How was the long weekend for everyone? Some good footy to watch, a couple of tasty rookies, and of course lamb on Labour day for us South Easterners.



Wait, the Lamb union has taken over Labour day as well right? Either way, it explains why this review is being posted so late



There were tight games, absolute blowouts and some tasty options, and this was just on Friday night! So lets take a closer look at what's happened.



GWS vs Essendon



Result: Essendon by 91.



The comments on the game will be short and swift. *cough*slaughter*cough*. It was an utter massacre, devastation, other synonyms. Seriously.



Essendon nearly doubled the possession count of the Giants, 404 disposals to 247, so without even looking, I'm thinking the Bombers will have a multitude of high scorers.



But we'll look at the GWS first. Taylor Adams did some good DT work. A lot of uncontested possessions, 18 touches in total, a bunch of marks and 4 tackles for a 77DT. Matching him on 77DT was Toby Greene who managed 21 disposals. Disposal efficiency will kick them both though, with 44.4% and 52.4% lower their SC scores.



Lachlan Plowman looked alright, but 14 touches and 63DT, while Sam Frost looks destined to average low 50's with a 53 this week. Might be worth a shake if he can guarentee games.



Not a great night for the Giants by any stretch, made worse with Jonathan O'Rourke and Callan Ward being subbed out injured early. I don't Ward's is too serious though, O'Rourke however has a history of hamstring injuries and will need to be monitored.



A lot of big scores from the Bombers tonight, as you'd expect with the score line, so I'm going to rush through a few, then focus on two in particular.



Jobe Watson a gun as usual. 31 touches, 120DT and runs all day. Patrick Ryder a 106DT is a welcome return to form for the big man, with 21 touches, 13 hitouts and 3 goals to his name.



Brendon Goddard looked great, with 93DT and 26 touches, as did Tom Bellchambers - but then, gosh he's a big man, playing against 'the kids' for 18 touches, 24 hitouts and 92DT.



Michael HIBBERD - The Doc, has been in fantastic form this pre-season. Very uncontested, could suggest a very good role as a DT prospect next year, and priced at $342k could be a very astute pick up.



But it's Dyson HEPPELL who should be put into everyones team right now. Seriously, was everywhere when he was on the field. Heck, you look down the column of scorers this week, and his score fits right in with everyone elses. 20 disposals, 5 clearances, 6 inside 50's and 80DT points. But that was off just 51% TOG. Let me bold that for you. 80DT off 51% TOG. Get him in early so that you don't regret it.



Oh, and of course, Elliott Kavanagh went alright. Played most of the game for 20 touches and 80DT. Not great disposal, but you do have to expect gametime for the young fella.



Heroes: Jobe Watson, Patrick Ryder

Villians: Callan Ward

Players to watch: Michael HIBBERD, Dyson HEPPELL



Adelaide vs Carlton



Result: Adelaide by 3.



Kicking the only 4 goals of the final team, I thought the Blues were going to get over the line at AAMI stadium. Not to be though, as the Crows held on to a slim, slim lead, 109 to 106.



It was a fairly low scoring game on the DT front though. Not a single player cracked the ton with Nathan Van Berlo coming the closest with 18 disposals, 8 tackles and 94DT.



Brad Crouch looked good though, 15 touches and 66DT was good, but his delivery was excellent, which should bode well for Supercoach.



Patrick Dangerfield was well tagged by Armfield, and managed just 16 touches and 61DT. But it's the pre-season. No stress.



Matthew WRIGHT will have a few backers jump off with just 11 touches and 40DT, playing a run-with role against Murphy. But personally, I'm not too stressed.



Over on the Blues side, Dennis Armfield top scored. Not only did he shut down Danger, he also managed 13 touches, 2 goals, 8 tackles and 86DT. Not a bad days work.



Not too much more of note, Chris Yarran is still the bloke they want bringing the ball out of defence- but didn't help his scores too much with 12 touches and 57DT.



Heroes:

Villians: Patrick Dangerfield, Marc Murphy

Players to watch: Brad Crouch



Hawthorn vs Richmond



Result: Richmond by 1.



What a final term. Goal for goal with the lead switching 6 times, only to finish with Jack Riewoldt kicking the sealer. Remember to factor that in when the SC scores come out.



I'm going to start with Hawthorn though, because I need to mention Matt Suckling . Out for the season with a ACL, which leaves a big hole in scoring potential for the Hawks. Will be very interested in seeing who fills that void.



For the game though, Sam Mitchell top scored for the game, with 111DT off 29 touches. Classic Mitchell stuff really. Jarryd Roughead was strong up forward without Franklin, kicking 5 goals straight from 15 disposals and a 95DT.



Grant Birchall picked up 16 touches and 69DT, which was a little down on what I'd hope- but not really a worry.



Bradley Hill looked quite likely. Priced a $191k, he managed 22 touches and 83DT. I reckon he's gunna be that guy, that we all look back at when the season ends and think- damn, knew I should have gone with him- just couldn't justify the spend.



