226 thoughts on “Rate My Team – January I”

  1. Alrighty, so I’ve come up with a structure I’m really wrapped with. Will be some red flags and a look a little unconventional, but I’ll lay out my thinking. First off, the team:

    DEF: Stewart, Salem, Cole, Weddle, Connolly & Chesser [Dean, Wilmot]

    MID: Laird, Satan, Neale, Brayshaw, Cripps, Steele, Ashcroft & Phillipou [Tsitas, Laurie, Baker]

    RUC: Lycett & Pittonet [loop]

    FWD: Dunkley, Coniglio, Taranto, D. Cameron, Greene & Van Rooyen [Macrae, Berry]

    2-6-2-4, 14 keepers. 6k ITB.

    Flexibility: can cull F4 for midpricer depth, expensive rookies, improved rucks or extra 600k DEF.

    Starting 3 or more 600k DEF premos is just obscene. It’s obvious Sinclair, Sicily, Dawson, Stewart (and probably Docherty) will all be Top 6, so thinking I’ll just start 1 (maybe 2), wait for the rest to come down in price and target them. Then got Salem at D2. Was discussing him in the previous RMT; will end up D6 and can do 90 as so long as he stays on the park.

    No commentary needed on the midfield. 6 big dogs, will be fun as fuck to start.

    Now Lycett and Pittonet, I admit, look a little dirty but its based solely on the 2023 ruck landscape where there’s no stand out, must have rucks bar imo I think it can work. Gawn, Grundy, Darcy and Jackson are all cucking each other and RoMo might start FWD to cover for King and Campbell comes in. Suppose in an ideal world Tingles and Witts are probably the go to and if Tingles to start hot and Witts reprises his 2022 dominance and I’ll be kicking myself in not obviously starting them, but think there’s tremendous value to be had. Lycett and Pittonet can both do 85-90, bat to deep midfields and have decent starting fixtures. Could also have Meek there. Again, I can always cull F4 and go for a rock solid R1 and just one slutty RUC.

    Finally, the FWDs. Dunks and Taranto are locks, Cogs I’m quite a fan of and any FWD playing as a #1 ruck is always a steal.

    So, ya. That’s the team. Probs sitting on this structure until tangible news starts to roll through and enjoying periodically opening SC a looking at a prestigious 6 deep midfield lol.

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    1. Looks strong GD, as you said rucks look a little dirty-but Gawndy definitely a no-go, so pays to look elsewhere. Most of us left Witts alone early last year- Huge guy coming off ACL and injury in pre season just rings alarm bells- yet he was ruck pick up of the year imo.
      Thinking of putting English in myself- but worried about concussion history- so reckon I might add Cameron forward to release the ‘pressure’ if Tingles misses.
      Solid side early- good luck for year ahead!

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    2. Hey GD.

      I know its super early dude , but I just can’t see this structure working.

      Firstly relying on both Cole and Salam getting SC friendly roles and also needing 3 defensive rookies on field is asking a LOT ! I know you don’t want to over spend in defence but it’s looking super thin up there. You may need to drop a big mid to bolster that defence.

      Your midfield looks killer but it fills out a heap of spots early ( great for points maybe, Not great for cash gen. ) most of our good rookies are in the midfield, these guys make the cash and can often score better than other rookies. Rookies will ultimately determine structure. I just think that we need to fit in as many playing Mid rookies as we can.

      The Rucks ugh ! what are you thinking ? Lycett and Pitto ?? Thats not dirty , thats filth ! I’m not sure either are even guaranteed best 22. ( Both missed a heap of footy so are also HUGE risks to be subbed out if their team need more run ) I can see you starting one at R2 ( maybe ! ) Starting both is certainly a way to spend a heap of trades in the Ruck line. Yes they are under priced, but both will require trading out at some stage. I like DC at R2 as he can be swung forward when we know more at to the form Rucks.

      I can see why you have stacked the forwards,. getting as few rookies on field is a great idea.
      I still think having 4 Premos maybe one too many. Last year showed us that a heap of Mids got Forward status during the year ( Bont , Parker, Libba etc) I maybe look at three and a Fyfe ? Mclean at F4 and move D Cameron into the Rucks.

      Like I said Its early days and theres a heap of water under the bridge before we know what’s happening , a few tweaks and this could be a great side ! Lol !

      I will post my latest side tomorrow.

      Hope you had a great new year brother !

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      1. Hey, brother.

        Absolutely prepared for this not to work. Love the feedback.

        Note, habib, that I said I can cull F4 to rework the side.

        Don’t think Salem and Cole are insane calls? Cole 60-70 in a full strength defense and Salem back to 90 like he’s done 3 years previously. In the last RMT a few of us were discussing Salem. He’s definitely capped by unconventionally high use, intercepting and distributing key DEFs in May and Lever but has managed 90s before just on the freedom and ceiling HBs get.

        Cole could easily be Jones, Coffield or another rookie. Salem could also end up a proper 600k premo.

        The rucks could also just be one of Lycett, Pitt or Meek and then Tingles/RoMo R1 or straight up Tingles and RoMo by culling F4. There just isn’t, for mine, a MUST HAVE ruck combo. Maybe Tingles, idk. If Lycett, Pitt or Meek are #1 rucks, then that’s good enough for 80-90 and to start in my side.

        We’ll see how it all shakes out.

        Looking forward to seeing your latest!

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    3. Interesting team the big mid spend just affects the others too much especially rucks . We are all different but I see value in some cheaper mids

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  2. Hey GD, I’m convinced starting cheap rucks is the way also.
    Lycett, Pitt, Reeves, Draper, Xerri and more. If one breaks out, fantastic if not easy upgrade since they will put up a stretch of 80+ point games at some point.
    Provided you have Cameron in the FWD line. IF he goes good he’s a top 6-8 Fwd anyhow. If he doesn’t, well you just need RUC cover anyway even if you do spend big in the RUC’S.
    He’s almost the most important starter for top 1-8 Fwd or 1-4 ruck or worst case depth on both lines. Cameron Plus 2 cheap rucks and a rookie is around the same value as set and forget rucks plus rookie the last few years.

    Going cheap on def as well with daicos as d-1 probably future d-6 at leased.
    All early trades will focus on getting the defenders in. Low scoring games dictate which one you get. For me Stewart after his bye.
    But am keen on Doc first up for mid minutes.

    I’m going Rozee over taranto, and i predict Cogs will be in a lot of teams by first bounce. I’m locking him in early with dunks, Rozie cameron and Fyfe.
    Putting Mclean in the mids so he and Fyfe can cover each other.

    Starting Laird and Oliver. Just to hard to trade in and take the risk out of the C option.
    Starting Bont and Macrae, both have upside without dunks, all depends on bevo.
    And starting Tom Green. Can be top 4 and will hurt a lot of people without him if he does step up. At worst should be top 10 this season or he never will.

    Cheap rucks and defence allows for only a couple of rookies on field, hopefully eliminating those 10-40 point scores, whilst generating the same if not more money as a dud rookie. And hopefully give some sub protection.

    I really like this structure and will most likely start a variation of it. As always pending Good rookies.

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  3. Many changes already but pretty happy with this currently

    Stewart, Dawson, Young, Coffield, McKenna, Wilmot (Chesser, Wagner)

    Stewart and Dawson I think are the most likely to maintain their price and will be harder to bring in during the upgrades. Young is my break out in the next tier of defenders and hopefully Coffield and McKenna come back this year with some good form, if not easy to find other rookies.

    Oliver, Miller, Brayshaw, Steele, T. Green, Ashcroft, N. Cox, Phillips (Macrae, Blakely, Harvey)

    Oliver and Miller are my locks, I’m just waiting for Brayshaw for breakout for a 120 season and Steele is unders due to his injury. Similar to Young, I think Tom Green is the break out in the next tier, may become Noah Anderson or LDU, still deciding on M5. Again expensive rookies to make it easier to downgrade if cheaper ones pop up.

    Marshall, D. Cameron (fwd loop)

    Had D. Cameron forward and English in R1 but prefer Coniglio forward for a similar price so Cameron switched to ruck. Will probably move Cameron back during the season when I decide which other ruck to bring in. Marshall has heaps of potential but could also change depending on role if it looks like he won’t be the main ruck for the saints.

