Hi Jov, bit concerned around the structure of your two rookie ruck combo. Neither is likely to be a big help if the other goes down or out of the side. Im a Crows man and surprised that ROB has been Robbed of the spot and McAndrew will need to play out of his ass to keep the spot. First four rounds include match ups against The Pies (Cameron), Dogs (English) and Freo (Jackson and Darcy) and if he fails to produce against what I consider pretty stiff opposition, ROB might be back and you have only another rookie for coverage. CDT will do mainly forward minutes and will likely not score heavily so you will possibly have to use two trades to correct as you don’t have cash to issue the straight swap to a another ruck.
Reminds me a bit of the Marshall/Ryder situation. ROB is a genuine galloper but he won’t win you a match, and with the swing towards a ruck who can jump and get around the ground I think the crows are pulling the right reign. I’m worried about both visentini brothers on the same count.
Hi Stevo, see above comments re rookie ruck combo. In your case it’s Reidy instead of CDT. I dont see Reidy playing a prominent role in the Blues ruck structure, and he isn’t going to score well if he’s played as a forward, so do you have the back up cash to make a trade if necessary?
Hey Stevo, running that top four in the def line might raise a few issues later on. It only leaves you with two spots for guys like NWM, Whitfield, Ash, Clark etc and any other mids that might get DPP status through the year.
The other problem is that most of the decent rookies seem to be defenders to start this season, so you might be missing out on one or two of them there.
All looks very solid apart from that. McAndrew at R2 is obviously a calculated risk, but one worth taking I reckon, and I think almost everyone is running that exact forward line!
Current team, hasn’t changed alot since the start of February.
The team has been built around the early byes, only have Daicos R2, Petracca R3 and Flanders R4 as the premiums on the bye. Only one per round should set me up well early. I attacked the early bye rounds last year as well and was 77th after round 6, hoping for another good start.
Only main changes have been McKercher has replaced Mills and Clarke has replaced Whitfield, i like the idea that Ryan might not be in best 23 and Clarke will get all the kickouts. McKercher and Clarke don’t have the early bye.
I’m really big on Dawson this year, should be a top 5. Treloar is still in my team and should play round 0, i might swap him out to Windsor or Bruhn for about the same price if he doesn’t play.
RUC: Gawn, Jackson (White)
Gawn is still in the team, not sold on McAndrew holding his place but he is ok at Flex and gives me some options.
Young Parish Treloar is truly taking the injury gods head on. If any one of them pays off big, you’ll be stoked! Maybe chuck Will Day or Max King in there too lol
they say, better to start them, will only cost 1 trade to get rid of them if they break down, but don’t start them it will then cost two trades, one to get them in and another when they break down.
I do like Treloar becuase he is a premium. 108 average in 2023 and 117 in 2024. He could go 100 this year and be a forward keeper.
Everyone thinks of him as a big injury risk, he played 22 out of 22 in 2022, 19 out of 22 in 2023 and 22 out of 22 in 2024.
he has had a near faultless preseason, and missed the practice games because of a ‘tight’ calf. I saw an interview on chanel 7 saying it wasn’t even ‘tight’ they just wanted to be careful with him.
The down side is he only played 4 games last year and he is 32 years old.
Love the Dawson pick, I’m on that train too. No early bye and he can do it all – run through the midfield, distribute off halfback, and drift forward and kick goals because he’s so good above his head. Class act and only 8% ownership!
Smith as the only onfield rook in the mids looks weird but I think it is the right call. Weird year for the cash cows.
Most likely will change one of the premo mids on bye and leaning Dawson for that spot. Young over Reid just but if anymore to the injury will swap. I’m loving humphries but the early bye and the fact him and bruhn playing for same spot worry me.
Almost there legends, almost that time of the year where we roll into Sunday games with 2300 points, 4 players left and the captain to play Sunday and walk out with 2600 thinking what could’ve been
My team is sitting as follows, I’m not trusting the mid rookies this year, so I’ve spent a large chunk of my money there – we live or die with decisions in this game
Its been McCarthy, its been McKercher, its been Whitfield, but McCarthy looks to be the main guy in a rather poor team this year ($101 to go winless – seems like value for the punters out there), should see lots of the footy and is rather good for a 2nd year player
Dawson could easily be top 5 this year, Butters contract year, Gulden and Walsh undervauled by about 50k and the injury riddled Young and Parish could easily improve 150k if they can stay injury free – Smith should be 100% owned and will be your last traded out player this year
English, McAndrew (CDT)
McAndrew scares me, but hey, we need to sacrifice somewhere
Pretty cookie-cutter team at this stage from those I’ve seen on this site recently.
Only real changes for me recently are Windsor in for Coleman, TDK in for Xerri, Freijah in for Lalor – would love thoughts on these changes specifically.
Other consideration now (aside from obvious injury or terrible/excellent R0 form) is dropping Reid/Freijah down to a rookie and upgrading flex.
Welcome all feedback and comments love to hear people’s thoughts and advice etc as sometimes I can get the blinkers on and overlook small things. Cheers.
Hi all, wasn’t sure where else to post this, but thought it might be relevant.
Confirmed rookies for Opening Round:
Zeke Uwland (DEF/MID, $199,000)
Harry Dean (DEF, $194,500)
Jai Serong (DEF, $119,900)
Lachie Jaques (DEF, $119,900)
Michael Sellwood (DEF, $119,900)
Jagga Smith (MID, $119,900)
Malcolm Rosas jnr (FWD, $145,000)
Worth noting that Carlton’s popular basement priced pick Wade Derksen is not listed, but mature aged Bulldog Michael Sellwood (currently <1% ownership) has been named.
R1 is full of danger with games over 4 days. For example, if you have Dovaston and/or Blamires in your team, or Z Uwland, and they dont get onfield, because they all play Sunday, there are few other options.
Am I reading too much into this, or should we lean to rookies definitely playing early ???
