It’s back! Bigger and better than ever. The #DTSM (Dream Team Stock Market), is your one stop shop, for pretty much, well, everything! Dream Team might have the Assistant Coach (for $19.95), but the Assistant Coach doesn’t have me (free of course) or twitter (also free) or have a crystal ball (umm, working on that part).

For those of you new to the Dream Team Stock Market, quite simply, it’s the bees neez when it comes to working out and deciding how to make money for your dream team and speed up the process in which you raise your salary cap to create the competitions ultimate side! Remember, at the start of the year, players (besides LTI’s, rookies or players returning from Ireland) are valued at how they performed last season. You spend the money, you are banking on that player to perform to that value. The more money you have to spend, the more money you have to spend on players that are performing! That’s why it is so important to know when to jump off a player that has peaked and jump on someone at a lower than valued price.

Huge shout out to my man @TeeTeeDT for giving me a chop out whilst I took my way too adventurous Golden Retriever to the vet. Thanks heaps mate, wouldnt have even got close to getting this out today without your help! Do yourself a favour and follow him on twitter, is a DT magician.

Like I say, let’s get down to it…

MONEY MAKERS

1. Kyal Horsely (MID) $215,800 (↑$96,000) B/E: -77 AVG: 106 LAST 3: 101, 123, 95

Just proves that being named 4th on the interchange doesnt always mean you’ll be named the sub. Nearly cracked the ton for a 3rd consequtive week and that’s with only racking up 13 disposals! Named again this week as 4th on the bench. Really, come on Suns, just name him on the ball in front of that Ablett bloke already!

Weekly Stock Market Prediction: ↑$74,100

DTSM Value: $475,000 (peak R18)

2. Taylor Adams (FWD/MID) $186,000 (↑$60,300) B/E: -42 AVG: 78 LAST 3: 71, 91, 72

Named on an extended bench, make sure you re-check team sheets again this evening. Not really a highly picked DT rookie, but he has been solid averaging 78. With the likes of Shiel, Kennedy, Smith and McDonald not running around this week, he could have himself a very productive outing (if named)!

Weekly Stock Market Prediction: ↑$48,300

DTSM Value: $350,000 (peak R16)

3. Adam Treloar (FWD/MID) $217,400 (↑$53,700) B/E: -16 AVG: 77 LAST 3: 85, 63, 95

Cracked his new high score last week of 95 and seems to have cemented his spot into the GWS best 22 until that during rest injury comes along. If you have him, just keep riding that train, you might even still have him for the year!? Especially with Kennedy and Smith peaking sooner.

Weekly Stock Market Prediction: ↑$37,700

DTSM Value: $350,000 (peak R18)

4. Toby Greene (MID) $337,500 (↑$45,300) B/E: 2 AVG: 94 LAST 3: 90, 122, 96

We didn’t really expect Mr Greene to be dominating for us this much, did we? You would be mad to trade him out just yet. He is still in the top 5 money makers! Named again this week on the field. With all the outs this week for GWS, look out!

Weekly Stock Market Prediction: ↑$37,100

DTSM Value: $420,000 (peak R18)

5. Tory Dickson (FWD) $139,400 (↑$40,700) B/E: -39 AVG: 55 LAST 3: 37, 25, 105

Last week, wow! Played an exceptional game and now has officially arrived at AFL level (come on Clay Smith your turn!). For those that hung on, keep hanging on. With so many FWD rookies not quite hitting the price we want for them or even getting game time, Tory should find himself in the Bulldogs best 22 a lot more often if he keeps performing like that.

Weekly Stock Market Prediction: ↑$38,400

DTSM Value: $250,000 (peak R15, but should increase significantly)

DTSM “Money Makers” Watchlist

Dayne Zorko (MID/FWD) $119,800

Sam Darley (DEF) $104,200

Anthony Miiles (MID) $104,200

Matthew Buntine (DEF) $161,700

Lee Spurr (DEF) $107,800

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Check back next week for a HUGE edition of “Show Me the Money”. It will be LOADED!

DTSM WATCHLIST

Ok, this is now the go to section for those players you are unsure about at the moment. Looking for a bargain? Really want to get rid of that bloke costing you league wins? Take a look at these guys and see how many you want/have in your team!

1. Sam Mitchell (MID) $473,500 (↓$21,000) BE: 94 AVG: 107 LAST 3: 63, 112, 103

His 63 will fall out of his rolling average rotation this week and with a B/E of 94, if you are wanting to get Mitchell in under $500k now is the time. The guy is a DT jet. Go on do it.

Time To Strike: This week or next.

Start: $554,000

2. Brendon Goddard (DEF/MID) $417,000 (↓$24,500) BE: 96 AVG: 96 LAST 3:  58, 88, 88

For those who didn’t start with Goddard, you should be licking your lips with anticipation. Is surely going to hit form again soon, especially with the Saints starting to gel again. B/E matches his AVG, so the time to pounce on Goddard is upon you.

Time To Strike: This week or next.

Start: $474,200

3. Leigh Montagna (MID) $429,500 (↓$11,000) BE: 108 AVG: 91 LAST 3: 101, 79, 87

Bit of a dark horse, which is strange considering who great a DT performed Montagna has been the previous 2 seasons. But still, you can’t deny that he is cheap and a viable option when the opponents best tagger is making his way over to Nick Dal Santo. Worth a look.

Time To Strike: This week or next.

Start: $485,500

4. Grant Birchall (DEF) $398,200 (↓$12,100) BE: 104 AVG: 88 LAST 3: 103, 60, 81

Need a premium defender? This is your man. Averaging 88 and making his way down to Launceston this week to tear the Dockers to shreds. Now is the time to get him in. Upgrading Ellis/Morris to the Birch is a very tempting option if you can swing that axe.

Time To Strike: This week or next.

Start: $443,500

5. Matthew Boyd (MID) $535,700 (↓$7,200) BE: 103 AVG: 120 LAST 3: 162, 94, 115

The “back-up” Captain of our DT’s. His price is set to explode next week, especially if he gets anywhere near his Round 7 162. This guy must be in everyone’s team. He rarely lets you down and as I said before, when the chips are down, he is the perfect DT Captain choice. Lock and load.

Time To Strike: This week.

Start: $573,800

TWEET-A-TRADE

 The segment that gets you involved, is back this week. Looking at a specific player, heard rumours, need to go unique? Starting from next week, Tweet me on a Thursday night after 8pm with the #DTSM hashtag and a player you want me to talk about and I’ll pick the best 3 to get in the #DTSM.

Thanks Clint! Ok my view on Johnson is two words: Whitecross + Christensen. M.Johnson $373,300 does offer value, but at this stage of the year we really need to get end of year keepers into our sides and I just don’t think MJ is worth the risk. Has only cracked the big 100 twice this year with another 2 solid 90‘s. He would be an interesting unique to have in your side seeming Fyfe has done himself a mischeif. Just not for me mate.

Mr Rainman, I thought this name would come up, was kind of expecting Flossy to be the one to ask!? haha. Gibbs ($425,000) is hurting many DT coaches out there. After much thinking this week on him, I believe you hold onto him in the hope he puts together 2-3 consecutive weeks of solid scoring. The fact he has dropped $94,000 in price does hurt, and selling him at a loss of that magnitude is going to require the new stock you are bringing in being an absolute bargain or in the same boat as Gibbs. Hold till MBR for now and just pray to the DT gods (or Brett Ratten) to let him get a damn kick!

Darren, this is brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion. Zaharakis – $410,900, 7 games, averaging 88 and has found consistancy of late with scores of: 104, 104 and 106 VS Didak – $363,700, 1 game, scored 110 and looks to be extremely fit. To argue Zaha’s case is that he is match fit, doesn’t look like to get near the vest, is starting to hit his straps and plans for Essendon, a team that don’t really fill our DT teams up with. The case for Didak is that he was given time to recover, had a solid pre-season, returned for his first game in the AFL this year and pulled out a 110, which many aren’t giving him credit for seeming he was a little out of touch. 2 years ago, Didak was our F2/3 option. Will Zaharakis ever be in our top 4-5 forward options? You couldn’t go wrong with either player this year as your F6/F7 option. Maybe both? But for me, Didak is my pick. And not because i’m wearing a Collingwood jumper, but because he is one of the elite forwards in the game and people have written him off WAY too fast. Go dids.

Thanks for your patience, i’ll be on twitter from 4pm onwards till tonights Coll v Geel blockbuster kicks off! So if you wanted to ask me any questions, need help with some trades, just flick me a tweet. Don’t worry about Dr Dream Team, he isn’t even a real Doctor. Come chat with me.

