Solomon’s Soldiers (1st, 9-0, 113.9%)
Season so far
The perfect start to a season. When the rebuild started in 2017 the goal was to have a dynasty of competitiveness (and hopefully premierships) from 2020 onwards. While no premierships have come yet, this form was exactly what I had in mind with many of the trades that were made, and the picks used in the draft.
Top of the league averages on every line except ruck (more on that in a moment), this list is as well balanced as they come. Sam Docherty and recruit James Sicily are the rocks in defence getting plenty of the ball. Mills with two scores above 150 justifies alone the trade made in 2018 which resulted in pick 2 (Bailey Smith) going to Adam – Brad Crouch with his 104 average the icing on the cake there. Lachie Neale and Christian Petracca both doing what was expected of them preseason, which isn’t always the case (looking at you Worpel and Lukosius). Up forward Jade Gresham regaining forward status following last year’s injury is a very handy player, but of course the standout is Josh Dunkley, making his way to the Barossa up the highway from Gawler (yes Jordan, I know it’s Reid, but close enough). One spud score in a year of tons has JD the best forward in the game right now, and so the post draft deal sending a young stallion in Callaghan away has worked out well for this premiership push.
The trade preseason to bolster the ruck division in hindsight has been a disaster so far. Lycett is going to miss most of the fantasy home and away season, and so it will be a gamble if he’s ready for the cutthroat finals atmosphere that will come in August. And the fact that Cripps was the mid chosen to trade out to bring Lycett in…… ouch.
Most inspired draft selection
An easy pick here for the Soldiers – Blake Acres at 151. There was plenty of speculation preseason about who would be on the wings for Freo, with Clark coming over, Aish, Tucker, and Acres were all seemingly fighting for that second wing. As much as I thought Acres had a shot at the role, even I didn’t think he’d be at the point he is now – season average of 92 and last 5 average of 99. He has pushed Scott Pendlebury and Jack Redden out of my M8 spot and made it his own – not bad for a 16th round selection.
Current B&F leader prediction
Not really a prediction when I have the count open on a spreadsheet here, but for those curious, Dunkley is leading the way, with Mills, Petracca, and Neale all within one quality game. Docherty and Crouch sneaking up on the field not too far behind.
Looking forward
It’s really premiership or bust for this squad. Having beaten everyone, there is no longer a fear (I still don’t eat Puttanesca when out at fasta pasta) of any team, but instead it is now the hope that a spud like performance (see round 8 Vs the Devils) doesn’t rear its head in an elimination game.
Defenestrators (2nd, 7-2, 111.4%)
Season so far
The title defence is still humming along nicely, with the Defenestrators winning their first 5 games of this year before hitting the (according to the preseason votes) grand final preview game against the Soldiers. In that game coach Paul still had his team scoring a respectable 1863, which would have beaten 7 other teams, so there was no timidity there, just a high scoring slog worthy of a final. With the only other loss coming to perennial grand finalist Mark, there is a lot to like about the Defenestrators 2022 campaign.
A solid mix of keepers playing doing their parts through defence, midfield and the ruck (Sinclair in defence I still can’t bring myself to call a good player, but a 97 average isn’t a fluke after 9 games). Kelly and Walsh are doing exactly what you’d expect of them. Max Gawn is still the best ruck in the land. The forward line however isn’t firing as much as was hoped from the keeper selections, due to a mix of injury, form, and role changes. Coniglio @ 85 is solid, but as evidenced in this week’s team sheets, his talent is required in the midfield. His days of being the 100+ gun may be behind him. Stringer hasn’t been healthy, Hollands hasn’t made his debut after being a 1st round pick in the 2021 draft, and Parfitt is at least consistent, but not at a huge score unfortunately.
Paul’s best forward came through a handy trade post draft. Just as Dunkley went to the soldiers for a young player, Adam did similar with Treloar (not the last time Adam’s dealing will get a mention), shipping him to Paul for the rights to Connor MacDonald. This has been a huge boost to Paul’s team in pushing for back-to-back and come August it will be interesting to see just how that forward line has come together.
