The Darraweit depth chart and confirmed 2015 positions are below. The unexpected reclassification of Brandon Jack as a forward has left Darraweit with an unprecedented (for us) 10 forwards to select from. The trade and draft period will very clearly skew towards the selection of midfielders and defenders. A forward will also be up for trade for the right price - either a good draft pick or good midfielder. Defenders Alex Rance (24) Andrew Walker (28) Josh Gibson (30) Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) James Frawley (D/F) (26) Adam Kennedy (21) Paul Seedsman (22) Matthew McDonough (20) Midfielders Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) Brendan Goddard (M/F) (29) Dom Tyson (21) David Armitage (26) Ben McGlynn (29) Stephen Coniglio (20) Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) Kane Cornes (31) Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) Rucks Ivan Maric (28) Nic Natainui (24) Forwards Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) Brendan Goddard (M/F)(29) Justin Westhoff (27) Michael Walters (23) Eddie Betts (27) James Frawley (D/F) (26) Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) Tyrone Vickery (24) Lachlan Hunter (19) Brandon Jack (20)
It has been an active off-season for Darraweit, welcoming two promising youngsters to the Paddock while farewelling some greatservants of the club as well. Arriving at Darraweit are 22 year old midfielder Reece Conca as part of a trade with Larrikin Lagoon, and 22 year old Adam Kennedy - a defender - returning to Darraweit after a stint at Lovely Banks. Also arriving at Darraweit is young midfielder Matt Arnot - though his future at the club remains unclear at the moment pending pre-season play. Farewelling the paddock are promising youngsters Brandon Jack, Jed Lamb and Jed Bews. Coach Chris88 wished all three players well at their new homes, and believed they will build on promising starts to their careers at Darraweit. 'It was difficult to move these three on, as all of them have shown promise, are young and have plenty of improvement left in them. But there are difficult list decisions made each year, and unfortunately for these three, we couldn't retain them. Darraweit has also bid farewell to talented young midfielder Brad Hill, who will continue to improve at his new home in Venus Bay. It expects to delist veteran defender Luke McPharlin, and the injured Andy Otten. After a series of deals and trades, the Guim have snared pick 3 in the upcoming draft, as well as holding two picks in the 30s. All three picks will be used on a needs basis, with a number of exciting prospects being considered. For the first time in the club's history, Darraweit's first round PSD pick may be used on a rookie rather than a youngster with AFL experience. In 2013 Darraweit used its first two picks on youngsters with AFL experience - the exciting Michael Walters and the emerging Jack Newnes. It took a similar path in 2014 but with far less success - of the four picks it had, only Matthew McDonough remains on the Dirigibles' list going into 2015. 'We definitely made some mistakes in our 2014 PSD,' coach Chris88 said. 'And it really stifled our growth and our depth - something which cost us dearly late in the season.' 'We won't be making the same mistakes this time around.'
Darraweit's active off-season has escalated from busy to either manic or quite possibly insane after a series of trades and auctions in the past week. Darraweit stars Josh Gibson (DEF) and Brendan Goddard (MID/FWD) were farewelled in a deal which also saw Picks 32 and 38 head to Larrakin Lagoon. In return, picks 11,17 and 48 arrived at the Gui, with the team immediately looking to the draft to recruit some high quality new talent with picks 11,17 and the previously gained pick 3. However, in another change of tack, all three picks will leave the Guim before the end of the trade period. Pick 17 has been traded to Lovely Banks in order to welcome back Shane Edwards (MID/FWD) to the team. Edwards, only 26, is in the prime of his career and should be a very handy replacement for the departing Goddard. Edwards, despite averaging about 15ppg less than Goddard, is three-four years younger. Pick 3 and Pick 11 will also end up elsewhere as reserve has been met on two separate auctions for these picks. While lamenting the loss of the three picks, Darraweit coach Chris88 has welcomed the impending arrival of young established talent to continue the Dirigibles' list rejuvenation. Particularly exciting is the possibility of a near full-strength Round 1 line-up featuring only 3-4 players over 26 years of age. 'To be able to pick up great young talented players who are ready to contribute immediately is always a bonus. While our original plan was to use three high draft picks to build through the draft, the opportunity to pick up a player like Edwards and to consider bids involving other players has been welcome.'