Tweet me @Aki_DT

Wow what a difference a week makes.  Very little carnage this week and the scores showed it.  Par turned out to be around 2200 and we are back to what has been a very high scoring season.  Not too many seasons recently where scores like that have been Par this early as far as I can remember.  As for me, I had a great week and finished 93rd over all for the week which I reckon is one of the highest scores I have had for a while.

But what does all this mean for Round 8?  Diddly Squat is what it means, absolutely nothing!  We all start back at square one with 0 points on the board at 7pm on Friday night.  However, it is what we do in the meantime until that point that might help us.  Let’s have a look at a few of the issues of the week and see if I can help you get through some of them and make a few decisions.

The Tigerback Conundrum

All year we have had the problem of which to play out of Ellis and Morris from the Tigers.  I know it is something I have agonised over whenever one of my backs is out.  One week it cost me the win when Morris was outscored by Ellis by about 25pts and I lost my league match by 3… not that I am bitter or anything.  But this has been an issue for us all year.  Well this week many coaches had to go with one and they picked Ellis who was vested.  But to make matters worse he only scored the 6 points.  Thankfully that interchange infringement didn’t count as a FA otherwise he would have only been credited with 3pts!

However, what this has done is push his BE way up to 82 and this has made our decision for us.  I think that most coaches this week will be looking to unload him before his price plummets again next week.  So make sure that you have had a good read of Chook’s Rooks from Wednesday where he gives you the lowdown on who to select.

For those with Morris still, let’s just hope like hell he doesn’t get the vest this week and do the same thing because the downgrade options in the backlines are very slim indeed!

The Ablett Abberation

Well the little master came back this week, Gary Ablett, defied what most of us were expecting and he played against the GWS.  Whilst he did rack up the ton, he wasn’t looking 100% right yet and I reckon of Bluey McKenna had his time over or knew they would get beaten I reckon he might have left GAJ out of the side for one more week.

Last week I gave you a little spiel that suggested that you should wait to get him back if you did manage to trade him out during his weeks off.  As it turns out, that was certainly the right thing to do as he now has a BE of 176 and that is going to be very difficult to obtain up in Darwin against the Doggies this week.  My side, Port Adelaide, have played a lot of games up there and the one thing that I have noticed from watching them in those games is that the conditions are quite slippery which makes clean ball handling very difficult.  I just can’t see him getting near that score and he should have a nice price drop making him ripe for the picking next week at what the Assistant Coach predicts will be a price of $563,800 (a drop of $16,500).

During the week I had a lengthy chat with the coach of “Cousins Coke n Ice” @Douthteez who believes that GAJ may get rested again over the next couple of weeks to fully recover and would be even cheaper by the time he is finished with his bye in round 13.  I am not sure, but I do agree that he isn’t at peak form just yet.  I will certainly be reassessing after watching him play the Dogs on Sat night.

One thing we did learn on Saturday was that The Horse‘s score wasn’t affected much by Ablett and RiskyTelly coming back into the side.  Hopefully this trend continues and he keeps racking up points and cash.

 The Rucking Roundabout

Another week, another Ruckman goes down.  This week it was the turn of Hamish McIntosh.  I feel for the big guy as he spent the last year on the sidelines after a great season the year before.  I also feel for those coaches that have now gone Mumford > Sandi > McIntosh. 

During the week we saw a Tweet from the NMFC and Brad Scott’s press conference which read….

“We think McIntosh will miss 1-2 but he still thinks he’s a chance for this weekend”

The way I read that is… we have no idea how long he will be out.  But if you are an owner of McIntosh, I really think that you need to hold tight this weekend and perhaps take a donut in the hope that he will be back the following week.  I know it is easier to say than do, but I think that 1 is more likely than none or 2.  If you have only used 2 or maybe 3 trades all up you can probably afford one, but who do you go to?  I would say Cox, Jacobs, Ryder or Goldstein.  But personally, I would hold at the moment if I had him.

And the DT Gods have given you a great reason to hold by naming The Big O this week for those that needed cover!

How’s the Carnage!

Just when you thought everything was safe, the GWS match committee pull a fast one and relegate all of our Cash Cows to a visit from the General!  Bugg, Shiel and Devon Smith all copped a visit from the General this week whilst Kennedy is out with a Shoulder.  I guess the thing to remember here is to stick to your plans if you can.  These guys (particularly Shiel and Smith) have a bit of cash still to make, so don’t just ditch them unless you were planning to anyway or if you really need to.  On top of that Sheeds didn’t give us back Old McDonald either.

And still…. No Tom Couch.  I just can’t understand how this bloke can’t get a game but Jurrah and Watts can be getting a game in front of him.

 Things to Remember

1. Seriously consider trading Ellis – I think he will leak a lot of cash over the next two weeks so take the $95k profit and run.
2. Read Calvin’s Captains -  The Mad Irish Pirate is rarely wrong.  Get on him… and don’t listen to Chook’s Captains as they haven’t proven as good. (Broughton… need I say more)
3. Consider the Bye’s in your upgrades – No matter what your bye strategy is, it is worth taking the byes into account when putting your trades together.  But don’t be bound by them either.
4. Don’t kill a half-fat cow unless it is a necessity – I have heard a lot of talk about people culling Greene, Magner or Shiel this week.  Unless you need to so you can get a premium at the bottom of his price cycle.  Hold these guys for another week at least.
5. Don’t Drink N Trade - We all know that you shouldn’t drive, but don’t trade either.  You might find yourself waking up in the morning lying in bed next to someone you don’t know and don’t really want to know and then Lockout has started and you are stuck there until Monday morning comes and you can sneakily trade them out while they are in the shower getting ready for work.

As always, we know there will be something happen later today that will have some sort of impact on your team.  Make sure you are ready and are all over it, so stay close to Twitter.  If you don’t have Twitter, get it.  It is the best source of news and last minute info that I have found.

Even though we have Reversible Trades, don’t just set an forget them.  Make sure you check out Dream Team Stock Market with Aki later today.  Don’t let his photo scare you off, he doesn’t bite and he has some great info on when to sell and who to buy.  So make sure you read that before you finalise your trades for the week and head off to the pub (if doing so, refer point 5 above).

Have a great weekend, discuss your teams in the comments if you need some last minute help from the DTTalk community and most of us are on Twitter for all of Friday Avo issues.  You can find me @pkd73

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQPZwxAK5Ec

Thanks heaps to Tom Rockliff, Archie Clothing, Meathead Shop, Cadbury Boost and how can we forget or main man Chopper!

Collingwood v Geelong Cats

MCG – Fri May 18, 7:50pm

Collingwood

B: Heritier O’Brien, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey
HB: Simon Buckley, Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack
C: Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham, Jarryd Blair
HF: Heath Shaw, Chris Dawes, Ben Sinclair
F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
I/C: Dale Thomas, Martin Clarke, Lachlan Keeffe, Alex Fasolo

Emg: Tom Young, Kirk Ugle, Paul Seedsman

In: Dale Thomas, Chris Dawes, Darren Jolly, Alex Fasolo
Out: Nathan Brown (Knee), Cameron Wood, Paul Seedsman, Peter Yagmoor

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Josh Hunt
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: James Kelly, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Orren Stephenson, Joel Corey, Taylor Hunt
I/C: Trent West, Mitch Duncan, Jesse Stringer, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Billie Smedts, George Horlin-Smith

In: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett, Mathew Stokes, Orren Stephenson
Out: Shannon Byrnes, Tom Gillies (Ankle), Allen Christensen (Calf), Billie Smedts

Milestones: James Kelly – 200 games, James Podsiadly – 50 games

Port Adelaide v North Melbourne

AS – Sat May 19, 1:15pm

Port Adelaide

B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Ben Jacobs, Troy Chaplin, Hamish Hartlett
C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, Danyle Pearce
HF: Matthew Broadbent, Jay Schulz, John McCarthy
F: Brett Ebert, John Butcher, Justin Westhoff
Foll: Brent Renouf, Bradley Ebert, Travis Boak
I/C: Matt Thomas, Paul Stewart, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer

Emg: Jarrad Redden, Andrew Moore, Simon Phillips

In: Danyle Pearce, Matt Thomas, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer
Out: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, Tom Logan, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young (Ankle)

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Luke Delaney
HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Cameron Delaney
C: Shaun Atley, Andrew Swallow, Leigh Adams
HF: Ben Cunnington, Nathan Grima, Kieran Harper
F: Aaron Edwards, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
I/C: Lindsay Thomas, Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Brad McKenzie

Emg: Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Cameron Pedersen

In: Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Nathan Grima
Out: Hamish McIntosh (Knee), Samuel Wright (Shoulder), Liam Anthony