Most inspired draft selection
Not sure how inspired it is when we all know his talent but given the first 59 selections all looked past him, it must be Isaac Smith at 60. The wrong side of 30 for most teams in Dangergawn land (though questionably too young for the Cats), so Paul scooped up a ready made M8 player, to try and bring another premiership to the Zerna residence.
Current B&F leader prediction
I can’t see one clear leader of the count at this point, but a handful of players who will all be there abouts come the end of the season. Max Gawn had an incredible 5 game stretch, Sam Walsh is Sam Walsh, ditto for Josh Kelly. Adam Treloar has done nothing wrong with trying to endear himself to his new teammates. All in all, should be a close one. My money is on big Max taking it out
Looking forward
With plenty of 30+ year olds drafted, this team is in the premiership or bust category as well. A few younger players will hopefully keep the window open for a while, but time is ticking for many players on this list (except Mundy, he’ll never quit).
Puttanesca Chiefs (3rd, 7-2, 106.8%)
Season so far
For a team that was written off as a premiership threat by the coaches in the preseason survey, the Chiefs are doing a remarkable job of being a top tier team. A 7-2 record good for 3rd with only percentage preventing another top 2 placing, and with a win over current 2nd place in Paul, this bodes for another deep run. There were certainly alarm bells ringing (I assume/hope/please…?) when back-to-back losses occurred for the first time since 2017. The fact that he went on to win the premiership that year is irrelevant – the wheels are officially wobbling.
From a list perspective, there are some old hands (from a chief’s perspective, not Cats) doing the damage again. Witherden and Short are a lethal 1-2 punch in that defence, with 100 averages and no sign of slowing down. Macrae continues to be worthy of the first round pick he was in our inaugural draft, and I would have to check with Adam, but pretty sure he’d be the highest scoring player in league history to not win a Dangergawn (maybe highest overall anyway)*. Oliver and Laird are, well, Oliver and Laird. You know what you’re getting there each week. For the first time in Dangergawn history, Grundy has gone down for an extended period. Lucky for Mark, Rowan Marshall being a DPP means no one has noticed that one of the best scorers hasn’t been playing. This has weakened the forward line for the Chiefs but knowing Grundy will return means just making finals will fix part of that issue. Plus, with Billings returning from injury successfully last week, this line is set to be just fine.
No trades to this point in the season, and with a list like this, that seems fair. On to another finals campaign.
*Editor’s note: Alex is correct. Jack Macrae is the highest scoring player in the league to not win a Dangergawn. At time of writing he has the second highest average in league history. Players in 1st, 3rd and 4th place all have Dangergawns (Mitchell, Merrett and Grundy).
Most inspired draft selection
There are 2 players worthy of a mention here, so they’ll both get one. Angus Brayshaw (89) wasn’t seen as a huge scorer in Melbourne’s premiership system, but more a handy role player. The punt on him at 89 couldn’t have gone better, with Gus playing more off half back (enough to become a DPP again) and racking up the touches for a 99 average. Will be a huge asset come finals.
The other one is the guy we all keep ignoring, then Mark gets him late and destroys us, of course it’s Mark Blicavs. Touted as a defender only this year with Cegler coming to the Cats, and Geelong being burnt by not playing him at FB in the past, surely his fantasy scoring would be limited…… Just kidding! At pick 99, now a DPP with ruck status again and a 90 average to go, this non selection by the rest of us will have serious repercussions.
Current B&F leader prediction
It’s got to be Clarrie. Only one score sub-90, an average of 111, just a constant threat in that midfield. Laird and Macrae will be right around the mark as well.
Looking forward
No one gave him a shot at the grand final this year. I mean, I was one of those that didn’t put him in it, so I guess I understand, but boy oh boy, wowee is he wanting blood this season now. Could a 4th premiership in 7 years be on the cards? It is certainly right there in the equation. The last of the premiership or bust teams at this point.
The Love Sparkles (4th, 5-4, 103.2%)
Season so far
After a year which didn’t reach any great heights *cough* and a massive tanking effort *cough*, the Sparkles are looking to quickly return to finals and be a threat again. Along with the Roughnecks, one of the teams that has been a strong competitor for much of the league history, but with no trophy to show for it. This young crew are looking to change that, and with some high scores seen so far this year, that time may be closer than we all think. Consistency will be 2022’s biggest challenge but could surely beat anyone on the right day.