Good point Wighty, but clubs are usually pretty good early in the season with the mid-week debut announcements. Hopefully that trend continues and removes some of the doubts.
Back: NWM, Rozee, Clark, Farrow, Lindsay, Serong. Jaques, Derksen
Mid: Butters, Smith Serong, Washcroft, Petracca, Dursuma, Uwland, Sharp. Grilj, Byrne, Blamires
Ruck: English, Jackson, White
Fwd: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Dovaston. McCrae, Robertson
Flex J Smith
Bruhn could be a possible for one of the rookies depends on final teams.
ITB $152K
Fwd: Sheezel, Flanders, M Reid, Rachele, Macrae, Phillipou (Rookies TBC)
Any mid pricers I should 100% fade? Zak Johnson hasn’t been mentioned anywhere but I tracked him last year and seems he has a decent role this year. Would be keen to hear thoughts!
As a saints fan, I agree. I’m not starting either because I’m avoiding early byes but I worry how Nas will cope with getting attention every single game for the first time. Dude’s a gun and will be in my final team but we just haven’t seen how that goes yet
Def: Ash,Rozee,Blakiston,Windsor,Grlj and J Serong. J Lind and L Jaq
Mid: Butters,Naicos,Dawson,Young,Reid,Parish,Bruhn and Farrow. J Carroll A one’s and T Blamires.
Ruck: X, D cam and L Mac
Fwd : Sheez,Kozzie,Ned Flanders,Man of Glass(Treloar) Mat Phil and Dev. L Dov and L L Lom
Flex : Jagga.
After a terrible year last year and a surprise finish of 6th in the last round with a massive round pb I’m quite motivated for this season.
So excited for the new season. This is better than Xmas eve to me! Having pinched the last 2 flags after being behind massively in two finals each season I’m really hoping my Lions can go from wire to wire in dominant fashion this year. Penrith are the blueprint I hope we follow. Best to all and thanks to the contributors for their write ups and guidance. 🙂
I know right….. 28 trades without injuries form slumps and upgrades. But I just don’t like some of the options enough. Gonna have to do something new and be disciplined with the trades this year. Best of luck Derek and thanks for the articles
Any feedback is welcome! I’m unsure of Sinclair or Nas but currently leaning Sinclair. If Derksen isn’t selected next week he can be changed with the money itb.
Current (and hopefully final?) team pending R0
DEF: Sinclair, Rozee, Roberts, Mckercher, Grlj, Serong (Lindsay, Jacques)
MID: Butters, Gulden, Walsh, LDU, Parish, Bruhn, Sharp, Smith (Draper, Watkins, Blamires)
RUCK: Grundy, English (McAndrew)
FWD: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Philipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Reidy)
FLEX: Windsor
$61K in the bank
Toyed with ideas of Freijah, Ginnivan at various points, considering using the money to upgrade LDU. Suggestions appreciated
All those playing McAndrew at R2 (or even R1!), I think are setting themselves up for some pain down the track. Why would Adel elevate ROB into the leadership group in Feb only to not play him? Sounds like what maybe happening is a slow transition passing of the baton situation. Ruck is a hard physical postion to play all year so my theory is McAndrew will play the first few rounds and then it will be more a Ruck sharing between McAndrew and ROB for the rest of the year and probably not together. So really risky at R2 IMO.
agree, it could go wrong, the good news is best 18 for rounds 2 to 4 to start with, if he doesn’t play its not a disaster and have some time to sort it out
Still a work in progress pending opening round, but after tinkering with my team a million times I’ve gone back to what looks closely like the first team I made when SC re-opened (save for rookies).
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Clark, Coleman, Uwland, Serong (Lindsay, Jacques)
MID: Butters, Naicos, Dunkley, Gulden, Young, Grlj, Sharp, J Smith (Farrow, Carroll, Blamires
RUCK: Xerri, English (Reidy)
FWD: Sheezel, Trac, Fladers, Phillipou, T Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, F Macrae)
FLX: McAndrew
Wighty is right. Draper doesn’t need to take that bench spot look at a cheaper preferably DPP option.
Check all your rookie’s as a few might miss actually.
Defender Rookies and Forwards look strongest this year, so look at structuring you team around this.
Eg you may lose a def premium, and swap that money to the midfield.
MID: Butters, N.Daicos,Gulden, Walsh, H. Young, Grlj, Sharp, J.Smith (Carrol, A Jones, Blamires)
RUCK: English , Jackson (K.White)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, K.Pickett, Flanders, M. Phillipou, L. Dovaston (Lombard, D Robertson)
FLEX: McAndrew
18.5k in the bank
White I’m thinking for the Captain Loop, I’m not sold on Farrow but I don’t know who would be a viable alternative. I’d almost prefer to have Lindsay on the field replacing Farrow – banking some cash-but I’m not sure who I’d put on the bench next to Jacques. I’m also torn between NAS and Whitfield
Overall a strong team. One risky move is having 3 premos missing in a bye round (Trac, Gulden and English). It could pay off later in the season playing catch up though
I’ve avoided round 0 premos except for English, Flanders and Petracca but I think everyone has the last two while I think English is well suited to the new rules. LDU was a 110 points per game in 23 and 24 so hoping he has a bit of a bounce back. There’s smarter picks than Steele but he’s just one of my favourites and this is meant to be a fun game.
I wanted to move Grlj to defence , I had K. Pickett but dropping him to M. Reid allows me to turn a bench defense option into Bruhn and move Grlj to defence. I think I trust Reid more than I trust Rachele. Had Jones on the bench in the mids but he got knocked out so I’ve just put McCrae there for now. Open to suggestions
I have swapped out O’Sullivan for Matt Roberts and Georgiades for Connor Budarick. I have also swapped out Riccardi for Dante Visentini. I have brought in Erasmus for Bruhn. Does that change anything for you?
