AAMI First Take: Swans v Giants, Lions v Suns

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Three quick takes from each club. Listen to the podcast for more! This was originally published shortly after the game finished on Patreon.

Click here for Sydney v GWS match report featuring Fantasy watch.

Click here for Brisbane v Gold Coast match report featuring Fantasy watch.

1. Errol Gulden (MID, $1,073,000) rolled his ankle in the first quarter after gathering six disposals and kicking a goal. The club said it is minor and he’ll be right for Opening Round.

2. Brodie Grundy (RUC, $1,122,000) picked up where he left off last year – flag though that he was up against Madden/Riccardi – scoring 89 from 58% TOG. 33 hitouts to go with 15d, 3m, 2t and a goal, we didn’t get a massive look at the ruck rules in this one considering it rained, and his opponent. I’m bullish on Grundy as a top ruck. Close to No.1?

3. Angus Sheldrick (MID, $651,000) has done this before. He can score, there’s no doubt about that… but where does he sit in that pecking order? I don’t think I would be taking a punt on him.

1. Toby Greene (MID, $850,000) was a midfielder for the Giants, hitting the most CBAs for the game. Will he get a bit of time in there this year? Even prior to the Tom Green injury, it was flagged. Probably not a Classic option – unless an OR score tempts us – but defintiely one to consider for Draft.

2. Harry Rowston (MID, $544,000) was the one that most were watching for role. He was fourth in line behind Greene, Cogs and Oliver for CBAs (only by 2 in total), but that looked to be the rotation. We have Finn Callaghan coming back – he said on the coverage that he will be there for OR. 19 disposals in 71% TOG for 73 points was a tick.

3. James Leake (DEF/FWD, $262,000) has to be on our rookie radar. He played out 86% TOG. His role was interesting, forward of the ball… but managed to move around the ground enough (I think… the rain and coverage was tough!) to take seven marks to go with his 16 touches for 68 points. At that price, we probably pick him in the forward line as a third-year player considering the cash cows options… so long as he’s playing!

1. Keidean Coleman (DEF, $559,000) played in defence this week (no Zorko…), but Fagan said in the pre-game that this would be his role tonight and moving forward. His 58 points wasn’t setting the world

2. Lincoln McCarthy (FWD, $452,000) has been doing a bit this pre-season off half-back – how many do these Lions have – but we saw some quality stuff as a half-forward as he took 7 marks and kicked 2 goals for 89 points. Well above his 43 breakeven.

3. Honestly… there isn’t much else here apart from me wanting to make a comment on these Opening Round teams are pretty shitty for Fantasy study.

1. Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $948,000) is someone plenty of us are looking at as starting at F2, despite the early bye. He scored 88 as the Suns’ top scorer and highest disposal winner (24). There was more than enough MID time as he had the most CBAs for Gold Coast. Also inther was Anderson, Powell and then a sprinking of other players… Touk had minimal (hello FWD status).

2. Leo Lombard (FWD, $230,000) has to be on our forward benches. I think he’ll be locked in to start as one of the Suns’ forwards for Opening Round – and more importantly for us in Fantasy, Round 1. He booted three goals and ended up with 71 points. Scoring will not be like that each week – that’s why he’s on our bench – but at least he looks like he’ll be there.

3. Zeke Uwland (DEF/MID, $346,000) needs to be reconsidered as an option. He’s certainly not No.1 on my rookie rankings now. He started on the pine and played 67% TOG, mostly on the wing and had 14 touches with just one mark. Not sure we’re going to see enough upside as a starting option after scoring just 33… at that inflated price, nor should he be on field. Brutal, but I’m not sure he’s a lock for the 23 after hearing he training in the B-team this week. Cooling.

Warnie

Co-captain of DT Talk since we started this thing in 2007. Best finish was 13th in 2009... that was a long time ago. Follow on Twitter: @WarnieDT and follow on Instagram: @warnedawgs.