A big injury blow in round 9 with Jack Steele expected to miss 6-8 weeks. In a young midfield he has been the general leading the way, and so a big blow for the Sparkles, but maybe also an opportunity. I must say I was one of many that didn’t think Freo would be much this year without Fyfe, but just as they are playing well without him (Andy Brayshaw anyone?), maybe a younger player will take the M1 mantle by the scruff of the neck from here.
Tom Stewart and Bailey Dale continue to be rocks in defence, and Will Brodie is loving his role at Freo almost as much as Greg is loving his production in the forward line. This certainly seems like a last hurrah for Goldstein, taken pick 3 in the inaugural draft, and what a servant of the sparkles he has been. A strong trade last year sending Lloyd out for Cumming and Cerra is certainly bearing fruit this season, with both players averaging 92 and you feel their best is yet to come. Can’t fault Adam wanting a crack at last year’s premiership with this trade, but maybe one tinged with regret.
Most inspired draft selection
First off, Daicos at #2 doesn’t qualify, but still… There’s a long-term gem.
Zac Fisher didn’t start the season with a bang, but a strong last 3 weeks is showing that pick 72 may well have been a steal. He was taken in the 2nd round in 2021, and injuries prevented anything happening that year, and so falling to the 8th round may have given him that kick he needed to prove the doubters wrong. A handy forward moving forward.
Current B&F leader prediction
After 9 rounds, it’s Jack Steele. It’s not even close.
How will it be after round 15-17 though? Young gun Noah Anderson is in my sights for that. Taken pick 1 in our 2020 draft (yes, above Matt Rowell – check the history if you don’t believe me), showing all the signs of being a worthy number 1 selection and bringing GC along for the ride.
Looking forward
Being 2 wins and percentage clear of 7th, surely finals are on the cards. A lot can still happen in the last 8 weeks, however making finals and perhaps winning one would be a great result for this young side. 2023 and beyond this expectation will only go up, so really, they are playing with house money this year.
Lethal Vipers (5th, 5-4, 100.7%)
Season so far
Do we call it just taking care of business when a win over Mark is part of the story? I don’t know how Mark came to be the bunny here, when around the rest of the league he’s more like the bunny from Monty Python, yet here we are. One of three teams with a 5-4 record at this point in the season, with one loss coming against a team in the lower half of the ladder (feeling Dusty taking the points in week 6), however all the other games you would expect the Vipers to win, they have done just that.
Touk Miller has come out just like he ended last year. The reigning Dangergawn medallist averaging 107 to start another strong year, only this time he’s not carrying the load solo. Ben Keays and Andrew Brayshaw having breakout years respectfully, making this midfield quickly one of the better ones in the comp, bringing much fear into the matchup if his players have early games and take the commanding lead. A big trade with Adam once the Sicily trade went through indicating Adam was selling players, and so Hunter (just before he went on extended leave) and Parker have come in to boost this teams credentials and maybe sneak a finals win or 2 this year. Stranger things have happened.
Most inspired draft selection
I liked the pick of O’Driscoll at 36 (I had the very next pick, and he was on my radar), but the clear winner here is Mason Redman at 156. Not a 100 average, not the guy that will win you the game, but a reliable 77 average to set and forget in defence is great value at any point in the draft, let alone the 16th round.
Current B&F leader prediction
Andrew Brayshaw. Ben Keays. Touk Miller. Daylight. There is your top 4 for the Vipers this year, with the top 3 all scoring huge numbers with the ability to go huge on any given game (Brayshaw 181 round 2 the highest individual score by any player this season). I think AB is in the lead right now, but the next 8 matches will be very telling.
Looking forward
Just like Greg, at 5-4 being 2 wins and percentage clear of 7th, playing finals is the minimum expectation. With the firepower of this midfield, could be a danger matchup for anyone in August, and with the moves made (bringing Parker in was huge), the Vipers see that too.
The core is young, so not doom and gloom if they don’t win the cup this year, but a finals win would show Nathan and the higher ups that they are heading the right way.