    Dunkley, Coniglio, Taranto, McLean, Phillipou, L. Nankervis (T. Berry, Sinn)

    Dunkley, Coniglio and Taranto should all be pretty safe for a top 6 forward option by year end. Butters would be my next in if any set backs to any of these 3. McLean and Phillipou are again expensive rookies to help if I need to downgrade cheaper.

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    1. Stewart and miller both share the bye. That’s 2 rookies your fielding that round.
      How about doc, should keep his price at leased and play some mid.
      And Bont/macrae instead of miller. Both should have upside. Bont not currently injured hopefully macrae pure mid.

      I’m not saying don’t have Stewart and miller both great choices, it’s just that annoying bye.
      Do you really want to play extra rookies on field down the track especially in bye rounds?
      Those are the 2 I’m targeting after their bye.
      And yes it will feel uncomfortable not starting them, but it feels worse running rookies for no reason.

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      1. Thanks for the advice, I haven’t looked at byes yet but definitely important. I’m more keen on Miller than Stewart so I’ll consider another defender.
        Thanks again

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  4. Hmmm, been thinking about Fyfe.
    Stopped selecting him because you couldn’t rely on him to score enough points. hind sight said you were almost always better choosing someone else.
    Replace the points with cash, same scenario albeit less games needed. But if he goes 60-60 then 10 and injured that will hurt a lot. Which is more likely than hitting 500+k. Anyone got anything to add.

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      1. Yeah, needs 110+ average and you not trading him, or trade him in and get injured to hurt a lot.

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    1. In my calculations, Fyfe is priced to average 78 pts. This puts him undervalued by at least 15-20pts.

      But ultimately he is not a keeper and he won’t make enough cash to be a cow, even if he does play the first 10 games and averages 90.

      He was in my first team, but not anymore

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      1. Hi guys I have a different take on Fyfe.

        If he gets through the pre season unscathed. ( big If I know ) he will be very highly owned. If he does go down early you are the same as most people and can trade him out (My plan is to start D Cameron at R2 and get in a Ruck early when we know who is going well. Always good to have an exit strategy )

        If he manages to recapture some form and you don’t own him he will be very hard to get in at that price. let’s say you don’t start him and he goes well. Then you trade him in, and then he goes down, that costs two trades. Better to start him, knowing he may cost a trade.

        I just feel that most of those Forward mid priced guys have worked out in the last few years ( Brodie , Cogs , Impey etc.. ) Fyfe is a double Brownlow winner that before injuries was an out right Uber Premo. Getting him as a $331K forward is well worth the injury risk ( particularly now we get 35 trades )

        I honestly wouldn’t over think it. To have a best 22 forward at his price keeping a rookie off field. and capable of a 90 plus average ..LOCK !

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        1. Fielding danger as well?…
          I have doubts about him making money pure and simple.
          Plays fwd.
          Gets injured.
          Gets rested.
          Old and should start declining.
          Vs
          Has to make 150k minimum(trade value) to be a good starting option. Or stay on the field most of the season as m-9/f-7 cover.
          This is his minimum requirement to say he was a successful pick.

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          1. I get the thinking TOF

            I just feel now we have 35 trades taking a gamble on mid pricers isn’t the risk it used to be. He only needs to stay fit for 8-10 games and make $100K and he will be a solid pick. The fact he is such a big name will also mean he will be hugely owned ( shield ) .

            I get why some people will avoid him. He is defiantly not a must have.

            I just feel at that price the risk out ways the reward. I avoided Brodie last year because of his tank and the was a big mistake. I ended up biting the bullet and getting him for $350K I won’t be making the same mistake with Fyfe.

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            1. Oh also If Danger had Forward status he would be in 80% of teams.

              Forward rookies score Sh&t, so thats the line for best 22 mid pricers if you can get them.

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        2. Firmly anti-Fyfe rn.

          As Willy said, unconscionable injury history. Add to that Freo’s really settled, strong and ascendant midfield mix rn.

          Suppose he can slot into Mundy’s split role but THAT injury history and THAT price could be disastrous.

          Now, ofc, he could go unscathed and haul ass but him going down in the early rounds at 300k~ would be a major spanner in the works – can’t sideways to another premo and going down to a rookie stings on points.

          Finally, the FWD options are pretty lit this year – both premos and rookies. Think Fyfe can be left on avoid unless he has a Godfather preseason and makes us an offer we can’t refuse.

          For now though, it’s a no for me.

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  5. Hi everyone.

    Posted under last month, (late) Re GoD Salem’s comments…
    How will Salem be effected by Brayshaw stepping up…..???

    …..and was thinking Witts and ROB as rucks due to byes and sole main ruck responsibilities…….that was until i just read about Witt’s knee issues…..more info please….

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    1. Brayshaw very much a utility for the Dees.

      He was tremendous at HB but there’s nowhere else Salem can play, so expect some re-jigging to occur.

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      1. I don’t mind Salam but he’s still very inconsistent. The Dees have a weird back 6 structure with everyone contributing. May takes the kick ins. Lever intercepts and Brayshaw does some intercepting and they like his use from defence. . It will be interesting to see who is best 22 with fringe players like Hibberd, Bowey and Rivers putting their hands up for that small defender role.

        Maybe Salam plays wing ?

        At $390K he is very tempting but really would need to average 95 plus to be a viable D6. There’s just so many defenders averaging 110 plus these days

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        1. I agree with you FT, but GoD has spoken…..what more can I say…..LOL…any thoughts on Witts and ROB as ruck???

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          1. Witts is probably the safest Ruck at this stage.
            He is probably fairly priced but presents very little value. He had his best season ever, but tailed off late. I’m not sure he can back it up, if you want to spend the cash he should still be a solid pick.

            ROB is a roller coaster. He has some massive score but can also have some absolute stinkers (in 2022 Round 18 53 Round 46 )
            I just think he is a tier down from the potential best guys like English Witts , Darcy also Marshall / Gawn / Grundy if they find themselves rucking solo.

            Hard Pass for me.

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          1. Yeah good point.

            I just can’t see Salem finishing close to the top 8-10 defenders. He is too expensive for a stepping stone as well.

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  6. Ok still tinkering but getting there. Thoughts?

    T. Stewart J. Dawson C. Daniel
    H. Clark R. Ginbey C. McKenna
    (Rooks)

    C. Oliver M. Bont A. Brayshaw C. Serong
    J. Hopper F. Callaghan W. Ashcroft Phillips
    (Rooks)

    Darcy & English

    J. Dunkley C. Rozee T. Taranto
    T. McLean B. King J. Bruce
    (Rooks)

    Obviously a few that can chop and change but an even spread I reckon. Banking on freo mids playing well together and sharing the points. Appreciate any input. Cheers

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    1. The combination of English and Darcy. Both are injury prone. Darcy constant niggles and English is a head knock from missing 2 weeks due to concussion.
      I can’t choose 1 ruck to be top 2 let alone 2(all have issues). I’d lean towards Grundy and Big O if i were thinking about it.
      Not saying do it, but try looking at the cheap ruc setup. Extra cash can go a long way on other lines.

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      1. I originally thought Rozee as he has such a high ceiling, but I checked the last 5 weeks of 22.

        Butters last 5 ave: 115.6
        Rozee last 5 ave: 103 (incl a 162 which bumped it)

        I had Butters most of the season, but he was pretty injured until late. On this, I choose Butters.

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      1. Willy spitting out some facts. Bang on once again.

        Daniel’s economy and role is gone. Dale (much to my delight) ate his lunch all of last year and now Richards has bust onto the scene after a strong, freed up last two months of 2022.

        Daniel most recently was training with the MIDs and previously was pressed up to HF and wing. Doubt he carves out a solid MID role but if he did only then would he be relevant. For now, like Willy said, pass.

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      2. Thanks Willy, I’ve changed Serong with Steele. Defence I’ll have another look at Daicos instead of Daniel. Good luck with season

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  7. Have had a good look at all approx Teams posted, there are some obvious selections.

    Not sure on going thin on Def but need to look down the track money earners. Going thin on Ruck seems okay but some really good money to be made there.

    Some strength to have in Def with good upgrades in round 8- 12 for the byes. Rookies starting will control all Teams, we can only pray but that will be decide pre round 1,

    There are some strong keepers in the fwd line, Cameron is a define must have and expect him to be there r d 22, sub for rk.

    New Team as below, obvious will have sum changes.

