The last three I’m going to look at before the Marsh Series are:
Grant BIRCHALL (BRL), $292,700, BE: 53.9
Paul AHERN (NTH) DEF/MID, $337,900, BE: 62.23, and
Changkuoth JIATH (HAW), $219,900, BE: 40.5
In order then …
Grant BIRCHALL (BRL), $292,700, BE: 53.9
Age: 32yrs 1mth
Games: 248
2020 Season: 14th (missed 2018)
Draft Pick: Rd1, Pick 14
SC history (2019-12): 77, X, 63, 84.1, 86.1, 88.9, 92.1, 94.7 …
SC % ownership: 7.1%
VERDICT:
As likely to fall off a log as get hit by a fast-moving beer truck, but BRL medical staff are known to do wonders with injury-plagued players (think Lincoln McCARTHY last year). However, at 32 and requiring an average of 77.8+, I think there are likely better options. That said, if you think he can do that AND play 8 games+, he is not the worst pick.
Paul AHERN (NTH) DEF/MID, $337,900, BE: 62.23
Age: 23yrs 7mths
Games: 18
2020 Season: 3rd (missed first two years at GWS)
Draft Pick: Rd1, Pick 7
SC history (2019-18): 69.1, 69.1
SC % ownership: 0.8%
VERDICT:
I’ve included him since he had a role shift from playing predominantly outside to off a half back flank late last season. He averaged 93.3 across those three games and his season average was also dampened by two injury-effected scores. Looms as a wildcard if he is seen to retain that role and output over the Marsh Series, but there are huge question marks over his durability. Have heard conflicting reports about his relationship with Rhyce Shaw too; positive and negative. Will need to average a min. 82.8 across 8 games to be remotely worth it. NTH’s SC output has improved under Shaw and by my reckoning NTH have the easiest draw of ALL sides for both first six & first 11 games. Watch!
Changkuoth JIATH (HAW), $219,900, BE: 40.5
Age: 20yrs 8mths
Games: 2
2020 Season: 2nd
Draft Pick: NGA nomination – Category B Rookie
SC history (2019-18): 67.5
SC % ownership: 0.7%
VERDICT:
From Hawthorn’s website,
Playing primarily across the half-back line, CJ’s elite aerobic capacity and athleticism has allowed him to scale the ranks. In two senior appearances last year, the 20-year-old averaged just shy of 15 disposals per outing. Currently navigating through his third pre-season, Hawks fans could see a lot more of Jiath this year.
29 Jan 2020
Have heard that Clarko likes CJ and if he does get a run, with a 40% price discount he won’t need to show any improvement on last year to make $150,000. The downside is that our total sample size is only two games and Clarko is known to drop young players as often as Cloke used to drop marks.
That concludes the DEF underpricers and will be moving onto FWDs next. Stephen HILL will be the first cab off the rank. While we may not have covered them all, I will be keeping an eye on DB-J, Watts and Frankie Watson (WCE) among others during the Marsh series.
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These articles have made for great reading AS.
I like to watch CJ but he’s very green which is why I didn’t push him in the Hawks’ Review. The Hawks have a crazy number of rebounding defenders and even with Impey’s injury CJ may struggle to hold his spot if he hasn’t improved on 2019.
I actually don’t mind the Birchall pick tbh. If he can play first 8-10 games and average 70-80 he will be a good pick. People are forgetting about him
When i look at North’s squad I’m at a loss to work out our best 22. There’s great depth at the club and players 23-30 will only JUST be out of the best 22. Really don’t know if Ahern is in our best 22 though.
Makes it tough to select North Rookies TBH.