Roughnecks (6th, 5-4, 98.0%)
Season so far
It would be remiss of me to talk about the season so far without mentioned the most active preseason trader in Adam and his efforts. A decision was made during the offseason that this would be a good time to refresh his list, without going full rebuild like another coach to be mentioned later. This decision enabled a couple of bold trades, sending out 2 established players with high ceilings for 1st round picks, used to replenish the rookies on this list. Treloar went out for pick 10 (Connor Macdonald), but the big fish was Tim English leaving for pick 4 via Nelson selecting Josh Ward. Plus, Adam’s own selections of Rachele and Hobbs, and there are suddenly there are 4 keeper slots locked in for 18 year olds, while the rest of the list are still capable of big numbers.
As for games played this year, no shocking results as ladder positions indicate. Wins against the 4 teams below him, and splitting the games against the other 5-4 teams. Bailey Smith has emerged as a marquee midfielder this year. Getting 40 touches for fun (a bit annoying) and giving it to Collingwood supporters (far less annoying). With an average of 118 he has the highest average in the league, and when you think about the calibre of midfielders around him (both from a fantasy perspective and the reality), this is extra impressive. George Hewett is enjoying his new role at Carlton, and the regular high scorers are all doing their jobs (Taranto, Lloyd, Dawson now at the Crows).
This team is clearly looking towards the future with this list but doing it in a way that makes you think the future isn’t that far away.
Most inspired draft selection
An easy choice here. All the rookies don’t count as they are development players, and this was one of the most rookie heavy drafts in our history. Nick Blakey at pick 108 was a superb find, however. With Salem getting injured early in round 1, a defender averaging close to 80 is such an asset to slot in. This has also freed up Dawson and Hewett to go mid when injuries/form demand more players are required there, while Blakey holds down his spot with no fuss. At 22 years old, maybe another keeper spot being taken on the Roughnecks list heading beyond 2022.
Current B&F leader prediction
It has to be Bailey Smith. While he’s missed one game, what he has done in the rest means this isn’t even a debate. The battle for 2nd will be interesting, however. Dawson will be up there in the Crows B&F, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar here.
Looking forward
This team was clearly built with one eye to the future. With the pre-draft deals being struck for the vets to move on, plus already in season we’ve seen Sicily, Parker and Hunter all leave with 1st round picks coming back, there is clearly no pressure from the coach to make a deep finals run this year. Will they hold their spot in the top 6 to play finals? Maybe. A lot of talent has left the compound during this season, with not as many ready made replacements, and so we’ll have to see if injuries/form strike, and what that does to this line up. No expectations, but a standard of never having missed finals to uphold.
Feelin’ Dusty (7th, 3-6, 96.5%)
Season so far
Every team except for MSHB came into this season with the expectation that if things went well, they would be playing finals. For some teams more needed to go right than others, but overall, this seemed like an even year for the 4-9 slots. The Feelin have found themselves on the wrong side of a couple of close games in a row the last 2 weeks, losing by a combined 41 points. Flip the script on those 2 games, and suddenly the Feelin have kicked the Roughnecks out of the top 6 and taken that spot for themselves. This just goes to show what a close comp we have this year, and that sometimes, you just need some luck.
On the (virtual) field, Jaye’s band of misfits have been boosted by the auto draft selection method of “pick the highest projected average available”. This doesn’t seem like rocket science, but for all the scheming and planning we do prior to a live draft, there is something remarkable about just taking the best available and seeing what happens. Boak @ 13 overall was clearly overlooked because he was not a rookie (just by a year or 2) and has once again started a season with a +100 average. Ellis as a DPP was high on my wish list, but once again taken as a best available selection, and when Shuey is healthy, he would be a lock in most team’s best 22.
As far as the players kept go, Hayden Young is starting to come to his own, being pick #3 a few years ago. Zac Bailey will be an elite player for Brisbane and the Feelin for many a year to come, while Serong has recently rediscovered some form that helped lead him to Rising star winner 2020. A lot of the keepers were young guys making their name, so its an interesting mix of the old hands and young guys, leading to some inconsistency, but also a high ceiling on any given week.
Most inspired draft selection
Hard to call any choice the auto draft makes inspired, but for arguments sake, let’s say Callan Ward at pick 103. Once we got past the 10th round, every pick is a gamble. This being said, an 82 average mid who for years and years won the most Brownlow votes for the Giants is certainly no scrub. Willing to do the dirty work, he’ll be a reliable asset all year for Jaye.
