Preseason Hype
The Bargain
Mitch Clark, $498 100, with limited ruck selection, anything remotely promising is talked about and Clark certainly had a promising first year in the ruck. Only got going and got used to the ruck duties in round 7 so despite being priced at the season average of 94 his round 8-22 average is a spectacular 109 (that’s Cox-like scoring). In my mind he’s in the top 2 premium starting rucks.
James Polkinghorne, $280 300, a move to the midfield has been the talk all preseason which will obviously boost scoring. Looked good last year as a forward and his place in the 22 seems pretty safe which is a big plus. Ability to kick goals and rotate into the midfield for possessions seems like a good proposition.
Jack Redden, $313 100, YET another 2nd year player being talked up in the preseason (which I think says a lot about what we have to choose from in the 3rd & 4th years…). An inside midfielder and despite having played only 10 games, he’s played 2 finals, which I reckon are worth 10 games each. Inside mids generally aren’t great picks as rookies due to inexperience and a weaker frame leading to them often losing out in a scrap. But Redden’s fearlessness and ferocity at the ball should see him do just fine. Hits targets under pressure, has put on bulk in the preseason and consolidated on his fitness base. Spot in the 22 seems reasonably safe after making both their finals games. $313 100 seems an awkward price though.
The Bargain
Matt Maguire, $114 000, nothing amazing in the preseason but, with few rookies to choose from in the backs, all I need to see from him is a regular spot in the 22.
The Rookie
The ‘I Told You So’
Josh Drummond, $537 900, was worth the shot due to a low price last year. Priced at $537 900 this year, and knowing for a fact that he’ll miss games with a soft tissue injury, rules him out this year. Pick him and you’ll just be sorry when he does a groin/calf/quad/hamstring injury; meanwhile I’ll just be saying: ‘I told you so’.
The Rookie
Tom Rockliff, $109 200, looking like a great rookie prospect this year. Listed as a forward (which is fantastic) but has been running through the midfield. If he can get regular gametime then he’s looking to be a great pick. Scored 142SC from 87DT in round 1 of the NAB Cup and that SC differential has me impressed. Midfield time will be more limited when Black and Power return but looks promising thus far.
The Superstar
The Smokey
Jared Brennan, $474 800, yet another player talked about who’s supposedly moving into the midfield (where are all these midfield spots coming from?). Supposedly training solely with the midfield group – which is great news. Brennan has shown an ability to score but consistency has always been the problem. This supposed move therefore makes him an exciting prospect. Already priced expensively at $474 800, but if the move to the midfield and therefore consistency comes true – there’s value to be had.
The Superstar
Jonathan Brown, $525 400, read ‘A Player A Day’ article here.
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Whats your thoughts on Raines?
Hey Marcus great write-up, many Lions fans were very impressed by a kid by the name Banfield, apparently tough and tackles hard – is he on your radar at all?
Nice writeup. I had polkinghorn in the team based on hype such as this, but then he went and totally spudded it up in the NAB game and I got cold feet. I guess that might have been a bit rash given the conditions of that game, but it is a little hard to take a punt on a guy like this when he doesn’t have such a great history behind him.