After a couple of rather draining auctions, Darraweit welcomes two new players to the Dirigibles side: Steven May - a 23 year old defender, and Jarryd Lyons - a 22 year old mid/fwd, join the team from Gundagai as part of two trades involving Darraweit's first round draft picks. Darraweit traded Pick #3 to Gundagai for Jarryd Lyons, pick 31 and pick 59, and traded Pick 11 to the Grasshoppers for Steven May and a swap of picks in the 40s. Both players are young and promising, with the potential for improvement. Discussions are continuing on a couple of other potential trades, while the Dirigibles' recruiters prepare for the ORFFA Draft. Picks 31 and 59 will be especially scrutinised given they were part of the return for Pick 3 ... the pressure will be on to utilise them well.
Darraweit Guim have formally delisted three players in the leadup to the 2015 ORFFA PSD. We bid farewell to Andy Otten, Matt Arnot and Matt McDonough. We have also traded James Frawley to the Venus Bay Vultures for Pick 27, leaving us with picks 27, 31, 40, 59 and 74 in the draft - a great return given the trading away of picks 3, 11 and 17 during the week left the team light on for draft picks. The team is taking shape for 2015 - it currently looks like: <table width='806' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' border='0] <col width='197' style='width: 148pt;[/img] <col width='211' style='width: 158pt;[/img] <col width='196' style='width: 147pt;[/img] <col width='202' style='width: 152pt;[/img] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Defenders <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Midfielders <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Rucks <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Forwards <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl69] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl66] <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl70] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl66] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl64]Alex Rance (25) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Dom Tyson (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Ivan Maric (29) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl68]Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Andrew Walker (28) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl68]Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl64]Nic Natainui (24) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Justin Westhoff (28) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl64]David Armitage (26) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl64]Michael Walters (24) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Steven May (23) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Stephen Coniglio (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Shane Edwards (M/F) (26) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Paul Seedsman (23) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Eddie Betts (28) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl72]Adam Kennedy (22) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Ben McGlynn (29) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl74]Luke McPharlin (33) <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl73]Reece Conca (22) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl73]Jarryd Lyons (M/F) (22) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl68]Kane Cornes (32) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71]Lachlan Hunter (20) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Shane Edwards (M/F) (26) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl64]Tyrone Vickery (24) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65]Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl63] <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl73]Jarryd Lyons (M/F) (22) Besides out three old warriors in McPharlin, Cornes and Harvey, the team has taken on a very youthful bent during the off season. In all, we have participated in 10 trades through the off season and turned over around 10-12 players in that time. We look forward to the coming draft eagerly.
Darraweit has welcomed five new players through the draft: Daniel McKenzie - 18 yo D/M Tom Jonas - 24yo D Seb Ross - 21yo M Kamdyn Mcintosh - 21yo D Clem Smith - 19yo M The moves have seen Darraweit's defensive stocks almost completely turned over from season 2014, continuing a trend which saw the club's midfield receive a wide-ranging re-shuffle through the 2014 trade and draft periods. Our line up is below: <table width='806' cellspacing='0' cellpadding='0' border='0] <col width='197' style='width: 148pt;[/img] <col width='211' style='width: 158pt;[/img] <col width='196' style='width: 147pt;[/img] <col width='202' style='width: 152pt;[/img] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl69]Defenders <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl69]Midfielders <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl69]Rucks <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl69]Forwards <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl71] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl68] <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl72] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl68] <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl66]Alex Rance (25) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Dom Tyson (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Ivan Maric (29) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl70]Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Andrew Walker (28) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl70]Brent Harvey (M/F) (36) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl66]Nic Natainui (24) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Justin Westhoff (28) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl66]David Armitage (26) <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl66]Michael Walters (24) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl75]Steven May (23) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Stephen Coniglio (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl76]Shane Edwards (M/F) (26) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Paul Seedsman (23) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Jack Newnes (D/M) (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Eddie Betts (28) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl76]Tom Jonas (24) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Ben McGlynn (29) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) <td style='height: 15pt; width: 148pt; text-align: left;' class='xl74]Adam Kennedy (22) <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Reece Conca (22) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Jarryd Lyons (M/F) (22) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl75]Daniel McKenzie (D/M) (18) <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl70]Kane Cornes (32) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl73]Lachlan Hunter (20) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;' class='xl75]Kamdyn Mcintosh (21) <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl76]Shane Edwards (M/F) (26) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='width: 152pt; text-align: left;' class='xl66]Tyrone Vickery (24) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Seb Ross (21) <td style='width: 147pt; text-align: left;' class='xl65] <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='width: 158pt; text-align: left;' class='xl67]Adam Cooney (M/F) (29) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75]Jarryd Lyons (M/F) (22) <td style='height: 15pt; text-align: left;] <td style='text-align: left;' class='xl75] Daniel McKenzie (D/M) (18) Clem Smith (19) Darraweit's best 15 will look like: Def: Rance, Walker*, Newnes, Jonas/May Mid: Tyson, Armitage, Congilio, McGlynn/Cornes Ruck: Maric Fwd: Harvey, Walters, Betts, Edwards/Lyons I/C (from): Nic Nat, Westhoff, Cooney, Conca, Ross* Players with * will not be fit for Round 1. Youth dominates most lines, with the team increasing its depth across most lines, though coach Chris88 remains concerned with his defensive stocks after the trade and draft period. That said, the heavy recruiting of youthful defenders and trading of slightly older backmen leaves the team in a great place for years to come. With this youthful focus will come inconsistency, with club sources privately conceding that a slight fall down the ORFFA ladder in 2015 is most likely inevitable. The return of Lyons, Jonas and Mcintosh for Pick 3 in the draft has, at first glance, justified the trading of the high pick. Meanwhile the trade involving Pick 11 has seen the equivalent of Angus Brayshaw and Brendan Whitecross arrive at Gundagai, while Steven May and Seb Ross make their way to Darraweit.
With the post-draft period arriving, we are interested in sourcing another defender. Discussions and offers will be considered.
The return of Lyons, Jonas and Mcintosh for Pick 3 in the draft has, at first glance, justified the trading of the high pick. Meanwhile the trade involving Pick 11 has seen the equivalent of Angus Brayshaw and Brendan Whitecross arrive at Gundagai, while Steven May and Seb Ross make their way to Darraweit. Oi......when you look at player names, as opposed to draft numbers, its a bit different isn't it Nakia Vs Lyons/Jonas/Mcintosh - you win, Nak is gonna have to be a bloody star or I'll sack my scout (which is me) Brayshaw/WhiteX for May/Ross - I'll call this a push for now untilwe see a) Angus play a game & b) WhiteX get on the park.
Simonoz wrote: The return of Lyons, Jonas and Mcintosh for Pick 3 in the draft has, at first glance, justified the trading of the high pick. Meanwhile the trade involving Pick 11 has seen the equivalent of Angus Brayshaw and Brendan Whitecross arrive at Gundagai, while Steven May and Seb Ross make their way to Darraweit. Oi......when you look at player names, as opposed to draft numbers, its a bit different isn't it Nakia Vs Lyons/Jonas/Mcintosh - you win, Nak is gonna have to be a bloody star or I'll sack my scout (which is me) Brayshaw/WhiteX for May/Ross - I'll call this a push for now untilwe see a) Angus play a game & b) WhiteX get on the park. The other comparison though, at your end, is that without those trade you wouldn't have ended up with Pick 3 or 11. In other words, you would've had no way of drafting two potential game changers like Brayshaw and Cockatoo because your first draft picks would've not be that high. Similarly, I look at this that I would've, with 3 and 11, maybe drafted Brayshaw and McGovern. But then my next pick wouldn't have been till 48 and I would only have been able to nab one of McKenzie, Jonas or Ross. Similarly, I might not have been able to get one of Mcintosh or Smith. So would I rather have Brayshaw, McGovern and Jonas? Or would I rather have Lyons, May, Jonas and McIntosh? Probably still the latter, but not by a lot.
