CBAs, Kick Ins & Reports – 2022 AAMI Community Series

Written by Gunboat Diplomacy on March 12 2022

Morning, all. CT and I have again combined forces, notes and numbers for this one. We’ve got the CBAs, kick ins, SC relevant scores and a report for all the AAMI Community Series matches played last week.

CARLTON v MELBOURNE

CBAs

  • Cripps 28, Pittonet 26, Hewett 25, Cerra 20, Kennedy 17, Fisher 5, De Koning 5, Cottrell 1, Silvagni 1
  • Oliver 30, Petracca 27, Viney 22, Gawn 20, Jackson 12, Sparrow 11, Neal-Bullen 3, Harmes 2, Pickett 1

Kick Ins

  • Williams 3, Newman 3, McGovern 2, Saad 1
  • Tomlinson 3, Hunt 2, Bowey 1

Report

A fat report on the Blues to kick things off. Leading into a pivtotal season and with no Walsh, the Blues midfield fired on all cylinders. Cripps was the biggest talking point of the night after a huge performance. 30 touches, 12 contested, 8 tackles, 10 clearances and a lazy 4 goals. No strapping and wasn’t stumbling over himself – looked good. However, it has to be said, this was an AAMI game and Cripps was trying harder than anyone else out there. Up to you whether you think he can sustain that, with Walsh returning, and do 105~ to warrant selection. For me, it’s a hard pass. Hewett continued in that defensive MID role and accumulated more than expected, with 33 touches and decent contested and clearance work relative to his role. Only problem is 21 of those 33 were handballs, just 2 tackles, a paltry 270 meters gained and 79% TOG. Tricky to get a read on his SC potential, but the role is absolutely there. Cerra was a classy user but had a similar meters gained and K:H profile as Hewett. Kennedy, building off the MID rotations he started to get late last season, was a superb presence at the contest and the Blues’ leading CP player with 15. 37 touches, 2 goals and 9 tackles – he was phenomenal. Unfortuntely, he’s an awkwardly priced MID only. McGovern slotted into a new cushy intercepting role and tonned off 62% TOG on the back of 6 intercept marks and 15 kicks. Locked in for that intercept role, but won’t get that kind of casual opposition ball movement every week. He’ll need to work for it – something he’s not exactly known for. On the rookies, Durdin locked himself into our sides. Explosive small FWD and word is the calf injury is all good and pulling him off the ground was precautionary. Boyd, while a listed DEF, played a similar role to Durdin and could go alright as a slow burn at D8 if named. The better Carlton are this season, the better service these forwards will get.

To the Dees there’s not a whole lot to discuss really. Oliver and Petracca were cruising and no significant rookies popped up. Bowey was solid off of half back with 22 touches, 470 MG and 9 contested but May and Salem, two of their most important defensive users, were absent. Defintely plays Round 1, got talent but maybe temper your expectations once their backline is full strength. Only other take away was how phenonemal Gawn looked. Many have understandably written him off due to the split with Jackson and his hefty price tag but he was everywhere. Early last season when he started to play out of CBAs forward or back he looked a little lost and seldom targeted by team mates, however he’s now got confidence, craft and presence at both ends. Took a team high 9 marks, with some taken floating back to intercept and others up forward. Defintely getting his ruck scoring stream shaved by Jackson but works his ass off to have an impact at both ends. Still a god.

SC Scores

  • Cripps 157, Kennedy 141, Cerra 123, Hewett 106, McGovern 100, Durdin 43, Boyd 40
  • Gawn 133, Oliver 104, Bowey 87, Petracca 74
WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE

CBAs

  • Dunkley 21, English 18, Macrae 18, Treloar 17, Bontempelli 15, Martin 8, Smith 7
  • Neale 23, McInerney 18, Bailey 16, McCluggage 14, Berry 11, Lyons 8, Fort 8, Robertson 5, Cockatoo 1

Kick Ins

  • Dale 5, Daniel 4, Richards 2, Schache 1
  • Rich 5, Starcevich 4, Andrews 1, Payne 1