Hawthorn v Fremantle

AU – Sat May 19, 2:10pm

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Josh Gibson
HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Benjamin Stratton
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Shaun Burgoyne
F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels
I/C: Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Shane Savage, Matt Suckling

Emg: Xavier Ellis, Thomas Murphy, Broc McCauley

In: Josh Gibson
Out: Michael Osborne (Knee)

Milestones: Lance Franklin – 150 games, Clinton Young – 100 games

Fremantle

B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Dylan Roberton
HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu
C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Clancee Pearce
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Michael Barlow
I/C: Jay van Berlo, Greg Broughton, Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr

Emg: Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin

In: Jay van Berlo
Out: Adam McPhee (Calf)

Milestones: Hayden Ballantyne – 50 games

Sydney Swans v Melbourne

SCG – Sat May 19, 4:40pm

Sydney Swans

B: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw
HB: Nicholas Smith, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Lewis Jetta, Josh P. Kennedy, Nick Malceski
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Tommy Walsh, Daniel Hannebery
F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Trent Dennis-Lane
Foll: Mike Pyke, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton
I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bird, Luke Parker, Alex Johnson

Emg: Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt, Tony Armstrong

In: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Mike Pyke, Tommy Walsh
Out: Jesse White, Mark Seaby, Andrejs Everitt

New: Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram
HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald
C: Cale Morton, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
HF: Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Liam Jurrah
F: Jeremy Howe, Mitchell Clark, Aaron Davey
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Colin Sylvia
I/C: Brad Green, Sam Blease, Jamie Bennell, James Magner

Emg: Lynden Dunn, Rohan Bail, James Sellar

In: Brad Green, Jack Watts, Sam Blease, Liam Jurrah
Out: Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd, Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns

TIO – Sat May 19, 7:10pm

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Dylan Addison, Mark Austin, Justin Sherman
C: Mitchell Wallis, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Jones, Luke Dahlhaus
F: Jarrad Grant, Ayce Cordy, Shaun Higgins
Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Liam Picken
I/C: Nathan Djerrkura, Thomas Liberatore, Clay Smith, Tory Dickson

Emg: Zephaniah Skinner, Daniel Pearce, Fletcher Roberts

In: Liam Jones, Nathan Djerrkura
Out: Jordan Roughead (Calf), Patrick Veszpremi (Groin)

Milestones: Ryan Griffen – 150 games

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jeremy Taylor, Matthew Warnock, Seb Tape
HB: Sam Iles, Rory Thompson, Joel Wilkinson
C: Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt, Matt Shaw
HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Andrew McQualter
F: Campbell Brown, Sam Day, Luke Russell
Foll: Zac Smith, Josh Caddy, Gary Ablett
I/C: Daniel Stanley, Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Michael Coad, Tom Hickey, Liam Patrick

In: Rory Thompson, Daniel Stanley, Matt Shaw, Jeremy Taylor, Alex Sexton, Andrew McQualter
Out: Jared Brennan, Trent McKenzie, Josh Toy, Charlie Dixon (Checkbone), Michael Coad, David Swallow (Knee)

New: Alex Sexton (), Andrew McQualter (St Kilda)

Essendon v Richmond

MCG – Sat May 19, 7:50pm

Essendon

B: Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell
HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Courtenay Dempsey
C: Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton
HF: Stewart Crameri, Patrick Ryder, Alwyn Davey
F: Leroy Jetta, Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Sam Lonergan, Ben Howlett
I/C: Heath Hocking, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Angus Monfries, Jake Melksham

Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio

In: Michael Hurley
Out: Travis Colyer

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman
HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Jake Batchelor
C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis
HF: Brett Deledio, Brad Miller, Nathan Foley
F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King
Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck
I/C: Daniel Jackson, Shane Edwards, Robin Nahas, Matt Dea

Emg: Angus Graham, Jayden Post, Matthew Arnot

Milestones: Chris Newman – 200 games

Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants

G – Sun May 20, 1:10pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Ryan Lester, Matt Maguire, Josh Drummond
HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Mitchell Golby
C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich
HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Jack Redden
F: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Patrick Karnezis
Foll: Billy Longer, Simon Black, Andrew Raines
I/C: James Hawksley, Ryan Harwood, Niall McKeever, Jared Polec, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick, Dayne Zorko

In: Jed Adcock, Ryan Lester, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick
Out: Todd Banfield (Leg)

GWS Giants

B: Luke Power, Tim Mohr, Sam Darley
HB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Sam Reid
C: WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Dom Tyson, Tom Scully
HF: Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio
F: Chad Cornes, Israel Folau, Toby Greene
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend
I/C: Anthony Miles, Andrew Phillips, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, Rhys Palmer, Matthew Buntine, Taylor Adams

In: Sam Darley, Anthony Miles, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Matthew Buntine, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid
Out: Tomas Bugg (Rested), Dylan Shiel (Rested), Liam Sumner (Foot), Devon Smith (Rested), Adam Kennedy (Shoulder)

New: Sam Darley (Nth. Hobart), Sam Schulz (Murray Bushrangers/Culcairn), Matthew Buntine ()

Carlton v Adelaide

ES – Sun May 20, 3:15pm

Carlton

B: Christopher Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachlan Henderson
HB: Nick Duigan, Paul Bower, Zach Tuohy
C: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland
HF: Eddie Betts, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Russell
F: Andrew Walker, Shaun Hampson, Jeffrey Garlett
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson, Andrew Collins, Edward Curnow

In: Bret Thornton, Christopher Yarran, Andrew Collins
Milestones: Jarrad Waite – 150 games, Christopher Yarran – 50 games

Adelaide

B: Michael Doughty, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock
HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly
C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo
HF: Jared Petrenko, Josh Jenkins, Ian Callinan
F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane
I/C: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Ricky Henderson, Luke Thompson, Brodie Smith, Tom Lynch

In: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Luke Thompson, Tom Lynch
Out: Taylor Walker (Suspension), Jarryd Lyons

West Coast Eagles v St Kilda

PS – Sun May 20, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Thomas Swift, Patrick McGinnity, Lewis Stevenson, Brad Sheppard, Koby Stevens, Jacob Brennan

In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui, Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens
Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett

St Kilda

B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary
C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna
F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera
Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones
I/C: James Gwilt, David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Beau Wilkes

In: James Gwilt, Jamie Cripps, Jack Newnes

OUR FOOTYTIPS

AN UPDATE ON GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

 Talking Points

After seven games, the diamonds in the rough are slowly starting to shine and the lumps of coal are getting pushed aside. The rotation policy is in full affect and game plans are becoming clearer. In this article I’ll run through some key talking points, look at some stats, and then talk about each player individually. This way, you can make up your own minds as to who the best downgrades are and who to cash out.

So let’s get into it and address some things straight up; as there are many people out their giving bad advice when it comes to the Giants.

Giant Scores?

There seems to be a misguided perception out there that the Giants leak points like a rusty sieve. This leads a few coaches to make their Captaincy choice based solely on if one of their midfield premiums is playing the Giants in any given week. Then there are coaches who play one ruckman over another because Giles and Brogan are “not very good” and “over the hill”. Finally, there is an assumption that whoever plays the Giants will come across a treasure trove of points, and upgrade trades should focus on how many times teams play GWS. Well I’m here to not only contradict that perception, but blow it out of the water.

The three highest scores against the giants are 150, 138 and 127 (x2). All of these (except one of the 127 point games) came from the three matches that James McDonald missed. Opposition premiums* have struggled to really get going against Western Sydney and on average, actually underperform. In fact, of the seven most significant premiums (one from each club [that people would have been willing to start in their teams from round one]) that have played the Giants so far this year, there is almost a 20 point decrease in the actual average of the players results than scores one would expect them to have! See below for the scores.

What of the theory around premium rucks dominating Giles and Brogan? Well ruckmen that have gone up against either Giles and/or Brogan have gone alright, but the results are by no means outstanding, with only two ruckmen passing 100 points. Speaking of points; GWS concede an average of only four 100+ scores per round.

* Premium status is based on expectation and form leading into games against the Giants, not hindsight.

Facts:

Highest Scorers vs. GWS: S.Selwood 150, R.Bastinac 138, C.Bird & D.Prestia 127

Opposition Premiums vs. GWS: J.Kennedy 94, A.Swallow 94, D.Cox 72, S.Thompson 109, M.Boyd 115, M.Murphy 94, G.Ablett 106. Anticipated Average = 120. Average = 97.7

Opposition Ruckmen vs. GWS: S.Mumford 91, H.McIntosh 106, D.Cox 72, S.Jacobs 66, W.Minson 101, M.Kreuzer 89, Z.Smith 57. Anticipated Average = 105. Average = 83.1.

