Hi all, humble apologies for the brevity this week but I have a couple of pressing issues that need to take priority over the article.
I do feel as if there is little less need for a full analysis as most of you seemed to get through the byes pretty well and are close to full premo, hence being further along in your process of knowing who your targets are. This week is probably more about what the budget is and who is available in that price range.
All the trade outs except one, make sense. A couple of injuries that need to go, and all the rest are losing money and usefulness at various but rapid rates. Sam Cumming is the one that should stay if there is a way of trading up without using him. BE of 20 means more money incoming for another week or two and that could be helpful in another “break glass in case of emergency” situation down the track. Plus he’s the form player in that price range, has a settled role and a three round average above his season average of 67. At worst he is a strong M9.
Sometimes it is not possible. I want to bring in Herbert, Chad and Nas this week for Sinclair, Lombard and Murdock, but with the latter two stuck in the forward line, I don’t have access to a mid in exchange for Herbert, and without the two in the bank, I’m short of getting the Chad and Nas. Only way is to keep one of those forwards and trade out Cumming. Don’t like it it but still pondering. Maybe teams tonight might throw a different light on it.
Obviously at this stage of the season, those on the list of most traded IN is about what your needs are at this point. I wouldn’t bother mounting a case against any of those on the list, as they are all excellent choices to fill a hole in your team. I would highlight Rohan Marshall as cautionary tale, and that is purely stats based and with TDK in the same side. Season so far not that inspiring with an average of just 80, but obviously the absence of TDK increases his credibility as we assume he is going into full time ruck. On a positive, as a sole ruck, he is career averaging above 95 against the next eight opponents, including 100+ against Carlton, Richmond and Gold Coast in the last three rounds, crucial to SC finals. Of course a lot of this revolves around that “TBC” next to TDK on the injury list. Could pay off, and could provide that cheap alternative in an otherwise bland forward line of 2026.
Good luck filling your team, hope the choice is a great one for each of you and that those “pesky” forced changes have disappeared for the rest of the season. Thanks again for reading.
