So, the NAB has come and gone. Annoyingly, just like last week though, weve had another big out come our way! Tendai Mzungu has found himself with a knee injury. Thankfully, its not going to require a reconstruction, but it does look like hes going to be sitting on the injury list for at least 6 weeks. Makes for a delicious downgrade target though. With him and Callinan going off our lists in the last two weeks, I think all of us will be struggling with our F/M links at the moment, and Im starting to think that it may be worth forsaking the link with a plan to trade down to one of these two during the season to activate it. Though that does make round 6 hurt just that little bit more. Decisions, decisions.
Now, before I get into the reviews, I just wanted to give a shout out to every over in Japan- I know we havent seen the full extent of exactly how much damage has occured, but it looks like its huge- and I just want to express a good luck to everyone that is over there.
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So, Friday night saw a clash of the titans in the NAB grand final. Well, more like a titan, and his titan brother, who has really let himself go over the last few years- sitting on the coach, choking down the bigmacs and chain smoking Winnies. Though it was a different Bombers outfit than we saw run out the end of last year (if you can call that running out), who showed a lot of heart in reducing a 34 point to 3 points before Collingwood kicked away late in the game to come out 22 point winners.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=193&pcid=13106&name=Heath%20Shaw">Heath Shaw[/url] won himself the the Michael Tuck medal. He collected 25 disposals while keeping Monfries well under control. Looks to be thriving even without Maxwell in the squad. Could be a good POD from the cookie cutter defenses.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=421&pcid=13272&name=Scott%20Pendlebury">Scott Pendlebury[/url] top scored with an SuperCoach score of 119 with 22 touches. Hes going to make it tough for people who only want one Collingwood mid to start with.
His partner in crime, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=134&pcid=13055&name=Dane%20Swan">Dane Swan[/url] was less effective that usual, collecting 21 touches under the Heath Hocking tag, but still looked in fine touch.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1037&pcid=13573&name=Andrew%20KRAKOUER">Andrew Krakour[/url] will surely be in everyone team now- 12 touches for a mighty 117 SuperCoach points should see him a monty for round one selection. Get him in.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=445&pcid=13289&name=Simon%20Buckley">Simon Buckley[/url] put in a great effort, keeping Crameri to a single point while racking up 16 touches and a Supergoal. He could make things interesting if hes named in round 1, but as a MID, maybe not.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=683&pcid=13424&name=Lachlan%20Keeffe">Lachlan Keeffe[/url] collected 10 touches from defence, and is really putting his hand up as an excellent #4 ruckman.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=152&pcid=13071&name=Darren%20Jolly">Jolly[/url] was ordinary and certainly looked to still be shaking rust out of his game as he found himself subbed off in the third.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=17&pcid=12961&name=Alan%20Didak">Didak[/url] got himself 15 touches in his first run out for the year. It was good to see him get a game under his belt, because he certainly does come at a premium price, so the jury is still out after his offseason injury.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=677&pcid=13430&name=Michael%20Hurley">Michael Hurley[/url] top scored for the Bombers kicking 3.2, 16 touches and 112 SuperCoach points. Not a bad showing for someone with MPP status, but could be erratic in his scoring.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=238&pcid=13139&name=Jobe%20Watson">Jobe Watson[/url] and <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=82&pcid=13014&name=Brent%20Stanton">Brett Stanton[/url] did what they do- Jobe turned a 19 touch 73DT score into 108SC points, while Stanton turned a 16 kick 73DT score into 40SC points. Really one to avoid in Supercoach.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1137&pcid=13673&name=Michael%20HIBBERD">Michael Hibberd[/url] played his best game for the preseason, with 16 touches. With Henry Slattery breaking his thumb during the week, I reckon Hibberd is a lock for early games.
Essendon mid-pricers, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=285&pcid=13172&name=Leroy%20Jetta">Leroy Jetta[/url] and <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=765&pcid=13368&name=David%20Zaharakis">David Zaharakis[/url] both went ok only. I dont know if either will be consistant enough to break out this year.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1047&pcid=13583&name=Dyson%20HEPPELL">Dyson Heppell[/url] sent some worrying signs through the Supercoach world doing defensive jobs and accumulating only 6 touches. Should still be a lock, but might not score as well onfield as we had hoped if these roles continue.
