Monko's Mirror - Reflections on Round 17 - Pt 2

Essendon vs Gold Coast

From a contest perspective this was quite an unusual match. The Bombers (seemingly) had all the momentum at 3/4 time and were trailing by only 3 points. However, it was a false dawn and they were swatted away like an annoying mosquito by the Suns who ended up winning by 41. Notorious fantasy bush-pig Zach Merrett (170) posted the 2^nd largest GDS score of the round and looked like he was keen on proving a point – to whom exactly though I am unsure. At one stage, Zachy was taking both kick-ins and rostered for full-time midfield duties, operating like custom-built, fantasy terminator point-scoring machine. Caldwell (92) exited the game with an ankle knock whilst Nic Martin (92) continued his slightly cooler-than-normal run of results.

For the Suns, those that backed in Noble (135) were rewarded and both Anderson (148) and Rowell (112) posted handy midfield numbers. Despite kicking four goals, Ben King (62) could only manage a round-killing score, once again proving the difficulty with selecting key forwards. I’d suggest there are only a handful you can seriously consider in any round of the season. Sam Flanders (77) continues to grind it out on the wing, offering nothing close to the fantasy impact he had last season. Role is key ladies and gentleman! Role. Is. Key.

Player To Watch:

Brayden Fiorini. He’s had four 100s in a row, and his heat map for the game against Essendon showed he is looked for across the half back line by his teammates. Am I playing him, no. Am I buying him, also no. But he will be one I have a tiny asterisk next to over the next few weeks.

On The Slide:

Andy McGrath. I’m unsure what this bloke offers at the moment, and unsure why he hasn’t been tried in a wider suite of roles. Afflicted with the DSM-5 recognised “#1 Draft Pick Curse” McGrath seems set to just chip it around the back pocket and be grossly outsized when the ball comes in on his head. His last five rounds he has averaged just 62 – lightyears away from his output in Round 1 (123), Round 9 (143) and Round 11 (113). In a team absolutely obliterated by injuries, it will be interesting to watch how things change when (or is it if?) the Bombers get closer to a healthy list. Maybe 2026 is his year to lift – but I don’t hold much hope.

Next Week:

Gold Coast take on Collingwood in a massive match up north. As discussed, Anderson had 158 in this matchup last year – expect him to go big. Enjoy the watch!

Meanwhile, the Bombers take on Richmond at the MCG. I suspect the Zach Merrett score will have him widely selected here, and I think you simply must pick him. Last time they met in Round 11, the Bombers scoring was absolutely prolific, with even Jaxon Prior pumping out a 114! In this game, Martin had 199(!), Merrett 170, and 7-seater Peter had 127. Load. It. Up. 

Geelong vs Richmond

Much has been made about the Cats’ uber-soft draw coming into the end of the season, but you’ve still got to beat what’s in front of you. Bailey Smith was another late-out citing ‘illness’ – which at face value appeared about as innocent as Erin Patterson clearing her phone browsing history. Multiple times. Anyway, there were no issues for the Cats, and from the moment the game started you could see they had turned up thirsty for the contest. Massively selected and high-salary capped selections like Holmes (143), Cameron (137) Miers (119) and Mannagh (99) rewarded their backers appropriately.

Nankervis backers were rewarded with a 122, and he’s a player that you can select with the right match-up. Taranto however, remains a trap (a talented one no doubt), with a history of 2^nd half fade-outs this season (Rounds 9 and 10!) and sporting a high handball to kick ratio – keep on passing please. The rest not relevant from fantasy perspectives, but I don’t mind the raw talent I see in Ben Miller. He’s a little more clever than the ‘freshly new-born giraffe’ vibe he exudes.

Player To Watch:

Tom Atkins. At 29, it’s difficult to make a case to start accumulating his cards, however he has certainly got my attention of late. Atkins has posted some very respectable scores this season and has been extremely consistent, never dropping below 83 across 16 appearances. The key to his success is tackles, and Atkins boasts the highest tackle count (158) in the competition – twenty-four tackles clear of his nearest challenger – Matt Rowell. It doesn’t take Einstein to work out that if he can maintain these sorts of numbers, and increase his disposal average just slightly, he’s going to be able to post some large scores against weaker opposition. Another very small asterisk once again please.  

On The Slide:

Kamdyn McIntosh. He’s 31, 13 years a Tiger, and it’s showing. Thanks for the glorious headband memories and enjoy retirement in your double premiership glory.

Next Week:

The Cats travel to GWS in what looks to be their trickiest remaining fixture of the H&A season. Earlier this season, the Giants got them by 4 points at Kardinia Park, and no doubt the Cats will be looking to avenge that result. Last time out, Jesse Hogan kicked seven (not a misprint) but has been struggling with illness and ‘general soreness’ according to Dr Google – so I’d be stunned if he was able to have the same sort of success this time around. Pick Bailey Smith obviously – he posted a 172 against the Giants in R9 and basically just goes in unless you have a funeral or something on and can’t make late changes to your side.  

Meanwhile, the Tigers take on the Bombers. Nankervis could be a selection here, as many of our premier ruckman tend to have tricky looking matchups in Round 18. Good luck!

Brisbane vs Port

Brisbane came into this match as heavy favourites, but it always felt like Port were going to fire some shots – and they certainly did early in the first quarter. Port Adelaide ‘Bash Brothers’ Rozee (137) and Butters (139) were in and amongst it, while Horney-Francis put a slow first quarter (2 points!) behind him finishing with a respectable 102. Standouts for the Lions included all the usual suspects, with McCluggage (129), Neale (124) and Zorko (99) producing decent scores. The Lions were simply too strong in yet another match this round signaling the ever-widening gap between the top half of the ladder, and the rest.

For Port, the match unfortunately became all about their horror run of injuries. It’s been confirmed that Powell-Pepper has suffered a ruptured ACL, on the opposite knee to the one he ruptured last season. Talk about stiff. Ratugolea nuked his hamstring – considered a high-grade tear (season) whilst Visentini requires surgery on a syndesmosis injury. Yikes. Given all this, they fought on gamely, going down by “only” 28 points. Long term superstars Boak (107) and Wines (101) contributing excellently with high game time to boot.

Player To Watch:

The Ashcroft Twins. Both were slightly below average (more so Will) in this match, but represent excellent ‘accumulate’ cards for their long term GDS future. I couldn’t think of two players I’d want more exposure to in my GDS gallery than these guys. Keep on buying / trading for on the cheap.

Also, keep an eye out for when Keiden Coleman will return to this side – AFL website has him listed at 1-2 weeks with a quad strain. Could be a fair bit of point leakage from Zorko when it happens. Keidan is also a great accumulate card with diamonds available at $55. This represents an almost 75% discount from their heights last year.

On The Slide:

Eric Hipwood. A player that really should be more effective than he is, Hipwood needs to start DIYing some extra strings to his footballing bow. An elite midfield in front of him, and no Joe Daniher – where are all the goals Eric? 22 for the season is not good enough in my humblest. If Brisbane start to slow down a bit, expect the blowtorch to be placed on Eric’s lack of output. 

Next Week:

The Lions come down to Docklands on Thursday to give the Blues a hiding. Have fun with your selections there.

Meanwhile, Port take on the Eagles. Check the lineups carefully given the injury carnage at Port (you may seem some names in some unusual positions) but that match feels like a big fill-up for the Port boys.