Not worried about NAS, he copped the Perryman tag. The third defender premo was gonna be out of Zorko and Clark, and the first looked too impressive to pass on after last night’s game. Windsor looks the better D4 option ahead of both Coleman and Blakiston, I think he’s got a permanent midfield role that will suit his game style. Derksen is a wait and see to find out if he gets called up against the Tigers, if not I’ll probably put someone else in his place
First five mids haven’t changed since the first side I made up. Keeping my faith in Ashcroft, his only let down scoring wise was his efficiency, I don’t think he’ll be doing that every week. Bruhn’s done enough to trust him at least to be a good cash cow. Got Grlj at M7 so I’ve got at least one player I can use for a DPP switch when needed. Did have Jones on the bench until his injury.
Gawn and English seem like the two rucks that suit the new ruck rules best, so I’m going with them.
Most of my forward line hasn’t changed since the first side I made, most of the guys who played this week were impressive. Only difference since I believe is Dovaston being in.
Slightly off topic, but what are punters thoughts on the flex role ? McCluggage calf injury highlights the danger in having a lower priced player or rookie at Flex. If you have a 50 pt flex player, you are behind the 8 ball in a McCluggage situation.
I’m putting Sheezel at flex….reckon that covers all possibilities, and dpp allows flexibilty to move flex around over byes.
What did you get from Rd0 to help you with your team. NWM to drop in price, Sinclair will be the big mover this week, Serong and Jacques two rookie lock others were average, ruck scores were lower than expected, Pendles 104 points with 52% TOG. I am still no better off
Before the carnage of opening round …
Def: NAS, Rozee, Blakiston, Windsor, Grij and Serong (Lindsey/Derkson)
Mid: Bont, Buttere, Naicos, Serong, Young, Parish, Bruhn and JSmith (Carroll, Macrae, Blamires)
Ruck: Grundy and English (Reid)
Fwd: Sheezel, Trac, Flanders, Philippou, Lombard and Robertson (Marshall/Jones)
Flex: McAndrew
Touch wood the Hayden Young injury is nothing but a scare.
Will be watching Lachie Neale with keen eyes in opening round.
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Worrell, Windsor, Lindsay, Serong (Jaques, Derksen)
MID: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Serong, Walsh, Young, Parish, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
RUC: Grundy, McAndrew (Duff-Tytler)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Dovaston)
FLEX: Grlj
$4K ITB
Hi Jov, bit concerned around the structure of your two rookie ruck combo. Neither is likely to be a big help if the other goes down or out of the side. Im a Crows man and surprised that ROB has been Robbed of the spot and McAndrew will need to play out of his ass to keep the spot. First four rounds include match ups against The Pies (Cameron), Dogs (English) and Freo (Jackson and Darcy) and if he fails to produce against what I consider pretty stiff opposition, ROB might be back and you have only another rookie for coverage. CDT will do mainly forward minutes and will likely not score heavily so you will possibly have to use two trades to correct as you don’t have cash to issue the straight swap to a another ruck.
Reminds me a bit of the Marshall/Ryder situation. ROB is a genuine galloper but he won’t win you a match, and with the swing towards a ruck who can jump and get around the ground I think the crows are pulling the right reign. I’m worried about both visentini brothers on the same count.
Appreciate the insight from a Crows man.
Hey all,
Keen on some advice on the team! Any suggestions are welcome.
DEF: Sinclair, Rozee, McCarthy, A. Roberts, Lindsay, Serong (Jaques, Derksen)
MID: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Gulden, Walsh, Young, Parish, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
RUCK: English, McAndrew (Reidy)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Macrae
FLEX: Grjl
Hi Stevo, see above comments re rookie ruck combo. In your case it’s Reidy instead of CDT. I dont see Reidy playing a prominent role in the Blues ruck structure, and he isn’t going to score well if he’s played as a forward, so do you have the back up cash to make a trade if necessary?
Hey Stevo, running that top four in the def line might raise a few issues later on. It only leaves you with two spots for guys like NWM, Whitfield, Ash, Clark etc and any other mids that might get DPP status through the year.
The other problem is that most of the decent rookies seem to be defenders to start this season, so you might be missing out on one or two of them there.
All looks very solid apart from that. McAndrew at R2 is obviously a calculated risk, but one worth taking I reckon, and I think almost everyone is running that exact forward line!
Howdy you bunch of beauts,
Would greatly appreciated some feedback on the below:
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Windsor, Coleman, Edwards, Jacques (J. Lindsay, Serrong)
MID: Butters, Daicos, Gulden, Caldwell, Young, Bruhn, Grlj, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Macrae)
RUCK: Xerri, L Jackson (McAndrew)
FWD: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Murray)
FLEX: D. Parish
KITTY $$$$: $173K
Cheers champenis’
if you put Reidy (or White) at F8, that will allow you to loop McAndrew’s score if he does good and also get the cash out when he increases in value
Current team, hasn’t changed alot since the start of February.
The team has been built around the early byes, only have Daicos R2, Petracca R3 and Flanders R4 as the premiums on the bye. Only one per round should set me up well early. I attacked the early bye rounds last year as well and was 77th after round 6, hoping for another good start.
DEF: Rozee, Clarke, McKercher, Grij, Farrow, Serong (Lindsay, Jaques)
Only main changes have been McKercher has replaced Mills and Clarke has replaced Whitfield, i like the idea that Ryan might not be in best 23 and Clarke will get all the kickouts. McKercher and Clarke don’t have the early bye.
MID: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Serong, Young, Parish, Treloar, Smith (Sharp, Caroll, Jones)
I’m really big on Dawson this year, should be a top 5. Treloar is still in my team and should play round 0, i might swap him out to Windsor or Bruhn for about the same price if he doesn’t play.
RUC: Gawn, Jackson (White)
Gawn is still in the team, not sold on McAndrew holding his place but he is ok at Flex and gives me some options.
