THE FOOTY is finally back, and the NAB Challenge provides us with a great opportunity to have a look at who could be the next break-out scorer, as well as getting a first-hand look at potential rookies or returning players that may prove value selections for our starting squads. Here is a look at last weekend’s games from a Fantasy perspective:
THURSDAY
Hawks vs Pies
After missing the entire season and managing just five games in 2013, including two sub vests, Jed Anderson (MID) comes into the 2015 season cheaper than a lot of rookies at $172,000. He certainly put his hand up for round one selection, top scoring for the game with 97 points from 27 disposals. Will Langford (MID, $392,000) could be on the verge of a break-out year, carrying his 2014 finals form into the pre-season with 89 points. Young Hawk Alex Woodward (MID, $174,000) is one to watch for a bench spot after regularly starting in the centre and scoring 53 from 73 per cent time on ground (TOG).
For the Pies, Patrick Karnezis (FWD, $197,000) was up to his old pre-season tricks with an outstanding all-round game where he bagged three goals and scored 89 points. Steele Sidebottom (MID, $612,000) showed why he’s in the mix for a starting premium spot this year with 90 points from 75 per cent TOG. Alex Fasolo (DEF/FWD, $366,000) was impressive, moving back to the forward line after playing across half-back last season and kicking four goals for a score of 75. Youngsters Jordan De Goey (MID, $285,000) and Nathan Freeman (MID, $174,000) both deserve strong consideration after solid performances, scoring 48 from 57 per cent TOG and 44 from 53 per cent TOG respectively. Levi Greenwood (MID, $576,000) was impressive on debut with 15 touches and 66 points, while playing just 54 per cent of the game.
FRIDAY
Eagles vs Blues
Matt Priddis (MID, $611,000) obviously hasn’t missed a beat since claiming the Brownlow Medal last season, picking up from where he left off with 91 from 78 per cent TOG. The player that confirmed his spot on my watch list was Brad Sheppard (DEF, $377,000), who stepped up in the absence of the retired Beau Waters and the injured Eric McKenzie, with 24 touches and nine marks for a score of 99.
The Blues have a few youngsters on the radar this year and the best performed was Patrick Cripps (MID, $163,000) who all but confirmed his spot in the Blues’ best 22, and a spot on a lot of coaches Fantasy ground with 58 from just 61 per cent TOG. Blaine Boekhorst (MID, $243,000) and basement priced defender Matthew Dick (DEF, $120,000) have left themselves some work to do after managing just 31 and 34 respectively.
Eagle Brad Sheppard's scoring may improve in the absence of Eric Mackenzie. Picture: AFL Media.
SATURDAY
Lions vs Saints
Dayne Beams (MID, $609,000) made an impressive start for the Lions with 25 touches and 81 points from 83 per cent TOG, while fellow superstar Tom Rockliff (MID, $763,000) eased his way into the start of the season with 18 disposals and 66 points. Daniel Rich (MID, $268,000) made a successful return from injury with 59 points from 89 per cent TOG and he looks to be one of the value picks to start the season. Under-priced ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (RUC, $277,000) did enough to stay on the radar with 43 points from 59 per cent TOG.
Cheap defender Jarryn Geary (DEF, $333,000) made coaches pay attention after top scoring with 101 after collecting 25 touches, and Jack Newnes (DEF/MID, $464,000) backed up his pre-season hype with an impressive 94 including eight marks. Youngster Paddy McCartin (FWD, $303,000) was solid with 53 from 75 per cent TOG but Tim Membrey (FWD, $165,000) had a disappointing Saints debut with just 26 from 83 per cent TOG.
Dogs vs Tigers
A shocking start to the season with the loss of Fantasy gun Tom Liberatore (MID, $559,000) to a knee injury. This horrible loss does provide the opportunity for others to stand up and could it be his partner-in-crime Mitch Wallis (MID, $356,000) that breaks out after scoring a solid 77? I’m not so sure. Jack Macrae (MID, $591,000) showed last year was no fluke with 91 from 86 per cent game time and Tom Boyd did enough to convince me he is worthy of a bench spot after scoring 66 from 93 per cent TOG. It is worth adding Joel Hamling (DEF, $120,000) to the pre-season watch list after the Ex-Cat scored 43 from just 55 per cent TOG.
The Tigers rested the majority of their big guns and Anthony Miles (MID, $508,000) took advantage of that, carrying on his good form from last season with 90 points. Rookie Kane Lambert (MID/FWD, $120,000) collected 15 possessions, took four marks and laid five tackles for a score of 69.
SUNDAY
Crows vs Roos
Young Fantasy star Brad Crouch (MID, $524,000) collected 26 touches on his way to a team-high 80 points, despite only getting it on the boot seven times. Nathan van Berlo (MID, $272,000) looms as one of the biggest bargains to start the season after returning from a long lay-off with an Achilles injury. He did enough for his first hit-out with 13 touches and 34 points from 77 per cent TOG. Finishing his first game unscathed was more important than his scoring output this week.
Majak Daw (RUC, $260,000) made his claim for a round-one berth with a game-high 90 points from 72 per cent TOG, which included seven marks. Shaun Higgins (DEF/FWD, $430,000) always finds a way to put his name in the mix during pre-season, and did it again on debut for the Roos. Higgins had a massive fourth quarter and finished the game with 88 points with three goals. Following some impressive form in the VFL last season, Trent Dumont (MID, $120,000) could only manage 30 points from nine touches, but still remains a player of interest at that price.
Suns vs Cats
Former Hawk Mitch Hallahan (MID, $345,000) showed he may provide some value as a Sun, scoring a team-high 93 from 74 per cent TOG. Zac Smith (RUC, $366,000) reminded us of his potential with 28 hit-outs and 81 points while high hopes were held for Daniel Gorringe (RUC, $265,000) who started on the wing, he scored just 20 from 84 per cent TOG.
What a surprise! Leading the way for the Cats was future Fantasy Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Bartel (FWD, $562,000) who was a frequent visitor through the midfield on his way to 26 touches and 110 points. Harry Taylor once again showed he can’t be completely ruled out of the Fantasy equation with 10 marks and 84 points while the highly anticipated return of Mitch Clark (FWD, $156,000) did nothing to deter Fantasy coaches with two goals and 48 points, and he will be much better for the run.
Jimmy Bartel showed no signs of slowing down in Sunday's game against the Suns. Picture: AFL Media.
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