Report

If you’re not starting Dunkley, just delete your team now. When he’s on the park, he is a premo MID. 32 touches, team high 18 contested and a constant through the midfield. No need to say anymore. Treloar impressed again with great coverage across the ground, 2 goals and 29 touches. Confidence and body are key to the Treloar pick. Check confidence off the list, he’s really found his groove. Macrae just did his thing and Bontempelli was deep FWD at the start of the third and then rested for a chunk of the fourth, so wouldn’t read too much into his numbers – just priming him for Round 1. Dale’s numbers and role were superb however didn’t get quite enough of it to ton due to the Lions’ deep entries. But a plurality of the kick ins, 17 kicks to 4 handballs and 500 MG at 81% still bode well. English staked his claim for a cut price R2 with a strong all round performance. Had an unusual 2:1 ruck split with Martin in his favour with Martin supposed to the #1 ruck and then did solid marking (8) and contested work (12) across the ground.

Pretty intuitive for the Lions. Neale looked superb, clean and ready for Round 1 with 30 touches, Berry started incredibly hot and then rolled to an 82, McInerney has indeed been ruined by Fort and Rich is still all time. Rich is truly the last old school defender with a total kick in monopoly. Took 5/5 when he was on the ground, then came off in the fourth to rest and that’s when the other peasants got their taste. Still SC relevant with that monopoly. He is the Last King of Scotland. Bailey primed for an on ball role this season but didn’t accumulate enough and still looks at home as a burst HF forward.

SC Scores

  • Macrae 138, Treloar 132, Dunkley 120, English 116, Bontempelli 99, Dale 88, Daniel 76
  • Neale 112, Lyons 94, McCluggage 90, Berry 82, Rich 81, Bailey 74, McInerney 57, Coleman 40
HAWTHORN v RICHMOND

CBAs

  • Newcombe 21, Worpel 19, Ward 17, Reeves 15, Nash 14, Lynch 8, McEvoy 3, Maginness 3, Long 2, Wingard 2
  • Prestia 18, Martin 17, Nankervis 16, Cotchin 16, Aarts 10, Martyn 6, Bolton 5, Soldo 5, Balta 5, Ross 3, Baker 3

Kick Ins

  • Hardwick 4, Scrimshaw 3, Sicily 3
  • Short 9, Broad 2, Gibcus 1, Grimes 1, Rioli 1, Ralphsmith 1

Report

No Titch or O’Meara allowed us to see the Hawks new midfield brigade through rose coloured glass but there’s some serious talent there. Ward was best on ground with 29 touches and a massive 19 contested from only 67% TOG. Yes, it was against the penetrable Tigers midfield and Titch and O’Meara weren’t around but those numbers are no accident. High draft pick, heaps of talent and will convert on any OB time. Newcombe a real presence just untidy with his use, MacDonald was solid and still trending toward a debut, Maginness probably didn’t do enough to squeeze himself in and Long had an almost game with 4 straight behinds. He still remains the best loop option and might get some games later on in the season. Now we come to Sicily. Abs and others will fight me on this one but Sicily was mixed. Had some great intercepting moments, still a superb field kick and his body looked tip top. But his scoring is going to be rendered a little volatile due to the Hawks backline now brimming with distrubutors, a loss of a kick in plurality and the capacity to play accountable roles. Just take that into consideration if you start him. Of note, Reeves played most of the game as the #1 ruck however for the limited time (39% TOG) that Lynch got he was much better than Reeves.

Baker quite literally played an “everywhere” role, notching up 26 touches, 2 goals and 12 contested at 84% DE. Probably only becomes relevant once he’s in a clearly defined role though. Short only had 9/15 kick ins but still had 26 total kicks to 5 handballs and went at a clinical 93% DE, which is what has held his scoring back previously. Comfortably Top 6 and a great pick. Rioli and Ralphsmith played the same role and still both managed to find 24 and 20 touches respectively, with Ralphsmith’s energy and contest work at stoppages helping his scoring as well. Gibcus emerged as a much needed DEF rookie and despite playing a key defensive role tabled a 65 with some good overhead and reactive work. With Balta now forward, he just has to weather Vlaustin returning and his JS should be solid. For me, you’re insane if you’re even considering Martin but he did look good with a clean 26 touches and no residual effects from that late injury.