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Roberston (Lombard, Macrae)
Forward line picks itself.
FLX: McAndrew
itb $10,800
thanks fellas
Young Parish Treloar is truly taking the injury gods head on. If any one of them pays off big, you’ll be stoked! Maybe chuck Will Day or Max King in there too lol
it is very unlike me to take injury risks.
they say, better to start them, will only cost 1 trade to get rid of them if they break down, but don’t start them it will then cost two trades, one to get them in and another when they break down.
I do like Treloar becuase he is a premium. 108 average in 2023 and 117 in 2024. He could go 100 this year and be a forward keeper.
Everyone thinks of him as a big injury risk, he played 22 out of 22 in 2022, 19 out of 22 in 2023 and 22 out of 22 in 2024.
he has had a near faultless preseason, and missed the practice games because of a ‘tight’ calf. I saw an interview on chanel 7 saying it wasn’t even ‘tight’ they just wanted to be careful with him.
The down side is he only played 4 games last year and he is 32 years old.
Love the Dawson pick, I’m on that train too. No early bye and he can do it all – run through the midfield, distribute off halfback, and drift forward and kick goals because he’s so good above his head. Class act and only 8% ownership!
Smith as the only onfield rook in the mids looks weird but I think it is the right call. Weird year for the cash cows.
Dawson’s kicking efficiency last year was 56%, the 3 years prior it was 63-66%. if he tidies that up this year, that will make him 115+
Def- Nas, Rozee, Humphries, Windsor, Grlj, Lindsay (Serong, Derkson)
Mid- Butters, Daicos, Callaghan, Gulden, Young, Bruhn, Sharp, Smith (Carroll, Blamires, Jones)
Ruc- Grundy, English (Mcandrew)
Fwd- Sheezel, Flanders, Lalor, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Dovaston, Lombard)
Flex- Pickett
Most likely will change one of the premo mids on bye and leaning Dawson for that spot. Young over Reid just but if anymore to the injury will swap. I’m loving humphries but the early bye and the fact him and bruhn playing for same spot worry me.
This is the MOST POPULAR TEAM if you just picked the highest owned players.
The cut off was 29% ownership
Nas, Rozee, Coleman, Uwland, Gril, Farrow (Lindsay, Serong)
Bontempelli, Butters, Daicos, Guelden, Young, Parish, Duursma, Smith (Sharp, Brodie, Blarnies)
English, McAndrew (Reidy)
Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Macrae)
Jackson
Money left $199,700
Almost there legends, almost that time of the year where we roll into Sunday games with 2300 points, 4 players left and the captain to play Sunday and walk out with 2600 thinking what could’ve been
My team is sitting as follows, I’m not trusting the mid rookies this year, so I’ve spent a large chunk of my money there – we live or die with decisions in this game
NWM, Rozee, McCarthy, Windsor, Grlj, Farrow (Serong, Jaques)
Its been McCarthy, its been McKercher, its been Whitfield, but McCarthy looks to be the main guy in a rather poor team this year ($101 to go winless – seems like value for the punters out there), should see lots of the footy and is rather good for a 2nd year player
Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Gulden, Walsh, Young, Parish, Smith (Carroll, Watkins, Blamires)
Dawson could easily be top 5 this year, Butters contract year, Gulden and Walsh undervauled by about 50k and the injury riddled Young and Parish could easily improve 150k if they can stay injury free – Smith should be 100% owned and will be your last traded out player this year
English, McAndrew (CDT)
McAndrew scares me, but hey, we need to sacrifice somewhere
Sheezel, Pertracca, Flanders, Pou, Marshall, Roberston (McCarthy, Lombard)
Picks itself really, there wont be to much variance here
Lindsay
agree, that forward line is cut and paste
Pretty cookie-cutter team at this stage from those I’ve seen on this site recently.
Only real changes for me recently are Windsor in for Coleman, TDK in for Xerri, Freijah in for Lalor – would love thoughts on these changes specifically.
Other consideration now (aside from obvious injury or terrible/excellent R0 form) is dropping Reid/Freijah down to a rookie and upgrading flex.
DEF – Nas, Rozee, McKercher, Windsor, Dean, Seron [Grlj, Carmichael]
MID – Butters, Daicos, Anderson, Gulden, Reid, Duursma, Brodie, Smith [Blamires, Carroll, Macrae]
RUC – Jackson, TDK [Reidy]
FWD – Sheezel, Pickett, Freijah, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall [Lombard, Robertson]
FLEX – McAndrew
Happy picking everyone
I share 14 of yours and same Flex.
DEF: sinclair Rozee Mckercher Windsor Grlj Jacques (Serong lindsay)
MID: Butters Naicos Gulden Walsh LDU Young Parish Jagga (farrow sharp carroll)
RUCK: English McAndrew (Reidy)
FWD: Sheezel Flanders Budarick Philipou Marshall Robertson (dovaston Lombard)
FLEX: R.Laird
BANK: $46k
Welcome all feedback and comments love to hear people’s thoughts and advice etc as sometimes I can get the blinkers on and overlook small things. Cheers.
DEF: Rozee, Clark, McKercher, Grlj, Lindsay, Serong – Jaques, Gibcus
MID: Bont, Naicos, Butters, Dawson, Young, Treloar, Bruhn, Smith – Sharp, Macrae, Blamires
RUK: Gawn, TDK
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson – Lombard, Dovaston
FLX: McAndrew
48K ITB
Bugger. Sorry Mav, misposted this.
Nice team, like your POD’s, best of luck for the year.
Don’t mind it Mav
Few interesting Pods in LDU and laird. No early Bye, but they need to do a bit mote to be top of their line material.
Blamires is a $99k rookie from North you might want to pop on the mid bench. Played HB, but will most likely play some wing with Kerch back.
If LDU and Walsh fire early, this team could do very well indeed.
