(Written & Created By AllSaints)
The byes are over. Stack your field with premos SCTers and pick up any cash-generating third-gamers – should you feel the need.
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: Himmelberg likely IN for the injured Jenkins. Lynch or Douglas depending on Lynch’s training on Wednesday.
BRISBANE LIONS
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Brisbane (NEAFL)
This weekend: Sydney Uni v Brisbane – Saturday, June 22, 12pm, Blacktown International Sportspark
Midfielder Ben Keays had a field day against Sydney Uni in the NEAFL, finishing with 23 disposals, eight tackles and 4.2 in Brisbane’s thumping 128-point victory on Saturday.
Rookie Tom Fullarton and Sam Skinner both chimed in with three goals, while draftee Thomas Berry was ferocious in the contest with 13 tackles and 26 disposals.
Youngster Zac Bailey kicked 2 goals from 25 disposals.
Recruit Marcus Adams collected 10 disposals and took two marks in his first game since overcoming a long-term knee injury.
Verdict: Maybe Zac Bailey will be back IN, but for who after a thumping win?
CARLTON
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Northern Blues (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: a fit Liam Jones may return, but again for who? With Casboult in good form and Weitering seemingly a lock in the Blues best 22, it’ll be a tough call.
COLLINGWOOD
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Collingwood (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Collingwood – Sunday, June 23, 11am, VU Whitten Oval
Key defender Matthew Scharenberg continued his comeback from injury and moved closer to a senior return with an impressive performance for the Pies in their 23-point triumph over Footscray.
It was Scharenberg’s third match back from a serious knee injury and the 23-year-old collected 33 disposals and 16 marks in an excellent showing in defence.
Mid-season draft recruit John Noble (21 touches) had his best game since joining the Pies, while Jack Madgen (20 disposals), Tim Broomhead (18 disposals and two goals) and Josh Daicos (18 touches) also impressed in the win.
Verdict: Scharenberg for Howe (calf) looks likely. Elliott, Daicos and Quaynor are also in the frame.
ESSENDON
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Essendon (VFL)
This weekend: Port Melbourne v Essendon – Sunday, June 23, 2.10pm, Adcon Stadium
Out-of-contract forward Aaron Francis did his chances of a senior recall no harm with a four-goal performance in Essendon’s 69-point thumping of Port Melbourne.
Former Port Adelaide midfielder and mid-season draft recruit Will Snelling (MID, $117 300) also stood out with a team-high 29 disposals, while dynamic small forward Irving Mosquito (14 touches) impressed with his defensive pressure.
Young duo Brayden Ham (26 disposals and two goals) and Kobe Mutch (23 touches) were also rampant for the Bombers during the rout.
Verdict: Snelling may well make his debut for an out-of-form Walla or an unfit Ooooorazio.
FREMANTLE
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Peel Thunder (WAFL)
This weekend: Perth v Peel Thunder – Saturday, June 22, 2.15pm, Mineral Resources Park
Fremantle fans will be sweating on the fitness of Harley Bennell, after the midfielder suffered a lower right leg injury while playing in the WAFL on Saturday.
Bennell scored 1.1 from four touches before going down in the first quarter and was put on crutches shortly after.
Midfielder Bailey Banfield was Peel’s leading disposal winner with 32 touches and also took 10 marks.
Rookie Ryan Nyhuis (23 touches) and Lachie Schultz (23 touches and a goal) found plenty of the ball, while veteran Hayden Ballantyne kicked two goals.
Forward Cam McCarthy kicked 1.3 from 13 disposals.
Verdict: McCarthy and Cerra likely INs for the injured Hogan and Hill. If Walters fails in his appeal, Ballantyne is his likely replacement.
GEELONG
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Geelong (VFL)
This weekend: Geelong v Frankston – Saturday, June 22, 2pm, GMHBA Stadium
Rookie Sam Simpson was named best afield for his 26-disposal, one-goal game in Geelong’s thumping 89-point win over Frankston.
The goals were well spread among the team, with Wylie Buzza (13 touches, six tackles and 3.2) and rookie Jamaine Jones (12, 6 and 3.0) featuring.
Youngster Charlie Constable had the ball on a string, finishing with a game-high 33 disposals and a whopping 16 marks.
Small forward Lachie Fogarty (27 touches) continues to build form in his return from a long-term hip injury, as does Scott Selwood (32, nine marks) from the hamstring complaint that saw him miss the first portion of the season.
