The Numbers – Round 7

Numbers… it’s what DT is all about. Price changes; averages; break-evens… the list goes on. After a huge week, where we saw some massive scores – coaches’ teams are starting to look superior as we start planning for the Multi Bye Rounds. With a round spanning 4 days, there is plenty to talk about from the weekend’s games. Here we go.

Let’s have a looks at this week by the numbers…

4 – Goals scored by St Kilda goal sneak Stephen Milne against the Blues at the weekend. He was at his aggravating best; annoying the Carlton defenders and finding space to help give his team the 4 points.

6 – You’d expect this to be a positive stat i.e. goals scored by a single player in a game. But alas, it is not. It was the final score of Tiger, Brandon Ellis in Richmond’s 29 point upset over Sydney on Saturday. For the coaches (me included) who played him on field, his 3 handball, green vested game was simply disappointing as his cash making and point scoring appears to have now dried up. For those looking to downgrade a player – Ellis has put his hand up to make the decision easier for you.

13 – Crows players to kick a goal in Saturday’s upset win over the Cats. With a bevy of scoring options, Adelaide went onto win by 50 points, winning most statistical categories in the process – most significantly scoring shots, which they won 26-19.

27 – Final score difference in the Giants first win against fellow expansion outfit Gold Coast. Whilst the stats are remarkably close, the Giants outperformed the Suns in the second half to run away with the win. In what was the first of many clashes between the two young clubs, both put on a decent showing without several key players.

51 – Average losing margin by Melbourne Demons in 2012. To date, their 0-7 start is among the worst by a new coach in history, with their best performance coming in the form of an 18 point loss to St Kilda in R5. Sitting below Gold Coast in 18^th spot on the ladder, their 56.80 % has them clear wooden spooners at this stage. Mark Neeld will need to do something amazing to turn their season around. Maybe he could try picking players on form… Tom Couch anyone?

52 – Pearce Hanley was on fire up until half time, until his hamstring gave way and forced him out of the game with a half-century. The improving Irishman has been solid in 2012, however scans early this week will determine whether or not he spends any time on the sidelines.

76 – Points scored by super-sub Dave Ellard for the Blues on Monday night. His 3.1 goals and 13 touches gave Carlton new life in the fourth quarter and must be close to a record for the most points scored in a quarter by a green vested player.

123.5 – 2 Round average of Suns emerging midfielder Dion Prestia. After finding plenty of ball against Freo, he amassed 11 tackles to go with his 26 disposals to finish with a huge 127 against the Giants. Along with David Swallow and Harley Bennell, he completes a trio of young stars that will dominate in the AFL for years to come.

50,000 – Coaches who would’ve had their hand in their mouth as they watched HMac limp off in North’s loss to the Bulldogs. Thankfully, the injury appears to be better than first thought, with the club saying he could play as soon as this weekend.

325,000 – Amount of Melburnians who tuned in to see Monday’s game. Whilst still considered a success with over 38,000 fans turning up to see the Blues go down to a rampant Saints; the coverage on Channel 7 was trumped by Channel 9’s The Voice. If Monday Night Footy is to be pursued in the future, they need to either take a look at the TV guide; or they could always continuously play footage of Nick Riewoldt singing during each ad break… Actually I think I’d rather watch The Voice too if that was the other option.

Send me your ‘Numbers’ for the week @McRathDT

The Benchmark

Kudos to Graeme, coach of The Fruit & Vegies – who, despite his questionable team name, put in a ripper score this week. His boys fell agonisingly short of the 2500 mark this week, taking the # 1 spot with a score of 2481. His backline is settled now with Lids, God, Suckling, Broughts, Hargrave and Shaw; His midfield of Stanton, Swan, Boyd and Thompson gave him the best scoring 4-mid premium combo of the week; his Cox/Giles ruck combo worked a treat; with his all-star forward line performing admirably to get him the chocolates in R7. With an overall ranking of 568, this coach is well poised for a crack at the top prize.

Whore of the Week

The WotW trophy wouldn’t be complete without a nomination from perennial premium Matthew Boyd. His 162 points against North on the weekend was outstanding, with him at his whorish best. Boyd totalled 44 disposals (including 32 kicks), 7 marks and 4 tackles. With a game against Suns next week, watch for another big total from the hardened Bulldog.

Coach’s Pet

This week sees yet another 2^nd gamer top the list for most traded in player. Mature-aged Freo defender Lee Spurr was the talk of Freo town at the start of the year; and after finally getting his chance, he doesn’t look like letting it go. He scored a positive 69 on the weekend after his sub-affect debut. With his job security looking good, he appears to be the best backline downgrade option at a time where options are few and far between.

Value Pick

Based on a simple Dollars/Points ratio, I give you a simple way to display value (admittedly biased towards rookies given their low starting cost).

After being one of the most traded out players in R3, Bulldog Tory Dickson has officially come back to haunt his former coaches. With a score of 105 on Sunday, his 3^rd game brings his R7 price to $139,400. This gives him a weekly DP ratio of $1327.62/pt. With a  game against the flailing Suns this weekend, he must surely be considered a decent downgrade target with his still low price and low BE.

The Round Up

Highlights – AFL-wise, the round had everything – with some big wins, huge upsets and a Monday night thriller. DT-wise there were some huge scores, with Boyd (162), Swan (143) and Stanton (140) unsurprisingly at the top of the list. It was also good to see Cogs get the rising star nod with a positive 108 points. Also, special shout out to Giles who is looking every bit the ruck keeper as he topped the ton again v Gold Coast for 107.

Lowlights – Michael Barlow’s inability to find the ball; Christensen going down with a quad injury a week after trading him in; as well as midfield stars Murphy (68), Rockliff (73) and JP Kennedy (83) failing to register a decent score.

Team McRath – I’ll keep it short at the risk of sounding suicidal. I had another shit week. Things aren’t going our way and its becoming apparent that smashing through trades like Kim Duthie does football players is not helping my cause (although it did get Kim a name for herself, albeit not a great one). It’s back to basics this week with a downgrade to get in a promising rookie and it’s time to get in a proven midfielder to steady the sinking ship that is my midfield. Hopefully this gives my team the push it needs to get back into the game. Otherwise I’ll be looking forward to season 2013 as I look to ride off 2012.

A Grand Final replay should provide a great start to the week this Friday, as top 4 fancies Hawks and Freo face off; as well as Carlton and Adelaide. With the half way mark now approaching for season 2012, we can’t afford to be complacent. So remember to check the late news on Friday and keep your eyes peeled for the Friday afternoon team list updates before making any sure-fire trades.

Feedback appreciated as always. Also – if you’re not already… follow me in the Twittersphere: @McRathDT