Def: NWM, Whitfield, Rozee, Windsor, coleman, farrow, lindsay, serong
Mid: Butters, Daicos, gulden, yound, parish, bruhn, durrsma, smith, carroll macrae brodie
For: Sheezel, trac, flanders, JUH, phillipou, dovaston, reidy, robertson
Ruck: Grundy, TDK
Flex: Sharp
i have 25k ITB
Hi all, wasn’t sure where else to post this, but thought it might be relevant.
Confirmed rookies for Opening Round:
Zeke Uwland (DEF/MID, $199,000)
Harry Dean (DEF, $194,500)
Jai Serong (DEF, $119,900)
Lachie Jaques (DEF, $119,900)
Michael Sellwood (DEF, $119,900)
Jagga Smith (MID, $119,900)
Malcolm Rosas jnr (FWD, $145,000)
Worth noting that Carlton’s popular basement priced pick Wade Derksen is not listed, but mature aged Bulldog Michael Sellwood (currently <1% ownership) has been named.
R1 is full of danger with games over 4 days. For example, if you have Dovaston and/or Blamires in your team, or Z Uwland, and they dont get onfield, because they all play Sunday, there are few other options.
Am I reading too much into this, or should we lean to rookies definitely playing early ???
Good point Wighty, but clubs are usually pretty good early in the season with the mid-week debut announcements. Hopefully that trend continues and removes some of the doubts.
Thanks Chillo, I’ll chuck this on a post tomorrow after teams drop, and again next week for the other eight sides.
Gulden or Sinclair?
Def: Sinclair, Rozee, Mckercher, Windsor, Grill, Lindsay. Jacques, Serong.
Mid: Bont, Butters, Naicos, Steele, Young, Parish, Jagger, Blamires. Sharp, Edwards, Jones.
Ruck: Xerri, English, Reidy.
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson. Dovaston, Lombard.
Flex: Mcandrew.
ITB: $6,400
Appreciate feedback on my team.
Nas, Rozee, Coleman, Uwland, Gril, Farrow (Lindsay, Serong)
Bontempelli, Butters, Daicos, Gulden, Young, Parish, Duursma, Smith (Sharp, Brodie, Blarnies)
English, McAndrew (Reidy)
Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Lalor, Robertson (Lombard, Macrae)
Jackson
Cheers.
Best of luck for the season everyone!
DEFENSE- NWM, Rozee, McCarthy
Grlj, Farrow, J. Serong
(Jacques, Derksen)
MIDFIELD- Bont, Butters, Naicos
Anderson, Dawson, J. Smith
Brodie, Carroll
(Retschko, Jones, Blamires)
RUCK- Jackson, English (Reidy)
FORWARD- Sheezel, Petracca, M. Reid
Philipou, T. Marshall, Lombard
(Dovaston, Robertson)
FLEX- McAndrew
Rookies subject to being named
That Murphy Reid pick has my attention. Mf being slept on big time!
Back: NWM, Rozee, Clark, Farrow, Lindsay, Serong. Jaques, Derksen
Mid: Butters, Smith Serong, Washcroft, Petracca, Dursuma, Uwland, Sharp. Grilj, Byrne, Blamires
Ruck: English, Jackson, White
Fwd: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Dovaston. McCrae, Robertson
Flex J Smith
Bruhn could be a possible for one of the rookies depends on final teams.
ITB $152K
Back; NAS, Ash, Rozee, Windsor, Grlj, Lindsey (Farrow, Serong)
Mid: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Walsh, Parish, Bruhn, Sharp, Smith (Carroll, Macrae, Blamires)
Ruck: Jackson, English (White)
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Treloar, Pou, Robertson (Lombard, +???)
Flex: Mcandrew
The Dennis Cometti round. Vale the goat.
Keen for the season. Best of luck to everyone!
Def: Sinclair, Rozee, J Daicos, Blakiston, Windsor, Z Johnson (Serong, Lindsay)
Mid: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Neale, Farrow, Sharp, Smith, Carroll (Rookies TBC)
Ruck: Cameron, English (White)
Fwd: Sheezel, Flanders, M Reid, Rachele, Macrae, Phillipou (Rookies TBC)
Any mid pricers I should 100% fade? Zak Johnson hasn’t been mentioned anywhere but I tracked him last year and seems he has a decent role this year. Would be keen to hear thoughts!
Help please, my team with $316,000 leftover:
Def: Whitfield, NWM, Rozee, Blakiston, Grlj, Serrong (Jacques, Lindsay)
Mids: Daicos, Butters, Walsh, W Ashcroft, Young, Parish, Bruhn, Smith (Sharp, Carrol, Blamires)
Rucks: English, McAndrew (Reidy)
Fwds: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Dovaston, Lombard)
Flex: L McCarthy
Hi NP, see poll on cheapies edition for comment and votes.
Anyone going Sinc over NAS, struggling to split the two.
not going with either, but i’d lean towards Sinclair, it almost feels safer and increases Sinclairs scoring without Nas there
As a saints fan, I agree. I’m not starting either because I’m avoiding early byes but I worry how Nas will cope with getting attention every single game for the first time. Dude’s a gun and will be in my final team but we just haven’t seen how that goes yet
Def: Ash,Rozee,Blakiston,Windsor,Grlj and J Serong. J Lind and L Jaq
Mid: Butters,Naicos,Dawson,Young,Reid,Parish,Bruhn and Farrow. J Carroll A one’s and T Blamires.
Ruck: X, D cam and L Mac
Fwd : Sheez,Kozzie,Ned Flanders,Man of Glass(Treloar) Mat Phil and Dev. L Dov and L L Lom
Flex : Jagga.
After a terrible year last year and a surprise finish of 6th in the last round with a massive round pb I’m quite motivated for this season.