SC Scores

  • Ward 124, Sicily 87, Newcombe 63, MacDonald 52, Maginness 50, Reeves 41, Lynch 38, Long 24
  • Baker 149, Short 138, Balta 121, Martin 105, Ralphsmith 72, Gibcus 65
ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE

CBAs

  • O’Brien 27, Crouch 22, Sloane 20, Keays 15, Berry 14, Schoenberg 13, Laird 12, Thilthorpe 5
  • Wines 23, Drew 19, Lycett 17, Boak 17, Butters 15, Hayes 11, Amon 9, Rozee 7, Duursma 5, Marshall 2, Finlayson 2, Mead 1

Kick Ins

  • McPherson 2, Smith 2, Jones 2, Davis 1, Brown 1
  • Bonner 6, Burton 1, Byrne-Jones 1

Report

Having played injured for most of 2021, O’Brien looked back to his best recapturing his intercerpting marking ability and 33 HOs. Rachele absolutely looks the goods with another electric performance. Won’t get 3 every week but what came as a really good sign was 9 tackles; gets involved at the contest with a lot of hunger. Soligo was alright off 66%, Hinge was good rotating between a wing and half back but is now reportedly battling that thrice popped shoulder (yes, three times) and Laird is set to be out for a while.

Despite a pre-season of hype, Sinn only got a limited run late with 43% TOG. He was actually okay with 3 CPs, 87% DE, 8 touches and three marks with some good craft, the big problem however: he wasn’t in a specific role. For someone firming for Round 1, we’d have liked to see him line up at half back. However that spot doesn’t look to be his as he started forward and then floated around defensive stoppages. Tricky. Butters was magnificent with 32 touches and 13 contested on a healthy CBA load. Only held back in scoring by an anomalous 5 free kicks against. Bonner took one of highest kick in percentage totals across the AAMI Series but not that relevant a pick. Rozee was deadly with 23 touches, 2 goals and a heap of score involvements at great use but will still have an awkward floor. McEntee and Mead both received rotations through the midfield and with Powell Pepper battling and Fantasia out long term, perhaps one of them lines up in a HF/MID role come Round 1.

SC Scores

  • O’Brien 108, Rachele 85, Crouch 83, Schoenberg 73, Hinge 64, Keays 57, Laird 54, Soligo 45
  • Rozee 135, Wines 118, Boak 115, Butters 114, Houston 110, Bonner 102, Drew 99, Aliir 75, Jones 73, McEntee 58, Hayes 36, Sinn 28, Mead 24
ESSENDON v ST KILDA

CBAs

  • Draper 19, Parish 19, Snelling 12, Caldwell 12, Merrett 11, McGrath 9, Perkins 5, Wright 5, Cox 4
  • Steele 20, Ross 19, Marshall 18, Crouch 14, Clark 10, Hayes 6, Gresham 5, Owens 4

Kick Ins

  • Ridley 5, Cutler 2, Hind 1, Stewart 1
  • Hill 5, Sinclair 4, Howard 4, Battle 1, Webster 1, Paton 1

Report

The absence of Shiel and Stringer, Merrett off after half time and Parish chilling forward from the middle of the third onwards allowed for the Dons to mix up their midfield rotations, with Caldwell the chief beneficiary. 24 touches and 5 touches was decent but still plays low TOG (75%) and likely gets dislodged when their midfield clicks into H&A gear. As mentioned Parish took it easy from the middle of the third onwards but otherwise looked great – 15/25 touches contested. Ridley was the closest watched Dons and is shaping up to be deployed, again, as a proper interceptor instead of getting stuck playing accountably. The Dons ran a spare in defense and you guessed it, even without Kelly it was old mate Ridley who was freed up. Great intercept work and took a handy 5/9 kick ins, despite having HB distribution eaten into by Hind, McGrath and Heppell. Still a rock solid pick. To the rookies, as expected Hobbs didn’t and won’t get a gig in such a stacked midfield group. Baldwin had an unasssuming but solid outing for a first year tall. Moves up the ground particularly well and will be a nice slow burn at F8. Martin was the match’s late talking point, coming on after half time (42% TOG) and blitzing it with 16 touches and a ton of composure. He’s slotted into many sides at that juicy 102k price point but there are plenty of half forwards going around at the Dons, so a Round 1 birth might be tricky?

