My Top Five Rookie’s (<$200k) of the week:
1) J Strauss (Def 110k) Whilst I am concerned with Straussy job security, you can’t argue the numbers… a rock solid 70 in round 1, followed by a 87 in round 2. Straussy played 2 games in 2010 and has just played his second game of 2011. I’m not sure he’s the greatest user of the ball, but I believe it will get better if he gets more opportunity and builds some confidence. Straussy was a glimmer of hope in a bad games for the Dee’s picking up 21 disposals, taking 2 grabs and laying 3 tackles. My main concern with Straussy is that I don’t know that the Dee’s hold him in the highest regard, and I wouldn’t even try and guess what BaiIey is trying to achieve with his team which makes it tough.
2) J Howe (Fwd 103k) He was a Supercoach rookie standout last week scoring 97 points, and he wasn’t the Dee’s worst player this week with another 50 points. Howe started 2010 playing country football in Tassie. He moves well, and reminds me of the first time I saw Tapscott. Generally impressed! This week he had 14 disposals, took 8 marks, kicked 1 goal and layed 2 tackles. I was very impressed with his first game….. and I’m really struggling to split Strauss and Howe. If one gets dropped, then the decision is easy, but it’s a real coin toss.
3) Z Tuohy (Def 103k) The Rookie listed Irishman had the green vest in his first hit-out, and had a great run in his second game racking up 20 disposals, taking 3 grabs, kicking a goal and laying a tackle. He also scored 79 SC points. I’m always a little dubious about the Irish boys, but if you’re willing to roll the dice it may well pay dividends.
4) T Simpkin (Def 103k) Simpkin was promoted off the rookie list at the end of last season after a good year in the VFL. He hasn’t exactly been best-on-ground, but he has been solid in defense scoring back-to-back 61’s. This week Simpkin had 7 disposals, taking 4 marks and laying 7 tackles (that was the good bit). The Saints need to win most weeks and I’m not sure where he sits in the pecking order, as Lyon isn’t one for giving his kids a lot of games.
5) A Fasolo (Mid 103k) He played well in his first game, actually he played very well….. but he’s only here as a token-effort, as after the bye they will have Swan and Daisy return, and he will be dropped like a hot potato. In either case, he scored 69 SC points and 15 disposals, 1 mark, 1 goal and 2 tackles.
Here is the rookie data for you to analyse in your spare time, and form your own opinions:
| R12 SC | SC Average | Games | Player | Pos | Price | Team |
| 89 | 84 | 4 | C Pedesen | Def | 215k | NM |
| 87 | 78 | 2 | J Strauss | Def | 111k | MELB |
| 85 | 60 | 4 | T Mzungu | Fwd/Mid | 191k | FREO |
| 85 | 68 | 3 | A Browne | Ruck | 197k | RICH |
| 79 | 44 | 2 | Z Tuohy | Def | 103k | CARL |
| 78 | 73 | 5 | M Hibberd | Def/Mid | 239k | ESS |
| 77 | 51 | 2 | Z Clarke | Ruck | 159k | FREO |
| 72 | 52 | 6 | D Prestia | Mid/Fwd | 182k | GC |
| 69 | 69 | 1 | A Fasolo | Mid | 103k | COLL |
| 69 | 69 | 1 | C Hinkley | Mid | 186k | FREO |
| 67 | 54 | 4 | N Vardy | Ruck | 201k | GEEL |
| 67 | 51 | 3 | C Howard | Def | 140k | WBD |
| 66 | 52 | 5 | S Phillips | Mid | 194k | PORT |
| 65 | 65 | 4 | L Delaney | Def | 183k | NM |
| 61 | 61 | 2 | T Simpkin | Def | 103k | STK |
| 59 | 50 | 6 | M Weller | Mid | 198k | GC |
