglar, Wood to be delisted) FORWARDS: Westhoff, Harvey, Shane Edwards, Walters (depth from Vickery, Brown, Shaun Edwards, Lyons, Hrovat and Smith)
Our final moves for the pr-draft period see us bid farewell to Clem Smith and Sam Butler. PRE-DRAFT SQUAD DEFENDERS: Rance, Saad, Ibbotson, May (depth from Gleeson, Stratton, Jonas) MIDFIELDERS: Armitage, Coniglio, Greenwood, Tyson (depth from Newnes, Hill, Shane Edwards and Lyons) RUCKS: Maric (depth from Ceglar,) FORWARDS: Westhoff, Harvey, Shane Edwards, Walters (depth from Vickery, Brown, Shaun Edwards, Lyons, Hrovat)
Darraweit is pleased to welcome former GWS midfielder, current Tiger and human tackling machine Jacob Townsend to The Paddock. The Guim took Townsend with pick 20 in the 2016 PSD, with hopes he will slot right into the Guim's midfield. Townsend's arrival also ensures the Dirigibles' ratio of Richmond players to all other players stay healthy.
Darraweit has concluded its drafting by taking three players that are perhaps projects, but with a tremendous deal of upside. Marcus Adams (Bulldogs F/D), Mitch McGovern (Adelaide F) and Jack Trengove (Melbourne M) have joined the crew at The Paddock, with coach Chris88 opting to take a punt on younger players that have perhaps shown some potential but might not be ready for a little while yet. However, news over the weekend that Adams and McGovern are in contention for Round 1 after fine pre-season form, while the long-time injured Trengove could be a shock inclusion in a VFL game as early as next week, has provided an indication that the future may arrive a little more quickly than first thought. As for the pre-season, there has been encouraging form from a number of players, including Rance, Stratton and Ibbotson in defence, new ruck recruit Ceglar, midfielders Hill, Newnes and Tyson (who looks fit for the first time in 12 months) M/F Lyons - who looks to have cemented a spot in his team's starting 22 after a frustrating 12 months, and Walters, Westhoff and Vickery up forward. A number of these players are from the fringes of Darraweit's starting side, but will now be pushing towards Round 1 inclusion. Our Round 1 squad looks like: DEF: Rance, Ibbotson, Saad and one of May, Stratton or Gleeson. MID: Armitage, Newnes, Tyson and one of Coniglio, Hill or Greenwood RUCK: Maric or Ceglar FWD: Walters, Edwards (if fit), Westhoff and one of Harvey, Lyons or Vickery. I/C: Two of the "maybes" above. The Blimps have also not ruled out a further trade or two during the post-draft trade period. Discussions continue in earnest.
A quick update from the Guim - I've passed this news onto my colleague from Marble Bar but in the interests of letting everyone know, I thought I'd just pass on that I'll be moving on from ORFFA/Darraweit coaching duties at season's end. I was weighing up whether I would be able to continue last season when our friend Prap moved on, but decided to continue. That has proven to be a bit of a miscalculation I am afraid. I'm not watching nor taking in very much football right now, which sort of makes it difficult to participate in a long-term fantasy footy league, especially when trading and drafting - a problem that has been borne out over the past 12-18 months with a number of pretty silly trade/draft decisions. There's a number of other things on my plate that are demanding of time at the moment, and it is probably pretty important to ensure they get the attention they deserve. So I'll be around in some capacity throughout the season, but that capacity won't be hugely visible here at the forums. My team will go in each week - for what it is worth, after a number of good seasons the Guim might be falling on harder times due to poor trading. At the very least the Guim needs a rather more attentive coach than I can be. Like I said, I'll be around so this isn't goodbye. But it is a notice of intent I guess, and an early one in the interests of ensuring the wonderful ORFFA continues to operate well and has (and can find) good dedicated coaches for its teams.
That is a shame to hear mate, but you should certainly prioritise real life matters! However, i hope that circumstances improve enough to allow you to continue on beyond 2016
This is sad news Chris. A great contributor and fellow trade junkie you have been. For your sake, I hope the Tiges can go a step or two further this year and continue to fuel your passion for the game.
Brief Hindy Update after the first three rounds of ORFFA action from the Blimps: Round 1 Hindy 5 - Westhoff 109 4 - Rance 101 3 - Armitage 100 2 - Greenwood 91 1 - Harvey, Newnes 89 Coach's discretionary 1 to Steven May (96) Round 2 Hindy 5- Adams 135 4- Walters 106 3- Harvey 100 2- Tyson 94 1- Armitage 87 Coach's discretionary to Brown (111) Round 3 Hindy 5 - Harvey 131 4 - Rance 116 3 - Newnes 111 2 - Adams 97 2 - Lyons 97 1 - Coniglio 96 Coach's discretionary to Ibbotson (120-odd) Votes to Round 3: Rance, Harvey 9 Adams 7 Westhoff 5 Newnes, Armitage, Walters 4 Greenwood, Tyson 2 May, Coniglio, Lyons, Brown, Ibbotson 1 The ageless Harvey and the brilliant Rance lead the Hindy from newcomer Adams. Adams' form has been one of the more stunning aspects of the Guim's 0-3 start. After being picked as a project player in the 60s in the 2016 draft, he is averaging more than 100 while playing back and forward. It is disappointing that, due to his age, he isn't eligible for the Rising Star Award. Other highlights have included Jonas' return to form in defence, Harvey of course, Newnes continued development as a midfielder, McGovern - another project - getting games, May and Saad up back and Lyons' effort on the weekend. Round 3 was an encouraging one all around, and would have been a win if not for decisions to play youth - Adams, Brown - over experience - Westhoff, Ibbotson. Thus far in 2016 we've yet to see Brad Hill and Ivan Maric. Both have been missed, but the ride without them is interesting.