So excited for the new season. This is better than Xmas eve to me! Having pinched the last 2 flags after being behind massively in two finals each season I’m really hoping my Lions can go from wire to wire in dominant fashion this year. Penrith are the blueprint I hope we follow. Best to all and thanks to the contributors for their write ups and guidance. 🙂
some serious mid-price madness happening, all good picks, you just have alot of upgrading to do.
Treloar is in my team as well, if he starts round 1, i’m keeping him.
I know right….. 28 trades without injuries form slumps and upgrades. But I just don’t like some of the options enough. Gonna have to do something new and be disciplined with the trades this year. Best of luck Derek and thanks for the articles
Currently running with tis team:
Def: Sinclair, Rozee, Mckercher, Blakiston, Lindsay, Serong (Jaques, Derksen)
Mid: Bont, Butters, Daicos, Trac, Young, Parish, Grlj, Jagga (Sharp, Jones, Blamires)
Ruck: Xerri and English (Reidy)
Fwd: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Pou, Marshall, Robertson (Dovaston, Lombard)
Flex: Mcandrew
30.1k itb
Any feedback is welcome! I’m unsure of Sinclair or Nas but currently leaning Sinclair. If Derksen isn’t selected next week he can be changed with the money itb.
Please join our leagie #448936
i’m in
In mate.
TU: McKercher – Young – 4.5k
TD: Blakey – Bruhn – 17.6k
Ok just about sick of looking at my team so here goes! Love to hear your thoughts
Def: Whitfield, Rozee, Mills, O’Sullivan, Coleman, Lindsay. Bench: Jacques, Serong
Mids: Butters, Naicos, Gulden, Young, Bruhn, Grlj, Sharp, Jagga. Bench: Retschko, Carmicheal, Watkins
Rucks: Grundy & English. Bench: McAndrew
Forwards: Sheezel, Trac, Flanders, Marshall, Pou, Robertson. Bench: Dovaston, Lombard
Flex: Freijah
Don’t see Freijah getting the midfield time he needs to be a keeper
Current (and hopefully final?) team pending R0
DEF: Sinclair, Rozee, Roberts, Mckercher, Grlj, Serong (Lindsay, Jacques)
MID: Butters, Gulden, Walsh, LDU, Parish, Bruhn, Sharp, Smith (Draper, Watkins, Blamires)
RUCK: Grundy, English (McAndrew)
FWD: Sheezel, Pickett, Flanders, Philipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Reidy)
FLEX: Windsor
$61K in the bank
Toyed with ideas of Freijah, Ginnivan at various points, considering using the money to upgrade LDU. Suggestions appreciated
LDU is value, especially based on how he finished last year. but are you happy to have him in your team for the whole year?
as a north fan, could be a bit bias but i reckon if he gets rolling i definitely would be, bit of a risk/reward pick
All those playing McAndrew at R2 (or even R1!), I think are setting themselves up for some pain down the track. Why would Adel elevate ROB into the leadership group in Feb only to not play him? Sounds like what maybe happening is a slow transition passing of the baton situation. Ruck is a hard physical postion to play all year so my theory is McAndrew will play the first few rounds and then it will be more a Ruck sharing between McAndrew and ROB for the rest of the year and probably not together. So really risky at R2 IMO.
agree, it could go wrong, the good news is best 18 for rounds 2 to 4 to start with, if he doesn’t play its not a disaster and have some time to sort it out
I’m going with two big rucks and McAndrew at flex
Yep, Same here.
TU- Xerri
TD- D Cameron
Thx
DEF: Rozee, Clark, McKercher, Grlj, Lindsay, Serong – Jaques, Gibcus
MID: Bont, Naicos, Butters, Dawson, Young, Treloar, Bruhn, Smith – Sharp, Macrae, Blamires
RUK: Gawn, TDK
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson – Lombard, Dovaston
FLX: McAndrew
48K ITB
Still a work in progress pending opening round, but after tinkering with my team a million times I’ve gone back to what looks closely like the first team I made when SC re-opened (save for rookies).
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Clark, Coleman, Uwland, Serong (Lindsay, Jacques)
MID: Butters, Naicos, Dunkley, Gulden, Young, Grlj, Sharp, J Smith (Farrow, Carroll, Blamires
RUCK: Xerri, English (Reidy)
FWD: Sheezel, Trac, Fladers, Phillipou, T Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, F Macrae)
FLX: McAndrew
$59.5K ITB
Looking for a couple POD players:
DEF: NWM, Rozee, JDaicos, Weddle, Blakiston, Colman (Lindsay, Serong)
MID: NDaicos, Gulden, Newcombe, Young, Parish, J.Smith, Brodie (D.Sharp, Jones, Farrow)
RUC: TDK, Reeves??, (McANdrew)
FOR: Darcy, Curnow, Watson, JUH, Phillipou, Leake (Reidy, Lombard)
FLEX: Petracca
$26k
Def: Sinclair, Rozee, Clark, McKercher, Lindsay, Jacques (JSerong, Derkson)
Mid: Bont, Butters, NDaicos, Anderson, CSerong, Young, Sharp and Jagga (Carroll, Macrae, Blamires)
Ruck: English, McAndrew (Reid)
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Philippou, Lombard, Robertson (Marshall/Said)
FLEX: Grlj
Good team
Do you have much cash left?
Parish is the only one you might want to consider at his high ownership
Hey lads, first time playing, I’d appreciate any advice. Cheers
DEF: NWM L.Ash C.Rozee T.McCarthey J.Gibcus J.Lindsay (J.Serong W.Darcy)
MID: BONT Z.Butters E.Gulden H.Young S.Grlj D.Sharp J.Smith W.Brodie (P.Retschko L.Carmichael O.Greeves)
RUCK: T.English L.McAndrew (S.Draper)
FWD: H.Sheezel C.Petracca S.Darcy S.Flanders M.Phillipou D.Robertson (L.Lombard F.Macrae)
FLEX: T.Bruhn
75k leftover
Nearly $400k R3 on the bench ???
Hey Don.
