Jeppa’s Draftees – Rd 16

Firstly, thanks to Calvin, Roy & Warnie for letting me rip off the green vest and make my debut on DT Talk. Also a special mention to Chook who has been a huge help each round this year and I hope to continue his good advice at the business end of the season.

No doubt the flavor of the round was the amount of mature rookies on debut, timely for those looking to make some cash for their last few upgrades.

Three-or-more Gamers

As we approach finals, the only relevance of the three-or-more game players is whether or not they are ‘keepers’. DayneZorko’s continued his 100+ performances and is well and truly in the Premium category. Toby Greene was very impressive with 121 and for those running low on trades should be considered for your last midfield spot. Sam Gibson continued his good run off half back for 68 and is a perfect midfield backup. Jarred Redden made a timely return to Port with 75 making him very good ruck cover and Sam Shaw enjoyed running off Izzy for a strong 84. Lee Spurr’s unexpected 104 made a lot of coaches smile and given the Dockers play GWS this week I suspect Spurr will hold his place,but long term I am not so sure.

The disappointments of the multi gamers were Aaron Hall (26), Beau Wilkes (11), Jack Crisp (43), Marty Clarke (30), Billie Smedts (25) and Jonathon Patton (35). If you can afford to off load these blokes then do so as soon as you can!

Two Gamers

The ‘worst 47 seconds of football ever’ included big man Tom Derickx dropping one of the easiest chest marks that ultimately cost Richmond the game. His poor marking and 19 point performance will likely see him back at Coburg this week. On a brighter note, the Dockers Cameron Sutcliffe showed some class when coming on for Broughton in the third quarter. He delivered the ball lace out numerous times and if he continues his good form I’m convinced he’ll be a regular member of the Fremantle 22. The last of the two gamers, Andrew McInnes scored a solid 68 but still looks out of place to me and would be a risky downgrade option.

One Gamers

We finally got to see Tom Couch in action and he started well by avoiding the green vest. Playing predominately on the ball with stints up forward, Couch managed a respectable 66 points, which included 9 tackles. Given the Demons growing injury list, his basement price and MID/FWD eligibility, Couch has to be your first downgrade option. Mark Baguleya Def/Mid definitely snuck under the radar this week with a score of 81 and he’s poised to stick around in the Bombers back six afterHibberd injured his quad.Sam Dunnell scored an impressive 46 in a half of football,but with Goddard and Steven due to return that could be his only game for the year. Josh Hall jumped his way to 37 including 2 goals before being subbed out in the third quarter.  Geelong debutants Josh Walker, 55 and Jackson Sheringham, 18 definitely did not look out of place in the Saturday night blockbuster.Steve Clifton managed a subdued 40 after a bit of gee up from those within GWS and Def/Mid Luke Brown scored a 45 from the back pocket against the GWS.

Keep Your Eye on

Sam Docherty – A Def/Mid who does come with the higher price tag of $130,200 however, given the Lions are not going to make finals I suspect Michael Voss will want to get games into his #12 pick from last year to fast track his development and improve the Lions depth. Docherty’s NEAFL form in recent weeks warrants selection.

Anthony Miles –This well built midfielder has been BOG 2 weeks in a row for the GWS reserves. Sheeds is one to reward players for effortand given his 89 points in his one and only game earlier in the year, Miles could be a good downgrade optionfor the remaining rounds.

Sam Kerridge – Another youngster in form in the 2’s after being named in the bests 4 weeks in a row. This Fwd/Mid option is unlikely to get consecutive games that don’t involve a vest of some colour but if his SANFL form continues,Brenton Sanderson may reward him.