Over in the winners circle though, Brett Deledio had a good one, with 24 touches and 108DT. In fact, 3 tigers cracked the ton with Bachar Houli on 102 and Trent Cotchin a 101DT.



Brandon Ellis did very nicely though, with 17 touches, 10 marks and 74DT points, at a 94.1% efficiency rate. Fantastic effort for the second yearer.



Now, this one is a delicate topic. I've had faith in Dustin MARTIN for the entire pre-season, but I gotta say, it's waivering. 15 touches and 52DT today, and I'm in the position where I would love to hear from a few Richmond fans on why I should keep him in my squad.



Ricky Petterd played just half a game, for a 29DT- so while the return wasn't bad, the job security sub-risk and price might make him a little too risky to splash out on.



Heroes: Sam Mitchell, Brett Deledio, Bachar Houli, Trent Cotchin

Villians: Dustin MARTIN

Players to watch: Bradley Hill



Melbourne vs St. Kilda



Result: St. Kilda by 25.



The Dee's fired strong early, kicking the opening 3 goals of the game, but sheesh, it was all St. Kilda after that. 8 unanswered goals in a rows, and the margin was pretty much decided at half time.



It was a solid game for James Magner with 19 touches and 87DT, but with the exception of Dean Terlich I can imagine a bunch of coaches jumping off the Dees after this weekend.



Dean Terlich was solid in defence, with 16 disposals and 56DT in just 67% game time, and if he's there come round 1, will be in a lot of teams. Jack Watts was pretty uneventful with 11 touches and 44DT, as was Jimmy Toumpas who picked up 12 touches for a 38DT. 59% game time though, does make you think, but with the premium price added, I reckon people will look elsewhere.



Meanwhile, bargain forward, Shannon Byrnes picked up just 8 touches and 34DT in 75% gametime. Worrying stats really.



On the Saints side however, Leigh Montagna continues his strong pre-season and comes into the season with a strong early draw, and some solid room for improvement based on previous form.



Jack Newnes scored alright, with 17 touches and 76DT, while forward rookie option, Thomas Lee had a very solid return of 10 disposals, 4 behinds and 54DT. Could have easily scored better with accurate kicking, so I'm thinking he's back on our radars.



Arryn SIPOSS once again put in a poor return this pre-season, with just 11 touches and 45DT off of 95% gametime, so I imagine he'll be cut from a few teams over the week.



Heroes: Leigh Montagna

Villians:

Players to watch: Dean Terlich, Thomas Lee



Geelong vs North Melbourne



Result: Geelong by 12.



It was a tough won slog for the Cats, getting over the line against a solid Roo's outfit.



Steve Johnson was in hot form, with 20 disposals, 9 tackles and 88DT, while Chapman will bring in a solid SC score from his 22 disposals, 3 goals and 83DT. Don't tempt me man. Chapman has a habit of torturing coaches. Whether it's because you don't pick him, and he dominates, or because you finally bring him into your squad, at cost, and he goes down with the inevitable soft tissue injury.



Travis Varcoe looked alright for his price, with 9 touches and 39DT from 62% Game time, but I find Geelong a hard team to gauge from a fantasy view point. Personally, I think you could fire a shotgun at a dartboard consisting of Geelong's mid-priced midfielders and come away with a 100% hit ratio on mids-to-improve their average this year, but will any step up enough to be, well, worth it?



Andrew Swallow top scored for the Roos, as he often does, with 19 touches, 7 clearances, 6 tackles and 88DT, but it's the form of ruckman, Daniel Currie who has fantasy chins wagging. Given the #1 ruck spot by Scott - 'To see how he goes' - he responded in fine form, with 11 touches, 38 hitouts and 77DT. Got the feeling that he'll be holding down the #4 ruck spot in most squads this year, even if he is passed over in round 1.



Meanwhile, that other rookie ruckman, Majak DAW picked up 7 disposals and a 68DT in 62% gametime. Perhaps a double North rookie ruck combo will be the norm? Or perhaps Geelong's well undermanned rucking division needs to be strongly considered.



Lindsay Thomas was in fine form, with 14 disposals and 76DT. His kicking on goal was inaccurate though, with 3.4 to his name, but the numbers are certainly ominous off the back of a 15 point average increase next year. Wouldn't suprise me to see him add another 10 to his average this year.



Heroes:

Villians:

Players to watch: Daniel Currie, Majak DAW, Travis Varcoe



Fremantle vs Western



Result: Fremantle by 109.



Yeah, you read that right. 109 points in a massive, and accurate, win for the Dockers. I was actually suprise reading the metrics after the game though- While of course, they won them, it wasn't by as much as I'd have expected. 60 more disposals, 8 more clearances and 35 more contested wins were worth 100 points. Just goes to show just how accurate the Dockers were, not just at the scoreboard.



Nathan FYFE put in a massive game, with 30 touches, 17 contested and 107DT. A huge game, but boy, do you need to have a strong ticker if you're going to select him. I held him 2 years back, and I swear, your heart goes into your mouth nearly every game, seeing him go off, clutching his shoulder. Again. Only for him to have it restrapped, and sent back out to do the business. Phenominal athlete, and the definition of high-risk-high-reward for mine.