    Def
    Stewart
    Young
    Daicos
    Gibney
    McKenna
    Chester

    Wilmot
    Dean

    Mid
    Neale
    Bont
    Petra a
    Steele
    Hooper -not sure
    Phillipou
    Philips

    Macrae
    Blakey
    Sinn

    Ruck
    Grundy
    Draper

    Madden

    Fwd
    Dunkley
    Rozee
    Taranto
    D Cameron
    Fyfe
    Allen

    McLean
    Manukara

    Would all your thoughts and comments

    Gilly

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    1. Like it, Gilly.

      Structure and picks all strong.

      Just not Draper though. If you’re set on a budget ruck (which I also am) go for Lycett, Pitt or Meek – not Draper.

      Never going to be an SC viable ruck. Not a traditional HO ruck, crashes and bashes and covers the ground well. Basically a slightly more intelligent Mumford.

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        1. Would love some feed back on my team. Gotta love $0 remaining…
          14 potential keepers
          Defenders

          Jordan Dawson $603,100
          Nick Daicos $502,500
          Harry Himmelberg $499,000
          Reuben Ginbey $171,300
          Conor McKenna $167,500
          Max Michalanney $135,300

          Darcy Wilmot $123,900
          Corey Wagner $117,300

          Midfielders

          Clayton Oliver $699,800
          Jack Macrae $634,400
          Andrew Brayshaw $615,600
          Jack Steele $604,400
          Tom Mitchell $528,600
          Will Ashcroft $202,800
          Cam Mackenzie $180,300
          Will Phillips $158,300

          Connor Blakely [E] $123,900
          Campbell Chesser $123,900
          Joe Richards $117,300

          Rucks

          Brodie Grundy $512,900
          Scott Lycett $429,900

          Nicholas Madden [E] $102,400

          Forwards

          Josh Dunkley $596,400
          Connor Rozee $513,800
          Tim Taranto $503,100
          Darcy Cameron $465,900
          Toby McLean $178,900
          Josh Bruce $161,200

          Jacob van Rooyen [E] $123,900
          Oliver Sestan $102,400

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    2. Probably wrong, but all the top defenders are inflated, a lot…
      They should all hit 550 pretty quick. And are easy upgrades from stepping stones.
      Plus you most likely know who they are, Sinclair, Sic, Stewart, Doc, Dawson Plus someone else. You don’t have to worry about them being in a purple patch.

      The uber mids will probably only drop to 550 AT BEST FOR 1 WEEK then bounce back up the following week. Plus there’s around 18 to get right from. Played out of position(Titch), tagged(Neale) declining(danger) or are they in a purple patch(green last season). Laird, Oliver, safest bet’s and while they’re inflated you have your V and VC included in the price.

      Point is I’d rather upgrade the defenders as fast as possible without starting them at inflated prices, knowing whom I’m targeting.
      This also give you a chance to see more of the mids before spending most likely 600k on a couple of them.
      I know I have to get in either Sinclair stewart, sic, doc or dawson and it most likely won’t be a wrong choice.

      After Laird Oliver and probably Touk I have no idea who the next best mid to bring in is. And if you choose the wrong one to early your basically stuck with them till team is complete. Starting a cheap defence allows you more time to plan your final midfield better.

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      1. Agree the top 6-8 defenders are fairly clear cut, but nearly all are expensive. No obvious cheapies like Hewitt & Sicily if 2022.

        I’m looking at starting 2 if the expensive defenders, and hope to pick 2 that start good and don’t get injured. At moment i’m thinking it be Stewart (I do worry about Duncan taking points) & Dawson, but Sinclair, Doch & Sicily are all in the mix

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  8. GB took on board you comments, couldn’t get out of my mind last night so made the following changes.

    Petraca out for Mitchell
    Gibney for Wagner
    Allen for Bruce

    This allow me to drop Draper, move Cameron to Ruck and bring Coniglio in Fwd.

    Gives me 13 Premos plus Hooper and Fyfe.
    Much better balance.

    Thanks again GB for your thoughts

    Gilly

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  9. I’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time dicking around with structure on the picker since it opened, but I’m finally happy with the structure I’ve come down with heading into preseason.

    DEF
    Tom Stewart, Sam Docherty, Liam Jones
    Nick Coffield, Tom Cole, Connor McKenna
    (123k Rookies)

    MID
    Touk Miller, Marcus Bontempelli
    Jack Macrae, Jack Steele, Jacob Hopper
    Will Ashcroft, Will Phillips, Elijah Hewett
    (123k Rookies)

    RUC
    Sean Darcy, Rowan Marshall
    (102k R/F Loop)

    FWD
    Josh Dunkley, Connor Rozee, Tim Taranto
    Darcy Cameron, Nat Fyfe, Toby McLean
    (123k Rookies)

    Tried to focus on finding the premiums that represent value while also being likely to finish amongst the highest average in the positions come end of the year. For the on field rooks, I’ve also looked to capitalise on the value available, particularly down back. A lot of experienced best 22 players up for grabs for very cheap.

    Would ideally like to find money to get Touk up to Oliver, plus make room for Ben King at F7, but otherwise think 12 Keepers, 2 Mid Pricers and Expensive Rooks is the way to go.

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    1. Great stuff, Robbie.

      First person I’ve seen to back in Darcy. Jackson’s scared everyone off but Darcy still has some massive ceiling games when Meek second fiddled. Full preseason will also do some major help.

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      1. I have a bit of a soft spot for Darcy, and he looks in unreal shape from what I’ve seen so far this offseason. Not too worried about the Jackson impact, Gawn was the no. 1 averaging ruck last year and he shared the duties with him. Plus Freo seem keen to play Jackson as a utility rather than a ruck.

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        1. I ended the season with him last year. Had him from R10~ onwards I think. Was disappointed he wasn’t able to unleash his ceiling as much as the previous year – clearly carried niggles all year.

          You’ve enticed me now though lol.

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      1. Fair call, already have Cole. The thinking for me is he should be locked into the Dogs 22, and even if he averages a flat 60 he’ll make 100k. It’s not the 150k you want from a cash cow, but the job security in a shallow backline makes up for it I think. Similar to a Ben King up forward.

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      1. Titch is in consideration, but for me he’d have to be a keeper at the price, and therefore at least average 110.

        At the moment I favour the combination of Fyfe and Hopper over Mitchell and a 123k forward rook. Say Hopper and Fyfe both average around 90, Titch would need to average 110+ and the fwd rookie would need to average 70 to match the on field points early. Kind of a tossup. Something goes wrong with Fyfe or Hopper in preseason and he likely comes in though.

        I like Grundy, just like the security week to week of Marshall more, and the ceiling of Darcy.

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    1. Too many mouths to feed down back now at the swans, Lloyd has lost the monopoly on kick outs and general distributing duties. Good player, role just no longer the same.

      Titch a solid choice, big change to bounce back to 110 average if given 75% CBA’s. Pies are similar to Richmond now under Macrae though, don’t play a scoring friendly style.

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      1. Couldn’t have said it better myself, Robbie.

        He’s exactly right, SIF. Swans also moved to a much more direct playstyle now that they’ve got the midfield weapons to win first use. They do far less D50 overpossesing and opt to put speed on the ball and take the corridor.

        Agree Titch 110. Think I’d just prefer to pay up for big 120-130 600k MID. Much more fun lol.

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    2. When interviewed on AFL.COM after the trade period the Collingwood coach he said that Mitchell was traded for the sole purpose increasing their CB clearances which was 3rd lowest in 2022. Been a lock in my team ever since.

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    3. Lloyd needs to have the kickins to be relevant again

      Titch is our 2022 Neal. Lock him in, price too good to ignore

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  10. Just a general question….Blicavs (m/r) as R1 then a cheap R2 (Ratugolea/Cox), and a loop rf as R3 to swap with Cameron ?

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    1. Definitely not to a cheap R2 like Ratugolea or Cox. No guarantees of B22 and playing as 2nd/tall, giving them a horrible floor.

      Don’t mind Blicavs as an R2 though. Not R1 but R2 could work. He’s incredibly versatile so you’ve got no guarantee of his role or scoring stream; could be on a wing, tagging an inside MID, rucking or playing as a key defender (did all of those last year).

      But he’s a quality player, will always have a ceiling and some of those spots have decent SC economy. 2 of his last 3 seasons he basically averaged 100.

      Bit of a ramble but long and the short of it is with the current ruck landscape, yeah, he can be considered.

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      1. Thats exactly it GD..the rucks are an issue this year and I’m looking for something different. Blicavs averaged 98 last year but had some stinkers when playing lockdown.