Current B&F leader prediction
As much as I don’t like draftees coming in and being the best right away, I can’t look past Trav Boak. He’s just a machine, always reliable for a good score, and if it wasn’t for the one aberration last week, his average would be closer to 110 than the 103 it is now.
Looking forward
Starting this week, Jaye is in a tough 3 week stretch that includes the Soldiers, Sparkles, and then straight out of the bye rounds, the Defenestrators – all teams set on playing finals in 2022. Lose all 3, and it might be too late to resurrect the season. Steal a win or 2 and could well be right back in the picture for 6th spot and a chance to cause some August mayhem.
Te Puke Pukekos (8th, 3-6, 91.6%)
Season so far
I’ll be honest, I picked the Pukekos to miss finals. However, that was one of the toughest decisions between him and another team for who I would nominate 6th, and who 7th. To say Nelson copped the raw end of the deal both in terms of fixture and injuries (and there have been plenty of those) would be understatement of the year. He is the only team to have copped 3x 1900+ scores against on top of that, leading to a less than desirable percentage, and making it all uphill if he wants to play finals in 2022.
This preseason Nelson was another of the coaches to strike a pre-draft, to be enacted upon post draft, bringing in the big ruck/forward Tim English. English started the year in a blaze of glory, however in an unfortunate set of circumstances for the team, having so many Thursday night games had him playing forward, then when ruck injuries came, there was no cover. Can’t fault his scoring, but his best position within the Pukekos line up will be up for some series internal discussion during the bye rounds. Speaking of injured rucks, Brayden Preuss. I know Nelson won’t want to hear much on big BP, so I’ll keep it short. When he plays, he’s a premo ruck. The problem is the “when”. Currently (taking into account recent news) playing 60% of games, Nelson will want that number trending up in the back end of the season.
In more positive list news, Crisp is back to the 100 average he’s had in the past, Parish is still a ball magnet (the effectiveness of these touches is open for debate, however irrelevant in our format thankfully), and Heeney is an ever-reliable forward to set and forget. When healthy, it’s a scary midfield to play, and a big score is still only a Buddy bag away (and when he does it in a half, Max shudders).
Most inspired draft selection
There are two ways I can look at this, so I’ll briefly touch on both. In terms of the desire to compete this year, how Buddy Franklin went down to pick 124 is beyond me. We know he’s a generational talent, and with Sydney on the rise, he was always going to get plenty of shots on goal.
With how many rookies went in the top half of the draft, Josh Gibcus dropping to 164 might be story of the year. Not much of an average to write home about (50 through 7 games), however if the decision is made to rebuild, there’s a keeper worthy rookie found that late. Richmond like him, and they seem to treat their rookies well. Kudos to Nelson on the astute pick up (and denying Adam and Jordan at least one rookie).
Current B&F leader prediction
Tim English will be leading after 5 games. 5 straight tons will do that, however due to the injury, I think his lead will have been chased down by now. Parish and Crisp have literally scored the exact same number of points through 9 games (928 @ an average of 103), so it feels likely to be one of them, depending on what system the Pukekos use for awarding B&F as well as who went big on any given week. Ollie Wines has recovered from a slower start to the year and could also be in the mix as the season continues to unfold.
Looking forward
With a rough fixture over the next 5 match ups, finals may be mathematically impossible not long after the bye rounds. In this writer’s opinion, the bye rounds can’t come soon enough. There is the chance to win that 21st keeper via the Zerna competition, and it is also a 3 week break from head-to-head match ups to start thinking through a strategy to move forward with. If I know anything about Nelson, I know this year is only a temporary setback.
The Taxmanian Devils (9th, 1-8, 95.3%)
Season so far
If we thought Jaye was unlucky, spare a thought for Max. Not only did he lose to Jaye (he made me write that – sorry), but he’s on an active 3 game losing stretch with an average margin of 36 points. The fact that 2 presumed finalists were in that mix shows that the Devils aren’t as far off the mark as their ladder position would indicate (or maybe teams take it easy against them……).