Steele, similar to Bont and Parish, didn’t break a sweat over a practice game, so don’t worry about his score – the new HTB rule is going to reward him and Miller richly this season. Trickier to get a read on was Marshall. The good: he moved relatively well and had an insane 15 contested possessions. The bad: he got pimp slapped in the ruck by Draper and Wright of all combos. Make of that what you will, but a key scoring stream for rucks, particularly 2nd rucks, is racking up HOs and HTAs. Hayes currently features in many a team as R3 with his DPP partner in crime over in the West in Dixon. He offered good forward presence and played the 2nd ruck role nicely but he’s on his ass as soon as Ryder returns. The indeterminacy of that timeframe isn’t good for either RoMo or Hayes. The other rookies, Owens and Wanganeen-Milera, both had moments and Owens looked a little less raw, however it’s doubtful either walk up for Round 1.

SC Scores

  • Parish 116, Caldwell 111, McGrath 102, Ridley 99, Draper 74, Hind 57, Merrett 54, Martin 50, Baldwin 48
  • Marshall 100, Howard 92, Steele 89, Sinclair 78, Gresham 77, Hayes 60, Owens 39, Wanganeen-Milera 28
GWS v COLLINGWOOD

CBAs

  • Flynn 17, Green 16, Hopper 16, Coniglio 14, Kelly 13, Bruhn 13, Preuss 10, Taranto 6, Ash 2, Hill 1
  • Grundy 24, Crisp 16, De Goey 15, Brown 14, Elliott 10, N. Daicos 8, Pendlebury 6, Brown 5, Lipinski 4, Cox 3, Macrae 3

Kick Ins

  • Cumming 5, Perryman 3, Whitfield 1,
  • Moore 3, Noble 2, Pendlebury 1, Maynard 1

*camera work obscured some of the kick outs

Report

The Giants playing a much more direct, corridor style of football and their performances were as expected with one surprise. Kelly when fit is indeed a Rolls Royce footballer, Coniglio looks like he can even be a FWD keeper as he ground out 27 touches and 5 tackles for 112 and Taranto did his best work forward. Whitfield was just all class and still a great proposition at 500k but, for me atleast, there’s a concern the Giants trend towards overpossessing it less might inhibit his ceiling. The surprise packet was Preuss, both how great he looked and his role. The discourse over the pre-season has been it’s Flynn & Briggs vs Preuss, however the Giants ran Preuss as a second ruck with Flynn and he made quite an impact. For starters, his mountain of a body looked great: toned, built and no strapping or mobility issues. 12 touches, 9 contested, some excellent marking (6), 6 tackles and 14 HOs marked a superb outing for the big man. He has, however, gotten himself suspended for Round 1 so you’d be throwing 200k on the bench and hoping the Giants settle on him with Flynn.

Not much to report on the Pies. Grundy and Crisp were excellent in their respective roles, Daicos lived up the hype and was ultra-composed and precise with 31 touches in a blended HB/MID role and along with Pendlebury. As discussed in the breakout FWDs piece, De Goey’s currency has plummeted. 74% TOG returning from that broken rib, 17 touches and no longer in a pure MID role.

SC Scores

  • Kelly 161, Ward 114, Coniglio 112, Taranto 108, Preuss 102, Whitfield 96, Green 84, Cumming 66
  • Grundy 117, Crisp 111, Pendlebury 102, N. Daicos 100, Maynard 74, De Goey 74, Moore 43
SYDNEY v NORTH MELBOURNE

CBAs

  • Hickey 17, Rowbottom 13, Parker 12, Florent 8, Mills 8, Heeney 6, Warner 6, McInerney 4, Kennedy 4, Gulden 3, Stephens 3, McAndrew 3, McLean 2, Roberts 2, Reid 1
  • Xerri 16, Simpkin 16, LDU 15, Thomas 13, Greenwood 10, Horne-Francis 8, Goldstein 7, Powell 4, Lazzaro 3