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    2. Hey Wighty who Lewis Hayes? Noticed in the Heral-Sun right up on best 22 that “they” named him at CHB , got any info you can share ?

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  11. Ok my turn

    My first team for 2023..

    Sicily / Dawson / Daicos.
    Goater / McKenna / Weddle
    (B)Dean / Constable

    Oliver / Bont
    Brayshaw / Steele / Hooper
    Ashcroft / MacKenzie / Phillips
    (B) E Allen / M johnson / C Blakely

    English / D Cameron
    (B) N Madden

    Dunkley / Rozee / Taranto
    Fyfe / L Henry / McLean
    (B) T Berry / J Richards

    Defence.
    Sicily is in for Stewart. He is a bit more money but I trust his body more and with The Hawks lacking in the Midfield he should see a heap of ball. Saying all that he will be the most likely to give way if another cheaper option presents itself in the preseason. I love the thought of H Young. I just feel he still has to share a heap of ball with Ryan and a pretty balanced Freo defence. Daicos won the 2k time trial and has put on some size. with his pedigree I just feel he will be primed for a great second season.

    Mids.
    Oliver just pips Laird. Both are great selections but I just can’t have them both at that price. Bont and Steele have both gone 120 in past years, so are underpriced for Uber Premo mids. Brayshaw is my guy and should have some upside with natural improvement. He will still be the one to get downgraded to a Titch type if I need more cash for rookies. Hooper will be hugely owned and if he stays fit should be a great stepping stone. Rookies will need to show their best 22 in pre season games.

    Rucks
    English started 2022 on fire. With Steph gone and Lobb arriving he’s now clear Number one. Yes he’s an injury risk but with 35 trades I think his ceiling and upside make him worth the risk. DC is there until the best R2 shows themselves. He average 96 after Grundy went down do is underpriced. He should also make a solid F6 Ruck cover by years end.

    Yes I know peeps are off Fyfe. I would never usually star him either. If he stays fit ( big If ) I just think at $313K he is worth a shot. If gets injured he will be replaced by Oscar Allen. The extra funds will be used to upgrade Taranto to Cogs. ( I think Cogs will be a clear F2 this year after Dunkley) ..Liam Henry should get Blake Acre’s wing spot. He is a high draft pick and there’s pressure for him to finally preform. He has put on a size and looks very fit. If he looks best 22 I think I will take the punt.

    This may seem a pretty “Standard ” team. We have all year to trade in some “Rare Gems” Right now its about keeping an eye on the best rookies as they are really the key to nailing down the best structure.

    I hope you all had a great New Years !

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      1. Bont no injuries so far this year, less likely to spend time fwd and has improved his floor and CD love him. Ticks a lot of boxes.

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      2. Yeah hey Derek.

        I think both are slightly under priced Macrae is a touch older and with Hunter now gone may spend a bit more time on the outside. I still think he can go 115 plus I’m just not sure he will hurt you early. He is certainly an upgrade target , I would rather start Bont and Steele as they have more upside for their price.

        Bont is in his prime and as TOF says he shouldn’t be needed forward as much this year. He is a prime mover in the midfield and if he stays fit is probably my favourite for the Brownlow. A CD love child I think he has scope to go 125 plus and push Oliver and Laird for the M1 spot. He is also a solid captain option for a touch over $600K. He hasn’t left my side since the Team picker opened.

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          1. I don’t think anyone tbh.

            Everyone’s banging on about how it’s making Bont and/or Macrae locks but losing Dunkley hurts them and the Dogs as a whole.

            Sure, the CBAs won’t need to be shared as much but Dunks tackling, defensive presence and contest pressure is a huge loss to any midfield.

            JUH improving, Bruce returning and Lobb arriving will settle the issue of Bont ever having go forward. That, not the loss of a top notch midfielder, will help Bont.

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            1. My take on Dunks leaving the Dogs…

              Treloar, Libba and Bazlenka were all forced to play quite a bit forward last year. I think all will see more inside time with Dunkley’s departure. Baz is probably most likely to get a more permanent wing spot as he’s the best runner of the three. I think he will occasionally swap with Macrea to get some inside time depending on match ups and how the Dogs are fairing game to game.

              Long story short The Dogs have always had a heap of midfield talent so Dunkley’s departure should effect any one player too much.

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            2. Bruce has been training the house down in DEFENCE They are loving his accurate disposal IN my team as a forward but like that norf dude will play back NDD

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    1. That’s pretty much the meta team rn, FT.

      Nice work. Can’t fault it.

      With you on Sicily. Think another big up he has on all the other 600k DEFs is he can’t be tagged.

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    2. Nice team similar to what I want but I need more value like Gulden and Rich maybe Thinking 3 ubers is the way to go maybe with a dpp M% Warner or Rozee ?

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        1. Warner will certainly be a Premium , I’m just not sure its this year.
          Sydney do funny things with their Mids. Mills is their best mid yet he gets thrown behind the ball if the Swans lose a few centre bounces. Parker is another that gets thrown forward at times. Rowbottom does a heap of the defensive stuff but seems to lack that ceiling.

          I think Warner needs to work on his two way running before he gets a full time midfield role , He is a beast at breaking out of stoppage and his attacking play makes him look like a gun. He does tend to butcher the ball a bit when running at full pace and I’m not sure he covers enough defensively. I think this will mean he will be forced to play a bit off halve forward at times.

          At Warners price he is also competing with guys like LDU, Tom Green and Titch who all are more likely to get full time mid roles and are certainly safer options at this stage.

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          1. Exactly right on the deficiencies in Warner’s game, FT, but the MID role is already there.

            #2 CBA attendee only ever a few behind Parker due to his tank.

            He wasn’t, and won’t be, anywhere other than OB.

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            1. Yeah he starts in the centre a heap. I just feel he tends to drift forward after centre bounce. It would be interesting to see how many stoppages he attended in the back half. Don’t get me wrong I love Warner, and think he will be a star. He just needs to iron out a few defensive kinks and learn to accumulate a bit more to get there.

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        2. Rusty was keen on both warner and gulden and so am I just can’t get them in Sam Berry is better than both and is no.2 behind Laird A tackling monster and in an up and coming team .will do me for M5

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      1. Hey dd

        I’m not sold on Rich, He’s cheap but is getting on in age. He had some injuries last year and as a stating pick you really want to be able to trust their body. He has also only really had one good Sc year in his whole career. It’s a pass for me.

        Gulden is an interesting one. Will he got more CBA’s ? The Swans love his ball use forward of centre. He certainly has shown a ceiling. I’m just not sure he can accumulate enough ball unless he starts getting more midfield time. Theres too many solid forward options for me to start him at this stage.
        Taranto is only $30K more and has a much better defined role.

        I will be keeping an eye on Gulden but he’s a pass for now.

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  12. Rowbottom had finished with a good 5 Rd average and from memory had a good final series, currently in my mids.

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  13. Early stab
    Sinclair Dawson Young Goater Dean -RRR
    Miller Mills Cripps TGreen Titch Hopper -RRRRR
    English Marshall R/F
    Cogs Cameron JFH Fyfe RRRR
    $1.8m for 13 rookies @ $141 avge
    Hope you all have a great 23

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  14. What does Dunkley’s move to Lions do for his scoring and does it effect Neale?

    Is Dunkley worth starting at near $600k?

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    1. I’m waiting to see if he is handling the humidity and heat. The combinations might not quite be there early doors . Looking at him as an upgrade target when one of my guys get smashed by the footy gods

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    2. Neale will still get the tag but I imagine Lyons will be the one to suffer. It’s so easy –just pick and forget. Rucks will be the problem Witts is a no brainer R1 but R 2 is a wait and see with me Grundy leads the pack but if Gawn gets off to a flyer and gets dpp who knows Bring it on.Do we need some sort of trophy for the big event SURVIVOR A shield with all winners would be good I’m sure we could fund it . Too good to pass I know I check the mid season ring out daily Thanks for that one Derek appreciated NDD

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      1. The Grundy & Gawn show will be talked about a lot this preseason.

        Grundy seems too much value not to start with

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  15. I think Dunkley is the easiest selection we get this year.

    Priced at 110 he could easily go 120 plus when given enough midfield time. I think He is a clear F1 maybe by as much as 10 points off next best. (I see Cogs going around that 110 mark.) This doesn’t account for potential Midfielders that are given Forward status during the year. I still thinks Dunks will be a clear F1.

