Moneyball’s $5,000 Saturday Slam

With only four games to choose from, this one will be interesting. In fact, I believe with limited options, it makes it even harder (of course) but overall, I prefer this as my tips below should rise to the top and secure us some dough.

$5,000 with the winner taking $650 and its pays $34.18 right down to 89^th

St Kilda v Sydney 1:45pm
GWS v Richmond
Collingwood v Hawthorn
Brisbane v Adelaide 7:25pm

Brodie Grundy (RUC, $9,900)

I’m sorry to spend all the coin on a premium ruckman from the word ‘go’, but Grundy is a ‘lock’ this week and I don’t think we can gamble elsewhere.

Firstly, there’s no  Mason Cox and without Cox with year he is averaging 121 and carrying a lowest score of 111. As he has played games with Cox this year at an average of just 89, his price is still cheap, meaning although he’s the highest in the ‘ruck category’ he is somewhat of a bargain.

Last week, Stef Martin scored 134 (season high) against the Hawks and their ruckman McEvoy and I’m tipping big Brodie will be around as well.

Daniel Lloyd (MID, $3,800)

He’s as cheap as chips and if he can replicate (or even better) his score of 61 on debut, we’ll take that everyday of the week. He’s up against Richmond this week who are giving up the most points over the last three weeks.

He’s a proven scorer and ball winner and before getting the call up last week he was averaging 30 touches and 115 in the NEAFL from 4 games. At home, Lloyd who racked up 17 touches last weekend, surely will be better for the run and be 70+.

Taylor Adams (MID, $10,800)

If I had to pick a Moneyball captain for today, then Adams with be carrying the ‘C’.

Taylor is coming off scores of 115, 117 and 148 and against the Hawks, this will be a piece of cake. They are currently giving up the most 120+ scores, the second most 100+ scores and the fourth most points over the last three weeks.

Adams could be something special today and after picking Danger (156) and Duncan’s (169) big scores last night, I’m confident and quietly up and about  with my premo selections.

Tex Walker (FWD, $7,400)

Last year against the Lions, Tex went big with 126. That day he slotted 4 goals and this year when Tex has booted 4, he’s averaged 106. So how many do you think he can kick? I think 4 is a minimum and therefore a lock in my team today.

Now while I’m talking forwards we need to remember Isaac Heeney (FWD, $7,500). He’ll be very popular, but popular for a reason and I don’t want you to miss him out of your teams. He’s coming off scores of 118, 102 and 120. Basically picks himself.

Jamie Elliot (FWD, $5,800)

Dead set bargain. Especially against the Hawks as I mentioned above.

Elliott carried lots of pre-season hype and now he’s back, he’s certainly going under the radar. But now he’s been exposed! With scores of 88 and 91 in his last two games, Elliott is a former gun who has averaged 84 in the past.

Jarrod Berry (MID, $4,600)

With Rockliff on the sidelines, Berry is guaranteed more midfield time. He received it last week in the absence of Dayne Beams and racked up a juicy 54 at the half. Although he dropped off, he should be better than that this week.

Berry was a NEAFL pig back in the day and in his only game this year there he scored 128 from 29 touches and 12 marks. The kid can find the pill and with more of an opportunity, he’ll thrive this week back home at the GABBA.

Hugh Greenwood (MID, $3,800)

On debut, Greenwood could push out something special today against the Lions. Obviously a great game to debut in, Greenwood has been nothing short of awesome in the SANFL this year as their co-captain leading from the front.

A call up to the big league was always on the cards for this 90kg, 190cm midfield monster who was averaging 107 in the SANFL from 5 games before being tapped on the shoulder.

Hugh was a former US College Basketball star with the New Mexico Lobos who played 130 games with them over his 4 years. That’s a legit basketball background, not this other rubbish you hear about. He was lured back to Australia by the Perth Wildcats before then being lured by the Crows. He’s not just a normal rookie guys, this guy at the age of 25 is a freak of an athlete and could be around for a while yet.

In fact, do not be surprised if Hugh pumps out a sneaky 90+ for us today. He loves a cuddle (tackle) and if he can find the ball 15+ times as the Crows thump the Lions, anything is possible.