Ahh… it was nice to have some AFL back on the telly! I thought I’d put together a few quick fire reviews from the games I have a look at over the weekend. Won’t be every game as I have a life outside of running this elite website! 😉
Cue the “Flagbaggers” and “already got my grand final ticket” calls from over-optimistic Blues supporters after their 5 point triumph over the reigning premiers!
Final score:
Carlton: 15.8 98
Melbourne: 14.9 93
Now, let’s get in to the good stuff – the all-important quick-fire fantasy review!
Carlton
Cripps (141) – A fit and firing Crippa looked every bit the bull we’ve come to know and love! Physically, he looked in fantastic shape and unrestricted when he broke out in to a full stride. His history of injury and playing sore has to be of some concern but you know the inside midfield role is there, illustrated by a team high 88% CBA attendance on Thursday night. He is priced at a career low of 82… At $686K, the price may be right for plenty of coaches. Already owned by >19% of the competition as of 5 March.
Kennedy (135) – Bang! Was a threat both around the ball and pushing forward, ending the night with 2.2 from 37 disposals. Attended 53% of CBAs... Don’t expect this sort of output on a weekly basis, however.
Cerra (94) – Solid outing from the Carlton recruit. Midfield role (63% CBA’s), tick. Put it this way, if you had Cerra in your plans, this performance would not deter you from starting him… I don’t think he will challenge for the top 8-10 midfielders comes seasons end but could be a good stepping stone. 4% ownership for coaches looking for a sneaky POD…
McGovern (89) – Turns out I was spot on with the call of McGovern switching to defence! Calling him a spud may come back to bite me… He looked good across half-back, taking intercept marks for fun, all in just 62% time on ground! At $463K he is not for the faint hearted… I won’t be doing it.
Hewett (87) – Biggest ‘watch’ of the night for mine. Started off like a house on fire with 12 touches in Q1! Steadied to finish the game with 33 disposals and 87 points… 21 of his 33 disposals were handballs and he only managed the 2 tackles and 0 marks. Hopefully he can hit these stat lines come the season proper. Nevertheless, the midfield role was there with 78% CBA’s. Based on what I saw, it looks as though Michael Voss will free him up from those ultra-defensive roles he had become accustomed to at Sydney. This midfield role appears safe with Sam Walsh out for the first month of the season.
There was multiple centre bounces where Melbourne lined up with: Petracca, Oliver and Sparrow. Guess who Hewett was standing next to… the lesser fancied Sparrow.
Corey Durdin (24) – The $190K forward threw his hat in the ring for round 1 selection. Was lively up forward with two early goals and plenty of pressure acts which coach Michael Voss would love to see. Unfortunately came off early in Q3 with a calf knock having played 43% time on ground, but should be right for round 1. Don’t expect big scores from Durdin as a small forward, however.
Jordan Boyd (45) – The $190K defender managed a respectable 45 from 80% time on ground playing on the likes of Fritsch. Will be better for the run. Notably played the entire game ahead of guys like Williamson, Parks and Cottrell. Could we have another rookie option early in the season?
Notable omissions: Sam Walsh, Charlie Curnow
Melbourne
Gawn (124) – Thanks for coming! Maxxy quashed any concern we had about shared ruck duties with Luke Jackson. With 63% CBA’s, he’s still the number 1 man. What sets Maxxy apart is that he is a weapon all over the ground. He is a genuine goal kicking threat forward of centre and uses his elite aerobic capacity to drift back for bulk intercept marks. Lock him in and throw away the key!
Petracca (96) and Oliver (83) – Barely got out of second gear. They’ll be fine come the season proper. Petracca 87% time on ground and 84% CBA’s. Oliver 89% time on ground and 92% CBA’s. Tick.
Brayshaw (42) – Hard pass! Looks destined to play as a permanent defender this season.
Chandler (0) – $190K forward that was named, but never stepped foot on the field – even in a preseason hit and giggle. Tough side to break in to at the moment the Dees!
Notable omissions: Christian Salem
Who else was on your watchlist from this game? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Cheers legends,
Fantasy Fanatic #70
Fantasy Fanatic 
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