One More Trade One final trade in a frantic off-season for Darraweit has seen the arrival and departure of three new players. The trade, between Darraweit and Nunawading, has seen: Darraweit receive: Shawn Hampson, Jaeger O'Meara, Nick Haynes and a third round PSD pick in 2016. Nunawading receive: Nic Naitanui, Reece Conca, Daniel McKenzie. We welcome Nick and Jaegar to Darraweit. Both might find their way unexpectedly quickly into our Round 1 best 15. we also welcome Shaun to the fold as a backup for Big Ivan Maric. We farewell three good young players with the best of their careers ahead of them. In the case of Nic Nat, it was a tough decision to part with him, but being in a position to attract good young defensive and midfield talent to the Guim - as well as being able to recruit a guy who will back up Ivan Maric at Richmond and at Darraweit - was one we had to take up. Chief's Odds We thank Chief Russell for another fantastic pre-season rundown of the teams and their premiership odds. Prior to the latest trade Darraweit were on the third line of betting at about $7 for the flag. Darraweit's coach Chris88 has of course forbid anyone betting on Chief Russell's odds. We have also encrypted the password for Lachie Hunter's online betting account to ensure no-one accesses it by accident .... Captain and Leadership Group With the exodus of much senior experience over the off-season, the players have again decided to have Brent Harvey as captain in what might be his last season. Big Ivan will serve as vice captain, while four other players - Alex Rance, Kane Cornes, Michael Walters and Dom Tyson - will be part of the leadership group. Round 1 Team The Guim's projected Round 1 team is as follows (with ages in brackets): DEF: Rance (25), Newnes (21), Haynes (22), Jonas (24) E: McIntosh (21) MID: Tyson (21), Armitage (26), Coniglio (21), O'Meara (21) E: McGlynn (29) RUCK: Maric (29) FWD: Harvey (36), Walters (24), Edwards (26), Betts (28) E: Vickery (24) I/C: Cornes (32), Westhoff (28) E: Cooney (29). Average age around 24.7 years (give or take) Team management are most excited at finally, after numerous attempts, fielding the patented Dirigible Midget Forwardline! Should be exciting to field, perhaps, the smallest forwardline in ORFFA history.
Darraweit has started season 2015 on a winning note, defeating Gundagai 1226 to 986. Eddie Betts and three Richmond players - Messers Rance, Edwards and Mcintosh - were the stars of the show and the only four Dirigibles to top 100 points. However a number of players had down days, with the Guim midfield in particular struggling to make an impression. Changes are on the cards, but a bevy of injuries will restrict the scope of the changes going into Round 2 vs Waikikamoocow. With Walker, McGlynn, Vickery, Hampson, Seedsman, Ross and others not fit, the news that young recruit Jeager O'Meara will not play at all in 2015 after an injury in the reserves has put a real dent in the team's confidence - as well as leaving the midfield very shorthanded. The heavily depleted midfield has some in Darraweit wondering whether the team are a realistic finals chance, or whether a higher draft pick might beckon. It is hoped that McGlynn and Seedsman may return this week, while Tom Jonas and Steven May will be considered for selection in what is a log-jam in defence. Club captain Brent Harvey is in danger of being dropped after a first-up shocker, as is youngster Stephen Coniglio who is suffering from the dreaded 'vest-itis' Best and Fairest votes for Round 1 Votes for The Hindy for Round 1 were: 5 - Eddie Betts - Eddie continues his 2014 renaissance with a stunning first up effort. 4 - Kamdyn Mcintosh - A shock debut and 120 points sees Kamdyn gain 4 votes. 3 -Alex Rance - The young veteran was again rock solid down back. 2 - Shane Edwards - Welcome 'home', Shane. 1 - Kane Cornes - The veteran was the best performed of our midfielders in Round 1 and led by example.
