<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]Apologies all. Firstly for the lateness of this blog entry, secondly for what will follow. There will be no full length review/preview by me this week or next week. I'm simply too busy at this point in time and on the verge of a conniption. If anyone out there would like to be a guest reviewer/previewer for the next couple of weeks, I think we'd all appreciate that immensely. I certainly would.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]Please welcome our guest reviewer. Here's Johnny!
With preseason form confirmed to be a joke by the AFL sides, no-one really knew what to expect this opening round. That was confirmed with 3 out of the top 4 sides from 2012 having a loss, and only the great man GAJ preventing a 4 out of 4 sweep. Let's get into it!
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]SARAH ISLAND SAVAGES[/b]1267 Def by[span style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]QUEENSTOWN QUOLLS1497
The Quolls pretty much dominated the Savages all over the park from game one with Ben HOWLETT (164) the immediate talking point. Throw in other new recruits Sam Mitchell (141), Andrew Walker (137) and Jeremy HOWE (95), it's hard to argue with the trading tactics of their coach. Other standouts included their backline of Bryce Gibbs (150), Jack Grimes (122), and defender-gone-forward/ruck Charlie DIXON (130). #Milera|Timothy|STK (78) also chipped in with his first game for the club, while Chris Yarran (54) was a bit of a worry playing a new half forward role and stuffing 2 chances to win the game.

The reigning premier himself didn't exactly have a horrible start, but were certainly missing key figures NicNat and Waite - not that they would have saved the Savages this round. Jay-Pee-Kay (147) topped the scorers as usual, while Mundy2Mayne (126to120) was in full effect. The often maligned Will Minson (126) also tonned up, but the Cinderella story was Jay-Jay-Kay (109). Newcomers Heath Hocking (93) and Ashley McGrath (40) were hot and cold, and business as usual for Mitch Robinson (20) who got KO'd.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]WARBURTON WANDERERS[/b]1288 Def by<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]MOUNT BUGGERY DISAPPOINTMENTS[/b]1326
Plenty of talking points this game with the Disappointments proving the Schrodinger's cat paradox they are simultaneously disappointing and not disappointing. Danyle Pearce (130) filled the gap vacated by Suckling in the defence valiantly, while Tom Rockliff (122) relished his new forward role in the midfield, if that makes sense. <a href="http://tooserious.net/Player.aspx?id=472&name=Todd Goldstein">Todd Goldstein[/url] (121) sent a big F-U to Currie in a hurry, and standout performers Brent Stanton (117) and Steele Sidebottom (116) started off solidly. The biggest story of the week is NAB Rising Star Oliver Wines (125) who is apparently worth much more than 2x Vlastuin.

Last year's runner-up and minor premiers the Wanderers had a solid hitout but just got pipped on the line. Hamish Hartlett (123) held together a defense that looks in a bit of trouble, and Matthew Kreuzer (113) finally looks like he might have some consistency this year. Most of the points though came from the engine room with Ryan Griffen (138), Stephen Hill (120), Travis Boak (109) and Marc Murphy (104) all tonning up. New recruit Shaun Higgins (97) was the next best scorer.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]HUMPTY DOO HAMMERHEADS[/b]1155 Def[span style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]MILIKAPATI SNAKES1001
Not a glamorous game by any means, with the Hammerheads struggling over the line. Dylan Shiel (117) top scored and gave us a preview in the future, while a number of other payers tonned up including Brent Guerra (109), Andrew Mackie (107), <a href="http://tooserious.net/Player.aspx?id=147&name=Daniel Wells">Daniel Wells[/url] (107), Chris Judd (106), and Sam Jacobs (102). Their backline in particular looks fairly solid with new recruits Will Schofield (66) and Jake CARLISLE (65) showing plenty. Recycled former top 100 picks Michael Rischitelli (78) and Liam Shiels (24) had mixed reviews, as did Jordan Russell (37).

We all knew he problems the Snakes had in their backline, but their forwards failed to fire also. Grant Birchall (122) top scored, and actually scored the same as the other 3 defenders combined. Brett Deledio (116) and Kieren Jack (116) continued their climb to elite status, but there wasn't much else to talk about - in fact apart from these 3 scores amazingly no-one scored above 73! Toby Greene (45) had a shocker after his superb first year.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]POOWONG POTOROOS[/b]1304<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;][/b]Def<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]TARWIN LOWER PIGS[/b]1261
Very close game here with Poowong coming away with the chocolates. New recruit Tory Dickson (118) made me (and many other coaches) look foolish, the underrated Mike Pyke (104) keeps banging out good scores, and Jase hopes Robert Murphy (106) could be captain every week. But there's no denying that this match turned on the performance of one player in one quarter, with the little master top scoring the round with 178. Adam Cooney (87) and Nick Malceski (87) have cemented their place in the best 15, while Nick Lower (46) had a great non-SC game and Dennis Armfield (59) put in a Dennis-like performance. When will they unleash the DAW?!


