Round Twenty-Two Review

(Written & Created By Dane)

Melbourne vs Sydney

 

Melbourne fell by 53 points on Friday night to kick off Preliminary finals week. If anyone for some reason kept Angus Brayshaw, and then fielded him, kudos to you, he pulled out his equal best score of the year with 124, coming from 24 touches and 8 tackles. Jack Viney (113) had his typical game at the coalface, laying 9 tackles and picking up 25 touches, while elsewhere Oliver picked up 30 touches (despite a Hewett tag), for his 92 points. Jordan Lewis (95) turned in a good game with 21 touches at 81% DE, as did Jake Lever (89), who had 14 touches and 7 marks. Up forward Jake Melksham (79) kicked 3 goals 5 from 8 shots to be the Demons only multiple goal scorer, while first-gamer Chandler (60) was very good on debut with 7 touches and 9 tackles. The biggest news out of the game though from a Supercoach perspective was the hamstring injury to Max Gawn (119), who hobbled off late in the 4th quarter.

 

Sydney fielded an extremely young team in what was an exciting preview for 2020. Sam Reid (115) topped scored for them, due to his 3 goals, 14 touches and 7 marks, while the next best was Dane Rampe (110) who used his 22 touches at 86% DE. Ollie Florent had his second great game in a row with 28 touches for 106 points, and looks a breakout option for 2020. Midfield stalwarts Parker (99) and Kennedy (97) did what they usually do, as did Lloyd/Mills (89). Multiple goal kickers included Reid with 3, as well as 2 each to all of Dawson, Rowbottom, Papley, Menzel and McCartin. 

 

Question from the game: Now that they have the 2nd pick locked up, what do Demon supporters want from that pick? A tall forward, leg speed?

 

Supercoach query: If Gawn doesn’t get up, how many will be taking a donut into Grand finals?

 

Carlton vs St Kilda

 

The Blues continued their inspired run, leaving the MCG on Saturday afternoon with a 10 point win. Matthew Kreuzer was influential in the last quarter, finishing his day with 21 touches (15 contested), 9 clearances and 23 hitouts to lead all scoring on the ground with 128 points. Three points below him was Ed Curnow who had 25 touches (18 contested) and a goal on the day, while three points further below Curnow was Murphy, who also had a goal and 27 touches. Nic Newman (117) used his 21 touches at 90% DE, as well as laying 9 tackles on the day, with fellow left footed backman Kade Simpson had 21 touches and 7 marks for his 104. Levi Casboult (108) was tremendous on the day, playing an intercept role that helped him haul in 10 marks, along with 20 touches. After announcing his retirement during the week, Dale Thomas (97) proved he still has something left in the tank with a 19 touch game, but the most disappointing score of the day Supercoach wise was the tag-affected Cripps (85).

 

The Saints lost, and maybe it’ll be what lost Ratten his golden opportunity at a second head coaching job. Seb Ross (116) continues his inspired form, having 29 touches at 86% DE on the day to lead his team, with others surpassing triple figures included Marshall’s 111 and Jack Steele’s 101. Both Jack Sinclair and Jack Billings scored 95, while a point below them was the 24 touch, 1 goal game of Hannebery. Tim Membrey (92) kicked 3 goals on the day, while the other multiple goal scorer was Hind (80), with one of those being a 4 bounce ripper that should be in all highlight packages. 

 

Question from the game: Favourite Daisy Thomas memory?

 

Supercoach query: Will anyone trust Cripps with the C next week?

 

Brisbane vs Geelong

 

The top of the table clash came down to the wire, but unfortunately for Geelong they were on the wrong side of the 1 point margin. Patrick Dangerfield (146) was the only Cat in triple figures, with a massive game of 36 touches (23 contested), 9 clearances and a goal, but from there were plenty in the 90’s. The most popular of those in the 90’s was Tim Kelly (94), with the others being Ablett (98), Blicavs (95) and Dahlhaus (92). Nothing much else from a Supercoach perspective from the Cats, so quickly the multiple goal-kickers were Miers and Ratugolea.