| 52 | 52 | 1 | M Globy | Def | 103k | BRIS |
| 50 | 73 | 2 | J Howe | Fwd | 103k | MELB |
| 50 | 50 | 2 | M Gawn | Ruck | 110k | MELB |
| 47 | 47 | 5 | L Breust | Fwd | 155k | Haw |
| 47 | 38 | 4 | N Djerrkura | Mid | 171k | WBD |
| 45 | 44 | 4 | L Russell | Mid | 151k | GC |
| 44 | 42 | 5 | J Stellar | Ruck | 178k | ADEL |
| 42 | 42 | 1 | Ed Barlow | Mid | 170k | WBD |
| 41 | 51 | 5 | S May | Fwd | 176k | GC |
| 39 | 39 | 5 | S Day | Fwd | 171k | GC |
| 33 | 33 | 1 | L Dahlhaus | Fwd | 99k | WBD |
| 30 | 43 | 8 | S Tape | Def | 175k | GC |
| 27 | 43 | 6 | B Retzlaff | Def/Fwd | 175k | BRIS |
| 21 | 47 | 7 | B Spleight | Mid | 181k | NM |
| 20 | 62 | 5 | T Lynch | Fwd | 213k | GC |
| 19 | 44 | 4 | J Green | Mid | 154k | BRIS |
| 18 | 27 | 2 | J Mulligan | Def | 110k | WBD |
| 15 | 16 | 2 | A Browne | Def | 130k | ESS |
| 14 | 20 | 2 | T Ledger | Mid | 103k | STK |
| 12 | 12 | 1 | R Liddy | Fwd | 110k | GC |
| 12 | 45 | 4 | M Evans | Mid | 139k | MELB |
| 30 | 1 | B Moran | Ruck | 110k | ADEL | |
| 35 | 8 | R Bewick | Mid | 142k | BRIS | |
| 37 | 5 | C Beams | Mid | 137k | BRIS | |
| 61 | 3 | B McCauley | Ruck | 138k | BRIS | |
| 50 | 3 | J Polec | Mid | 182k | BRIS | |
| 51 | 3 | R Lester | Def | 137k | BRIS | |
| 64 | 2 | M Watson | Def | 103k | CARL | |
| 42 | 6 | J Pitt | Fwd | 162k | FREO | |
| 11 | 1 | T Hine | Def/Mid | 110k | GC | |
| 43 | 6 | C Dixon | Fwd | 177k | GC | |
| 32 | 8 | K Hunt | Def | 137k | GC | |
| 43 | 5 | M Shaw | Def | 162k | GC | |
| 44 | 1 | T Nichols | Ruck | 110k | GC | |
| 29 | 2 | J Daye | Def | 110k | GC | |
| 41 | 3 | L Patrick | Fwd | 128k | GC | |
| 35 | 3 | J Hutchins | Def | 121k | GC | |
| 28 | 4 | D Gorringe | Ruck | 134k | GC | |
| 82 | 2 | M Coad | Def | 123k | GC | |
| 26 | 3 | A Magin | Def | 107k | GC | |
| 24 | 1 | M Lock | Mid | 110k | GC | |
| 39 | 2 | J Cowan | Mid | 110k | GEEL | |
| 36 | 6 | A Christensen | Mid | 146k | GEEL | |
| 34 | 2 | C Gutherie | Def | 103k | GEEL | |
| 62 | 3 | M Bailey | Ruck | 153k | Haw | |
| 61 | 1 | K Cheney | Def | 163k | Haw | |
| 35 | 1 | J Lisle | Def | 110k | Haw | |
| 79 | 2 | I Smith | Mid/Fwd | 103k | Haw | |
| 35 | 2 | D Nicholson | Mid/Def | 115k | MELB | |
| 41 | 5 | K Harper | Fwd | 150k | NM | |
| 44 | 4 | C Richardson | Fwd | 149k | NM | |
| 56 | 4 | B Jacobs | Def/Mid | 185k | PORT | |
| 25 | 4 | A Moore | Fwd/Def | 151k | PORT | |
| 43 | 3 | J Irons | Mid | 118k | PORT | |
| 33 | 6 | B Helbig | Mid | 143k | RICH | |
| 53 | 1 | J Post | Def/Fwd | 178k | RICH | |
| 44 | 5 | A Siposs | Fwd | 158k | STK | |
| 32 | 1 | T Lynch | Fwd | 111k | STK | |
| 20 | 2 | N Winmar | Mid/Fwd | 110k | STK | |
| 30 | 3 | J Cripps | Def | 112k | STK | |
| 40 | 3 | A Smith | Mid | 127k | STK | |
| 14 | 1 | W Johnson | Def | 110k | STK | |
| 41 | 3 | R Gamble | Fwd | 184k | STK | |
| 52 | 1 | D Archer | Fwd | 103k | STK | |
| 21 | 3 | L Parker | Mid | 100k | SYD | |
| 26 | 1 | L Johnston | Fwd | 110k | SYD | |
| 38 | 2 | N Gordon | Mid | 110k | SYD | |
| 44 | 1 | B Sumner | Fwd | 110k | SYD | |
| 48 | 5 | M Wallis | Mid | 171k | WBD | |
| 29 | 1 | S Ried | Mid | 167k | WBD | |
| 4 | 1 | Z Skinner | Fwd | 103k | WBD | |
| 5 | 1 | G Weddon | Fwd | 110k | WCE |


{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Thin pickings. I’m keeping an eye on Howard and Dahlhaus from the Doggies.