Wighty is right. Draper doesn’t need to take that bench spot look at a cheaper preferably DPP option.
Check all your rookie’s as a few might miss actually.
Defender Rookies and Forwards look strongest this year, so look at structuring you team around this.
Eg you may lose a def premium, and swap that money to the midfield.
Good luck & all the best for the coming year
Long time SCT follower but not over confident poster.
Please feel free to join my leaque 817992
Thanks AO’s
Best of luck to you too. I lurked around this site for a few years before posting many moons ago.
I joined your league, wanna post your team ?
You know you wanna.
Thumbs up if you want to see Orcas team.
Who would you rather in draft
TU – Marshall
TD – Warner
Thanks FT
Here’s my current team
Nas, Rozee, UwLand, Farrow, Taylor, Serong (Lindsay, Jaques)
Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Gulden, Young, Grij, Sharp, Smith (Edwards, Jones, Blarmires)
Xerri, Jackson (McAndrew)
Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Lombard, Robertson (Dovaston, Rodriguez)
Smith
Do you have much cash left?
looks great
Stay flexible, as a few midpricers like Bruhn from Geelong might bob up. Looks like you may need to strengthen that backline a little.
You could split an uber Premo into Bruhn and a midpriged defender like Coleman or Blackinston.
This is basically a Guns and rookies team, this could really pay off if enough rookies fire.
The addition of a few midpricers gives you a little more flexibility.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
I know they are on different lines but would you prefer:
TU: Blakiston
TD: Bruhn
Post Carlton Sydney team
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Mckercher,Windsor, Farrow, J Serong (Jacques, Lindsay)
MID: Butters, N.Daicos,Gulden, Walsh, H. Young, Grlj, Sharp, J.Smith (Carrol, A Jones, Blamires)
RUCK: English , Jackson (K.White)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, K.Pickett, Flanders, M. Phillipou, L. Dovaston (Lombard, D Robertson)
FLEX: McAndrew
18.5k in the bank
White I’m thinking for the Captain Loop, I’m not sold on Farrow but I don’t know who would be a viable alternative. I’d almost prefer to have Lindsay on the field replacing Farrow – banking some cash-but I’m not sure who I’d put on the bench next to Jacques. I’m also torn between NAS and Whitfield
Here’s my current team
Def
Nas, Rozee,Mckercher, Windor, Serong Lindsay, (Edwards, Davies)
Mid
Butters,Daicos,Gulden, Walsh, Young.Parish,Bruhn,Smith (Watkin,Blamire,Jones)
Ruck
Gawn,English ( Reid)
Fwd
Sheezel,Greene,Flanders,Marshall,Phillipou Robertson (Lombard,Gothard)
Flex McAndrew
looking good Gary.
Might need to find a way to get Petracca in though.
TU: A.Roberts, C.Serong, J.Caroll (Bench) 15k
TD: NAS, Windsor/Blakiston, Uwland (Bench) 50k
Hey all, pls leave some feedback, thanks!
DEF: Sinclair, Whitfield, Rozee, Clark, Farrow, Lindsay (Serong, Jaques)
MID: Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Gulden, Young, Parish, Bruhn, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
RUCK: English, McAndrew (Loophole)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca, Flander, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Reidy, Lombard)
(rookies will change before R1)
Who is your Flex?
good pickup Razza – Grlj
Overall a strong team. One risky move is having 3 premos missing in a bye round (Trac, Gulden and English). It could pay off later in the season playing catch up though
Def: Rozee, McKercher, Windsor, Grlj, Lindsay, Serong (Jaques, Derksen)
Mid: Butters, NDaicos, Dawson, Walsh, Steele, Young, Parish, Bruhn, (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
Ruck: Gawn, English (McAndrew)
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Macrae)
Flex: Jagga
Thoughts on the team? I will be grateful with your input 🙂
Tu gawn
Td xerri
Def: Rozee, McKercher, Blakiston, Windsor, Coleman, Grlj (Lindsay, Serong)
Mid: Butters, Dawson, Serong, LDU, Steele, Young, Treloar, Smith (Sharp, Carmichael, Blamires)
Ruc: Jackson, English (Reidy)
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Lombard, Jones)
Flex: McAndrew
I’ve avoided round 0 premos except for English, Flanders and Petracca but I think everyone has the last two while I think English is well suited to the new rules. LDU was a 110 points per game in 23 and 24 so hoping he has a bit of a bounce back. There’s smarter picks than Steele but he’s just one of my favourites and this is meant to be a fun game.
TU- Parish
TD- Young
Comment – Pay up for Gulden
TU: Whitfield
TD: Mcclugage
TU: caldwell
TD: LDU
TU: C Serong + 40k
TD: Dawson
Both
Not super sold on Kerch.
Is NAS, Rozee, Blakiston, Windsor too risky?
Overall really happy with this side, feeling very confident in the premos. Is 5 midpricers too many? All feedback welcomed
Back: NAS, Rozee, Blakiston, Windsor, Grlj, Lindsay (Serong, ??)
