Great to see footy return to Tassie for such a worthy cause – the ‘Healing for Hillcrest’ tribute match. The atmosphere was fantastic with over 8,000 people packed in to the ground who witnessed Richmond record a comfortable 25 point win over Hawthorn.
Final Score
Richmond 14.10 94
Hawthorn 9.15 69
Let’s get in to the fantasy review!
Richmond
Short (126) – Did as he pleased off the half-back flank as anticipated by many pundits in the absence of Houli. Added 27 points to his score through kick-ins alone… huge! Got involved in many rebounding chains through easy +6’s and handball received. Don’t be surprised if his ownership increases as a result of this impressive display.
Rioli (87) – Used primarily off half-back and the wing. As the game wore on, Rioli ended up sharing the rebounding half-back role with his mate Ralphsmith, buttering up for a number of +6’s and handball received with his run from behind. With no Vlaustin in the side, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether both will get this role come round 1.
Ralphsmith (86) – I thought the kid was really impressive playing across half-back as flagged throughout the preseason. He has clearly bulked up over the summer and his work rate was second to none. He often did the unrewarded running to create space for his teammates, however, got his lick of the ice-cream in the second half. At $258K, he can be selected as a forward… price will be right for many coaches!
Slim Dusty (77) – Predominant midfield role seemed to be there with 17/26 (65%) CBA’s and 86% time on ground. 0 tackles is a concerning stat for mine… yes I know the big dogs don’t flex their muscles in preseason but when Dusty is tackling we know he is hungry! Surprisingly, Slim has not averaged over 100 since 2017… We all know what he is capable of if he can recapture that hunger.
Gibcus (55) – The young defender did his round 1 selections hopes no harm with a polished performance! Looked poised with ball in hand and was not out of place at the level. At $274K, he could be another rookie to earn an early debut.
Bolton (42) – Good player don’t get me wrong, but a pass from a fantasy perspective! Only 5/26 (19%) CBA’s paints the picture… Destined for a predominant forward role with bursts in the middle.
Notable Omissions: Kevin Bartlett, Matthew ‘Richo’ Richardson
Hawthorn
Nash (96) – The big-bodied Irishman has demonstrated his scoring ability in the past when playing as a midfielder – ending season 2021 with 3x 90+ scores in his final 4 games. Had 14/26 (54%) CBA’s… I wouldn’t expect these numbers in the season proper with Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara to return. It will be interesting to see how he performs in a full-strength Hawthorn side. Can be selected as a forward for $466K and could be a cheeky F4-F6 selection for some coaches.
Ward (93) – A fantastic afternoon at the office from pick #7 of the 2021 draft! Led the way with a team-high 29 disposals and attended 17/26 (65%) CBA’s. Probably not a great sign for the Hawks if the kid yet to play a game if your best on ground. I wouldn’t expect this volume of midfield minutes every week with the impending return of guns Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara. However, great signs for the young kid and can be selected as a midfielder for $278K. He’s certainly high on my watchlist heading in to round 1!
Sicily (66) – Seemed to be playing as the third tall defender with Richmond using Lynch, Riewoldt and Balta as forwards. Much like the Sic dawg of old, had a couple of 10-15 minute periods throughout the game without scoring… We’ll need to keep an eye out at the selection table with the make-up of the opposing forward lines and availability of teammate Kyle Hartigan likely to dictate Sicily’s role. If he is opposed to a mid-sized player, no doubt he’ll be peeling off for those intercept marks that us fantasy coaches love to see! Took 2 of Hawthorn’s 10 kick-ins, behind Hardwick (5) and Scrimshaw (3). Priced at 60 – the upside is there and you can see why he is currently owned by >44% of the competition.
Macdonald (57) – Another young rookie getting his opportunity to mix it with the big boys. $240K midfielder who played a high half-forward role floating in to the stoppages every now and then. Could be a potential bench option if selected in round 1.
Maginness (53) – Played a number of roles throughout the day – firstly as a lockdown defender, then went to a wing and finished through the midfield with Liam Shiels put on ice in the second half. Not sure if there is a place for him when the likes of Changkuoth Jiath, Lachlan Bramble, Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara return. A pass for me at $311K.
Notable Omissions: Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara, Changkuoth Jiath, Lachlan Bramble
Who else was on your watchlist in this game? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Cheers legends,
Fantasy Fanatic #70
Fantasy Fanatic 
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