Ryan Abbott set the tone in the middle with 26 hitouts, 25 disposals and a goal.
Veteran defender Lachie Henderson suffered what appears to be a minor shoulder injury, initially returning to the field after a tackle gone wrong, but finishing the game on the bench.
Verdict: Rats likely in for the underwhelming Fort.. Fogarty if Rohan doesn’t get up. Scott Selwood is pushing for a game but so is Constable after some HUGE stats last weekend. Either could come in for a poor Clark.
GOLD COAST
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Gold Coast (NEAFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: VCs Miller and Hanley likely back this week. Horlin-Smith and ANO likely to make way.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: GWS Giants (NEAFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: I’ll say it again: With de Boer out for a considerable period, might Hately finally get that crucial third game and a sustained run at it? The versatile Lloyd is apparently favourite to fill his role.
HAWTHORN
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
This weekend: Box Hill Hawks v Sandringham – Saturday, June 22, 2.10pm, Box Hill City Oval
Veteran Grant Birchall has emerged unscathed from his first game in 720 days, racking up 10 disposals and six marks playing limited minutes in his return from ongoing knee and calf issues.
Midfielder James Cousins responded well to his omission from the seniors with 30 disposals and six tackles in Box Hill’s 37-point win.
Rookie Harrison Jones also impressed with 29 touches and 1.1, while Daniel Howe collected 21 disposals and laid five tackles.
Youngster Oliver Hanrahan starred up forward with four goals from 17 touches, but key forward Mitchell Lewis was fairly quiet with 10 disposals and one goal.
Verdict: Who knows? Where Sicily plays is the burning question.
MELBOURNE
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Casey Demons (VFL)
This weekend: Coburg v Casey Demons – Sunday, June 23, 12.30pm, Piranha Park
Veteran midfielder Jordan Lewis issued another reminder to selectors of his capabilities with a dominant 40-disposal performance for the Casey Demons during their 15-point victory over Coburg.
Midfielders Corey Maynard (26 disposals), Jay Kennedy Harris (22) and Corey Wagner (20) also won plenty of the ball, while mid-season draft recruit Kyle Dunkley booted a goal and picked up 18 touches of his own.
The Demons had nine individual goalkickers in the match, that included big ruckman Braydon Preuss, former Gold Coast Suns defender Kade Kolodjashnij and Category B rookie Austin Bradtke.
Verdict: Lever likely to miss again. Hibberd (if fit) likely IN for Wagner to combat the Lions tall forwards.
NORTH MELBORUNE
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: North Melbourne (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: Garner under Club investigation and may miss this week. Ahern and Macmillan for Garner and Durdin?
PORT ADELAIDE
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Port Adelaide (SANFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: Drew, Ladhams and Lienert likely to replace Amon, Howard and Garner. If Rockliff isn’t named, I’m trading him. Can’t wait any longer!
RICHMOND
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Richmond (VFL)
This weekend: Bye
Verdict: Plenty likely back this week.
Soldo, Astbury, Edwards and Cotchin all likely IN. But for who? The experts think Chol, Garthwaite, Menadue and Higgins will make way. Nothing is set in stone, but could be good news if you already have Naish (or want him). If Lambert is fit, then Butler is likely the one OUT.
ST KILDA
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Box Hill Hawks v Sandringham – Saturday, June 22, 2.10pm, Box Hill City Oval
State league affiliate: Sandringham (VFL)
This weekend: Box Hill Hawks v Sandringham – Saturday, June 22, 2.10pm, Box Hill City Oval
Rookie Darragh Joyce was Sandringham’s leading disposal winner with 21 touches in a disappointing 37-point loss to Box Hill on Saturday.
Youngster Nick Coffield was handy with 18 disposals and five tackles, while Bailey Rice kicked a goal from 15 touches.
Forward Ben Long had 15 disposals but was wasteful in front of goal, finishing with 0.2.
Recruit Sam Rowe won 21 hit-outs, kicked a goal and collected nine disposals.
Verdict: Newnes, Marsh and Armitage are likely to be axed after last week’s miserable effort. There are a few other lucky ones if that’s the case! Webster, Paton and White the likely INs. Steele is making a miraculously speedy recovery and apparently isn’t far away (1-2 weeks)!!
SYDNEY
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Sydney (NEAFL)
This weekend: Canberra v Sydney – Saturday, June 22, 12pm, Manuka Oval
Draftee James Rowbottom starred in Sydney’s eight-point win in the NEAFL on Saturday, collecting 31 disposals and kicking three goals.