    In 2021 Lyons average 117.6 with the exact role Dunkley is likely to play. Lyons is slow and in my opinion not half the footballer Dunkley could be.

    I also think Dunkley could be a solid VC choice at different times this year as well.

    LOCK him in !

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  16. DEF-YOUNG, DAICOS, CoFfIeLd, McKeNnA, weedle, Worner – Cowan, Ryan.

    MID-LAIRD, OLIVER, BONT, MACRAE, GREEN, MITCHELL, Phillips, blakely –
    baker, chesser, jones.

    RUC-CAMERON, ReEvEs- free.

    FWD-DUNKLY, COGS, ROZEE, TARANTO, AlLen, McLeAn – Stone, F Green.

    This is where I’m up to.
    – 13 keepers with Oliver and Laird.
    – 4 rookies on field and NO fwd rookies

    -I figure either go all in on Yeo, Clarke, Hopper, Sheed and Fyfe or select Young and Daicos instead. Since their both 500k it’s a perfect fit. If 1 goes down before round 1 I’ll implement the 300k brigade due to the fact I don’t like any other 500k defenders.

    – reeves is there to trade into the number 1 ruc when it’s more clear.
    -First upgrades will be 2-3 defenders.
    -C and VC are sorted.
    – I want a playing RUC rookie to cover.

    Young, Daicos, Laird, Oliver, tom Green. Mitchell are irreplaceable at their price versus possible output against other players in their lines(well I think), taking any out causes a complete restructure

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  17. Tu- 105+105+95+95 =400(you’d want)
    Td-90+105+105+105+405
    Being conservative. But that’s what I basically do.
    Option B also seems more reliable.
    Option A-Titch should be somewhat back, but Green young and daicos have to break out.
    Option B-Just hopper who is an upgrade. 90 makes him a good choice, 80 passable. The other 3 your paying for what you hopefully get. they’ve done it before.

    Stewart, Dawson, Hopper, Green/Titch.

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  18. TU-Stewart(105), Dawson(105) and Hopper(90).
    TD-Young(95), Daicos(95) and Titch(105).

    Option 1 is 1 less keeper but…Hopper will be the most selected player. ALWAYS choose the most selected midpricer. Stewart and Dawson can ruin your week coming up against them. Includes 2 Almost definite top 4 defenders.

    Option 2 is an extra keeper. But… they need to break out and still a question over titch. NONE of these are likely in the top of their respective lines. Keeping a mid ranked 12 not great. Keeping 2 x defenders ranked 10 also not great. But…Could have a major comeback and 2 breakouts.

    So the question is do I want an extra keeper who is HOPEFULLY near the top of their line(option B) or 22(rounds) of more points at the cost of 1-2 trades(option A).

    Hey! it’s an ongoing process…

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  19. Hi All

    Following all your comments very closely.

    I play the share market for many many years and the best I’ve done is around 80%.

    I’ve come to the conclusion that we all trying to pick 30 when we should only be aiming at 22 and pray for the rest when rnd 1 selections are published we can fill the rest of our squads.

    Am I right or wrong..

    Your thoughts and comments.

    Gilly

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    1. Nah Don’t aim for 22 or 30.
      I want in the early rounds before upgrade season begins to have AT LEASED 10 x 100’s every week.
      -So first step I select 10 players who I believe are the best chance of scoring 100 every week. Including 2 captain options.(lock those in all pre season)
      -Then fill the rest of the team with 123k rookies.
      -Next, upgrade rookies to the most popular 1-2 mid pricers.(11-12 Players)
      -Then upgrade a rookie to a back up premium to help me score 10 100’s.
      (12-13 players)
      -Then upgrade to a fallen premium or break out.(13-14 players)
      Any cash left over get rookies off the field, starting in the fwd line.
      -Last select the best job security rookies. They replace any player not in you 11 premiums or popular mid pricer pick.

      But each to their own.

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    2. I’m usually go with a guns and rookie set up.

      I usually have 16 or 17 keepers penciled in across all the lines.

      As the rookies are named and fill in the blanks, the final 13 or 14 keepers pick themselves based on what lines the good rookies are.

      This year seems much easier to pick my best 17 than other years.

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      1. Must agree there Derek I now only have F. MacRae as my sole onfield rookie and he played 2 games / Defence is a monty Pick 2 and get the other 4 -600k players later Witts is a standout R1 as is Dunkley at F1 Cameron will be hugely owned as will Hopper Yes mate much easier this year

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        1. My first draft was similar, just 2 rookies on field, that included Fyfe, Hopper, Bowes types, but only included 11 keepers. The team is starting to look for guns n rookies with a 14 keeper structure. I’ll probably start with 13 plus Hopper & Cameron. Seems to be a nice number of rookie prices mature players

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          1. How many rookies onfield derek . I have 10 premos plus cameron and hopper can’t see any cheaper premos that i really like .A lot are just ok but none are quality like MacRae, who once said PAY THE PRICE ?

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            1. I agree, no ‘fallen premiums’ this year.

              Right now I have 13 (counting Cameron at F4.

              Stewart, Dawson
              Oliver, Macrea, Brayshaw, Steele, Titch
              Grundy, Marshall
              Dunkley, Cogs, Taranto, Cameron

              Stewart & Dawson could easy be Sicily & Brayshaw.

              Hopper is in at M6 and rookie priced players fill in the rest.

              There isn’t really anyone else in the $300-$400k I like, Maybe Reeves as my risky R2.

              Depending on rookie priced players and what line they are on, Will determine if I go 1 less forward and 1 more defender.

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        2. Hey DD, What do you think about A Brayshaw. Is a little cheaper than the big 5 defenders. Can you see him scoring well again?

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          1. Hi Derek Brayshaw plays back 100% and that’s his best possie Not in my team but like Trac pretty sad he isn’t Just put MacRae in so it’s tight

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  20. V2

    DEF: Stewart Dawson Daicos Ginbey McKenna Chesser (Dean Wilmott)

    MID: Oliver bontempelli Steele LDU Green Hopper ashcroft Phillips (Allan Blakely Constable)

    RUCK: English Cameron (Madden)

    FWD: Dunkley Moore Taranto McLean Bruce Macrae (Berry Richards)

    BANK: 5K LEFT

    nothing special here very basic there are alot of teams are looking so similar with taranto Stewart Dawson bont Steele Oliver hopper dunkley featuring heavily and rightly so imo.
    Bring on some pre season games.

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    1. Hi Mav LDU is the interesting one I just swapped him to MacRae after comparing figures ,sure I had to find 80 k but worth it

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  21. Will N Daicos finish up in the top 6 defenders for the year?

    TU – yes
    TD – no

    Not sure to start him if I need to upgrade later in the year

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    1. I think i’ve decided to put grundy in the ruc instead. Same price. Feel more confident of grundy outscoring daicos and being top 2-4. than banking on daicos making top 8?

      It’s a problem I’ve had finding that 500k player who is a keeper and also has GOOD potential to finish near the top in their line.
      Daicos, Young, himmelberg.(None top8 most likely)
      Titch, green, LDU.(gambling)
      Grundy, Marshall.(Most likely)
      Cameron(Utility and ownership makes a safe pick).(Taranto, Rozee locks.)And cogs heeney butters dosn’t matter if you go one of these.

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      1. Titch, Grundy & Cameron all seem great value around the $500k. Based on those 3, makes the defenders all look expensive at $600++

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        1. Grundy does seem great value-but how do people see him going if he’s forward 30% of the time. Know Gawn can hold down forward- but not sure Grundys value down forward. Know we’ve all regretted having Marshall as ruck- when he’s sharing the duty.
          Personally leaving rucks from Freo & Melb alone at the start till I see how it pans out.
          Is it right this year we only get 1 practice match to weigh up our gambles this year?

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          1. You can’t compare.

            If Grundy was $600+k like Gawn, no way I would pick him, but he is priced at 101, even playing 30% forward, I’d back him to do that as a min.

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      2. Your thinking is spot on TOF Those 500 k year long keepers are rare I have gone with 10 ubers and 3 midpricers All premos are the best in their lines . At least they will stay but will Daics Taranto Warner Ryan and the like stay ? I doubt it. It leaves me with a team full of 170k returning crocks but They will play a lot more games than your top 10 rookies .Look at previous years and the only two I recall are Walsh and Daics In fact I don’t have one player in my 30 who hasn;t played senior Afl ,they are out there .even Oscar allen would get more games.now jj is gone .cheers NDD

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  22. Thoughts please,

    For those who have Cameron at R2, what are your plans/hopes if/when he or your R1 get injured???