Like or Dislike:
3
1
I jumped on Howard last week and was relatively happy. Seems to know where the ball is going and how to get it.
Doll House was very impressive though. That 33 was in a quarter and he showed plenty of intent. Reckon he would have caught Rocket’s eye and they will be playing kids from now on so that should work for both of them.
Like or Dislike:
1
1
Who is M.Globy?
Like or Dislike:
0
0
I’m with you Mike on Christian Howard from the Doggies. From Glenelg in SA, I’ve seen him play a bit in the SANFL and goes alright. I’ve seen a couple of his matches for the Bulldogs and looks solid. There doesn’t seem to be many rookies coming through at present with good job security. I think he might be an exception thou. I do agree with Big Sexy on Straussy, he looks ok but job security is a concern. Keep up the terrific work BS.
Like or Dislike:
2
0
maybe joelwood down to isaac, free up some cash?
Like or Dislike:
1
1
Isaac Smith (if you didn’t jump the gun earlier) is in line for a return to the hawks line-up this weekend. Great 2-game average; M/F and playing against the Coasters.. Wait for teams on Thursday and then load-up.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
14
0
Thanks for the update Jonty…. it’s about time he got another run.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Cheers for up-date Jonty. He’s been sitting patiently on my bench.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
I Smith has to get a run with all the injuries to the Hawks on the weekend
Like or Dislike:
1
0
I Smith has to get a run with all the injuries & suspensions to my team!!
Like or Dislike:
3
0
SAME!!
also it would help is Cameron “Relton” Richardson got a game!!
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
5
0
Like this one Jonty!
Like or Dislike:
3
0
Nobody believed you last time jonty, when you claimed that one of Hawthorn’s big forwards would miss. Think that most people are are little more encouraged by your insight nowadays. I’m hoping you’re right again too.
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Strauss was taking alot of the dee’s kick ins yesterday, so Bailey must have a bit more faith in his disposal than you BS. If both were named
I would jump on Strauss over Howe.
Like or Dislike:
4
2
Thanks Mucho.
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
1
6
Unlikely
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
7
0
I’m with BS, no matter how good he looked i don’t thinked he’s going to make you a lot / any money. Reckon he’ll get a couple of games in the SC finals series when they rest the midfielders. Defo hold off this week & i would look elsewhere anyway unless he scores 100 this week and plays so well that they cannot drop him.
Like or Dislike:
2
0
You prob realized this after you posted Andy, but Fasolo might struggle getting 100 this week, with Collingwood’s bye and all.
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Yeah probably not, but Mick Malthouse has a habit of playing random players which arn’t on their top 22 (e.g. Simmo Buckley, John McCarthy). He looked good as on Queens though
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Might be the Blair of ’10.
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Are these good trades for this week
L.Thompson to J. Strauss
and then
R.Shaw to God (or any other premium defender)
Thoughts and ideas
THANKS
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
12
1
they look like great trades
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
4
0
I saddled up on the Vardy train last week and I’m enjoying the ride. Lets hope it continues along its express route to Round 19 when Petrie has his bye. Ding ding all aboard!
Like or Dislike:
2
2
petrie bye round 21
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Oops too much catnip yeah I meant round 21 *toot toot*
Like or Dislike:
2
1
I have Swan, Pendles, Selwood and probably Joey.
I think I am going to write this week off and consider a double downgrade.
I am thinking Howe and Howard at this stage.
Still much time before Friday to consider my options.
Like or Dislike:
2
0
Oops … * I have Swan, Pendles, Selwood and probably Joey OUT *
Like or Dislike:
0
0
howe and strauss i think
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Strauss does seem popular. I will re-think, thanks Ollie.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
what are people doing with mundy? not sure if this has been posted elsewhere, but i was think just to get boyd. good/bad?
also is howard the rookie from the dogs who debuted in the finals v swans last year?
Like or Dislike:
0
1
No, that was Hooper.
Like or Dislike:
2
0
has he played since?
Like or Dislike:
0
1
Haven’t heard how long Mundy is out for. I’m in the same boat PA. I will bring in Priddis if he’s out for long term. Am annoyed as I had my mids all up to premiums!