Outside of that game, weve had a whole bunch of challenge matches to look through. At a brief look, there was some very good things come out of these games, but well get to that in more detail.
Richmond v Adelaide @Visy Park
Looks like we had a blow-out at Visy Park, with Adelaide taking the spoils, 122 to 54.
First things first with the Crows- they got through a pre-season game without any injuries! Happy days!
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=612&pcid=13364&name=Taylor%20Walker">Walker[/url] had a day out against the Tigers, kicking 7 goals.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=697&pcid=13418&name=Shaun%20McKernan">McKernan[/url] should be named come round one, he did most of the ruck work up forward, picked up 8 touches and a goal- though he will probably be in some trouble when Tippett returns. Which *might* be round 3 with the round 2 bye sitting there.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=114&pcid=13037&name=Chris%20Knights">Knights[/url] kicked 3 goals and got through unscathed again. Will be a tough decision with his injury history. He also got a 107DT
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=37&pcid=12977&name=Andy%20Otten">Otten[/url] was fairly bleh- which is a worry in a team that won by that much.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1054&pcid=13590&name=Brodie%20SMITH">Smith[/url] didnt get a whole lot of it, but he was very fit and could be in the lineup come round 1.
With Callinan out, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=365&pcid=13234&name=Patrick%20Dangerfield">Dangerfield[/url] might be expected to return back to his role in the forward line, which sucks.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=352&pcid=13224&name=Nathan%20Foley">Nathan Foley[/url] was very good, got a lot of the ball and disposed of it well.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=756&pcid=13375&name=Tyrone%20Vickery">Vickery[/url] was again, decent around the ground. Though he did struggle in the ruck.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=441&pcid=13285&name=Shaun%20Grigg">Grigg[/url] got himself 29 touches and 13 marks for a 134DT though is SuperCoach was sub 100.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=85&pcid=13016&name=Brett%20Deledio">Deledio[/url] played very deep in the backline, but as a Challenge game, I wouldnt be too concerned.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=198&pcid=13110&name=Jack%20Riewoldt">Riewoldt[/url] played around the ground and as feared, might take some time to get used to the role.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1136&pcid=13672&name=Bradley%20HELBIG">Brad Helbig[/url]- not only does he have an awesome name, but put in a performance that could see him selected come round one. Played through the middle and half forward.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1154&pcid=13690&name=Jake%20BATCHELOR">Batchelor[/url] and <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1045&pcid=13581&name=Reece%20CONCA">Conca[/url] also did their round one selection no harm.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=348&pcid=13222&name=Mitch%20Morton">Mitch Morton[/url] was played at half forward and again, his disposal was poor- worrying signs.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=137&pcid=13057&name=Daniel%20Connors">Connors[/url] was played up on the wings and didnt look great.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=854&pcid=13504&name=David%20ASTBURY">Astbury[/url] was smashed by Walker. (though a couple of guys were)
Hawthorn v Melbourne @Aurora Stadium
The Hawks took out this game in a canter, 102 to 75 with 27 scoring shots to 15 after being 14 down at halftime.
First thing to note is that Buddy was a late withdrawal.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=131&pcid=13052&name=Cyril%20Rioli">Cyril[/url] wasnt his impressive self.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=569&pcid=13344&name=Kyle%20Cheney">Kyle Cheney[/url] was fairly non-existance outside a few errors.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=724&pcid=13397&name=Shane%20Savage">Shane Savage[/url] got a fair bit of it, playing from the HFF.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1126&pcid=13662&name=Paul%20PUOPOLO">Puopolo[/url] came on at half time, and played on Maric who kicked 3 to half time and nothing after.
For Melbourne, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=197&pcid=13109&name=Jack%20Grimes">Grimes[/url] again was dominant in the backline getting heaps of it.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=301&pcid=13186&name=Mark%20Jamar">Jamar[/url] was the dominant ruck for the game and should be highly considered if youre playing for leagues.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1&pcid=12952&name=Aaron%20Davey">Davey[/url] stood up well and will hopefully take that form into the season.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=63&pcid=12997&name=Brad%20Green">Green[/url] got a fair bit of it early.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=125&pcid=13047&name=Colin%20Sylvia">Sylvia[/url] was again prolific and I havent seen anyone panning his disposal this game which is a big plus.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=856&pcid=13506&name=Luke%20TAPSCOTT">Tapscott[/url] played pretty well off halfback. Has a fantastic kick on him.