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    1. 35 trades? I’m leaning towards heavy midpricers(no rookies on field) So even with 35 trades will still need a lot to get full premium, I can’t afford to be trading rucks every second week.
      I’ll be planning on getting another ruc/fwd as r3-f7 cover (jackson, fort etc) if one goes down for a short while and holding them. 50 points is better than 0. if it’s a long term injury , well just trade.
      So with my team needing lots of trades, No English, Nic nat, Darcy, Preuss etc.

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  23. Happy New Year Everyone

    It’s amazing how much time goes by when you’re just having your first quick look at SC 2023 and it turns into doing your first draft of a team!

    Sicily, Docherty, Dawson, Coffield, Cole, McKenna / Wilmot, Wagner.

    Oliver, Bontempelli, Brayshaw, Steele, Mitchell, Hopper, Phillips, Chesser / Nankervis, Johnson, Blakely.

    Grundy, Lycett / Madden.

    Dunkley, Taranto, Cameron, McLean, F Macrae, Berry / Sinn, Van Rooyen

    A fair bit more research to be done, especially on the rookies. Any feedback welcome

    Cheers

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    1. There’s a lot of variation this year, which is good.
      -Fwds are easy… Except you have to save room for mids with dpp later on.
      -Defenders are easy… Except they are inflated too much and hamper structure.
      -Rucks… Set and forget with players your not sold on, upgrade from a wide selection of cheapies. One expensive one cheap, which and which.
      -Mids are easy…115+ average your in. But the rest of your team suffers from lack of funds.

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  24. Thinking of starting Gawn. Simply because I can trade him to any ruck.
    Surely he kicks goals and rucks in the fwd line getting goal assists? Then goes back and takes intercepts every now and then, heck Grundy might get injured.
    At the end of the day he’s a downgrade with cash in the bank. Not likely but could still be number 1.
    Thoughts?

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    1. Something different but not without merit. Gawn is really a utility now,more likely forward than back Will he go down in price though? I was thinking he would get defin r 6 then get him in cheaper .good call TOF

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        1. Just have to hope there’s no Grundy after round 1 😉
          Stress fractures and knees, it’s likely he does go down.

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  25. Having looked at the 40 plus teams posted nobody has mentioned Rankine

    What’s all your thoughts on him, I feel he could be a good Cash Cow, if not potential keeper

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    1. No on both counts, Gilly.

      380k, so not cow material, and a small FWD with no scope for premium scoring currently.

      Irrelevant.

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  26. Ok my footy team so far;

    Sicily Doc Coffield
    Goeter Ginbey Weddle
    Wilmot Chess

    Laird Oliver Miller Bont
    Mitchell Hopper Ashcroft Phillips
    Hewett A Davey Wagner

    Witts Campbell
    Madden

    Dunkley Cogs Taranto
    Soldo Phillipou Macrae
    Richards Clarke

    Note: Subject to change after an over, and yes I’ve chosen a possible second ruck as a 2nd ruck with a possible mobile utility as his back up on the forward line…..

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    1. Though your rookies are the better ones ,just too many onfied. I try to field as least as I can even good ones most play few games or will suffer from subbing

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  27. Hi all,
    No one is mentioning Cunnington is any of the 300 plus posts todate.
    For a player who ave 108 in 2021, 103 in 2020 (abet only playing 3 games that year due to his cancer treatment), 102 in 2019 & 98 in 2018 IMO I think he is a severly underpriced Premo.

    I know arguement can be made that LDU made great strides in 2022 but this came out of necessity due to Cunnington not playing & the drop off of form from Horne-Frances, Greenwood etc.
    Surely a fit Cunnington will strengthen the Roos mids & you would expect a player of Cunnington’s class would bounce back to his historical 100 plus scores.

    Thoughts.

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    1. I find the problem isn’t cunnington.
      I WANT Dunkly, Cogs, Taranto, Cameron Rozee.
      But with Uber mids/rucks potentially getting Fwd status i need to save room in the fwd line. Hence having Cameron at R2 and potentially dropping another fwd(not dunkly). I can’t run cunnington when I probably already have to drop a player I don’t want to drop anyway.

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      1. no love for Jackson ? ave 86 not bad for a forward who WILL increase that. In my team with his twin Cameron and believe me i hate the traitor lol NDD

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    2. Just want a look at Cunners before I start whipping up drafts with him.

      Of course one to watch.

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      1. I also expected Cunnington to be priced lower….same age as fyfe…played half the number of games of fyfe over the past three years (albeit vastly different health/medical issues) yet $100k more expensive…more value in fyfe but at what risk?,,,currently in my team but need to get a feel for how his body is and the role he will play before starting him…

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        1. This year’s price is based solely on the player’s average last year with discounts for those who played six or less games.
          Games played and performance over the last three years and age do not come into it.

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    1. i have two teams i’m playing around with. The Gun’s n rookie team and the one sprinkled with a few midpricers

      TU: Stewart (gun), Mackenzie (onfield rook), F Macrea (onfield rook)

      TD: Bowes (mid), Hopper (mid), T Thomas (mid)

      Thomas might still become Fyfe.

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  28. Hello SCT folks, love the early content.
    Long bow i know. However Crippa 2022/Fyfe 2023. Doc 2022/Cunnington 2023. Same same but different.

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  29. i have two teams i’m playing around with. The Gun’s n rookie team and the one sprinkled with a few midpricers

    TU: Stewart (gun), Mackenzie (onfield rook), F Macrea (onfield rook)

    TD: Bowes (mid), Hopper (mid), T Thomas (mid)

    Thomas might still become Fyfe.

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      1. its hard to find value in the mid-prices.

        there seems to be a reasonable number of ‘rookie-priced’ players who have had a few years of footy. Coffield, McKenna, Blakely, McLean, Bruce, Francis, Hamling, Constable, F Macrae, Allen, Tippa, Fantasia, Ratugolea

        i think a few of them might work better than Bowes, Thomas, Fyfe, Hopper types.

        who do you have your eyes on?

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        1. My watch list-
          -Mature age rookie not included.
          -No one more expensive than yeo.
          -just want min 50pts a week and 150k.
          -job security till +150k.

          DEF-Yeo, Clarke, bowes, McLean,
          coffield, Marchbank, francis, cole, hamling, mckenna, McPherson.

          MID-hopper, sheed, hollands, worpal, Stephens, maginness, Flanders, Callaghan.

          FWD-fyfe, thomas, MacDonald, tippa, fantasia, McLean, ratugolea, Cunningham, Bruce.

          Looking at fielding about 5 of these. Rookies JS and ownership will determine which ones.

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          1. Players are either keepers or cash generators.

            Keepers have to have zero injury concerns and hopefully finish in top 8 for their line.

            Cash generators need to give a good return on investment. Bargain priced players at $123k need to average 57+ to be a good investment. A comparison for a $300k player is 75+, a $400k player needs 90+. Any player over $450k needs to become a keeper.

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            1. Will Hopper make the cut then Derek .Probably needs 80’s.Not in my team I prefer Will Phillips Who will be around low 70’s Thoughts?

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              1. Hopper has been in and out. He is value and will be in a lot of teams, but he has never been a big scorer and he now plays for the Tigers who are not very SC friendly.

                In my calculations he needs to score 79 to be an ok pick, he probably can do a bit better. At 80 he gets to $435k

                Phillips definitely in consideration, he currently in my team just ahead of Mackenzie

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  30. Melbourne seem to have a lot of luck at the rookie draft and now another has cropped up .SASTAN or Plugger as he prefers, is a gem .A pure medium forward he relies on strength more than Pickett -like flair .Plugger kicked 24 goals in a game last year and 50 in 6. Though it’s nigh on impossible to break into that team , he has a genuine chance,and the beauty is Jacob Van Rooyan , also a forward, could join him in the opening game . At 102 and 123k it’s a daily double for supercoaches NDD

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  31. Hours of thought, threw the balls in the air and this is what dropped.

    Def
    Stewart
    Dawson
    Daicos
    Coffield
    McKenna
    Chessser

    Wilmot
    Wagner

    Mid
    Neale
    Bont
    Steele
    Mitchell
    E Holland
    Ashcroft
    Phillipou
    Phillips

    Macrae
    Blakey
    Sinn

    Ruck
    Grundy
    Cameron

    Madden

    Fwd
    Dunkley
    Coniglio
    Rozee
    Cunnington
    Fyfe
    McLean

    Munukara
    Sestan

    Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated, specialy from you Wighty.
    I know there will be more changes but a starting point.