Mid: Bont, Butters, Daicos, Dawson, Parish, Treloar, Bruhn, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
Ruck: Xerri, English (White)
Fwd: Sheezel, Trac, Flanders, Pou, Lombard, Robertson (Marshall, Jones)
Flex: Mcandrew
TU: windsor, bruhn & mckercher
TD: windsor, sharp & whitfield/NAS
TU – Oliver, H. Young, M. Reid
TD – Bont, H. Reid, J. Farrow
DEF: Nas, Rozee, Mckercher,Windsor,Grlj,Jacques (Lindsay, J.Serong)
MID: Butters, Naicos,Gulden,Walsh, Young,Bruhn,D.Sharp,Jagga (Carrol,F.Mccrae,Blamires)
RUCK: Jackson, English (White)
FWD: Sheezel, Petracca,Flanders,M.Reid,M.Phillipou,
Dovaston (Lombard, Robertson)
FLEX: McAndrew
29k ITB
I wanted to move Grlj to defence , I had K. Pickett but dropping him to M. Reid allows me to turn a bench defense option into Bruhn and move Grlj to defence. I think I trust Reid more than I trust Rachele. Had Jones on the bench in the mids but he got knocked out so I’ve just put McCrae there for now. Open to suggestions
Or after seeing Budaricks score I could go for him over Reid
Defence:
Zorko, Noble, Sicily, Finn O’Sullivan, Windsor and J.Serong (Lindsay and Sellwood)
Midfield:
Butters, Richards, LDU, Oliver or Clarry, Coniglio, Bruhn, W.Duursma and Grlj (Charlie Edwards, Smith and Carroll)
Rucks:
English and Jake Riccardi (McAndrew)
Forwards:
Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Georgiades, D Goey and Phillipou (Lombard and Robertson)
Flex:
Jaques
Love Sicily, LDU, Richard’s and Nobel picks. Your other POD’s not fan of.
I have swapped out O’Sullivan for Matt Roberts and Georgiades for Connor Budarick. I have also swapped out Riccardi for Dante Visentini. I have brought in Erasmus for Bruhn. Does that change anything for you?
How has the best SC role?
TU: BUDERICK
TD: WINDSOR
I kept Windsor and swapped O’Sullivan out with Roberts. Also, Buderick is a forward who played defender last night. I swapped out Georgiades for him
Here is my current team:
DEF: NWM, Rozee, Mc Kercher, Grjl, Jacques, Serong (Lindsey/Sellwood)
Mid: Butters, Naicos, E Richards, Walsh, Young, Coniglio, Bruhn, J Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
Ruck: Jackson, English (Zakostelsky)
Fwd: Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Philippou, Lombard, Robertson (Marshall/Steene)
Flex: McAndrew
Thoughts?
Cheers,
Tophawk
Feel free to join the Guns and Rookies league in 2026. (458437) Top coaches only please. No muppets!
Yep. I’m in
I guess I can’t join…sigh
In mate..
Zako is Ruc/Def, prefer a Ruc/Fwd DPP
Good stuff Derek. Should be a fun season.
Today is the first time I haven’t changed my team since SC opened, so reckon this might be my starting lineup subject to rookie selections R1,
NAS Rozee Windsor Coleman Serong Jaques (Grij Lindsay)
Naicos Dawson Parish Young Serong J Smith Brodie Butters (Sharp F Macrae Blamires)
Gawn Jackson (McAndrew)
DeGoey Trac Flanders Phillipou Robertson Marshall (Dovaston Lombard)
Sheezel
Happy with bye structure, and Max and Jackson having no byes between them till R14. Brodie not locked just yet.
$26.5k itb
I’ve got same rucks. I think Max will still be #1
TU – NAS & Young
TD – McKercher & Dawson
Love your thoughts
Gday derek any chance you can give us an idea of your starting lineup, will help me in my cash league cheers.
Yes Derek…..do it !!!!
I don’t even know what my starting line up will look like.
I think Sinclair and Bruhn might have played their way into the team this weekend, Gawn and Treloar out.
Please if you have any thoughts on this team let me know. Still not 100 percent sold on the structure.
Def
Sinclair, zorko, j. Daicos, Coleman, Jacques, serong. – Lindsay, derksen
Mid
Butters, n. Daicos, richards, neale, rozee, grlj, Smith, carroll – Edwards, Watkins, blamires
Rucks
Gawn, English. – ZZ
Fwd
Sheezle, petracca, Flanders, buderick, phillipou, Lombard. – rosas, Robertson
Flex
Mcandrew
Feeling this side is the one I’m most comfortable with
DEF – NAS, Rozee, Zorko, Windsor, Serong, Jaques (Lindsay, Derksen)
MID – Butters, Daicos, Dawson, W Ashcroft, Young, Bruhn, Grlj, Smith (Sharp, Carroll, Blamires)
RUC – Gawn, English (Reidy)
FWD – Sheezel, Petracca, Flanders, Phillipou, Marshall, Robertson (Dovaston, Lombard
FLEX – McAndrew
ITB – $21,700
Not worried about NAS, he copped the Perryman tag. The third defender premo was gonna be out of Zorko and Clark, and the first looked too impressive to pass on after last night’s game. Windsor looks the better D4 option ahead of both Coleman and Blakiston, I think he’s got a permanent midfield role that will suit his game style. Derksen is a wait and see to find out if he gets called up against the Tigers, if not I’ll probably put someone else in his place
First five mids haven’t changed since the first side I made up. Keeping my faith in Ashcroft, his only let down scoring wise was his efficiency, I don’t think he’ll be doing that every week. Bruhn’s done enough to trust him at least to be a good cash cow. Got Grlj at M7 so I’ve got at least one player I can use for a DPP switch when needed. Did have Jones on the bench until his injury.
Gawn and English seem like the two rucks that suit the new ruck rules best, so I’m going with them.
Most of my forward line hasn’t changed since the first side I made, most of the guys who played this week were impressive. Only difference since I believe is Dovaston being in.
McAndrew is a solid lock in the flex position
TU: Parish + Pickett
TD: Budarick + Dawson
Slightly off topic, but what are punters thoughts on the flex role ? McCluggage calf injury highlights the danger in having a lower priced player or rookie at Flex. If you have a 50 pt flex player, you are behind the 8 ball in a McCluggage situation.
I’m putting Sheezel at flex….reckon that covers all possibilities, and dpp allows flexibilty to move flex around over byes.
Or am I overthinking ???
What did you get from Rd0 to help you with your team. NWM to drop in price, Sinclair will be the big mover this week, Serong and Jacques two rookie lock others were average, ruck scores were lower than expected, Pendles 104 points with 52% TOG. I am still no better off
TU: Bont
TD: Gulden
Balance of cash to fund Bruhn if Gulden