Forward Robbie Fox was also dominant with 32 disposals, 12 tackles and a goal.
Veteran Kieren Jack collected 23 disposals and kicked 1.2, while small forward Ben Ronke proved damaging inside 50 with 2.2 from 19 disposals.
Youngster Ryley Stoddart took nine marks to go along with his 22 disposals.
Verdict: McCartin for the unlucky Buddy the only likely change.
WEST COAST EAGLES
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: West Coast (WAFL)
This weekend: East Fremantle v West Coast – Saturday, June 21, 11.40am, New Choice Homes Park
Ruckman Nic Naitanui is primed for his long-awaited AFL return, following an impressive performance in the WAFL playing his first game since his second knee reconstruction.
Naitanui had a major influence as the Eagles thrashed East Fremantle by 72 points, finishing with 10 disposals, 25 hit-outs, four tackles, three marks, three clearances and a behind before being pulled early in the final term.
Key defender Tom Barrass also impressed in his return from foot surgery, taking seven marks and collecting 15 disposals.
Youngster Jarrod Brander starred with 28 disposals and two goals, while midfielder Brayden Ainsworth also has 28 disposals and kicked 1.2.
Forward Jake Waterman kicked 2.1 from 15 disposals.
Verdict: Naitanui, Barrass and Rioli likely in for Allen, McGovern and the very unfortunate Cameron.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
ROUND 14
State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Footscray v Collingwood – Sunday, June 23, 11am, VU Whitten Oval
Father-son prospect Rhylee West inched closer to a senior debut with a 25-disposal game for Footscray in its 23-point loss at home to Collingwood.
Youngster Bailey Dale caught the eye with 18 disposals and a goal, while Will Hayes and Lewis Young picked up 16 touches apiece.
Mid-season draftee Ryan Gardner responded to his omission from the senior side with 10 disposals, 11 hitouts and a goal, while dumped midfielder Toby McLean sat out the match as a carryover emergency for the AFL side.
Verdict: No changes predicted for the Dogs.
Good luck all with your team drops. I know what I want!
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Nice write up, Didn’t even know about that Garner incident at the night club.
I don’t think Hately comes in for team balance reasons either.
Tigers should get a third of their senior side back over the next two weeks. Go Tigers!
Match committee and Shaw have decided Garner will not play this week. Not particularly SC-relevant but hey, it sets a precedent for those that are.
Great work again AS, in same boat re Rocky! Thinking going Matty Crouch at almost same price, or even Gus Brayshaw, who is even cheaper, then there’s Sloane for only $40k more. Who are you looking at?
I traded him to Yeo already!
If he hadn’t flown to China for Rd11 I would’ve done it then! But that had me thinking he’d surely be back after his bye at the very least and I’d planned for that anyway, so no biggy. Or so I thought!
Lesson: DO NOT pick/trade in players who have a history of burning you. Thought I’d learnt that last season. Apparently not.
I’ve six more trades than this time last year so figure I can afford to. Should still be at full premo with 5 trades left, and a stronger full premo at that.
F@3k you Tom Rockliff. Thanks for the memories. They will haunt me forever.
Unrelated to ‘around the grounds’ allsaints, but one, Lachie Weller, was mentioned on a super coach podcast this week as a POD in the backline 😉
Pfft. They’re behind the 8-ball aren’t they?! 😉
Go Lachie Weller !!
Great write up AS, it looks as though Young will be my forward loophole,might not be a bad thing.
He is my loophole this week and one of the reasons I took a chance on Rotham from westcoast early in the year was so I could loophole him in the back line.
Something I’ll consider for next year when taking a punt on downgrade targets. If they get dropped can you loop hole them?
Definitely a valid thought.
Think fixture, price and position/DPP status in that order.
It also works in reverse …
I know a few started Bewley for this reason this year. Surprisingly not named first up but likely to get a game down the track. It’s turned out well for them. Very nice to have a MID loophole in those early rounds as your rookies likely outputs are unknown and you can use a loophole (while it exists) to maximise onfield pts until scoring trends start to emerge.
Of course, rookies are all about cash-gen so I would NEVER consider more than one (particularly if I’d already picked a perma loophole), but the value gained in points onfield might just make it worth it.
Have started analysing/assessing based on last year’s findings and the front half of this year and there are some definite considerations emerging around starting structures. Will write a heap on this and other stuff in the off-season, but for now … good luck for the run home mate!