David Mundy looked good with 24 touches and 89DT, while Michael Walters put on 4 goals and 14 touches for an 85DT.



Danyle Pearce had a pretty lean day in defence, with 11 touches and 48DT, but I don't see every game going this way for the Dockers this year.



Over on the dogs side, it was a pretty dark day, but a pair of rookies did enough. Koby STEVENS top scored for the dogs with 23 touches and 69DT, bringing himself well into consideration for 2013, while Jackson Macrae managed 15 touches and 57DT for himself. Not *great* numbers by any stretch, but considering the day, not too shabby.



Heroes: Nathan FYFE

Villians:

Players to watch: Nathan FYFE, Koby STEVENS, Jackson Macrae



Collingwood vs Brisbane



Result: Brisbane by 34.



Boom, a massive second half for the Lions, and they are through to the NAB Grand final. And being the underdog fan that I am, will certainly be rooting for them next weekend.



Rohan BEWICK top scored for the lions off 15 touches, kicking 4.2 for a 95DT, but it was Tom Rockliff that will be in every serious coaches squads, with 27 disposals and 91DT. Surely you can't go wrong.



Brent Moloney will again gain traction with 24 touches and 88DT, while Patrick KARNEZIS put in another big game in limited TOG, this time with 20 touches, 80DT off 68% TOG.



Pearce Hanley was strong, with 18 touches and 69DT while Sam Docherty continues to improve with 13 touches at 84% efficiency and 51DT.



Steele Sidebottom had a big game for the Pies with 27 disposals an 104DT. Let down a little by kicking 0.2, and a 59% DE, but overall a very good game.



It's Ben Kennedy and Kyle Martin that will be getting people looking though. The former, managed 19 touches and 73DT, while the latter, 17 disposals and 63DT in what has already been a very good NAB campaign.



Yes, it's a very undermanned Collingwood outfit, and it's next week where we see which rookies are really in contention, but boy, they are good numbers.



In other news, Brent Macaffer managed 36DT from 10 touches and 100% DE. Figured I'd throw him in due to his In-100%-Of-Teams status at the moment.



Heroes: Tom Rockliff, Steele Sidebottom

Villians:

Players to watch: Patrick KARNEZIS, Sam Docherty, Ben Kennedy, Kyle Martin



Sydney vs Gold Coast



Result: Sydney by 36.



There was a little bit of a shake in the Suns tail, but really, the game went as expected, with Sydney comfortably running out the game. Not all good though, with Alex JOHNSON going down though, opening another spot on the list for a rookie.



Jarrad McVeigh had a blinder, with 35 touches and 131DT, it was a huge effort for the captain. Josh P. Kennedy also cracked the ton with a 106 from 28 disposals.



Luke PARKER looked a smoky mid pricer with 17 disposals, 2.2 and 82DT points from 76% game time, while Kieren Jack made 80DT from 14 touches.



Dane Rampe is surely looking in line to be upgraded after the pre-season he's had, today, 12 touches and 48DT, but I've a feeling the JS and vests will be of major concern.



Over on the Suns side, an Ablett-less midfield was lead by none other than Jaeger O'Meara . Yes, he's already locked into everyone's squad, but his 24 disposals, 15 contested and 89DT will see him going into round 1 on most people field. Comfortably.



Harley BENNELL was also strong, with 24 touches and 86DT, while Greg Broughton will continue to entice, with 19 touches and 61DT.



Heroes: Jarrad McVeigh, Josh P. Kennedy, Jaeger O'Meara

Villians: Adam Goodes, Shane Mumford

Players to watch: Dane Rampe, Jaeger O'Meara



West Coast vs Port Adelaide



Result: Port Adelaide by 6.



I'll be honest, from a fantasy stand point, this is the game I was looking forward to the most and it didn't disappoint.



Josh J. Kennedy has officially made himself a swag of new friends this weekend (Which is sad for my team, that's had him locked in for weeks noW), as he top scored for the Eagles with 85DT from 11 touches and 5.3. Can't see how you can go into the season without him based on that performance.



Over on Port's side, it's all about the back 6, with Hartlett|Hamish|PTA not getting injured, with 16 touches and 60DT. Lewis Stevenson who managed 49DT off 10 touches, Campbell Heath with 10 touches and 47DT and finally Jasper Pittard who worryingly had 8 touches, but just 18DT points.



Then there's the other Port rookies to consider. Pick #4, Oliver Wines looked good with 16 disposals and 53DT, Kane Mitchell who managed just 3 touches and 5 tackles for 31DT, and Sam Colquhoun who picked up 26DT from 9 touches.



So much young blood at the Power, but the question has to be asked- despite the obvious depth of rookies in the backline, do they actually have the scoring potential for us to start them?



In fact, I'm going to finish this article on that exact question. Based on the averages see coming out of the rookie backs this year, could there be more value in stacking another rookie Mid, and using the cash to upgrade 2 of these backman?



Heroes: Josh J. Kennedy, Brad Ebert

Villians:

Players to watch: Near Everyone.