Yay we won a game. Thanks to Graeme and the Waikiks their hospitality. Hindy Round 4 Votes while I have 5 minutes spare: 5 - Rance - 146 - remains odds on to win the Hindy this year given his brilliance and the amount of time the ball will spend in Richmond's defence each week. 4 - Coniglio - 126 - back in form and a leading part of an improving Giants midfield 3 - Armitage - 105 - Steady as she goes 2 - Tyson - 103 - Has started to recapture his 2014 form in an improving Melbourne line-up 1 - Westhoff - 99 - Another great game roaming all over the ground for the Power. Honourable mention to Ben Brown who looks like he had another very good game. Mention also to Steven May who will be missing a few weeks of football after his greeting for Stefan Martin. Votes to Round 4: Rance 14 Harvey 9 Adams, Armitage 7 Westhoff 6 Coniglio 5 Newnes, Tyson, Walters 4 Greenwood 2 May, Coniglio, Lyons, Brown, Ibbotson 1
In an unexpected development, Guim stalwart and leader of the Darraweit's favoured midget forwardline Brent Harvey looks increasingly likely to play on in 2017. Harvey, who will be seemingly aged in his mid-50's when he retires, was the subject of somewhat advanced trade discussions in the off-season - discussions which ultimately fell through. However it now seems that Harvey may end up playing a further year in 2017 - http://bit.ly/1SrSusD. This would ensconce him as Darraweit's games record holder, with only he, Alex Rance, Ty Vickery and Ivan Maric remaining from the Guim's first year.
Round 5 Hindy after a 1294-1040 win over the Whitsundays 5 - Congilio -127 - owner of the highest ppg average at the Guim 4 - Brown - 110 - 20ppg up on his 2015 efforts 4 - Tyson -110 - has returned to 2014 form 3 - Walters - 102 - continues to be one of the best young small forward in the comp 2 - Armitage - 99 - steady as she goes 1 - Lyons - 93 - a one person argument as to the effects of the sub rule. Double his 2015 average thus far after leading the league in green vest starts in 2015. Votes to Round 5: Rance 14 Coniglio 10 Harvey, Armitage 9 Tyson 8 Adams, Walters 7 Westhoff 6 Brown 5 Newnes 4 Greenwood, Lyons 2 May, Ibbotson 1
Bravo to the Nuffers who beat a very ordinary Guim line-up this week by 90 - 1234 to 1144. Hindy Votes: Coniglio 5 Walters 4 Newnes 3 Edwards/Westhoff 2 Armitage 1 Votes to Round 6: Coniglio 15 Rance 14 Walters 11 Armitage 10 Harvey 9 Tyson, Westhoff 8 Adams, Newnes 7 Brown 5 Greenwood, Lyons, Shane Edwards 2 May, Ibbotson 1
A comfortable win for Foul Bay over Darraweit in Round 7 - 1291 to 1130 Hindy Votes: Westhoff 5 Coniglio 4 Walters 3 Harvey 2 Adams 1 Votes to Round 6: Coniglio 19 Rance, Walters 14 Westhoff 13 Harvey 11 Armitage 10 Tyson, Adams 8 Newnes 7 Brown 5 Greenwood, Lyons, Shane Edwards 2 May, Ibbotson 1 A rather unwell Darraweit coach was heard to mutter the phrases "rebuild" and "trade frenzy" on the weekend, with an indication that the club has decided to end its run of consecutive finals appearances and work to rebuild through upcoming drafts and draft picks.
Round 8 and Gariwerd comfortably emerge victorious over a befuddled Darraweit outfit 1247-1074. Regrettably Darraweit was unable to get a full team on the park this week due to various virus-ridden and technology-driven snafus. Though coach Chris will contend that Jarryd Lyons should've been playing anyway given Adelaide's performances since his omission a fortnight ago. Hopefully a healthier coach might put 15 fit players on the park - though injuries to Saad (again), Hill (again) and Ceglar (inability to score SC points) will make that a challenge. Lucky to be able to put 4 fit defenders on the park at the moment, and have become thankful that we recruited Adams and Stratton during the off-season/draft. Hindy Votes: Coniglio 5 - the cloning is not progressing as planned. Therefore we only have one of him rather than the 10 or so we need. Shane Edwards 4 - a welcome return to form for a favoured Darraweit player Walters 3 - having a wonderful season Tyson 2 - Another good game Harvey 1 - Yep, still going Coach's discretionary votes (2) to Ben Stratton, who has been a rock amidst the defensive mess caused by injuries, suspension and form at Darraweit. Votes to Round 8: Coniglio 24 Walters 17 Rance 14 Westhoff 13 Harvey 12 Armitage, Tyson 10 Adams 8 Newnes 7 Shane Edwards 6 Brown 5 Greenwood, Lyons, Stratton 2 May, Ibbotson 1
Im glad you are liking Stratton, Chris. He has become exactly what I sold him as, a steady defender who will play every week. Hopefully I haven't put the moz on him, but I'm glad its worked out well thus far.
Absolutely Ant - as a fourth defender (and third defender in recent weeks) he has done the job. As advertised and definitely appreciated