Darraweit Guim has recorded its second win for the2015 season, scraping home against a desperately unlucky Waikikamoocow team 1324 to 1318. A late injury to Nick Dal Santo and subbing of Matthew Wright deprived the Waikiks of the points they needed to take the win. Ultimately, captain Brent Harvey did enough for the Blimps in the last game to see his side home. Darraweit witnessed the full brilliance of Nat Fyfe, his 160+ for Waikikamoocow taking out the 5 Les W votes and leaving more than a few opposition players and supporters in awe. Earlier in the weekend it was Darraweit's own Alex Rance that had wowed the crowd. His 156 SC point game, with an almost flawless 27 touches and 13 marks was one of the best key defensive performances of recent times. The win puts the Guim in the top 4 after two games, one of only 4 undefeated teams in what has started out as a very even ORFFA season. We hope to welcome back Ben McGlynn and Andrew Walker this week, while Tom Jonas is pushing hard to make his club and ORFFA debut. Hindy Votes Round 2 5 - Alex Rance - stunning performance. Just stunning 4 - Stephen Coniglio - a great return to form after suffering from vest-itis in Rd 1. 3 - David Armitage - a hard working 30+ possession effort. 2 - Eddie Betts - another stellar game up forward. 1 - Brent Harvey - a steadying captain's game. Overall voting: 8 - Rance 6 - Betts 4 - Mcintosh, Conigilio 3 - Armitage 2 - Edwards 1 - Cornes, Harvey
melbandy wrote: Getting some great results from some unexpected sources. Good stuff Chris. It is a bit weird where the points come from sometimes. If before the draft anyone had said I'd be running 5-6 defenders in my starting team each week I would've thought they were going round the twist.
Darraweit has scraped home against a determined Whitsunday team, winning 1267 to 1232 to remain undefeated after three rounds of the ORFFA Season 2015. Having survived an onslaught from Nat Fyfe last week, it was Rory Sloane's turn to go big against the Guim, his 140 nailing 5 Les W votes. Again, injuries played a role in the result, with and injury to Whitsunday's Wines balanced by Hrovat's late inclusion. However Crozier copping the vest in the final game helped ensure Darraweit had enough points to hold on. Votes for The Hindy for Round 3 were: 5 - Armitage - Has become the young leader of a young midfield. 4 - Coniglio - His second straight 100+ score. Great to see. 3 - Walters - Best game for the year up forward. 2 - Edwards - Two games, two 100+ point performances. 1 - Harvey - The old stager fills gaps up forward and in the midfield. Continues to produce. 1 - McGlynn - Coaches discretionary vote goes to Ben in his first game for the year - scored 103 but wasn't on the park due to his late inclusion for Sydney. Great to see him back. Honourable mentions to Steve May up back, Eddie Betts forward and Andrew Walker in his return to football. Dom Tyson played his best game for the year as well. Overall voting: 8 - Rance, Coniglio, Armitage 6 - Betts 4 - Mcintosh, Edwards 3 - Walters 2 - Harvey 1 - Cornes, McGlynn The generational switch which has been coming for about 12 months might finally be occurring. Whereas Harvey, Maric, Goddard, McGlynn, etc led the best and fairest in patches last year, the young leaders are starting to emerge - Rance, Armitage, Coniglio, Edwards. The ageless Betts has been playing like a youngster too! Next week welcome our friends from Gariwerd to The Paddock. Always great to catch up with them, and we hope for a great game.
chris88 wrote: Next week welcome our friends from Gariwerd to The Paddock. Always great to catch up with them, and we hope for a great game. We're very much looking forward to the game Chris, and especially to visiting lovely Darraweit. Lets have another bbq after the game as that was a hit last time we did that. Thankfully Kurt Tippett is no longer around as he was a bit too cool for it back then Also looking forward to the challenge of playing your undefeated mob. Looks like it'll be a good contest on paper. I wonder if big mullett Ivan's mate Brett Deledio will get up for the game - he always seems to relish the opportunity of playing both Darraweit Guim and Mt Beauty.
Definitely a post game bbq sounds good Ant. We'll just have to ensure Nathan Jones and David Armitage don't end up fighting over the last snag ... that could get ugly (and the fight could go a while too if efforts at getting the contested ball are any indication). Don't think Lids will play though Ant. That said, I think my defenders will have their hands full with your forward line anyway!