Will down grade thomspon to Strauss, although I am thinking of downgrading Heppel instead. Is it too early?
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Mundy is out for 6-8
Like or Dislike:
0
0
I already traded Monday this week due to work thurs, fri days and fri night…
I went Lower –> Fisher
R. Tarrant –> Strauss (not sure how confident I can be with this one, his numbers looked amazing).
Have 10 trades left, need to replace before finals:
Bartel, Chapman, Judd, Gibbs, Duigan & Heppell
Thinking Judd to GAJ, not sure about who else yet!
Like or Dislike:
0
1
With 10 trades left i would hold off replacing the finals bye affected players prior to the finals, well at least most of them. Maybe try and use them for now & keep 7 or 8 trades for finals & trade them out once they become an issue.
You don’t have any Norh players so will be looking good in Rd 21, hopefully you are top 4 and have a 50/50 chance of having the week off in Rd 22 when Geelong have the bye. If you did look to have to play in Rd 22 then Chappy at least is DPP and you should be able to park him on either the forwards or mids. I would personally keep Bartel & Chappy for now and just trade out both or 1 (probs Bartel) immediately prior to Rd 22 with the two trades you have kept. For the Carlton game in Rd 23, Judd & Gibbs will provide good value until then. Gibbs again is DPP so it may be worth benching him in mids or def if you are short of trades. Out of the players you mentioned above, i reckon up-grade Duigan prior to finals. As for Heppell, with 10 trades left i would hold off and look at being i a GF with only 1 player (a now mid priced DPP rookie) being on the bench or a trade option with your final one or two trades. Some would say use your trades to get to finals, however i reckon keep your trades until finals and you will sneak wins against teams who have bye affected, rested, injured & suspended prem players & no trades left. Finally, Saints still a smokie for the grannie!!!
Like or Dislike:
0
1
Thanks for the advice, yeah holding off I’d say for a few rounds of trading now, unless injury/susp etc play a part.
Saints will have to play far better than their average at the mo’ can’t wait to see what they deliver on Sat night against the cats (or maybe I can *gulp* ). With Hayes and Joey out at this stage it’s not looking good. I think there is possibly a cloud over Macca too. I could be wrong though. Wondering if the PODS train will smash us.
Hey guys what on earth am I going to do once the season is over, this year I have been following the footy intensly, especially SC.
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Well if you’re team is travelling as average as mine, you spend the rest of 2011 and the first part of 2012 planning next year’s team. Then, the night before round 1 lockout you change it completely and bring in all the spuds you swore you’d avoid.
Like or Dislike:
1
0
Zac Smith from GC out for this weekend. Oh no!!!
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/gold-coast-ruckman-zac-smith-set-to-miss-hawks-clash/story-e6frf9jf-1226075659723
Like or Dislike:
1
1
Looks like having Petrie as ruck backup will payoff after all
Like or Dislike:
0
0
with Petrie sitting pretty in the forward line, sandi and tippett on the bench in the rucks and zsmith on the field. Is it time to move Petrie into the rucks and downgrade zsmith to Bailey. I can then upgrade Krak to delicious or Pav. thoughts?
Like or Dislike:
0
0
That is a good move to free up some cash. It does have a level of risk so it may be worth waiting a little longer if you can
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Strauss was in my team before rd1 but did not get a game. Intead Taps was included. Taps is back from injury in a week or two, is anybody concerned he may push Strauss out again?
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Correction. Taps may be back this week.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
I think taps will play with us this week. I think melb want a game before he gets into afl again. And yes I think Strauss will be the casualty. Don’t be surprised if Howe gets dropped for petterd.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Can anyone tell me if Danny Stanley got rubbed out for his hip-bump on Drew Petrie?
Already have Pendles, Mundy, Joelwood, Shaw, Adcock, Krakouer, Sandilands, Zac Smith, Isaac Smith, Brandon Metera, Joel Tippett & Josh Toy all not playing (pending team selections). It would really help if Stanley plays, although I think I’ve written this week off in my three main leagues.
Like or Dislike:
0
0
One word for you: OUCH!!
Like or Dislike:
0
0
Tell me about it Cam. Talk about wanting to neck yourself. If I make two trades (prob Mundy & Sewlood) this week I can avoid two zeros. Really hoping Stanley and Isaac Smith play. Can then swing Petrie into rucks.
Like or Dislike:
0
1
Does anybody rate Touhy’s job security? Reports are he had a good game last week.
Like or Dislike:
0
0