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  32. Def: Sinclair, Stewart, Dawson, Goater, Ginbey, Mckenna (Dean, Chesser)

    Mid: Oliver, Miller, Bont, Green, Hopper, Ashcroft, Tsatas, Mackenzie (Phillips, Hewett, Tsitas)

    Ruck: English, Cameron (Keeler)

    Fwd: Dunkley, Taranto, Fyfe, Thomas, McLean, Phillipou (Sinn, Madden)

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  33. i’m not even going to look back at my December team, it had Fyfe’s & Cunnington’s & Bowes & Yeo’s and other crazy stuff.

    DEF:
    Sicily, Stewart, Docherty, Coffield, McKenna, Weddle (Dean, Chesser)

    MIDS:
    Oliver, Macrae, Brayshaw, Steele, Titch, Ashcroft, Phillips, Blakely (Sinn, Constable, Jones)

    RUCKS:
    Grundy, Cameron (Madden)

    FWDS:
    Dunkley, Coniglio, Taranto, McLean, Phillipou, F Macrae (F Greene, Lohmann)

    Tossing up between Stewart & Dawson, Brayshaw & Bont, Taranto & Rozee?

    Sticking with a guns (3-5-2-3) & Rookie team for now, but will be keeping a close eye on some mid-pricers like Hopper, Bowes, Reeves, Fyfe & T Thomas during the preseason.

    I like NDD’s idea of not starting too many rookies, but i can see Weddle, Ashcroft, Phillips, Phillipou & F Macrae being very highly owned for round 1 (if named).

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    1. Like this structure Derek.
      Especially a fan of Titch at M5, I’m all in on him bouncing back this year.
      Curious who else you’d consider for R1 if you move away from Grundy?

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      1. i posted earlier, Titch was my first picked this year (even as a Hawks fan)

        Most of my teams i’ve had Grundy R1 & Marshall R2 (with Cameron at F4).

        I’ve gone a bit cold on Marshall because of the Ross Lyon effect and the unknown if he plays solo ruck or not. If its clear in the first few rounds that Marshall is solo ruck and killing it, Cameron can swing forward and bring Marshall in.

        I would consider English as a R1, but Grundy is $70k cheaper. I did finally bring English into my team last year (as a forward) to be given scores of 51, 122, 79, 86, 88, 102 to finish the year, so i’m not a big fan.

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    2. this is the Alternate team with Bont & Dawson (replacing Brayshaw & Stewart). had to change Lohmann to berry for the cash.

      DEF:
      Sicily, Docherty, Dawson, Coffield, McKenna, Weddle (Dean, Chesser)

      MIDS:
      Oliver, Bont, Macrae, Steele, Titch, Ashcroft, Phillips, Blakely (Sinn, Constable, Jones)

      RUCKS:
      Grundy, Cameron (Madden)

      FWDS:
      Dunkley, Coniglio, Taranto, McLean, Phillipou, F Macrae (F Greene, Berry)

      $1,100 itb

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      1. Solid team Derek. I also hope there are going to be enough rookies for a GnR approach. Impossible to know this far out.
        I remember this time last year Kelly from Collingwood and Hollands from GC were looked at as almost sure things.
        For what it’s worth, I think Ashcroft Philippou and Phillips are strong chances. I also think Macrae is in the frame. I think of the cheapies you don’t have, Bruce and King should be considered. King for his job security and Bruce for his potential new role (but is he best 22?)
        The defense line is starting to worry me. Coffield is not training with the main group yet, which is always a concern. McKenna is a wait and see. Point being – there does seem to be more options in the mids and forwards for cheapies. Less so in defense – unless we are talking Liam Jones and Cole – who both feel like break- glass options.
        I would be tempted to turn one of your 600k defenders into a 500k defender like Young, Daicos etc and try to upgrade D4 to Salem. It might be too much of a push, and it’s not pure GnR, but worth a look.

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        1. some great points.

          you are right about the defense and we will be taking whatever cheapies we are given.

          i have my eye on Aaron Francis $189k is a close watch (could be the paddy mcCartin of 2023)

          Talk out of the Hawks is Weddle is being tried on a wing and it might be his position to start the season.

          I think the top 6 defenders are clear cut and anyone outside of that lot seems a waste to start with, only problem is they are very expensive and i’m not happy spending $600k on 3 defenders.

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    3. I won’t start more than 3 raw rookies and have one on each like so far dean ,covered by 5 others MacRae covered also by 5 and Van Rooyen covered by 3 .Russty used this theory last year and got off to a flyer,Gotta be remembered each rookie going at 50 really costs you at the other end when you can’t select your preferred option NDD

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      1. A $123k rookie going at 50 will make about $135k. Much less for the expensive rookies. Ideally you want them to pump out an 80 one week and get a nice 3 week price rise before selling.

        The danger for all the rookies this year is the sub-vest. A 4th quarter cameo won’t do much for their cash generation.

        I’m thinking of going with Rozee ahead of Taranto. TT has never been a great SC scorer (more the other game) and now he is with an un-SC friendly team Richmond.

        I had not given Jackson a thought this year. He is clearly a talent, but at his price he needs to almost be a keeper which he is still a year or two away. Cameron seems safer with his #1 ruck role

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  34. I do like this team Derek A few things are beginning to appear . Defence ,like a few years back , looks like needing to go deep maybe even D5. 3 ubers down back plus 2 daicos types is where i am looking,just no good rookies. Rucks are still not clear so I am going Witts Cameron and Jackson ,think about that one mate .Your forwards are totally different to mine .mainly i have jackson and Rozee plus the 3 suspect 170k players .Mids ,well any 3 of 6 ubers plus Tich ,a must, and a pod Berry good luck Derek

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    1. Switching Taranto to Jackson… interesting.

      1) gives me ruck cover,
      2) allows me to choose which of either Cameron or Jackson to keep/upgrade
      3) option to keep both as forwards,
      4) better points output than a similar priced defender
      5) If (when) Darcy gets injured Jackson will be solo ruck without Lobb & Meek …. Interesting.

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      1. Except Taranto is a Top 6 lock playing as a pure inside MID, the best SC position, and Jackson is going to be playing a tall FWD and 2nd fiddle ruck, one of the worst SC positions.

        Stick with Taranto.

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      2. Wonder where you got that from? Seriously a great move. Jackson in particular. I had him as a keeper in my initial team last year hoping for a mid 70’s but he did a lot better as a 40% ruck . I think mid 90’s is attainable which makes him a top 6 forward . I don’t buy into that rubbish about Cameron Cox is a big dud and won’t get that main ruck and Beggs will take time,mind you I don’t think either jackson or cameron can hold down R2 .but who? Grundy is my tip A forward for under 500 is a bargain two is Christmas NDD

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  35. There’s about
    DEF-10
    MID-16
    RUC-1
    FWD-8
    I’d be happy running in each line.
    Yet no matter how I build a team there’s always around 10 players I really want to start that can’t fit.
    Most years it 4-5.
    Since I’m not keen on running too many rookies on field, they don’t really help choose a structure.
    Going to be a interesting season. A lot of bolters missed and a lot of dud premiums selected.
    Dunkly/mclean are the only absolute locks. Every other player can be replaced by multiple other players.
    But a shout out to Darcy Cameron for versatility.

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    1. Cameron is an interesting one for me.
      Did have him last year and do like his dpp and the flexibility this gives a side.
      Did have him early in my side as a forward- but then I asked myself- is he a good enough forward to be top 6 end of year?

      Held last year, and as a 27 yo, he seemed to run out of gas. Six of his last 8 scores less than 100 and in his last 3 games he scored… 45, 100, 64.

      Must admit I’ve dropped him from my side- reckon more consistent and bigger scorers available. Anyone else got doubts?

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      1. Yes, I’ve dropped him too. But fully understand your selecting him primarily as ruck cover first and foremost.
        Gone cold on coll and rich cheap picks. Not sold on Tarantino either(top 6) due to the pending mid/ruc dpps later on .

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      1. Titch, Cameron, taranto, hopper.
        None are bad picks.
        Just seeing if you can do better.
        They play for low scoring clubs. They are underpriced, but by how much…
        I’ll likely start 1-2 but not locked in.