 

Well well well, Brisbane is on top of the ladder, and now faces a potential future finals matchup of Richmond in round 23. Jarryd Lyons (141) was a star, picking up 28 touches (19 contested), 9 clearances, 11 tackles and 1 goal to keep his stellar season going. Next best was Stefan Martin (129), who used his 16 touches well, while also dominating the Cats ruckman with 33 hitouts, with the bronze medal going to smooth mover McCluggage (115), who had 27 touches and 6 tackles. Still the Lions had another five players in triple figures, which included Rich (106), Zorko (104), Neale (103), Cameron (102) and Adams (100). Mitch Robinson scored 99 on the day, Harris Andrews chalked up 98 from plenty of intercepts, while anyone who still has Answerth would be happy with his 87. Cameron was the only multiple goal-kicker with 5 majors, while Christensen’s day finished very early with a hamstring injury.

 

Question from the game: Game of the year?

 

Supercoach query: Is Jarryd Lyons looking like a pod for 2020?

 

Adelaide vs Collingwood

 

Even with the loss Adelaide moved back into the 8 due to its cross-town rivals loss. Paul Seedsman (140) was fantastic, using his 30 touches at 83% DE to lead all players on the ground, with the only other Crow reaching triple figures was Brodie Smith (108), who had 10 marks and 29 touches. No one in the 90’s, with only Talia and Brad Crouch being in the 80’s (85 each). Disappointing Supercoach scores came from Matt Crouch (56), Rory Laird (77) and Rory Sloane (76), while up forward Darcy Fogarty kicked 3 goals to back up last weeks effort. 

 

The win pushes the Pies back into the top four (at the time of writing this), with Essendon to come in round 23. Top scoring for them on the day was Maynard on 129, courtesy of his 30 touch, 1 goal, 12 mark game. Jamie Elliot kicked 5 goals on the night, as well as hauling in 10 marks and having 19 touches for his 125, while just below him on 123 was the 17 touch, 35 hitout Grundy. Adam Treloar had 27 touches for his 116, Jeremy Howe had 11 marks and 23 touches for his 115, with Taylor Adams (106) rounding out the 100 point scorers. Travis Varcoe (91) was the only one in the 90’s for them, with plenty finishing in the 80’s range, included popular picks Crisp (88) and Pendlebury (89). Second-gamer Noble (54) had 21 touches, while multiple goal-kickers bar Elliot were Adams, Hoskin-Elliot, Phillips, Thomas and Varcoe.

 

Question from the game: Are Collingwood still a premiership chance despite their injury troubles?

 

Supercoach query: When was the last time Pendlebury had 9 clangers, if ever?

 

Essendon vs Fremantle

 

Essendon left Perth with a 32 point win, oh what a week in football can do. Dylan Shiel was super on the night, gathering 27 touches (13 contested), 6 tackles and 1 goal for his 116, a score that was bested by a single point by speedy backman Saad. Zach Merrett (104) was as good as ever, having 23 touches, 2 goals and 10 tackles in the win, with fellow midfielder Parish was handball happy (18 of 22), but used it at 90% and kicked a goal to score 107. Conor McKenna (92) was the only one in the 90’s, but from there scores dip away. First-gamer and late in Zerk-Thatcher had 11 touches and 6 marks, Zaharakis had two injury concerns that meant he finished up early, and Stringer/Langford also kicked 2 goals to equal Merrett.