Kick Ins

  • Lloyd 5, Blakey 3, P. McCartin 1
  • Ziebell 6, McDonald 3, Corr 1

Report

Starting off a wing, McInerney covered the ground and accumulated spectacularly. 30 touches and excellent speed makes the fourth year McInerney a smoky breakout contender. Showed signs of high ceiling and integration in stoppages late in 2021 and has clearly had a strong pre-season. Priced similarly to Hewett and Sicily, anyone taking a flyer? On the other wing was Stephens who, unlike previous years, looked up to the level and has carved out that wing role as his own. Probably consistently 70s, so no problem paying up for the security or fading him if you’re going deep in the midfield. There wasn’t much again for Lloyd to do but no role change or injury to raise the alarm, still D1 if you’ve go the coin. Heeney’s a tricky one. Played predominantly forward and not only forward but the deepest forward. Then got 6 CBAs and started to come up to forward of center stoppages and popped off. Role aside, his body and fitness base looked tremendous and he’s going to score well anywhere – on ball just our preference. The condemnation to the F50 can likley be chalked up to the absence of Papley and Franklin, will be interesting to see how they start him off next week. Blakey playing a nice distributor role and putting his height to use but awkwardly priced. Finally, P. McCartin slotted seamlessly into the Swans back line playing accountably with a bit of distribution and into our teams as a much needed rookie with handy DPP.

Ziebell just seagulled with impunity, Horne-Francis remains a lock just with his CP conversion and scoreboard impact and Thomas was a little quiet with just the 19 touches and askew use – still a serviceable pick. The Roos ran Xerri as the #1 ruck with a 2:1 ruck split with Goldy in his favour and he absolutley capitalized on that opportunity. 17 touches, 14 contested, 5 marks, 6 tackles and 29 HOs against one of the competition’s most restrictive rucks in Hickey. A superb performance no doubt, it’s just a matter of how a retuning CCJ affects that ruck balance and whether the Roos committ to condemding Goldy forward.

SC Scores

  • McInerney 127, Blakey 115, Heeney 113, Hickey 91, Parker 86, Mills 85, Lloyd 82, P. McCartin 74, Stephens 63
  • LDU 110, McDonald 107, Xerri 96, Ziebell 91, Horne-Francis 87, Greenwood 80, Thomas 70, Powell 38
FREMANTLE v WEST COAST

CBAs

  • Crowden 22, Darcy 17, Brayshaw 15, Serong 15, Brodie 13, Mundy 10, Rory Lobb, Meek 3
  • Kelly 21, Naitanui 16, Redden 13, Joyce 11, Rioli 7, West 7, Williams 6, Jones 7, Gaff 7, Jamieson 3, Petruccelle 2

Kick Ins

  • Ryan 4, Wilson 1, Cox 1
  • Witherden 8, McGovern 2, Hurn 3, Rotham 1,

Report

Brayshaw and Serong were both in cruise control and remain legitimate premium and breakout options for those interested. Darcy took is easy and didn’t get involved much around the ground but his elite hitout to advantage work saw him ton. Preparing to launch into full flight for Round 1. The replenishment of key position defensive stocks indeed saw Ryan pop off, as he notched up 4/6 kick outs, 24 touches and a game high 13 marks. Brodie put together another strong pre-season performance on the back of a high work rate as he vies for a best 22 spot and then a midfield role. 24 touches were fine but it was the 8 tackles and 9 contested that will hold him in esteem even with Fyfe’s return. On Freo’s midfield balance, surely Crowden at team high CBAs goes once Fyfe returns and the mix is Brayshaw, Serong, Mundy, Fyfe and then Brodie on an 8 – 12 load given the former all have management and TOG issues. Brodie, McGovern and Xerri all battling for that F4 spot at 200-250k.

Quickly becoming on the most SC irrelevant sides, the Eagles had very little to offer by way of premiums with a depleted and dejected midfield giving Naitanui f*ck all to work with despite his best efforts. The absence of a firing midfield does now complicate the Naitanui pick for those considering him – although he’ll certainly pick up some of the CP slack. Joyce, Hough and Dixon present themselves as starters – or atleast they did until Joyce got injured on Friday and is now in a moon boot, Hough played a non-descript role that might not be secure enough for Round 1 and Dixon, who is covering for Allen, may not have a long term spot as Darling has reportedly received the jab. On Rioli as a FWD midpricer, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to supply enough service I50 to warrant selection there.