Fremantle v West Coast @Patersons Stadium
Fremantle fell over the line against the West Coast Eagles, kicking the last two goals of the games to win 90 to 81.
Well, we all know the news by now Tendai Mzungu is out for 6-8 weeks. The silver lining though is that he was in 90% of teams- replacing him will seperate those who have done the research, from those who have been told 100 times this pre-season to lock in Mzungu.
The other silver lining, with Mzungu out and maybe Silvagni, surely <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=358&pcid=13228&name=Nick%20Lower">Lower[/url] will get the call up now. Speaking of Lower, he put in another solid effort this week.
Sound like <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=871&pcid=13521&name=Nathan%20FYFE">Fyfe[/url] was BOG, after a stellar effort last week he could be an interesting PoD. He certainly burst onto the scene last year, but can we really trust a second year player?
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=758&pcid=13374&name=Michael%20Walters">Walters[/url] picked up 4 goals and played a fair amount of the game through the middle.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=3&pcid=12954&name=Aaron%20Sandilands">Sandi[/url] turned up to play for the second half, so I wouldnt be too upset by his scores. Though Cox was subbed off at half time.
Firstly, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=167&pcid=13083&name=Dean%20Cox">Cox[/url] was subbed at half time, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=729&pcid=13392&name=Luke%20Shuey">Shuey at 3/4 time.
[/url]<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1130&pcid=13666&name=Jack%20DARLING">Darling[/url] put in a decent effort today, could make for a good replacement for Mzungu. Kicked a goal and applied good pressure up forward.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=13&pcid=12959&name=Adam%20Selwood">Adam Selwood[/url] picked up an injury and is 50/50 for round one.
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs @Ballarat
The Roos took out this game, 118 to 105.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=76&pcid=13008&name=Brent%20Harvey">Boomer[/url] top scored the game with 137SC points
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=288&pcid=13175&name=Lindsay%20Thomas">Lindsay Thomas[/url] booted 6 goals and 126SC.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=173&pcid=13087&name=Drew%20Petrie">Petrie[/url] is making it tough for us all! 4 goals and 126SC!
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1069&pcid=13605&name=Cameron%20RICHARDSON">Cam Richardson[/url] played his best game of the pre-season. Which isnt a bad effort considering how well hes been going so far!
Sounds like <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1096&pcid=13632&name=Shaun%20ATLEY">Atley[/url] did a bit, but was limited for gametime.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=97&pcid=13026&name=Callan%20Ward">Ward[/url] stood up for the Doggies with 24 touches and 124SC points.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=443&pcid=13287&name=Shaun%20Higgins">Higgins[/url] finished with 17 touches but only 63SC points.
<a>Liberatore[/url] picked up 19 touches and 81SC, however Wallis didnt play.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=6&pcid=12955&name=Adam%20Cooney">Cooney[/url] managed himself 4 goals in his first game back. Not a sign of rust on the bloke.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=319&pcid=13202&name=Matthew%20Boyd">Boyd[/url] once again got a whole bunch of the ball.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=538&pcid=13335&name=Easton%20Wood">Wood[/url] struggled defensively but still made it into their "Best" list.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=404&pcid=13260&name=Ryan%20Griffen">Griffen[/url] had an injury scare, but played out the game.
Carlton v Geelong @Visy Park
Geelong got up in a fairly tight encounter, 92 to 81.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=244&pcid=13143&name=Joel%20Selwood">Selwood[/url] had the ball on a string, collecting 34 touches, two goals and 141 points.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=237&pcid=13138&name=Jimmy%20Bartel">Bartel[/url] had himself 9 touches in the first quarter but was subbed off early in the second after getting a concussion.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=454&pcid=13293&name=Steve%20Johnson">Stevie J[/url] played up the ground a fair bit and snared 3 goals in the final quarter. Scored himself 134 SuperCoach points in the process.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=485&pcid=13310&name=Travis%20Varcoe">Travis Varcoe[/url] was again very good. Wonder if hell break out this year.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=826&pcid=14526&name=Mitch%20W.%20BROWN">Mitch Brown[/url] did very well after subbing on for Hawkins a half time.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=763&pcid=13370&name=Chris%20Yarran">Chris Yarran[/url] impressed for the Blues, doing a great job with 22 touches in his rebounding defence role.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=296&pcid=13182&name=Marc%20Murphy">Marc Murphy[/url] missed his second game in a row, but should be right come round one.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1145&pcid=13681&name=Nicholas%20DUIGAN">Duigan[/url] was impressive again today. Lock him in boys and girls.
