The preliminary finals are done and dusted, now it’s time for coaches to earn the ultimate bragging rights for the next 12 months by capturing the flag. Of course there are a couple of other games in play as the top 10 fight it out for cash and prizes while the race for the top-100 hat is alive and well.
THE RUN HOME Is another Clarko miracle on the cards?
Fantasy Pig
Josh Dunkley: It’s becoming an all to familiar sight at the top of the table and Dunkley is certainly at the top of the watch list as far as receiving an official snout. In all honesty, if he had of played the full season as a midfielder I dare say he would have forced our hand after demonstrating pure piggery since moving back on the ball. He top scored for the round after a dominant performance against the Giants with a typically well-rounded game that consisted of 31 possessions, six marks, 10 tackles and two goals for 150.
Scott Pendlebury: Talk about the cream rising to the top on the big stage. The Pies skipper certainly stepped up for his owners in Adelaide with a vintage performance where he cruised in true Pendles fashion to a whopping 34 possessions that were complemented by a handy 10 marks and six tackles for 137. He has been a Fantasy star for a long time and will be a lock for the Fantasy Hall of Fame in coming years.
NINE THINGS WE LEARNED Never-say-die Lions bring the Gabbatoir back
Rage Trades
Mitch Duncan: With a fantastic history against the Lions, his team needing a win and a milestone game, the writing was on the wall that Duncan would break his mediocre funk and reward his coaches loyalty. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get near it in the last quarter before finishing on just 71 after taking four marks and laying an inexcusable one tackle.
Honourable mention: Tom Rockliff: After yet another season averaging triple figures and hitting the ridiculous heights that Pigs do throughout the year, it was a bad time for the Power to have a poor game against the rampaging Roos. There weren’t many possessions going around as the Roos knocked up eight triple-figure scores to the Power’s one. In uncustomary fashion, the guy who has won us so many finals games in the past managed just 16 possessions and 48 points. Unbelievably, only four of the Power reached 70 points.
Piglet
John Noble had an impressive game for the Pies, going on to knock up 74 points. He rotated through the back line to collect 21 possessions, six marks and a tackle.
AROUND THE STATE LEAGUES Port ruck shines, new Tiger pushes his case
Trade Targets
- Jarryd Lyons
- Dustin Martin
- Scott Pendlebury
- James Worpel
- Dan Houston
Fantasy Mailbag
No question, I just want a shoutout to Worpel
— Nathan G (@fireballmudflap) August 18, 2019
I mentioned him as a top-five trade target last week and he didn’t disappoint! What a legend, who would have thought he would be firmly entrenched in the Rolling 22 when we grabbed him prior to round one.
Is it time to trade kelly. Last round and could bring in a one hit wonder?
— Boost the boys (@Rugbysince2001) August 18, 2019
It is certainly an option. You would think he will be OK this week but nothing wrong with chasing a big one for the GF.
Surely Prestia a good POD option for the GF? scored under 100 once since the bye
— Jay Szach (@jayszach14) August 18, 2019
Yes, amazing form and a great POD along with Jarryd Lyons.
What was your goal you wanted to make in your overall rank this year?
— Ethan Avina (@EthanAvina) August 18, 2019
I wanted a top-100 hat but have completely stuffed my ‘luxury trades’ the last month. I’ll finish around 400 which I’m happy enough with. I get disappointed when I am not in the top 500.
Get rid of Gawn?
— Asher Grodski (@AsherGrodski) August 18, 2019
If he is named we hold, at this stage he is in my trade plans and I will swing Marshall into the ruck.
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