Patrick Cripps has quickly become the heart and sole of the team. A great trade for Max preseason to add the midfield grunt at the expense of a spare ruckman, and he’s reaping the rewards. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many more highlights for the Devils list this year. Having the number 1 pick, JHF will be a player to watch over the years, but we can’t expect greatness right away. Nank the tank is loving captaincy down at Tigerland, and while Shai Bolton is looking like a mini Stevie J, the points aren’t all that consistent yet.
Nick Martin was a great pick up off the waivers, and I would venture is set to be a part of the Devils 20 keepers for the foreseeable future. Will be a wait and see on Xerri’s role when Goldy is done, and many other selection headaches could be coming up at the end of this season.
Most inspired draft selection
Honourable mention to James Aish at 149. With a 75 average can be a set and forget defender, and as I’ve said on other players, if you find a set and forget best 22 player in the second half of the draft, you’ve done well.
However, I can’t look past Matt Kennedy at 41 to take the cake. It’s the earliest of the inspired selections, and with good merit I feel. Not knowing what his role would be at Carlton with the additions of Hewett and Cerra, Max was the one to take the punt on him, and what a punt it has turned out to be. A 92 average locking him into the Devils starting midfield, and every Carlton game gives the team a big boost with the 1-2 punch of Cripps and himself.
Current B&F leader prediction
It’s Cripps. I hate myself. Moving on.
Looking ahead
Being 4 wins off the top 6 with only 8 games to go, I think we can stick a fork in this season for the Devils. There are a lot of things to watch for, however. The role each of his young guys are playing will be telling for who gets kept, who gets traded (if any) and who gets dropped. There will be finals for this team on the horizon, but not in 2022.
MaherShalalHashBaz (10th, 0-9, 82.9%)
Season so far
For the first time in league history, MSHB are not even competitive. The plus side for this is that it was part of the plan. This was made very clear when prior to the draft, I was approached with the idea of getting Josh Dunkley and (through some negotiation) Dan Houston traded to the soldiers in return for high draft picks, including pick 3 in the 2022 draft. With the opportunity to get such a high scoring combo the deal was a no brainer, and so the rebuild was underway for Jordan.
We have never seen a draft so young in 6 years of top up drafts, with the sole intent of the 2022 season for Jordan being the development of young talent, trying to create the next dynasty super team, all from one (probably 2 – watch this space) massive draft hauls. What this has translated to is no on field success, losing 9 straight and not looking like a win will be on the horizon any time soon. Zach Merrett missing several games didn’t help, and it has only been the last 3 weeks that he has even fielded a full 22, such is the knowledge that band aid fixes aren’t what this year is about.
Some of the rookies will undoubtedly be stars, from here it is all up to Jordan to decide which ones he’s holding, and which ones will get to try their luck elsewhere. Tom Green has been a nice bright spot through the opening half of the season. At one stage he was even leading the Dangergawn count. An average of 96 is a nice reward for the 10th overall selection in 2020, with the traditional 3rd year breakout season well under way, he could even be the next captain when Dom Sheed retires.
Most inspired draft selection
In a true case of better the devil you know, Charlie Curnow takes the prize for the most inspired pick of Jordan’s draft. While a bit old for this list (come on Jordan, be true to your strategy), you can’t fault the performances so far. An 82 average for a forward taken at pick 145 is a sound investment. I will just be interested if he’s on the keeper list or not, given the amount of new faces that have to be squeezed in next year.
Current B&F leader prediction
My preseason prediction was that Zac Merrett would win the Dangergawn medal, such was his lack of competition within this team. However, allowing for the time off with injury, Tom Green should be leading this one. A very consistent year for a 21-year-old. There could well be higher honours in his football journey ahead.
Looking ahead
Will this team win a game? That is the only question from here. We know MSHB won’t make finals, and that the list won’t be radically changed, when the whole purpose of the draft was to bring young guys in, then have patience with them. But will there be a sneaky win somewhere? Maybe against Max, Nelson, or Jaye if they decide finals are out of reach and instead change over their own lists in search of success beyond this year. Or maybe a lucky week where all the young ‘uns just click and take down an underperforming finals team taking them lightly. Time will tell. There has never been a winless season in league history, but there’s a first time for everything.