DEFENDERS:
Serviceable defence rookies have been few far between over the past few years and I’m vibing the same this year, so I’m not mucking around on this line. Sheezel needs no introduction, Holmes on the up, Sicily to be freed up with the bolstered defence and think he comes back to 105-110 this year. Love the roles that both NWM/Roberts are in and come in with Age/Injury history or scoring trends from last season doubts I have on the likes of Ryan, Whitfield, Zorko etc.
MIDFIELDERS:
Arguably the weakest looking line on merit as it doesn’t look right not having 5 premium midfielders but something has to give to allow the value forwards and the lack of genuine defence rookies. I also rate the current suite of midfield rookies we’ve been offered this year. NDaicos in his 4th season, after back to back 115+ and squashed any injury doubts I had about him in the pre-season game. Oliver can’t be ignored with his history, price and performance on the weekend although hasn’t left my side all pre-season. Rozee was the 31st player selected for the team with what available cash I had left for my final premium – not loving it, would love a Serong/Neale/Merrett but can’t have them all without sacrificing another line, which i’m not not too fond of doing.
RUCKS:
The hardest line for me. Do I want both Gawn + Xerri? No. Do I feel nervous about not having both Gawn + Xerri? Yes. But after watching the Freo vs Melb game on Sunday, my mind was made and I just can’t start Gawn seeing him getting battered and bruised in a pre-season game. While on the park, he will score well, but my gut feel is he will start to slow down this year so backing in the Ruck bull Xerri who is 8 years younger along side TDK who is set for big start of the season.
FORWARDS:
Locking in the two South Australian born forwards (midfielders?) in Horne-Francis and Rankine who should set the start of the season on fire along with Macrae and Daniel who are both set to reprise SuperCoach relevance in 2025 at their new clubs. Sanders comes in at the back of the injury list at the Kennel and gets the nod over Bazlenka, who I’m not sold on just yet.
Father Dougal said I could spend up to $322,600 on my flex and do what I would do normally with my team, so I’ve done just that and hoping Flynn can cement the #1 ruck duties at the Eagles over the first few months and make some coin. But I am pretty keen to upgrade to a consistent premium who will always count in the best 22 score.
Meezy $7.7k left in the bank.
I like this team Hutta.
I’m still hoping to only go four deep in DEF as I think with the three early best 18 games I can cover only four defenders being included in my scoring. Admittedly Rd3 is not ideal for me at the moment.
The cash I save there is then spent on Oliver at M4 and Washcroft at M5.
Hopefully by Rd5 it will be clear whether the def rookies have appeared or not.
Like it.
Could drop either Sic, holmes or NWM for Perryman/freijah to upgrade Rozee. Keeps structure intact.
Rozie and 1 of those 3 defenders Vs Perryman/Freijah and Neal/Serong/Merritt I guess.
Not a fan of how identical our teams look, which also means I love the team. I’ve gone for the exact same structure, with only slight difference in premiums chosen
I would be really surprised if you go with 2 premium midfielders.