SC Scores

  • Ryan 111, Clark 103, Brayshaw 101, Brodie 100, Serong 100, Darcy 95, Chapman 85, Young 77
  • Kelly 119, Witherden 81, West 76, Naitanui 65, Naish 58, Joyce 56, Hough 47, Dixon 45, Rioli 33
GOLD COAST v GEELONG

CBAs

  • Rowell 24, Miller 23, Anderson 16, Witts 15, Fiorini 10, Moyle 7, Rankine 5, Davies 4, Chol 4, Casboult 2, Flanders 1, MacPherson 1
  • Stanley 21, Guthrie 16, Dangerfield 15, Parfitt 12, Narkle 12, Holmes 11, Stephens 9, Selwood 8, Neale 4, Ratugolea 3, Higgins 1

Kick Ins

  • Weller 4, Powell 1, Lemmens 1
  • Tuohy 8, Smith 3, Kolodjashnij 2, C. Guthrie 2, Z. Guthrie 2,

Report

It was all about the Suns on ball brigade in this one. Miller is just simply a god with the best workrate in the competition, as he jet to 32 touches, 14 contested, 2 goals, a game high 9 tackles and a staggering 640 MG. Witts make a resounding return from that ACL with a limber and honed in performance, which will only strengthen the midfield group. Then, of course, there was Matt Motherf*ckin’ Rowell! His score was irrelevant, it was how he moved, his confidence at contests and his tackling and CP work, all of which had inhibited previously post-injury. That all translated to 27 touches, 18 contested (66% CP rate) and 8 clearances. Magnificent. Weller remained in that soft HB role taking a majority of the kick ins but looked a little flat at times, although the Cats did very little attacking. In tandem with Weller was Powell, who looked really sharp and set to continue to develop nicely in that distributive half back role. Does some good intercepting work as well but needs to work that low floor out of his game.

To the Cats, De Koning chalked up 19 touches at 78%, looked highly composed and a welcome rookie if he can hold through a backline re-jig when Stewart, who didn’t play due to family reasons, returns. Stephens also had a few nice moments amongst his 15 but job security is a concern as the Cats angle at several key returns. C. Guthrie was an interesting one. Clearly the Cats #1 MID, covers the ground supremely well and ends up in everything (even kick outs). CP work a little soft and that AC joint is still strapped but has excellent accumulating ability if anyone insists on a POD in the guts. Of note, Z. Guthrie has also found himself a nice loose role but a too awkward a price point.

SC Scores

  • Miller 149, Rowell 121, Anderson 101, Powell 97, Witts 97, Fiorini 92, Weller 73, Davies 53
  • C. Guthrie 117, Atkins 107, Cameron 94, De Koning 92, Dangerfield 87, Z. Guthrie 74, Stephens 62, Hawkins 52, Stengle 51
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34 thoughts on “CBAs, Kick Ins & Reports – 2022 AAMI Community Series”

  1. Amazing report GB
    it feels like all my homework before Wednesday is in this article .
    You articulate your case so strongly who should be a good super coach selection in the coming year based on your observations . Some of SCT writers including your self should be writing for mainstream media.
    l have now considering Ryan instead of Short as a premium defender and a bit torn on Gawn vs Darcy .

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    1. Thanks, Paul. Too kind.

      Ryan and Short both great picks, splitting hairs. Byes may help you decide.

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  2. Outstanding GD.

    Was keen on an under-the-radar Caldwell, but something like 78 of his 111 points came after half-time once Zerrett was off. Coupled with the absence of Stringer and Shiel, it’s hard to get a read on his role. Wasn’t a massive SC scorer as a junior either. Hmm…

    Would’ve liked a better points return on CBAs for Bailey, but still think there’s enough upside that he could push top 6-8.

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  3. Thank you CT and Gunboat for putting together such a comprehensive review. You guys are legends .

    Just a few questions. Firstly what’s your read on Naish ? ( x Richmond now at WC )
    I noticed he didn’t get any CBA’s , yet still scored ok . Maybe with Joyce now injured he gets a chance ? His DPP is handy . Could he be another to consider for that F4-5 spot ?