100+ Scores vs. GWS: 28 in Total. Of those, North Melbourne had 7. Average of 4 per game.

Vests & Rotations

Vests most commonly occur in between half time and three quarter time. In fact, the only Red Vest which has not occurred during this time was in Round 6, due to Brogan’s 1^st quarter injury. The average Green Vested player has scored just under 24 points. Sadly, GWS have no Friday night games, so there’s no chance to bench a player who’s named in green. So how can we minimise the damage?

Interestingly, the GWS have not had a single debutant wearing the green vest; excluding Dom Tyson in round one. Given it is now round seven, and there have been a lot of rotations already, it could (note the emphasis on could) be assumed that therefore, players named for their first game are not likely the start their career in the Green Vest. Could! As for who will get the vest, players who have played ‘a few games’ but not cemented themselves in the best 22 are the most likely candidates. Or Smith, just to screw everyone over.

As for rotations, there are sadly no true patterns as to who misses games and who gets the vest. It has been suggested that ANY teenagers in the Giants line-up will not play more than fourteen games this year. If that’s a hard line in the sand then it’s (a) the dumbest thing I’ve heard in a long time, and (b) directly contrasts Kevin Sheedy’s response to a question I asked him during preseason. When asked about rotations, he said it would be a balance between managing player’s fitness, and a horses-for-courses approach. Yes he wants to blood youngsters and not have them burn out, but he also wants to play those who deserve to play.

Knowing this, McDonald missing against the Suns was somewhat expected due to his slower speed against the likes of Bennell, Ablett, Swallow and Rischitelli in the midfield. I had actually called earlier in the week via Twitter that I expected him to be moved out of the middle to the backline due to his lack of pace. Unfortunately he was moved out of the team all together, but that’s better than a vest.

Rotations are based around longevity of players on the GWS list who will be around for ten seasons, or what I like to call ‘future players’; guys who aren’t up to scratch to play every game yet, but will one day be in a premiership side. The management of ‘future players’ can be seen in Treloar being rested due to foot soreness and Cameron for calf soreness. Both injuries were not major issues, but why run risks in a season with nothing on the line? So when trading in (or out) any Giants players, be aware of their injury history, limitations, and if they stubbed their toe the week before.

Fringe Players
I’ll make this short  as there is plenty of information below about each and every player. Miles, Darley, Buntine and Wilson have all had positive showings in the NEAFL UWS Giants team. Clifton and Patton both played their first games of the season last week in reserves, and without being outstanding, they showed good signs that they will get call ups at some stage. Miles and Darley are obviously the two most of interest, and to be honest, the only reason these guys are missing out is because of the depth of talent GWS have recruited. If these boys were recruited for any other team (except Melboune) it’s likely they would have at least worn a vest by now.

The good news is that when a player makes a debut, Sheedy and Choco give them every chance to get runs on the board, and from there they can force their way into the side more often. Thankfully, with resting of players, Miles, Darley, Clifton, Patton, Buntine and Willson all look likely to play a string of games later in the season.

But enough about that; what about individual players themselves?

The GWS GIANTS 2012 List:

Below I have listed all senior listed players for the GWS. I have their current prices, number of games played, average, lowest to highest scores, and if they have been subbed (Green Vested or Red Vested) with those scores specifically listed. I have also given my opinions on each player (except Tom Downie – waste of time). Feel free to counter my opinions; this is the very heart of an AFL Dreamteam community, just try to keep contradictions relevant.

Notes: The only player I have left off (by choice) is Phillips, as I don’t want to draw any attention to him. Not because I want him all to myself (which I certainly do not), but some people need saving from themselves. Don’t pick him, it’s a waste of a trade and he won’t hang around too long. Also, you’ll notice that I have not listed break-evens or positions. Positions you can look up yourself, don’t be lazy! Break evens can be accessed through the assistant coach, and although you have to pay a fee, I highly recommend it. Right, here we go!

Taylor Adams ($186,000)
Games: 3
Average: 78.0 (71-91)
Vested: None

Adams has played well in the three games since his debut in round 5. His position in the side is slowing improving, however as a player he needs to continue to work on his movement to avoid being struck with The General. On five separate occasions on the weekend against the Suns he put his hand up for a handball receive when he was stationary and each time he either brought pressure upon himself, or the team. Many took the chance and traded him into the team for some fast money, however my gut feeling is you won’t be able to rely on him to be on the park later in the year.

Kurt Aylett ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

Crippled by a knee injury for the earliest part of the season, and still forecast to be out until the bye rounds, Aylett will likely play late games due to the rotation policy, but otherwise will not be Dreamteam relevant.

Dean Brogan ($330,000)
Games: 3
Average: 54.0 (13-82)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 6, 1^st Qtr, 13 pts, Injury)

Brogan is at the Giants to take some of the heavy lifting away from Giles in his debut year. He was always going to be in and out of the squad, and his three games thus far is of no surprise. Thankfully, his addition to the best 22 does not affect Giles scoring output significantly. Although Giles has had two of his lowest three scoring games in the same games as Brogan, in one of these Brogan was off for more than three quarters (vs Carlton), and the other Giles and Brogan were against Dean Cox and Nic Natinui, all four of whom held each other out of significant points.

Josh Bruce ($104,200)
Games: 1
Average: 36.0 (36)
Vested: None

A developing key defender, Josh debuted in his only game this year in Canberra against the Bulldogs after Cornes was a late withdrawal. The biggest downside to this speedy Canberran local is his decision making. Given time in the seconds this will improve, and Bruce will continue to get games sporadically.

Tomas Bugg ($298,500)
Games: 7
Average: 76.4 (57-97)
Vested: None

One of the Giants debutants who have been a Dreamteam highlight this year, Bugg (who did not play more than four games last year at NEAFL level whilst he completed high school) is a sharp decision maker, can find the ball, and links in well in the Giants backline. Unfortunately his scoring has dropped off lately and is due for a rest soon. With no Giants teenager being forecast to play more than fourteen games this year, Bugg may not be the D7 lock many teams are hoping for. I hope however he is the exception to the rule.

Matthew Buntine ($161,700)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

Having given a solid showing in the reserves this past week against Gold Coast, Buntine looks set for a senior berth over the next few weeks; possibly as a replacement for Hombsch or Bugg. After an interrupted preseason, he could be a defender who gets a string late games in the season.

Jeremy Cameron ($190,900)
Games: 5
Average: 55 (19-92)
Vested: 1 Rest Vest (Rnd 3, 3^rd Qtr, 19 pts, Injury)

In the words of ‘Derm’, “The boy can play!”. Obviously he has some fitness issues to work through, but having missed two of the Giants games through injury (calf) and rest, and once being subbed out, Cameron leads the GWS goal kicking list with 10 goals. A rising star nominee, Cameron will be in and out of the team much of the year, especially with Patton slowly coming back. A bit like Lynch from the Suns last year, as a key position player output will be variable. Too expensive to jump on now, too early to jump off, if you own Cameron, ride the train until you reach the station and then cash that Dartmor boy out!

Stephen Clifton ($121,800)

Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

A champ at VFL level, Clifton had a massive preseason, a mature body, and was ready to physically hold down the fort for some of his younger team mates. Unfortunately, a wrist injury halted his momentum, and he has been doing rehab for most of the year. He had a run in the two’s last week, and I expect to see him slowly forcing his way into the side. Treloar, Tomlinson and Adams are the ones most at threat asClifton builds fitness and momentum back into the best 22.

Stephen Coniglio ($284,200)
Games: 6
Average: 72.8
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 5, 3^rd Qtr, Injury)

Easily the rookie to get most excited about in looking at the long term future of the Giants, Cogs has slowly been building momentum and earned himself a rising star nomination for his 31 possession game against the suns. At times, Cogs was matched one on one with Ablett, and quite frankly, ran him ragged. Yes he is young, yes he will be rested, but if you still own him, hold him until the best option presents itself in the midfield as either a downgrade or upgrade target. He should go close to an 80 average from here until the end of the season (vests permitting).

Chad Cornes ($347,000)
Games: 5
Average: 88.8 (26-117)
Vested: None

The Chad. Apart from completely spudding it against Adelaide, Cornes has been one of the Giants best contributors (when fit!). At Port, when surrounded by youngsters, he looked old, tired, and uninspired. Phil Davis commented to me recently that since joining the club, the old brigade of Cornes, Power, McDonald and Brogan feel younger and more excited than they have in a long time, and its showing. Cornes is crashing packs, controlling rebounding zones and simply, dominating in a young defence. I still don’t trust him in my team, as I want players who won’t miss weeks, Cornes is a legitimate and dangerous (to opposition) point of difference for your F7 spot.