In the battle of the big guns, Scott Pendlebury (160) came of second best, just slightly. Jarryn Geary (144) had the Potoroos worried for a little while with one out of the box, and ROK (107) was the other one to crack the ton. No real horrible performances to be had except the vested Andrew Embley (23).



<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;][/b][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]JIMCUMBILLY JACKRABBITS[/b]1255 Def by<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]MALLACOOTA MAGICIANS[/b]1357
The Magicians were at it again, the victory being setup early with performances from 2010-like Michael BARLOW (144) and Courtenay Dempsey (124). Alex Rance (104) also crossed the mark, with everyone else putting in a solid performance excepted for the vested Stewart CRAMERI (44). New draftee Michael Walters (90) and trade-ee Jude Bolton (76) held the forward line together with newcomer Arryn SIPOSS (96).


Jimcumbilly were widely (by H) tipped to be the big improver of the year and make the jump to top 4, and still might be destined to make it with an honourable loss. Missing Leuey, Fisher, Boyd and Rosa, the standouts were newcomers Dane Swan (136) and Lenny Hayes (111) along with James PODSIADLY (106) and Angus Monfries (112).



<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;][/b][/b][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]MERTON MEERKATS[/b]1225 Def<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]BONNIE DOON BANDITS[/b]1092
Surprisingly lowish score for Merton given the Tiges had a win, with superstars Trent Cotchin (119), Ivan Maric (112) and Shane Tuck (107) the only ones to top the hundred. Much talked about recruit Lee Spurr (83) started strongly, and smokey Taylor Hunt (97) came off the interchange to score well.

BDB's defenders depth is certainly impressive, but the forward line is where the trouble is. With Corey surprisingly missing also, they had to field two OOP players which in the end made the difference. Griffin (116) assumed the mantle of number 1 ruck for both AFL and ORFFL, and old man Gia (116) turning back the clock. Stephen Coniglio (101) performed very well, while a change of scenery for Josh CADDY (33) hasn't seemed to have helped yet.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]PURNULULU BUNGLE RANGERS[/b]1221<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;][/b]Def<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]COULTA COULDABEENS[/b]1140
Looks like the Rangers are finally growing up! Fearless leader Joel Selwood (126) did exactly that, Adam Treloar (113) looks like he could yet be the standout of the GWS crop, and Nick Suban (120) somewhat surprised actually repaying the faith while playing some midfield time. Mark LeCras (91) looked good before another injury and getting subbed out. The best of all Libba (130) couldn't even get on the park, Patrick Ryder (54) has a lot of improvement to do, and Shaw was a late withdrawal, so watch out for the PBR this year!

Coulta were a bit thin on midfield options this week being force to field 2 green vests, which shows why they were so keen on Wines. Jay Schulz (134) had a big one to go with his potential car, Brad Ebert (116) solid as expected, the Hoff (100), and Matthew WRIGHT (102) the odd one out being the non-Port payer. Jasper Pittard (93) deserves a mention also, while Zaka (28) will be better for the run.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]GLENROWAN GUNSLINGERS[/b]1255<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;][/b]Def<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]TORRUMBARRY THUNDA[/b]1179
This would have to be a surprise upset with last year's wooden spooners getting up. Shane Mumford (116), Cyril Rioli (114) and David Armitage (113) topped the charts, but it was a solid effort across the board that got the job done. JOM (72) had a solid debut, and the only downer was the Beams duo - one a late withdrawal, and one the green vest.

Torrumbarry were a bit of a mixed bag - Beau Waters (117) was the only ton, with sensation Brett Goodes (113) on the pine. Basically all their stars were down this week, which means watch out next week for Danger and Buddy in particular to fire! Highly touted first round pick Jack Newnes (31) looked a little out of him depth, but give him time.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;]<strong style='outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px;][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b][/b]

[/b]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0px; font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #434343;]<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]POPANYINNING PYRITE[/b]1231 Def<strong style='font: inherit; outline: 0px; background-color: transparent;]WOY WOY WIZARDS[/b]991
The Pyrite are the victors over a severely depleted Woy Woy, but that doesn't take the shine off their performance. Andrew Swallow (137) fantastic, Jack Viney (117) magnificient, and I guess recruit Brent Moloney (100) wasn't so bad either. David Myers (91) a handy little score as well, and much spoken about Jarryd Blair (86) seemed bang on his potential average.

Woy Woy are in trouble and seem to be running out of walking frames down there. Even with a monster from Kane Cornes (166) they were unable to crack 1000, with Paul Chapman (120) unable to compensate for the 3 donuts.