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  36. Anyone liking this structure or is it too MID heavy?

    Stewart Dawson Bowes Coffield Francis Goater
    (Weddle Dean)

    Oliver Miller Bont Brayshaw Steele Titch Callaghan Ashcroft
    (Ginbey McCrae Constable)

    Grundy Cameron (Madden)

    Dunks Taranto McLean Ratugolea Bruce Comben
    (Sestan Van Rooyen)

    Rooks still likely to change around,

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    1. 12 genuine keepers here. I have been thinking about what us the right amount of starting keepers. If we use last year as an example, we were able to start with 11 or 12 because we ended up with some genuine value priced keepers. Thinking Sicily, Hewett, Cripps, Daicos, Witts, coniglio , English and Brodie. In 2021 we had Ziebell.

      What I am not seeing this year is any 200-300k options who could turn into keepers. Maybe we could argue that the ones from last year were anticipated as being stepping stones, but turned into keepers. So my question is – would we have got to full premium if we didn’t luck out by these stepping stones turning to keepers? If so, is it reasonable to expect that lightening to strike twice?

      I can see a season where selections like Salem or Hopper are still in our side at season end because we couldn’t get to full premium. So I can see this year as being one where you start with a Young or Daicos rather than a Stewart, plus a Green instead of a Steele, if it means you get a Hopper and/or Salem.

      We saw last year how the sub rule plays havoc with cash generation of rookies. I think we will see more of it again. So I think that gives more weight to guys like Allen and King whose cash generation might be only just ok, but is more dependable than a fresh rookie who might be eased in via the sub.

      Long story short. GnR is proven and has been the best method of success in this game. But as the game changes, the effect of the Covid years in preparing fresh rookies for AFL means soft entry into the seniors, there will be a time when a value team, or a mid priced madness team (I think there is s difference!) is going to be more successful. Is it 2023? Who knows. But I must say I am contemplating it.

      I think the other change that we haven’t really talked about is the one extra round. Will going from 22 to 23 games have any effect? I am of the opinion that it might mean the odd rest for star players. Especially older ones. We saw Danger last year. The obvious example for me would be Stewart. He really strikes me as a strong candidate to get the odd rest. With Grundy and Gawn, I can see the Dees mixing it up where one week it might be Grundy predominantly rucking and Gawn forward, to the opposite a week later. Does Campbell play occasionally to ease the load on Marshall? How does this affect our team structures? If I had the answer you could possibly give me the car now! But I think these will be factors and whoever navigates through it well will be well placed.

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    2. you can’t ignore Bowes, McLean, Francis, Coffield, Bruce and Ratugloea at their prices if they play round 1.

      I wouldn’t even call them ‘mid-pricers’, they are expensive rookie priced.

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      1. Yup totally agree Derek. Guess what I am saying is that I am not sure any of that list will turn into a Brodie or a Cogs from 2022. And if they don’t, will we be able to get to full premium? So I am still saying we need them, but we might also need to reduce some ultra premium to value choices so we can also afford a Salem or a Hopper.

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  37. Here we go… iteration # …. I dunno – too many.

    Backs – Docherty- Dawson- Daicos-Bowes- Dean- Chesser -(Ginbey & Weddle)
    Mids – Bont-Brayshaw- Mitchell- LDU-Steele – Ashcroft – Phillips – Culley- (Johnston, Sinn & Phillipou)
    Rucks – Marshall & Lycett (Madden (not Simon or Justin))
    Forwards – Cogs – Rozee – Cameron- Allen- King- Mclean-Pedlar (King & Richards)
    ITB – $33,500

    Pretty happy with the backs. I think Bowes will play midfield (a lot). I did think of putting Gould on the bench for decorative purposes and a sense of tradition.

    I think LDU will have a break out year. Steele slightly underpriced. Not sure of Ashcroft. How much opportunity will he get to play in his preferred position. Hopefully Phillips can show why he was a #3 pick. Culley a left field selection but backing my hunch here.

    Rucks I am very unsure of. At one stage I had Cameron at R2 with a view to moving him forward once I work out an alternate R2. Not convinced regarding Lycett. I had Nank in there at R1 purely for his durability after last year wasting so many trades on my rucks. Good chance he re-enters my team.

    I personally prefer Cogs & Rozee. I think better value and new team and his role in that team for Dunkley has put me off him for now. Allen & King purely stepping stones but at least they will play. Time for Pedlar to also breakout this year.

    Players I will be acutely watching are Jones & Cole in the backline. Thomas and Cunnington from my Kangas. Worpel as well – its now or never for him I feel. Van Rooyen, Humphries and McKenzie out of the new draftees.

    Cheers

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  38. I’ve got a view that Bytel is a better SC prospect than Phillips if Lyon plays him. I know several clubs inquired about him in the trade period, but the Saints wanted to hold him. Surely he gets an early look over one of their pithy inside mids on the back of that?

    Secondly, does anyone have stats on Simpkin vs LDU with and without Cunnington? I rate both of them highly, but I think Simpkin flys over LDU in terms of SC points when Cunnington plays, and is much more likely of the two to break out Neale style with a fit Cunnington. I’ll take my medicine if the stats prove me wrong but I’d like to see the comparison.

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    1. It’s sort of an irrelevant point of comparison, Ryno.

      LDU’s premium patch happened late last year on a team high CBA load but he had previously started the year poorly – Cunnington wasn’t there at either end. It was a late combination of form and team high CBAs, didn’t matter which other MIDs were there tbh.

      No dataset for breakout LDU in which Cunners can be excluded as a variable.

      Looks like Cunners will play a FWD/MID split according to the latest training reports. Never had a great tank and his fitness base has understandably been eroded, so I wouldn’t worry too much about his impact on LDU.

      LDU to stay purely OB, occasionally rotations from a strong CP MID like Cunners will actually help the engine room as a whole.

      Question is whether LDU’s breakout continues to a great enough extent this year to warrant competitive keeper status (110).

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      1. And despite all that, who was B&F again?
        I don’t think I’ll be going to one of these guys to save $150 – $200k, but I’d be very nervous about picking LDU over Simpkin with Cunnington back in the frame. I think you’re undervaluing the effect that bloke has on the midfield group GD. Think it could also play out as well for T.Thomas as it does for Simpkin if the hard nut farm boy plays.

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        1. Wasn’t making a comment on who was better. Simpkin is a tremendous servant and midfield constant.

          LDU had a lit post-bye SC season, which is why he’s potentially SC relevant. Simpkin went back on his average by 7 last year and has never done triple figures as a season average, so he’s not relevant.

          Again, to the extent Cunnington is back OB I can’t see that hurting LDU? An experienced, contested bull on really targeted rotations. Expect the Roos engine room to improve.

          Thomas training at half back the latest. Only a really strong pre-season will find him back OB, poor work rate on and off the field last year means he won’t get walk up CBAs.

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          1. Irrelevant…ha ha – I wasn’t going to, but I think I’ll pick Simpkin in SC purely on that comment GD, and we can touch base at the end of the season to compare notes – you said that last year about Cripps with his mortally broken body, and Brodie on the back of FT slagging him off because Darcy beat him in the time trial. I’m pretty sure you were off Hewett too.

            Good luck for the season all and I’ll see you lads again next pre-season for another good laugh…Out.

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            1. Lmao. Okay. Don’t know what’s up your ass, mate.

              I started Hewett AND Brodie and grabbed Cripps the week he did the Crows for 140. Glad to see someone’s tracking my teams year on year though.

              Was all constructive on my end, idk what your deal is. Hope Simpkin pans out.

              Cya, clown.

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  39. What are your thoughts on Will Ashcroft?

    I know his junior form is exceptional and he is being talked about in the same terms as Sam Walsh & Nick Daicos.

    I just wonder whether he is going to struggle getting the right position in a very strong Lions side. I can see him playing more forward initially than in the middle.

    Players like Elijah Tsatas at Essendon and Cam Mackenzie at Hawthorn might get better opportunities early on.

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    1. Dosnt matter, he’s the most expensive, so you can swap him to any of the others when more news comes out. But you may have to restructure your team if you want to get him in before first lock out.

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  40. Was it just one full on practice match this year? That’ll really make it a little more difficult to gauge form- especially as with inter clubs, 2 teams of own players up against each other… hmmm… might be difficult to pick those better options this year?

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    1. And loving it…
      If everyone listed there top 5 premiums and rookies almost everyone will have a pretty different response.

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