 

Freo couldn’t get Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne the send off win they deserved, although the image of Sandi piggybacking Ballantyne off the ground is one that won’t be topped for a number of years. The retiring stars returned Supercoach scores of 106 (Sandi) and 58 (Ballantyne). Top scoring for the Dockers was Walters, who picked up 36 touches and 2 goals for his score of 124, with the next best being Ed Langdon, who had a touch more than Walters, but 7 less points. Sean Darcy (113) seems to be Sandilands successor and could be an option in 2020 if he locks down a senior spot, he had 16 touches (13 contested), 5 tackles, 1 goal and 21 hitouts on the evening, with the last Docker over 100 was the skipper, Fyfe (101), who had 26 touches (23 contested) on the night. David Mundy had 30 touches to score 92, while twin 88’s went to Hughes and Duman. Cam MacCarthy kicked 3 goals to be the other multiple goal scorer bar Walters, while Brad Hill had 32 touches but only scored 58 points.

 

Question from the game: Favourite Ballantyne/Sandi moment?

 

Supercoach query: With Ambrose tagging Fyfe during this game, could he go to one of the Collingwood Supercoach stars next week?

 

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide

 

After two good weeks, Port came crashing down, although I’m sure not too many people were surprised. Only two players, Travis Boak and Dan Houston, went into triple figures. Boak had 28 touches (19 contested), 8 clearances and 6 tackles on the night to score 111, while the ever-improving Houston had a 29-touch game that resulted in 105 points. From there only Patrick Ryder (86) went above 80, so you can assume any other Port players one may own returned unwanted scores, the worst of them being Byrne-Jones (7).

 

North turned up on Saturday night, and much like Essendon, put last weeks debacle behind them. Eleven players hit the Supercoach ton, with the best of them being Todd Goldstein, who had ridiculous numbers, picking up 34 touches (19 contested), 9 clearances, 28 hitouts and used the ball at 88% DE for a huge 176 points. Next best was the 10 goal Ben Brown (136), who took the lead in the Coleman due to his massive effort, with Ben Cunnington improving from his lean month with a 37 touch game (20 contested) that ended up earning his owners 129 points. Shaun Higgins (121), Jy Simpkin (117), Jared Polec (110), Jack Ziebell (125), Jamie McMillan (113) all picked up over 30 touches (seven North players racked up over 30 possessions, ridiculous numbers), while both Atley (108) and Pittard (101) had 29 touches themselves. Young forward Nick Larkey (119) kicked 5 goals on the night, as well as having 11 touches to continue his impressive season, while at the other end of the ground, Scott Thompson (91) had 24 touches on the night. The only sour areas of the night were injuries to Anderson (84) and Tarrant (54).

 

Question from the game: Port have Freo at home next week, while Adelaide play the Bulldogs for the final spot in the 8, who will get it?

 

Supercoach query: 176 is massive, but did Goldstein deserve more?

 

West Coast vs Richmond

 

The other of the top 4 clashes this weekend ended up going Richmond’s way to the tune of 6 points. Bachar Houli was superb in the tough conditions, using his 34 possessions at 82% to top score on the day with 145 points, slightly better than his teammate Martin (132), who had 35 disposals (27 kicks) and a goal on the day. Elsewhere Dion Prestia (124) had 29 touches on the day, while the other 100 point scorer was Lynch (118) who kicked 3 goals. Dylan Grimes (98) overcame a leg issue to use all his touches to perfection, while others in the 90’s included Vlastuin (97), Riewoldt (92), Soldo (90) and Edwards (94). No Supercoach relevant players really disappointed for the Tigers, except maybe Lambert (58).

 

The loss means West Coast will more than likely have to travel during week 1 of the finals, assuming results go the way of the favourites next weekend. Elliot Yeo (141) was superb, having 26 touches (18 contested), 8 tackles and 15 clearances on the day to drive the Eagles forward on multiple occasions. Andrew Gaff (124) had 29 touches himself to reward his owners, while down back Shannon Hurn (104) was as composed as ever to bring home a 100+ score for those who held him. Jeremy McGovern (102) and Tom Barrass (100) both played their roles and picked up enough touches to score well, while up forward Cripps (90) kicked 3 goals on the day. Further adding to the loss was a hamstring injury to the reliable Mark Hutchings early in the contest.