Sounds like <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=93&pcid=13022&name=Bryce%20Gibbs">Bryce Gibbs[/url] put in another sub-par performance, but you just cant not include him because of his pre-season.
Port Adelaide v GWS Giants @Williaston Oval
Like everyone else, Port smashed the Witcheshats but a good 95 points.
Hard to take anything out of the game considering.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=234&pcid=13135&name=Jay%20Schulz">Schulz[/url] kicked 6.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=391&pcid=13252&name=Robbie%20Gray">Gray[/url] and <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=481&pcid=13308&name=Travis%20Boak">Boak[/url] both put in outstanding efforts.
Rookie option, <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1192&pcid=13728&name=Jarrad%20IRONS">Jarrad Irons[/url] sat out the second half after jarring his knee.
Sydney v St. Kilda @Coffs Harbour
Sydney smashed the Saints by a good 31 point margin.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=7&pcid=12956&name=Adam%20Goodes">Goodes[/url] again top scored for the Swans with 4 goals and 122SC.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=803&pcid=13478&name=Lewis%20JETTA">Jetta[/url] put in a good one amassing 105DT.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=852&pcid=13503&name=Byron%20SUMNER">Sumner[/url] has played himself into contention for round 1, but he might not get too many afterwards. Buyer beware.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=273&pcid=13163&name=Kieren%20Jack">K. Jack[/url] picked up 22 touches, with a 50% efficiency rating. I think he might need another year before making my squad!
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=563&pcid=14524&name=Josh%20P.%20Kennedy">Kennedy[/url] got 20 touches, 12 of them contested for a 94SC.
As for the Saints, Im not hearing much out there! <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=73&pcid=13006&name=Brendon%20Goddard">Goddard[/url] top scored for the Saints with 90SC, but outside of that, Im not hearing a lot! Anyone got anything for us?
Gold Coast v Brisbane @Southport
Brisbane finished the first derby with a win, 121 to 54.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=960&pcid=13550&name=Clayton%20BEAMS">Claye Beams[/url] showed a fair bit and will definitely be in consideration for round one.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=323&pcid=13204&name=Matthew%20Leuenberger">Leuenberger[/url] went off injured but came back onto the field.
Annoyingly, it looks like <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=962&pcid=13551&name=Broc%20MCCAULEY">Broc McCauley[/url] picked up an ankle injury, which take another #4 out of the equation.
Looks to me that <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1079&pcid=13615&name=Rohan%20BEWICK">Bewick[/url] is a shoe-in for round one. Sounds like he did a great job on the wing.
Filling in the GCs best was Swallow, Matera, Fraser, Dixon and Tape.
<a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1204&pcid=14529&name=">Stanley[/url] and <a href="http://tooserious.net/player.php?id=1060&pcid=13596&name=Karmichael%20HUNT">Hunt[/url] were both pretty good in an overworked defence.
One thing that I got reminded about this week were Mckennas comments throughout the preseason about heavily rotating his rookies, and expecting around 12 games from them. Im thinking this kind of philosophy will decimate a good number of Supercoaches years this year- particularly if youre already running with 3 outs in any round from a bye. So I suggest we all think long and hard about loading up with too many of these guys!
As I mentioned in the pre-round review, Prestia wasnt named for this game, in a line-up that was expected to be close to round 1. Though it does match up with Prestia playing for the possibles, rather than the probables in the intraclub match. Combining that with the last point, could also make him a dangerous downgrade target through the year, so try to remember this.
And thats it! The pre-season is done! Heres hoping for no more training injuries, particularly those horrid final hour ones!
Well get an RMT thread up this week, sometime after the final Freako email hits our inboxes, so try to hold off just a little bit longer!!
And yeah, 10 more days to go! Lets get excited! The decisions we make now will more than likely sum up our chances for the next six months, so lets make them good ones ok!
NAB cup, round 4 review. GF edition.
Discussion in 'Blog' started by boco, Mar 14, 2011.
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Discussion in 'Blog' started by boco, Mar 14, 2011.