Roy’s Trade Talk (Best 22 For The GF)

A bit of a different look this week as I have rolled out my best 22 for Grand Final round.  They are named in no particular order and based on form, matchup, reliability through the season and ceiling. Consider which of these criteria your team needs to accomplish your goal this week and trade away.

Defenders: 

Sam Docherty (DEF, $628,000): Is coming off a thumping 143 against the Hawks after a slump by his  standards with 97 and 78 leading up to that game. He has what looks like a tough match up against the Swans, but it’s the MVP Doc who has averaged 119 for the year and scored 159 against the Swans earlier this year.

Taylor Adams (DEF/MID, $658,000): One of the form players of the competition with an average of 128 over his last three. I remember the start of the year where people went against the grain and left Adams out… bad decision. Keep a close eye on whether he is ok to play following a couple of big knocks.

Rory Laird (DEF, $539,000): Has been great in the last three with an average of 108 and an impressive 116 on the weekend. He faces the Eagles who have been giving up a heap.

Bachar Houli (DEF, $542,000): Scored  101 and 128 in his last two and has a nice match up against the Saints where there should be plenty of +6’s available for him.

Michael Hurley (DEF, $558,000): The big fella has averaged 108 in his last three games before missing with a calf complaint. If he plays, his matchup is too good to pass up with a training run against the Dockers at ES.

Luke Hodge (DEF, $486,000): This could have a bit of Kobe Bryant’s farewell game about it where they go to him at every opportunity. Scores of 114 and 159 in his last two against the  Dogs. High risk, high reward.

Midfielders

Tom Mitchell (MID, $679,000): Is just over 30 points off being the GOAT and has form on his side after a thumping 143 against the Blues. He has a bruise free game against the Dogs where he could push 150.

Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $686,000): Although he has a tough looking match up against the Giants, you can never go against the superstar at the Cattery. Has a lazy 130 and 126 in his previous two games this year.

Zach Merrett (MID, $583,000): Form isn’t  pretty with a three game average of just 90  but  he plays at home against a team that allowed Grigg to score 150! The only slight concern  is Sutcliffe tagged Cotchin well last week, so I wouldn’t put the C on him.

Bryce Gibbs (MID, $588,000): has been great all year so deserves his spot despite a tough match up on paper. Has averaged 110 for the year and the Crows has 6 hundreds on the Swans last week including 150 from Sloane.

Dayne  Zorko (MID, $590,000): Not bringing the greatest average into this game with 100 in his last three but this is the kind of game where he could be huge. 150 isn’t out of the question.

Dayne Beams (MID, $614,000): Making a habit of pumping out 140’s by racking up a heap of the ball while snagging himself a few gaols to go with it. Will have an absolute field day at home against the Roos.

Dustin Martin (MID, $627,000): Has a shocking record against the Saints but he is such a  weapon  that it’s hard to leave him out. Has a three game average of 113 and should break his 10 game streak of no 100s in this match up.

Josh Kelly (MID, $628,000): Has a bad matchup and history against the Cats but I couldn’t bring myself to leave out the guy with the third best average over the last three with 125 including two 130’s.

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Rucks

Matthew Kreuzer (RUC, $559,000): The  standout big man in the competition picks himself after averaging 105 for the year and 109 in his last three.

Sam Jacobs (RUC, $539,000): Has a bit of form with scores 125 and 106 within his last three, but it is his matchup with the Eagles that excites me as they give up huge number to opposition rucks.

Forwards

Steele Sidebottom (FWD/MID, $573,000): comes with a slight risk of a tag but he is the best forward in the game with an average of 106 for the season.

Jack Macrae (FWD/MID, $591,000): overcame a slow start to the season to dominate of late, including scores of 126 and 149 within the last three weeks. He should have another good outing against the Hawks on Friday night.

Sam Menegola (FWD/MID, $563,000): is a lock whenever the Cats are missing one of the Dangerwood combo. His form supports that with 120, 110 and 132 in his last three.

Chad Wingard (FWD/MID, $540,000): has ridiculously good numbers at home and is back there this week in an easy matchup with the Suns who are giving up points at will. I can’t see how he will go under 120.

Paddy Ryder (FWD/RUC, $523,000): is another one who will take full advantage of the opposition and score over 120 without working up a sweat. Bellchambers was great, scoring 116 on the Suns last week.

Isaac Smith (FWD/MID, $532,000): has had an indifferent year, but has hit his straps last with a three game average of 109. He has a bruise free game against the Dogs on Friday night which should provide plenty of opportunity for him to go big.

Use the comments section to discuss your trade ideas and the changes you would make to the 22. A couple of Bombers could easily sneak into the midfield given what the Dockers have been dishing up!

Cheers,
@RoyDT