The Weekend Wash-Up – Round 0

Aaaand we’re back. Well kind of. Not really. We’re back next week? What a weird way to kick off 2024, shoutout to you Andrew Dillon! The wash-up is back bigger than ever this year, coming to you not only in written form but audio as well! Enough of that though, it’s time for the weekend wash-up…

WINNERS

Heeney (121) – Midfield role, tick. Ability, tick. It may be a short term move, but with a BE in the 50s and $30k on his head already, he’s in my side and I like him over Jackson. Gun.

Viney (123) – Proving his last 5 round average of 119 was no fluke. The fact is if Jack Viney was aged 24, looking at this trajectory, we’d all be locking him in. Should it matter that he’s 29? You could do a lot worse, the bye is just unfortunate. Great draft pick.

Grundy (118) – Wow. I was on the fence with Grundy but that second half answered every question and some. If he can monster Max Gawn and score 118, what is he going to do against lesser rucks?! He faces the Eagles in round 4, and we may well witness the return of the pig. Unreal.

Roberts (91) – Absolute jet. I’m not so sure about starting him, but by all means lock and load him on your benches.

Hewett (100) – He was in my team when the game opened in December and would be a lock for me in any other season. Yes he gets a double price rise but a Round 2 bye is surely too early to move him on. Is there any issue replacing him with your 19th score however? Perhaps not…. He’s an option.

Powell (106) – Touk and Rowell did their thing, but it’s Will Powell that catches my eye. I had him last year! Intercept marks, cheap marks, kick ins, he does it all. Having averaged 93 in his last 5 in 2023, an average of at least high 90’s is on the cards. Awesome draft pick and a classic option as well.

Whitfield (137) – By this stage we should all know what Whitfield is capable of. Just remember, I started him last year for a concussion affected 48. That was probably after he limped off 3 times in the first few quarters. If you think he can average 10+ marks go for it, I’ll be watching this one from the sidelines.

Green (116) – Green and Daicos (111) proved what we already knew, they’re both guns. But did they do enough? If you already had them in your team regardless of the bye, they’ll stay there. If you didn’t have them, it’s not enough to force your hand. Let it ride.

LOSERS

Gawn (87) – Really we should be taking these scores in our stride. We still get to pick Max at value, and get to avoid his 87 against Brodie Grundy, a man who knows exactly how to play him. Of course the reality is Xerri just came into a thousand extra teams. I just think that will be a mistake…

Gulden (69) – We would be having a VERY different conversation here if this was Round 1. Why is that? Because I would have committed my own cardinal sin, spent a million dollars on a midfielder to score 138….. As my captain. Errol can consider himself very lucky, and also sacked. Too reactionary? Probably, but he’s out. I look forward to crying after his 160 in Round 1.

Rivers (53) – My draft teams are looking a lot less formidable with Trent Rivers producing this tripe. Round 0 jitters I hope. Fake round.

Docherty (48) – Gut wrenching. Nothing else to add here really, it just leave a sour taste. All the best Doch.

Coleman (34) – Shiiiiiiiiiiiit. I couldn’t have been higher on Kiddy Coleman this year, he was in my team from day one bye or no bye. I guess we got lucky here, but again it just sucks. Hopefully he comes back fully fit and is a lock in 2025.

Lohmann (28) – More like Kai Nomann. If you weren’t aware, the sub vest is going to be a headache.

THIS GAME SHITS ME

What the hell was that? Round 0. Opening Round. I understand the need to push the game in NSW and Queensland, and those crowds were a resounding success. But was there any reason to not have those games as standalone prime time games, and still have every other team play?! Saturday lunchtime and an empty Sunday slate made heaps of sense. A glorified extension of pre-season, just truly bizarre stuff. Bring on the real games next week.

THE OTHER BITS AND PIECES

We’ve got some huge news regarding the wash-up in 2024, now available on your podcast feed after the weekend for your listening pleasure! Your favourite fantasy therapy sessions should be a great laugh, let’s see how long I can last before getting cancelled. Our first episode is available on Spotify under ‘The Weekend Wash-Up’. We recap the action from opening Round, reveal our teams and gaze into our AFL crystal balls. Give it a listen legends! I can’t wait to recap some real fantasy action, as always may the luckiest man or woman win!

Matt