It was the Giants hosting the Pies early on a Sunday afternoon in what was a good standard of footy despite the continuous rain seen throughout the week. In the end, it was the more mature Giants that got the job done over the young, tiring Pies as they ran out comfortable 41 point winners.
Final Score:
Giants 15.10 100
Pies 8.11 59
Let’s get in to the quick fire fantasy review!
Giants
Kelly (122) – 23 touches to half time and finished with a game high 41. The man is all class with his polish and clean hands at ground level. Had 13/27 (48%) CBA’s for the game from 86% time on ground. Has had his share of injuries over the journey… At $870K, can he challenge the top 8-10 midfielders come season’s end?
Taranto (122) – Played mainly as a forward in the absence of Greene as flagged throughout the preseason, however, still racked up 31 disposal and 9 marks! You can see why coach Leon Cameron is looking to TT to fill the void left by Greene, kicking two goals with his elite goal sense. With only 6/27 (22%) CBA’s, I don’t know if I can justify it at $904K… I would certainly want to own him by seasons end, however.
Coniglio (120) – Cogs is finally enjoying the fruits of his labour after putting together a full preseason for the first time in a long time. Felt like the Cogs of old, racking up a heap of easy +6’s around the ground. Attended 14/27 (52%) CBA’s, confirming that a midfield role is there. Heavily under-priced if you are in the glass half full boat – he has averaged 110+ in a season before (2018)! $695K is tempting for a man of his ability!
Ward (118) – A new role seems to be on the cards for Wardy this year… playing basically the entire game in the defensive half and attending 0 centre bounces. If he gains defender status after round 6, could be a handy acquisition. He will certainly be on my radar over the first month of the season.
Whitfield (86) – Solid without being outstanding. Played his usual rebounding half-back role floating up on to a wing. Will be in the mix for a top 6 defender spot.
Preuss (85) – Started forward with Flynn the starting ruck. Worked in to the game nicely and was good in the air with 6 grabs. High-risk, high-reward selection at $367K… we all know what Leon is like with his ruck roulette. Given his injury history, Preuss is probably a candidate for a rest early in the season, particularly if rucking solo. After a promising performance, the spud went and got himself suspended for a dangerous tackle on Grundy and will miss round 1 – I’m putting a line through him now!
Brunh (60) – $316K forward, had a strong presence around the footy and ended up with 13/27 (48%) CBA’s. I can’t see myself doing it given the Giants stacked midfield… Bruhn is probably lower in the pecking order and I would expect him to play more forward with bursts in the midfield come the season proper.
Notable Omissions: Nick Haynes, Toby Greene, Kevin Sheedy
Pies
N.Daicos (99) – The kid looks a real player! Started off a half back and had a run on-ball later in the game illustrated by 8/27 (30%) CBA’s. Looked assured with ball in hand and is now an absolute lock for mine! Finished the day as Collingwood’s top disposal getter with 31! Happy to pay a little extra for rookies with scoring potential and job security. Daicos ticks both boxes.
Crisp (95) – Gun! Looks destined for even more midfield time and had 16/27 (59%) CBA’s, the most of any Pie behind Grundy. Even if he is playing a bit off half-back, he knows how to fantasy! Durability is a huge tick with Crispy, having reeled of 163 straight games since being traded to Collingwood from Brisbane at the start of 2015. Huge luxury to be able to select Crispy as a defender! An opportunity too good to pass up on in my opinion.
Pendlebury (90) – Dependlebury. Started the game at half-back as flagged throughout the preseason. Worked into the game nicely mopping up with rebound 50’s and using his poise and silky ball use to propel Collingwood into attack. Also took a couple of cheeky kickouts… a nice score booster! Found his way into the midfield towards the end of quarters, attending 6/27 (22%) centre bounces.
Grundy (83) – Don’t panic. Started the game like a house on fire with 37 points to quarter time. Slowed down considerably after this with the two-man ruck combination of Flynn and Preuss regaining some ascendency. I still think he’s a top 2 ruck this season but you can understand why some coaches will look for value to start the season…
Lipinski (18) – Started the game in the centre bounce but unfortunately went down with an ankle injury at quarter time… A real shame as he was high on many coaches watchlist’s given the potential of increased midfield minutes. The Pies also lost Krueger (concussion) and Murphy (ankle) throughout the game, adding to their injury woes. The Pies are hopeful of Lipinski being fit for their season opener vs St Kilda next Friday night.
Notable Omissions: Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe
Who else was on your watchlist in this match? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Cheers legends,
Fantasy Fanatic #70
Fantasy Fanatic 
Lock and load Steve Coniglio
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