    I also wanted to add my 2 cents on Brodie. I’m still unsure Crowden makes way from the midfield mix. He ( Crowden ) is a much better runner than Brodie and although not a big body , he does all the team things really well. His forward pressure last year was elite, and I think they feel this could translate to the midfield. Last year Serong was forced into some defensive midfield roles.He tagged Merrett to great effect one game. This year to free him ( Serong ) up I believe that are trying Crowden in this defensive midfielder role. Look I’m obviously not the coach, and I don’t really know Justins plans. I do know we have left out proven ball winners like Blakely in the past due to the fact he couldn’t run both ways and lacked defensive pressure. I fear Brodie may fall into this category, and even if if makes the Round one team his days could be numbered. Fyfe coming out and saying he wants to play pretty much full time midfield just adds more questions on Brodies role going forward.

    Theres a good chance I could be wrong, and Brodie is locked into our midfield plans . I’m just not willing to risk starting him with so many other options around that price. If he gets through a couple of games and looks good I will eat humble pie and find a way to get him in.

    Thanks again for a great review.

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    1. Naish can probably hold a spot. Few CBAs, then sit HF or on a wing. Honestly don’t have that strong a read on him, just looking at our injury list though you’d assume he should get a string on games.

      Wow, Crowden? Really. You think he’s ahead of Brodie for that 5th CBA load? He’s just so random…and bad. Team high CBAs (22) for 7 touches, meanwhile Brodie worked his ass off.

      Hmm. You obviously know the Dockers better than me, so I’ll keep a look out over the next few days.

      Thanks, FT.

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      1. I hope I’m wrong GD,

        Freo just have this huge focus on team defence and defensive structures. As much as Brodie can find the ball , He may need a heap of rest time to keep up with the running required. I’m still unsure about Fyfe playing round one. If he does, it would be better, as we would know where Brodie stands. I’m afraid he plays first up and then when Fyfes back, he takes the dreaded vest. I just don’t have a great feeling about it, so would rather wait and see.

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    2. FT, good points on Brodie. I have him at F5 instead of Rachelle.

      Rachelle is a small forward at Crows – how much of the footy will he see? But I didn’t see the crows game but I’ve seen his ownership jump.

      If you had to choose?

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      1. Hello again Derek .

        I just see to many red flags with Brodie as a starting pick. Of course he could work, I would of just like to see him play with Fyfe to know where he stands. I’m happy to adjust if he turns it on early.

        Rachelle on the other hand, seems to be a must have. He has been compared to Toby Green and I can see why . He gets up the ground hunts the ball and tackles.( I think he had 9 ) He scored 3 goals in the first intra club and everyone said he won’t do that every week, then he backs it up with another 3 in the AAMI game. He honestly already looks like one of the Crows best players. Also with Matt Crouches lack of conditioning, and Lairds broken hand. It may force Nicks to throw the kid in the middle a bit early. I don’t think it matters where he plays .I only see upside . Lock !

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        1. Thanks FT. You are right, didn’t get to see Brodie and Fyfe together.

          Rachelle looks high ownership, won’t hurt

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        2. I’ve looked at a set and forget GG team, trading out Oliver to Ward & Preuss to Gawn. Gives me cash to get Rachelle at F6 instead of a $124k and keep Brodie at F5. Looks good.

          Or go Brodie to Raynor (who has been in and out of my team)

          Basically:

          TU: Raynor & $124k

          TD: Brodie & Rachelle

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  4. This is elite fellas. Thank you very much!
    Can’t believe parish scored so well whilst playing a fair share of forward, he won’t be there come round 1.
    I am currently running Macrae Miller and Steele as my big 3 in the engine room. But very tempted to drop a Steele/Miller down too parish or Mitchell.. I had Titch locked in from Day 1 till he had a groin ‘injury’ but reports are now it was only ever very slight soreness and didn’t need to play him in the AAMI. Now im starting too warm back too him. The cash saved could help my bench rookies.

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    1. Enjoy, Mav.

      Yeah, I’m liking Parish as well. Came in as my Walsh replacement and hasn’t left my side.