Sam Darley ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

Apart from Thursday and Friday before Round 3 in which Toby Greene was about to take his first price jump, there has not been a more asked about player from the Giants than Darley. Where is he? Breakfast Point, Sydney, NSW. Is he fit? He sure is. Why isn’t he playing? I honestly have no idea. My assumption would be that the form of Hombsch and Bugg have been impressive enough to keep Darley out of the side.

Darley has featured a few times already in the best 22 in the reserves with a strong showing rebounding the ball off half back and he tweeted me that he hopes to make a debut in the seniors soon, knowing he is coming off a good game last week. The good news is that if the forecasted fourteen game limit does exist, mathematically Darley must feature strongly in the latter half of the season. Can you smell a downgrade?

Phil Davis ($277,000)
Games: 7
Average: 63.3 (53-70)
Vested: None

At the start of the season I was told that my analysis of Davis was wrong. I was told he will score highly, rebound often, and be the next Suckling. Davis is a lockdown key defender. His scoring potential is limited to the amount of contests he attends, and he has not got a proven history of AFL Dream Team high scores. If you picked him, congratulations, you’ve picked Darren Glass Mark II. If you didn’t, don’t; he’s Darren Glass Mark II.  This is both a compliment and a negative for Phil. The positive: he leads by example, is brave, and defends very well. The negative: He scores like Darren Glass.

Tom Downie ($98,700)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

I’ve wasted too much time even putting him on this list. Just don’t, okay!?

Shaun Edwards ($104,200)
Games: 2
Average: 35.5 (24-47)
Vested: None

An NT boy with pace to burn, Edwards will be a very good player one day. Until that happens, just avoid picking him in your Dreamteam. At an average of just under 36 from two full games (not sub affected), Edwards will be a slow developer. A pre-season injury didn’t help his cause, and although he will play a few games this year, his focus should be on improving his strength and winning the football.

Israel Folau ($140,100)
Games: 6
Average: 32.3 (4-58)
Vested: None

Izzy will make it. He is a key forward, playing his first season of AFL at senior level (second overall after playing reserves last year) and if the evolution of Karmichael Hunt means anything, then Folau will be a name you better get used to hearing. Big Iz is currently being mentored by Dermott Brereton to speed up his development, and is playing better than a few players on other clubs getting one tenth of the attention from the media that he is. Granted they may also be getting one tenth of the pay cheque, but give everyone a break. He’s an excitement machine, could tackle a tree out of the ground, and is still young. Yes, there are other players on the list who deserve a shot ahead of him, but that won’t happen whilst he brings in the fans. It’s not Collingwood he’s playing for; it’s a club that’s played seven games!

Jonathan Giles ($328,800)
Games: 7
Average: 86.0 (59-107)
Vested: None

“He’ll average 60-70 at most” and “will hardly get a touch when Brogan plays” were comments I heard all preseason. Well I hope an average of near 90 and a score of 101 in the wet against the Crows alongside Brogan will make those know-it-alls sit down and watch the big man evolve. What a debut by a ruckman. Going at an average of slightly more than I had expected (80-85), I stand by my preseason analysis: “Giles is one of the few players yet to debut in the AFL on the GWS who could play all twenty-two games this year, and fatten up as either a nice cash cow, or a safe third ruck option”. In fact, if he keeps going this well, he may just stay my second ruck all year!

Tim Golds ($104,200)

Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

May get games, may not. Not remotely relevant to anyone in the world of Dreamteam. I spent my time looking at ‘Vested Players’ instead of Tim. You’re welcome. (Sorry Tim).

Toby Greene ($337,500)
Games: 6
Average: 94.7 (54-122)
Vested: None

I am happy to admit that Greene has proven me wrong on some of my earlier criticisms. For those of you who aren’t aware, I publically questioned Greene’s disposal efficiency and physicality early in the season when I was asked if I were jumping on the Greene bandwagon. It should be noted that at no point did I question his ability to find the ball. He is clearly working hard on his disposal, although often tries to play on in situations he shouldn’t, sometimes still turning over the ball. However my second concern, his physical presence and ability to last through the season still exists. Thankfully, we only need him until round 12 at the longest. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very glad to see him holding his place in the side and giving us a solid M7 option until we are all ready to upgrade, but at the game last weekend, my wife asked me who the sixteen year old playing for GWS was. She was talking about Toby. Hopefully Sheedy will do the right thing by us and not vest Toby, not rest him, and let us carry him through to the bye round unscathed. I worry he won’t.

Joshua Growden ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

If you have a 2013 AFL Dreamteam watch list written anywhere, like I do, put Growden down on it. He likely won’t be playing until much later this year, if at all, and is a very talented footballer who will likely take a while to recover from his leg injury that has put him out ‘indefinitely’. If you can pick him up at a rookie price next season, depending on who GWS recruit, he’s worth a look. This year however; look elsewhere.

Curtly Hampton ($169,300)
Games: 6
Average: 45.8 (26-77)
Vested: 1 Green Vest (Rnd 3, 3^rd Qtr, 26 pts)

Fine, we get it; you want to be a slow developer. Hampton could be a massive star one day with a bag of tricks that could make Dustin Martin blush. It appears however that he still needs to find out how to physically impose himself on contests, and simply can not run free like he did in the juniors. A versatile player, he lends himself to being rested or vested as the case arises, and sadly he likely won’t come into contention for Dreamteam coaches until 2014 – third year breakout?

Nick Haynes ($152,700)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

The number seven draft pick Haynes is yet to break into the team. For coaches, that’s a good thing. He’s a rebounding defender behind Bugg, Hombsch, Darley and Buntine. If he is getting games before those boys (with any consistency), the rotation policy will be one thousand times worse then we’re expecting.

 Jack Hombsch ($218,500)
Games: 6
Average: 57.5 (37-71)
Vested: None

Jumping Jack has been quite solid for the Giants in defence. His rebounding game has been decent and he clearly follows directions well (talk about kicking down the line when under pressure – this guys got it covered). This all holds him in good stead at the selection table each week. I personally attribute the team play and form of Hombsch (and Bugg) to the absence of Darley in the team. Although not a player you would hold in your team due to his lower possession game play, the form of Hombsch is relevant for these reasons.

William Hoskin-Elliot ($166,200)
Games: 2
Average: 50.5 (31-70)
Vested: None

Another future star who just can’t break into the line up. Will is quick, attacks the football, and isn’t afraid to take on risks when he has the football. Unfortunately his reasonably skinny frame and slightly poorer disposal use (compared to the likes of Adams and Tyson) is holding him out of the side. I’d expect him to finish the year with closer to nine games under his belt, but if you still have him in your team, surely a downgrade target is starting to show itself. Stop holding and side-trade.

Adam Kennedy ($204,300)
Games: 6
Average: 64.5 (40-116)
Vested: None

An ability to devastate opponents when running free, Sheedy has discovered that Kennedy is also a magnificent run-with player. Not a tagger so much, but more a ‘first in 1 percenter’ kind of player. Of course, the evolution of this role has seen his scoring output slide in recent weeks, and if you haven’t traded him, start looking at options for when you do. It won’t be long now, and there is no point holding out for consistent tonnes; it just won’t happen.

James McDonald ($241,700)
Games: 4
Average: 91 (84-98)
Vested: None

I was getting married the night Fossil decided to rub himself out for two weeks for breaking Luke Parker‘s jaw. Good thing too, or I would have had to have bought a new TV as the remote flew through the screen. I stand by the call that JMac is not past his prime, and the decision to rest him against Gold Coast was based on speed, and speed alone. His potential to score well whilst controlling other players is amazing, and when he plays, the team plays better. In fact, the top three highest individual scores against the Giants have been scored in the three games he has missed, with Selwood, Bastinac and Prestia all benefitting from his absence. He is consistent and well worth holding onto for your final mid bench spot until he tops out.

Anthony Miles ($104,200)
Games: 1
Average: 89 (89)
Vested: None

A ball magnet, Miles can sometimes be criticised for getting the easy ball only. His efforts against the crows in the wet where he continually put his head over the ball to win possession countered this claim, but not enough to get him a recall. With any luck Miles won’t play again until round fifteen, when we can look at a final downgrade in the midfield whilst he runs out the season covering the likes of Coniglio, Greene and Shiel as they get late season rotations. He is in form, and has racked up quite a few 30+ possession games already in the reserves. Just understand that there is a perception of him as a top-up player, and as such, won’t be reliable come Thursday nights.

Tim Mohr ($204,100)
Games: 6
Average: 55.2 (42-74)
Vested: None

Although at times Mohr can get caught up in play and be out positioned by his opponents, he is proving a valuable player in defence for the Giants. Although mostly Dreamteam irrelevant as an individual, Mohr’s position in the side helps to free up the likes of Cornes and Giles to play a looser defensive role. Expect Tim to play the majority of the year, especially as younger bodies get tired.

Setanta O’Hailpin ($327,200)
Games: 1
Average: 34 (34)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 6, 3^rd Qtr, 34 pts, Injury)

Poor bugger. For those of you who aren’t across the whole situation; Setanta was dropped from Carlton in what could basically be called a coin-flip decision (that he lost) against Bower. He was snapped up by GWS and offered a one year contract. He fought through injury to get onto the park against his old team in round six, where after offering a decent forward target, ruptured his ACL putting him out of action for the rest of the year. Big Irish then decided against LARS, opting for traditional surgery, in the hopes to be training at full strength by the end of the year to once again fight his way onto the list at GWS. If that happens, he’ll certainly worth a look next year with presumably a massive discount. If it doesn’t, it’s a tragic end for a player who clearly loves the game of AFL.

Rhys Palmer ($306,800)
Games: 6
Average: 72 (41-98)
Vested: None

Rhys is doing a decent job linking up in the Giants midfield. Unfortunately, he is his own worst enemy with his historically questionable kicking (especially at goal) still plaguing him. Showing signs that he can still bust out big scores, he just isn’t backing it up each and every week. It’s hard not to feel that unless he can get that under control, the development of his team mates, and future recruiting could really hurt Rhys in years to come. he problems with smokies, is you can never tell how bright their fires will burn!

Jonathon Patton ($179,700)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

A smokie of a downgrade, Patton will be big. Still a teenager, Jon looks like he has just left the farm in which every meal was corned beef, potatoes and cabbage, and washed down with one of mamma’s chocolate ice cream, egg and banana milkshakes. Put simply, he’s huge! Having had no preseason whatsoever, Patton will take a while to get match fitness, and personally, I really hope they take their time with him. He played his first game against the Gold Coast reserves on the weekend, suffering from cramp, and not making as big an impact as one would hope. A key position prospect, he will take time, and should not be your ‘planned’ downgrade target. If he smashes it for the first two weeks, look at the tapes and see why, and then consider, but otherwise, hold fire. Personally I don’t think we will see him until after the bye rounds.

Luke Power ($407,800)
Games: 6
Average: 82.5 (51-120)
Vested: None

Don’t be fooled by two big scores, Power is not a viable FWD/MID option. He missed round one with a hamstring complaint and has played every game since. When watching a GWS game live, it’s very clear to see the ‘coach’ role in Power playing out on the field. He directs the game around him and can at times show his disappointment in his team mates when they don’t follow the team rules. If there was market on Luke becoming a senior coach in the next ten years, I’d be putting money on it. As for this year, he’ll play when they can play him, and his output will fluctuate, but he won’t be the high scoring Dreamteamer we’d love in our teams each and every week.

Sam Reid ($124,900)
Games: 2
Average: 43.5 (27-60)
Vested: 1 Green Vest (Rnd 6, 3^rd Qtr, 27)

Sam is a mature bodied player who after struggling to make an impact at the Bulldogs, was drafted to the Giants (along with Ward) in the interest of physically protecting their younger players, as well as giving Reid the chance to (re)ignite his career. Sam was never going to play every week, and will likely come into contention later in the year for games.

Sam Schulz ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

I suspect Schulz will play at some point this year, but we he does, and how often is up in the air. A promising young player, Sam still has a long way to go before securing a regular role in the senior side. At 76 kilograms he has some work to do in bulking up his frame, and not being in the senior side at this stage can only help his longevity.

Tom Scully ($348,700)
Games: 6
Average: 77.7 (44-107)
Vested: None

Scully’s Dreamteam output has not matched the importance as his on-field performance. Tom has been a very important rebound player for the giants, navigating through defensive zones when others appear to be stuck, but he still has a long way to go. Notching up only one tonne this year, it’s safe to say that Scully hasn’t gotten as much of the pill as one would have expected leading into the season. Keep your eye on him, as later in the year he may grow into his leadership role and demand more of the ball.

 Dylan Shiel ($280,000)
Games: 7
Average: 65.7 (36-81)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 1, 3^rd Qtr, 36 pts, Fitness)

Dylan is slowly starting to live up to the hype that surrounded him leading up to round one. After having no real preseason due to his appendix being sucked out via a tube inserted through his foot (the only explanation for that mystery moon boot which makes logical sense), he celebrated the start of his career by wearing a nice Red Vest. With two scores in the 80’s Dylan is starting to show his potential, but sadly, he is also showing how much he loves to handball (almost four handballs for every three kicks). Hopefully he will learn to kick more over the next few rounds and make some money, as I fear he will be rested later in the season to avoid burning out.

Devon Smith ($271,500)
Games: 7
Average: 71.3 (39-97)
Vested: 1 Green Vest (Rnd 5, 3^rd Qtr, 39 pts)

Smith‘s green vest in round five hurt, but if you rage traded him out before his 97 in round six, that would have hurt even more. A handy DPP,Devon(or Fritz for those South Australians amongst us), is shaping up as a handy backup on our bench until a true downgrade target presents. Zorko is the obvious replacement (should he play next week), but personally I will try to hold Smith as long as I can. Highly rated by Sheedy, a full preseason under his belt, and an ability to play forward or through the middle, the short statured Smith has been one of the rookie pickups of the season so far.

Liam Sumner ($139,200)
Games: 2
Average: 43.5 (23-64)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 7, 3^rd Qtr, 23 pts, Strategic)

Another youngster who will be rotated all year long, Sumner has moments of brilliance followed by long absences of hiding in the shadows. Touted as ‘the next Dale Thomas’ by some of the media at the end of last season (mostly due to his hair), Liam will take a while to live up to that hype. A perfect example of a ‘future player’, the Giants are being very careful with their younger players to ensure they have long and healthy careers. Sumner’s year won’t be this year, but it will come.

Adam Tomlinson ($179,900)
Games: 4
Average: 49.3 (23-70)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 4, 3^rd Qtr, 23 pts, Strategic)

Tomlinson has been good but not great in his four games so far. Removing his Red Vested score, his average has been closer of 60 this season, but that’s still no comfort if you picked him as a smokie in your starting squad as you’d want closer to 70. Another ‘future player’, Tomlinson is being heavily managed, playing him when they want some extra run, and giving him a rest before he get’s too tired. With a plethora of midsized, young midfielders to choose from, Tomlinson will need some more strings in his bow before he gets a solid run of games on the board.

Jacob Townsend ($164,700)
Games: 6
Average: 44.3 (32-59)
Vested: 1 Green Vest (Rnd 4, 3^rd Qtr, 32 pts)

Wow does this kid love to tackle! Slightly over 30% of Jacob’s entire Dreamteam points come from tackles. In six games he’s had 21 tackles and only 50 possessions. All of this means nothing of course unless I throw around the word ‘tag’. Townsend is aggressive, fit, and shuts players down. This is why Sheedy is more than happy to have him in the team on a near weekly basis. Personally I expect a mid-season rest only to come back later in the year, but hey, that’s irrelevant to Dreamteam coaches. After all, if you (still) have Townsend, you probably also own Kerr and Dawson. I’m not saying delete your team, but, actually I am. Delete your team.

Adam Treloar ($217,400)

Games: 4
Average: 77.3 (63-95)
Vested: None

Another hard at it, young midfielder, Treloar was talked up in the preseason and then vanished from radar thanks to a foot injury. He has already been rested since his round three debut, and although his scoring output is great, and he is willing to win his own ball, the question remains how many games he will play this year. The Giants have explicitly said on a number of occasions that players will not be risked, and youngsters are in it for the long haul. Based on that, a foot injury is a glaring red flag. As was his interrupted of preseason. He will be rested, the question is, how often?

Dom Tyson ($183,700)
Games: 4
Average: 46.3 (17-91)
Vested: 2 Green Vests (Rnd 1, 3^rd Qtr, 25 pts & Rnd 2, 4^th Qtr, 17 pts)

Twice starting games (round 1 & 2) wearing green, followed by being dropped (for three rounds), Tyson, must have been left scratching his head as to where his AFL journey would take him. Another who was heavily talked up by team mates in the preseason, Dom was recalled in round six and is starting to stake his claim for more regular appearances. Against the Suns, Tyson scored a hearty 91 points from his 21 possession game and should be around a few more weeks. As for those asking if he is worth getting in; I’ve heard dumber trades mentioned, but unless you wanted to keep him all year, it’s just not feasible in my eyes. Also, why couldn’t he just be named Tom Dyson as I have spelt just about every time I write his name? I know I’m not the only one who struggles with it!

Gerard Ugle ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

Ugle will break into the team eventually, but the drafting of Luke Power meant that he won’t be seen often this year; not early anyway. A pocket rocket defender, Ugle is just too far back in the list at this stage to have any real impact this season.

Callan Ward ($422,700)
Games: 7
Average: 99.0 (54-136)
Vested: None

Ward is easily the best of the Giants this year, both on the field (in real life), and (on the field) in Dreamteam Land. Thanks to two average games (83 in Round 5 & 54 in Round 6) Ward is currently only $20k up on his starting price. This puts him in a prime upgrading position if you have the courage to get a real point of difference in your midfield. Apart from those two games, Ward has score 100 points or more on every occasion with a high score of 136 and an average across those five games of 111.2. As with fellow co-captain Davis, Ward has played every game this season, and should play the rest of the year.

Mark Whiley ($104,200)
Games: 0
Average: 0 (0)
Vested: None

Give him a few seasons. At the moment he is probably at the cinema hanging up with Tom Downie and Tim Golds checking out the latest release. I hear Prometheus will kick ass.

Nathan Wilson ($104,200)
Games: 2
Average: 32.5 (29-36)
Vested: 1 Red Vest (Rnd 2, 4^th Qtr, 29 pts)

Wilson is a player around the edges of selection every week and just can’t break back after his poor showings in the first two rounds. Expect him to get a call up soon however after kicking four goals running through the midfield in the NEAFL against Gold Coast reserves on the weekend. UnfortunatelyWilsonwill likely be in an out as much as anyone else on the fringes of selection all year, and is just not a worthwhile option at this stage.

Downgrades:
Put simply, there will be no certain downgrade targets at the Giants this season for coaches. At least, not with how much rotation these boys will be managed through. The later in the season a player can debut the better, as it means they’ll more than likely get a late string of games, rather than hit and miss games throughout the season.

But for those who don’t accept that as an answer, here are the players I would consider – depending on circumstances – AFTER the GWS Bye (Round 11). In order:

1. Clifton
2. Darley
3. Buntine
4. Miles
5. Patton

Summary
So there you go. Take from this article what you will. Hopefully it will help you understand the way GWS are approaching this year, let you get to know the players better, and help your trade choices for the rest of the year. I’m sure I haven’t answered every question out there, so if you have any comments, counter arguments or suggestions: Post below!

I’m beginning to appreciate Forrest Gump’s hidden talent as a Dream Team coach. Each weekend is like his proverbial box of chocolates: y’never know what yer gonna get! Well, last weekend saw a brilliantly high-scoring round – congrats to all coaches who cracked the 2400 mark! With most of the fantasy guns either starting to fire or coming back from injury, I hope the big scoring continues this weekend. There’s been a good bit of twatter this week, which I’ve trimmed to a few hot topics, so here we go!

Multi-Bye Rounds

There are quite a few out there who are starting to plan for the fearsome multi-bye rounds. There have been a few very thorough ‘how to’ articles posted on this site, but I reckon it’s a bit like booking a prostate exam – there’s going to be a bit of suffering, but it’ll all be alright on the other side.

The queries that have been thrown about have me curious about your strategy, particularly around these questions. Do you keep building your team up now to bank points and eat donuts come the byes? Do you compromise on your upgrades and trade in players to minimise donuts across the MBRs? I’m just putting this out there, so you can send it right back, but I’m keen to hear what you’re planning.

On a side note, I’ll be pulling a couple of bargain-hunting upgrades across my back and forward lines, trying to minimise my bye players to 3 per line per week and then upgrading selectively in R12-R14 to guns who have had a rest. And I’ll be sure to wear clean undies when it comes time to have my prostate probed…

Much Ado About Gary

If you’re looking at getting Gazza into your squad, this is not the week to do it. His BE is a massive 176, and while he is capable of hitting that mark, logic says that next week or even the week after is the time to bring him in. If he plays to his current average of 129, he’ll have bottomed out in R8-9 at about $550-560k, which is around his starting price.

@DavidKontro shot through a good question (above). With a fully loaded gun MID, is GAJ essential? This is going to sound like heresy and I can hear the lynch mob baying for my blood already, but at this stage of the season, I’d say no. If you have a 5-6 premium midfield, you’re better off upgrading on your other lines to get your team done. Come back to Ablett after his bye and then get him in if you have a luxury trade to spare. I hope that pacifies the mob.

Mc-Kneed

HMac is a great player and I didn’t like seeing the Kangas ruck tumble after tweaking his knee. Thankfully, that’s all it is, with scans clearing him of any structural damage and @NorthKangaroos tweeting the latest update (below).

He’ll be out for 1-2 weeks and those of you who have him will be aching for his return like a kid waiting for Christmas. Yes, you may have to cop a donut in your rucks for the next fortnight, but don’t waste a trade to flick the big fella. He’ll be back for you soon enough and, in the meantime, you could be picking up a juicy gun or two at a bargain price.

Turf Toe

I was skeptical. It’s the stuff of fables, like unicorns and fairies, but after Chris Yarran’s recent episode with the mystical ‘turf toe’, I must now admit that it’s for real-real. My apologies to Sandi and Yarran for ever doubting that this condition was fictional.

Injury Woes

Apart from HMac, it’s not too bad this week, with quite a few potentially coming back. Popular DT picks who are listed as ‘test’ include Jed Adcock, Pearce Hanley, Luke Parker, Matt Priddis and NicNat. Al ‘Bundy’ Christensen is strangely marked as ‘TBA’ on the AFL Injury List, but this snip indicates that he may be just 1-2 weeks off. Sam Fisher is also a week from resuming regular duties.

Pick Me! Pick Me!

Hmm… This little bitty is getting tougher to nail as my research is a thin as my four-year-old socks and the cull has started on a few starting rooks, so pardon me if I miss anyone. With Ellis getting the flick for many, Buggy is still the leading defensive rook while Morris has redeemed himself somewhat on the back of last weekend’s decent performance. Spurr should be okay. The midfield is getting stronger by the week, with Horse, Coniglio and Greene leading the way. Jimmy Mac should be in this week too, so plenty of good options there. Giles is the lone fantasy rookie ruck still standing, but keep an eye out for Longer in the lists tonight. Adam Treloar, Dev Smith and Taylor Adams should be solid up front. Those of you who hung on to Tory Dickson will be happy to note that he’s up against the Suns this week, so is worth a shot if selected.

Anyways, that’s the rub for this week. Pretty confident there will be good scoring this weekend as most coaches will be pulling and upgrade or two this week. Feel free to add any news bits, rants, raves, etc below to keep the motor whirring. See ya next Thursday for another bout of media trawling and good luck this weekend!

Any questions, suggestions, general chit-chat or requests for next week’s Extra?
Hit me up on the Tweetvine: @TeeTeeDT

Well, round 7 was an absolute belter of a round with the par score around a massive 2200 points. The trades are flying hard and fast (in a Tony Greig voice) at this point of the season, and people are starting to get what they consider a ‘set’ team to have a crack at league glory or for a select few the FJ. What trades will get you there? Well, me or my crystal ball doesn’t know but it’s sure as hell good fun to discuss!

Spurr of the moment?

This week,  general consensus in dream team communities (and assistant coach stats) is trading young tiger Brandon Ellis to mature Docker Lee Spurr. Ellis got the attack of Scorpion ( I don’t care what others say chook, I’m gonna keep it going) and pumped out a paltry 6, putting a halt in his dream team cash production quicker than David Cloke shops around Travis Cloke for more dollars. Ellis has already leaked $21,200 last week and with a b/e of 82, is due to leak another $13,500 so now appears the time to jump ship. For the first time this season, there is a back line rookie that is on the bubble,and is actually worth considering and this man is Lee Spurr. Lee Spurr looked at home on the half back line, amassing 20 disposals and 6 marks for 69 points and now has a b/e of -21 and projected increase $26,900. Something to consider with Spurr is that he only has played GC and Port so may not look as home against the better teams like Hawthorn and West Coast (ironically, the teams he plays next. Job security wise, he is keeping veteren Antoni Grover and Alex Silvagni out of the team so has a chance to keep playing and earn some cash.