Darraweit Guim have stumbled almost semi-apologetically to the top of the ORFFA ladder after their fourth successive win on the weekend. The win - a 1210 to 1097 victory over Gariwerd - sees the club atop the ladder for the first time since the first ever week of the ORFFA many moons ago. While privately conceding that Darraweit's place on top of the ladder is more a sign of good fortune than world-beating form, coach Chris88 is happy the team has managed to win games without playing their best. Of course part of the problem has been the selection of the wrong players, with high scoring players left out of the team each week. This week it was young defenders Paul Seedsman and Nick Haynes who brought up 100+ scores while cooling their heels out of the side. The selection committee will look to better examine the Guim's best team during the week in the vain hope of getting selection right in time for the weekend. Hindy Votes, Round 4: 5 - Ivan Maric - the big man has been consistent rather than brilliant so far this year, but played well on the weekend. 4 - Shane Edwards - now the fifth highest scoring forward in the comp. A quiet achiever. 3 - David Armitage - again leads the midfield. Third 100+ score on the trot. 2 - Brent Harvey - best game for the year. 1 - Alex Rance - somehow scored 96 from only 10 touches ... perhaps because it is a contract year. Coach's discretionary votes go to Seedsman (3 votes) and Haynes (2 votes) who scored brilliantly and were ignored by their silly coach. Overall voting: 11- Armitage 9 - Rance, 8 - Coniglio, Edwards 6 - Betts 5 - Maric 4 - Mcintosh, Harvey 3 - Walters, Seedsman 2 - Haynes 1 - Cornes, McGlynn David Armitage takes the lead in the Best and Fairest from Alex Rance. Shane Edwards moves into a share for third. Next week Darraweit takes on the youthful Marble Bar team. Changes to the side have been foreshadowed, with Seedsman, Haynes, Cornes, McIntosh and even Vickery in contention for inclusion. McGlynn's place is in doubt, while Jonas and May might be rested.
Darraweit has foreshadowed its need for a gun midfielder in the coming mid-season draft and trade period. Despite a bright start to the season, it is clear Darraweit's midfield is in need of a boost. It is unsustainable to continue playing Brent Harvey as a starting midfielder, and injuries to O'Meara, Seb Ross and Adam Cooney are causing concern. Ben McGlynn's up and down form is also a worry. Darraweit will put its first round 2016 PSD pick on the trade table, along with a player or two, to gain said midfielder. Stay tuned.
The Dirigibles remain undefeated with a 178 point win over Marble Bar on the weekend. What was a tight struggle for the most part was broken open late in the game by some big efforts from Eddie Betts, David Armitage and Justin Westhoff. Armitage continued his fine form with 137, while Betts shone with another ton. Regrettably these were he only two 100+scores for the contest for Darraweit as players again struggled with consistency and scoring. A total of 1188 indicates real problems in Darraweit, who have continued to dodge bullets and have enjoyed a lot of luck with opposition players subbed out, subbed on, injured, or withdrawn when their teams have been in winning (or close to winning positions). This week our opponents from Marble Bar played one short, and had one player subbed on and one player subbed off - a total of barely 30 from 2 players and a missing third player helped Darraweit draw away to the win. Dom Tyson continues to be a massive concern, with coach Chris88 unsure as to whether he is fully fit. Andrew Walker is struggling after returning from injury, and Michael Walters and Paul Seedsman have now been added to the growing injury toll gripping the team. The next five weeks before the MSD will be challenging, starting this week with Iron Knob. Without an improvement in performances, Darraweit could easily drop 3 or 4 of the next five against quality opposition. Hindy Votes Round 5: 5 David Armitage - continues to lead the team and an oft-dysfunctional midfield 4 Eddie Betts - star 3 Justin Westhoff - best scoring game for the season 2 Alex Rance - continues to hold together a young and sputtering backline 1 Paul Seedsman - 93points in 2.5 quarters. Injured again. Shattered. Hindy Votes Overall: 16- Armitage 11 - Rance 10 - Betts 8 - Coniglio, Edwards 5 - Maric 4 - Mcintosh, Harvey, Seedsman 3 - Walters, Westhoff 2 - Haynes 1 - Cornes, McGlynn David Armitage widens the gap in the lead. Rance and Betts are in second and third, Coniglio and Edwards round out the top 5, and are clearly the Guim's best 5 players so far this year.