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      1. Yeah he looks a good pick, GD.
        Flip of the coin between Titch and parish atm. Probably just like the pigs floor
        that bit better and there’s the unknown of a parish tag but I’d assume they’ve worked on that over the preseason. It’ll be a GameDay call for me I think!

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  5. Great write up. The detail and time taken is really appreciated by the SCT readers.

    One thing I’ve started to consider more now is captaincy options which I feel really makes or breaks your round.

    I’m thinking with the number of 1st up round games the Dees and Dogs are playing – Gawn is back into my team as a genuine VC option to go LAAAAARGE. With Gawn going forward he is likely to kick a few, perhaps same possession numbers so I believe his scoring will remain the same.
    – Then you have the consistency of 120 -130 from Macrae or a potential 140 from Dunkley.

    Miller also gets in over Steele with more Sunday late games as the consistent back up option.

    Just my 2 cents worth.

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    1. Hey, Tappy.

      I completely agree. Quantity and quality of C options key to putting a team together early. Almost tempted to go back to a 5x MID structure just for the guaranteed 120s and, of course, the extra C option.

      Preparing the captaincy article for next week and also have a feeling Gawn pops off.

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  6. Nice work you two, not only the essential stats but a read on how to evaluate them. The community will love this.

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        1. Boooooooooo.

          Come on Whitey , You would think Baldwin gets a game with Jones ( ankle ) likely to miss the first month. Also who replaces Tippa ? Can we see N.Martin getting a game ?

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        2. How are you Wighty!!
          Just one ?
          Ridley, parish locked and loaded for me easy set and forget.
          Baldwin a chance

          Howdy again GD and FT what a great write up as always!

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  7. GD. Sensational stuff.

    No mention of Mills from the Swans game. What was your take on his surprise start? Played 1st half and was on track for 160.

    Did Heeney only get time in the guts after Mills went off?

    I was hoping you might have given your thoughts on him. He was first picked in my team in the preseason until finding out his injury was slow recovering

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    1. Thanks, Derek.

      Yes, sorry. Slight oversight on Mills.

      Heavily managed TOG (41%) but was superb while on ball: 23 touches, 6 tackles and 85 SC.

      Clearly taking a cautious approach with him as he’s been bogged down by the Achilles all pre-season, which was longer than expected.

      Wouldn’t start him, but a definite upgrade target once he’s in full flight.

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      1. Agree he is an upgrade

        It was going to be interesting with out Mills what Heeney midfield time was going to be.

        I was thinking he would get a big bump the first couple of rounds and everyone jumps in the Heeney train only to see him go back forward when Mills back

        Did you see any change to Heeney role in second half without Mills?

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        1. Like the report said, Heeney only had the 6 CBAs starting halfway through the second quarter and then forward of center stoppage attendance later on.

          Wouldn’t draw a causal link between his MID time and Mills though. Hard to read an AAMI game.

          Wait for teamsheets.

          He’s trained with the midfield all preseason, gets OB time this season. Just a matter of how much of a MID role he gets.

          Buddy, and eventually Papley, back will help.

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  8. Bravo Guys, clap, clap, clap…….(I’m also standing)
    Much appreciated, now I just have to work out which one you it is standing at the right hand of Mottsy………..

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  9. Given similarities in teams l am thinking of English for Gawn given upside of English and emergence of Jackson .
    Yes l get rid of Gawn who is a shield but l feel all the feedback of English and his preseason and playing more ruck will narrow gap .
    I can then upgrade iffy rookies to Brodie and McGovern which is another risk but if pays off will be worth it .
    T/u go for it
    T/d settle down go back to Grawndy

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  10. Freo Tragic, I need your opinion please.

    What’s your opinion of Luke Ryan’s role? I currently have him in my side because I view his role as an intercepting role, similar to Ridleys.

    I believe he starts BIG if he is in an intercepting role! His first four rounds are against the teams ranked 1,2,3, and 6 for bombing the ball forward the most in 2021.

    GWS 25%
    Adelaide 22%
    West coast 22%
    St kilda 20%

    Opinion?

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  11. An amazing write up GD! Brought me back to the games.

    Can’t complain on the marks against Sicily, could be a volatile scorer. Just prefer his upside over Hewett…

    Rowell, summed up beautifully too. Still trying to fit him in somehow…

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