 

Question from the game: Are the Tigers the best wet weather team of the modern era?

 

Supercoach query: Will Yeo be able to take another step and push his average to 120+ in 2020?

 

Western Bulldogs vs GWS

 

A 61 point win from the Bulldogs puts them into 8th spot, kicking out Adelaide, the team they face next week, leaving their finals chances in their own hands. Josh Dunkley (165) was the star, finishing his day with 31 touches, 6 marks, 10 tackles, 2 goals and 7 clearances, rewarding those who trusted him with the C. Patrick Lipinski (111) had 27 touches, 7 marks, 7 tackles and 2 goals himself in what was another impressive display, while others over triple figures were Hunter (107) and Macrae (103). Twin 92’s went to youngsters Smith and Young, running defender Johanissen had 27 touches and 97 points, with Suckling rounding out the 90’s with exactly that, a 90. Bontempelli (89) was tagged by De Boer but still gathered 27 touches on the night, while the multiple goal-kickers were Schache with 3 and Dickson, Dale, Naughton, Lloyd, Lipinski and Dunkley with 2 each.

 

The loss all but means the Giants will finish in 6th spot if results go their way next week, a home elimination final coming their way. Nick Haynes (114) copped a heavy knock just before half-time but continued on strong to finish with 26 touches and 9 marks to be the Giants highest scorer. A point below him was the 2 goal, 24 touch Greene, while another point below him was the 31 touch, 1 goal Whitfield. Tim Taranto returned to the 100 club after a lean month with 107 points, courtesy of 28 touches and 7 marks, while the last Giant over 100 was running defender Williams (104), who had 21 kicks in his 27 touches. Ruckman Simpson (95) only had 5 handballs on the day but did have 56 hitouts to boost his score, while returning jet Kelly (82) was good without being fantastic, having 25 touches on the day. Second gamer Caudwell (27) wasn’t too bad, while first-gamer Sproule (26) showed signs up forward, with the other multiple goal-kickers being Himmelberg and Keeffe.

 

Question from the game: Will the Giants be contenders with a number of important cogs back in the team?

 

Supercoach query: How many hitouts to advantage did Simpson have to boost his score?

 

Hawthorn vs Gold Coast

 

Hawthorns farewell to Jarryd Roughead went to plan, finishing up as 70 point winners. The outgoing Hawthorn champion had a day out as well, finishing the day with 6 goals amongst his 14 touches to score 103, a fitting farewell. The top score for the Hawks came from young bull Worpel, who had 34 touches (20 contested), 13 clearances, 7 tackles and 2 goals on the night to score 142 points, with the next best being Wingard (112), who also kicked 2 goals, layed 10 tackles and had 22 touches. Isaac Smith was a point below Wingard for his 24 touch, 1 goal game, with the final Hawk over 100 was Scully on 107, who kicked 2 goals himself from 26 touches. No one in the 90’s for the Hawks with the next best score being 86 from O’Brien, although Jiath’s second game of 18 touches at 83 points deserves a mention. 

 

The losing streak for the Suns continued, so surely the main focus now is on the draft and how to best strengthen this team. Twin 119’s led the scoring for them, from both Pearce Hanley and Jarrod Witts. Hanley had a great game running through the middle, racking up 34 touches and 11 marks, while Witts did his usual in the ruck with 12 touches, 5 tackles and 42 hitouts. Next best was the 32 touch game of Jarrod Harbrow (108), followed by Lachie Weller’s 29 touch, 1 goal, 107 point effort. Elsewhere Fiorini (102) scored his first ton since round 9 from 30 touches, while co-skipper Swallow had 26 touches (20 contested), as well as 11 clearances for 101 points. Murdoch (92) and Miller (88) were the next best from then on, with the Suns having too many passengers on the day.

 

Question from the game: Favourite Roughead moment?

Supercoach query: How will the return of Tom Mitchell affect Worpel in 2020?

---

Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom