Punching above their weight – Round 4

Which players are playing better than their average?

Who are those that are outperforming their price?

Who is punching above their weight?

Firstly the question on everybody’s lips…Is the Hampson Medal cursed?

Recent performances suggest that it probably is.

The Chad was the inaugural recipient of the Hampson after pumping out two 110+ scores, he has now followed this up with a 74 and smashed out a Lonergan like 26 last week. He even felt compelled to rip his top off and bring the rig out, like that will enhance his DT scoring.. Pull your head in Chad, and respect the honour that is being Hampson Medalist.

Rhys Stanley picked up the Gong last week after starting the season in fine fashion, but pumped out a measly 52 against the Dockers. This is probably more reflective of his scoring and demonstrates the fluctuating scores of the younger players. But Rhys…you are on notice…respect the Hampson.

So on to this week, a week that can be summed up by 4 tiny letters FMDT. Yep I know that I wasn’t the only one to say it, but pretty sure I yelled it the loudest!!

Anyway through injuries, withdrawals and suspensions there were some shining lights and I will jump straight to this week’s top 3.

Coming in third and currently punching at +27 is Ryan Hargrave … The Gravy Train!
Yep showed us what Junk time is all about against Melbourne with a 45 point last qtr to pump out 113 glorious DT points. Priced @ 61 and averaging 88, the train shows no signs of slowing down and has a BE of 19. If you have missed the train, he is still very well priced so jump on now as barring injury he shows all signs of being D6/7 in your final team. Oh did I mention that Doggies play GWS this week? Surely that means many more +6s for the train… All Aboard!!

Runner Up for this weeks Hampson is a guy that has featured in the running for each of the last 3 weeks Brad Ebert punching at +31 shows no signs of showing down and after a really slow start last week against the pies, cam home with a wet sail to hit 100 DT points, his 3rd century of the year. Those that punted on him early are being richly rewarded and worst case is that he provides a fantastic stepping stone for one of your midfield upgrades. Still priced well @ 77 and averaging 108 with a BE of 24 he looks like the real deal.

So to this week’s medalist… from the swannies Craig Bird… who? Yep that is what I said when the numbers spoke to me (that is another story). The nuggetty little mid fielder is punching well above his weight at the moment at +33. Priced @ 65 and averaging a very handy 98. This is an inflated average due to his opening round 127 against the Giants, but has backed that up with 82, 87 and 97 v North. Certainly not on anyone’s radar I wouldn’t have thought but definitely punching above his weight. Let’s see if the Hampson Curse continues?

Given Carnage week as well coaches starting to look at their Midfield upgrades, I thought that I would look at some of the Mid Priced Midfielders and see how they are punching. I have put them into 2 categories Heavyweights and Middleweights

Heavyweights

(Punching +20 and Above, averaging over 100, haven’t played any easy beats)

Brad Ebert +31, 3 x 100+, Ave 20 Disp, 5T, Next Opp: Ade (76 ave)
Verdict: Stepping Stone

Callan Ward +22, 4 x 100+, Ave 28 Disp, 6 T, Next Opp: WB (N/A)
Verdict: Keeper

Shane Tuck +35 (minus sub 47), 2 x 100+, Ave 24 Disp, 7T, Next Opp: WCE (100 ave)
Verdict: Jury is out

Michael Barlow +23 (minus sub 52, 67) 1 x 100+, Ave 27 Disp, 6T Next Opp: Car (119 ave)
Verdict: Keeper

Middleweights

(Have played against  at least 1 of the easy beats or punching less than +20)

Lenny Hayes +20, 2 x 100+, Ave 26 Disp, 8T Next Opp: Mel (100 ave)
Verdict: Keeper if his health holds out

Liam Anthony +20, 2 x 100+, Ave 29 Disp, 4T Next Opp: GCS (116 ave)
Verdict: Need to see him against decent opposition

Scott Selwood +17, 2 x 100+, Ave 30 Disp, 4T Next Opp: Ric (56 ave)
Verdict: Need to see him against decent opposition

Josh Kennedy +14, 1 x 100+, Ave 29 Disp, 5T Next Opp: Haw (76 ave)
Verdict: Potential keeper next year

Tendai Mzungu +14, 1 x 100+, Ave 23 Disp, 5T Next Opp: Car (105 ave)
Verdict: Potential keeper next year

Rory Sloane +12, 2 x 100+, Ave 21 Disp, 7T Next Opp: PA (84 ave)
Verdict: Potential keeper next year

Notable Mentions to:

Kane Cornes
Chris Masten
John McCarthy
Shaun Grigg

All punching above their weight, can’t see any of them being keepers.

So there you have it.. The Hampson for another week…congratulations to Craig Bird and lets hope that he doesn’t get struck down by the Curse!

Follow me on twitter @RainmanDT.