Is this a good trade?  Well you make $104,100 on the trade, which isn’t great money, but Spurr does have more cash generation in the interim. Is it worth a trade? In my opinion, no.  I see Rd 13 rookies like Ellis and Morris as keepers until this round, when they can be traded to rd 11 or 12 players to reduce the amount of donuts. With all the gun rd 13 backmen, flexibility will be the key to successfully navigate the bye rounds.

Looking upwards, an extra $200k or so will get you gun premos who have bottomed out such as Shaw ($421k), Goddard and Suckling ($417,000) Birchall ($398,000)  and Waters ($393,000). There are players from each round to suit any structure needs and with other rooks with great job security, upgrading at this time of the season may turn out to be more profitable than the cull.

Well, short and sweet this week, are you jumping on the Spurr wagon? or will you just hold the trades for future cows and sacrifice a bit of cash? Discuss it all here!

Any feedback much appreciated on @jimbobholder on the twitterverse

Beasts From The East Update

In 1991 I received a phone call from my Under 16’s Cricket coach.  “Stuey, its Crackers here mate.  Adam and Luke (our two gun players) have been suspended at school and can’t play tomorrow.  I need you to open the batting and bowling tomorrow.”  Holy sh*t, this was my first experience with pressure.

Winning the toss was my peak performance for the day.  Padding up I started getting what I thought were butterflies.  A solid if not fluent Number 7 bat, my day usually consisted of 6 steamed dim-sims, a pie with sauce and two orange Lucozades cooling my heels on the boundary while Adam and Luke smashed the ball all over the park.  By the time I was ready to face the first ball I almost shat my pants.  This was my first ever taste of performance anxiety.  The second time was one year later at the Yr 11 formal after party with Skye Goldsworthy.

Since then I breezed through A-grade pennant for Olinda GC dominating opponents.  Marriage proposal and subsequent marriage was a cinch.  Child birth, well not that us males do much, was stress free.

This year I am presently dealing with my third ‘performance anxiety episode’.  Holding up the ladder for #BeastsFromTheEast.

Having been given the task of writing a short weekly update on @Aki_DT #BeastsFromTheEast progress against @tbetta9 #WestIsBest league battle I have, as @robbo_heraldsun would say “dogged it”.

As a Performance Coach I tell my clients “There is no failure, only feedback” so I have decided that I need to take responsibility and update the 3 people that have asked for the status update.

The West is currently having their way with us like Kim Duthie had with Ricky Nixon.  I am hearing on the tweetvine that #WestIsBest is sitting quite comfortably as the 24^th best Dreamteam League in the World whereas #BeastFromTheEast are 241^st.

On Twitter recently I seem to have uncovered a few others that might be suffering from my ‘performance anxiety affliction’.  Needing not name and shame those twits I just want to acknowledge @RainmanDT, @FlossyDT, @McRathDT and @ImpromptuSC for attending the ‘It’s Ok To Be Average’ seminar with me on Sunday night.

Averaging 2051 points a round The Beasts from The East have scored 243,975 total points.  There have been some great performances lead by our director of Coaching Aki, who is sitting 851^st in The World and on top of our points ladder closely followed by @TeeTeeDT  “Faecal Mistifiers” in second and Sam’s “Bucks Premiership” third.

Leading Round 7 performers were @Aki_DT‘s “anNEALEiation” with 2344 points, @JanineMcGlynn “B(r)ogan Power” with 2312 and @Doutheez  “Cousin Coke and Ice” 2302.

Needing a lift are @McRathDT, who scored 2015 (sorry Matty but I am lighting a fire under your belly) and last years Supercoach Legend (this year’s legend in his Dreamteam’s lunchbox) @ImpromptuSC with 2071 in a week where 2200 was par.

At a time when upgrades are happening all over the Dreamteam world, we will stay positive that the #BeastsFromTheEast can trade our way to glory and reel in the #WestIsBest mob who are getting far to cocky for their own good. (my best upgrade this year was a medium to a large McChicken Meal at McDonalds!)

If you have read this far and your thoughts are ‘bloody hell I am not going to get these three minutes of my life back’ please let me know in the comments section and I will return under the rock that I crawled out from to give this update.

P.S.  For those wondering, I made a Golden Duck and my first over I bowled took 16 balls to complete due to 4 no balls and 6 wides.  A great day of my life that I have just relived while writing this update!

Tweet me up @stueyden to feel better about your Dreamteam performance

P.S.S Maybe I need to add DT to my Twitter handle???  Nah it’s not helping Rainman haha

LAST WEEKS TOP 5

Dane Swan 143
Brent Stanton 140
Scott Pendlebury 119
Gary Ablett 106
Tom Rockliff 73

Before I get started… check out my top 5 from last week. Pretty solid (excluding old Rocky there) but the best thing about it is the order is pretty much on the money.  Yeah I know I don’t have Boyd in there for his massive 162pts, but you’d have to be pretty happy with any of those top 3 for your #1 job.

Grand Final Re-Match

This Friday night we will witness a massive match in DT for the week. This match could hold the key to your success over the weekend and it has some of the biggest guns playing. Scott Pendlebury had a nice 131pts in the Grand Final last year despite a rotating tag from Kelly and Corey. He has scored 4×100+ against the Cats in his last 5 games and with an average of 122 in his last 3 this year, he should be great once again. On the other hand, his partner in crime Dane Swan… had a terrible record against the Cats last year with scores of 68 and 84 in his last 2 games against them. But with Cameron Ling on the sidelines, things will now be much easier for him this year. Last week when the Crows played Geelong, Scott Thompson (138pts) was the only guy to crack a ton against them, although 7 others had 90+… and that was in a 50pt upset win to the Crows. Meaning, although they were pumped, the Cats made it tough to score. Swan has played in 3 Friday night games this year for scores of 102, 109 and 117 and has averaged 130 in his last 3 at the MCG with a massive 171 in his last. Taylor Hunt tagged Dangerfield (86) and will most likely go to one of these big Collingwood guns on Friday night. Joel Selwood is another guy certainly worth considering too. He had 119 (28d, 7t, 2g) in the GF last year and has scored 100+ in all of his last 4 games against Collingwood with a low of just 93 in his last 8 games. This week he goes for his 6^th straight ton at the MCG and should certainly be looked at with the big “C”.

Ablett V Boyd

How big will this be? Both players could actually walk out of this game with huge scores next to their names and I’m tipping it will happen. Last week (as predicted), Gary Ablett wasn’t at his best. Yes, he managed 106 but after flying with 62pts at the half, he did slow down. Whether he is wearing a GC top or a Geelong top, Gazza loves playing the Bulldogs and had 118 and 115 on them last year and is going for his 7^th straight 100+ on them this week. He has never played in Darwin but has averaged 121 in his last 3 this year. On the other hand, Matthew Boyd has played in Darwin several times before and averages 112 there in his last 3 games, with the most recent being in 2010 when he posted a nice 133. He played the Suns twice in 2011 for an average of 130 and finds himself coming off that ripper 162 last week against the Roos. My only concern (sorta) is that Boyd has had low scores of 84 and 94 in his last 4 games this year, but I’m brushing that aside. The weather is forecasted to be a high of 32 degrees during the day (yep I checked like a good pirate) and it may get hotter at night when these two lads get on fire. BOOM! Great creative writing!

A Few Other Seamen

Marc Murphy will bounce back this week I reckon after poor scores in his last 2 games (prick). He has had 126 and 144 in his last 2 against the Crows and will be back to his best this week.
Sam Mitchell usually gets the tag from Crowley but has still averaged 110 on the Dockers in his last 3. He had just 63pts when he was at Aurora earlier this year but did averaged 127 there in 2011. The Dockers are one of his better teams though as he goes for his 6^th straight 100+ score on them this week.
Scott Thompson has averaged 100 in his last 3 games against the Blues but has previous scores of 86 and 88 against them. He only has 100+ score against them in his last 4 games and is a little bit of a worry this week.
Brent Stanton has continued his awesome run with 140 last week to average 137 in his last 3 games this year. He had 135 and 69 on Richmond last year and may cop the tag from Daniel Jackson. The Tigers didn’t give up a single 100+ score to the Swans last week and this one will be interesting.
Tom Rockliff plays the GWS and you’d be thinking he’d give them a DT lesson. Maybe. Will he be sat forward though like last week when he had just 73pts? Tough to call. He did crave up poor teams like Melbourne (130) and the Suns (143) earlier this year, so hopefully he’ll be back this week.

TWITTER FOLLOW: @CalvinDT

To sign up to the Fantasy Freako Rave mailing list to have this emailed to you every Wednesday afternoon, head to championdata.com.au.

DOWNLOAD: Fantasy_Freako_Rd7.pdf