Weekly wrap: Round 10 studs, duds, injuries

For me, Round 10, 2022 will always be fondly remembered as the round we got the old Cogs back. 

One of the great debates in SuperCoach-land over the last week or so has been whether Stephen Coniglio is washed up, or whether the change in GWS coach and a potential swing back into the midfield would see a return to his halcyon days as an uber-premo. 11% of coaches clearly believed the former was true and sent Cogs packing.

For that 11% there it would be hard to imagine a more painful viewing experience than seeing the 28-year-old nugget put together 36 possessions, 4 tackles, 7 clearances, 14 contested possessions and 140 SuperCoach points in a complete display. 

Is Cogs a forward-line keeper for the season? Unlikely, but it now looks at least possible. Was this one of the most satisfying “I told you so” moments I’ve ever had? Definitely.

Elsewhere in SuperCoach land, captaincy options were a key theme of the week. Those who went with Clayton Oliver were laughing, while there were minefields elsewhere with Jack Macrae, Lachie Neale and Max Gawn all failing to deliver.

Eddie’s Eagles chalked up 2,437 hard-earned points, enough to move up 124 spots in to 980th overall. We’re riding high over here!

Let’s get in to the recap.

Embed from Getty Images

Carlton v Sydney

Cracker of a Friday night showdown; Charlie Curnow was spectacular and the Blues held off a second-half surge from the Swans to record another impressive win.

The most encouraging sign from a Blues perspective was that it was a trio of young stars – Curnow (122 SC), Sam Walsh (133 SC) and George Hewett (120 SC) – that stood up when it mattered. In just 4% of teams and with one sub-90 score for the season, Walsh is drastically under-owned.

Sam Docherty (78 SC) was a popular trade-in target this week but couldn’t quite get the job done – he copped a big hit from Josh Kennedy in the third which may have impacted his second half performance. Patrick Cripps (78 SC) didn’t help himself by giving away 5 free kicks in probably his most underwhelming performance of the season.

Corey Durdin (74 SC) has been a pleasant surprise over the last month, while coaches desperate for a downgrade may look towards Jesse Motlop (40 SC), although his score ceiling is quite low.

For the Swans, Luke Parker (112 SC) faded late but was good throughout, while Nick Blakey (106 SC) was electric off half back. Callum Mills (101 SC) was a popular VC option (including for yours truly) but didn’t do quite enough, while Isaac Heeney (94 SC) was enigmatic.

Paddy McCartin (85 SC) copped a big knee in the back from Durdin but returned and was again fantastic, but unfortunately it’s looking like Jake Lloyd’s (82 SC) best SuperCoach years are behind him. 

Injuries

Motlop passed a concussion test in the second quarter.

Josh P. Kennedy did a hammy while trying to knock out Docherty in a marking contest, which was interesting. He will face an uphill battle to get back in to the side.

Reports

JPK should get weeks for the aforementioned elbow on Docherty.

FOLLOW EXCLUSIVE SC PLAYBOOK MARKETS! The crew at Topsport are offering markets picked out by our team of experts, with added value on top every single round. Check them out, and use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up.

Geelong v Port Adelaide

Always a tough task going in to Geelong and trying to pull out a victory, and ultimately it proved too tough for a plucky Port Adelaide.

Plenty of winners for the Cats, but Cam Guthrie (124 SC) was top of the heap, racking up 38 quality possessions. Tom Stewart (122 SC) did as he pleased off half back and Jeremy Cameron (114 SC) booted a 60m torp after the three quarter time siren as part of his 3.1.

Mitch Duncan (82 SC) was underwhelming, but you could say the exact opposite for Sam De Koning (85 SC) who was magnificent and composed across the half back line, and is looking like one of the best rookie purchases of the season.

Cooper Stephens (64 SC) was a late replacement for Rhys Stanley, playing his second game of AFL footy, and is worth a glance this week as a downgrade option.

Dan Houston (139 SC) was silky with each of his 30 disposals and, priced at just $502k (averaging 106 for the season), he’s a proper defensive option. Zak Butters (118 SC) finally produced what we all know he can and Ollie Wines (101 SC) has been talked about as a POD option for a while and was solid.

Travis Boak (86 SC) was solid, while Sam Hayes (72 SC) was called on by many coaches due to Brayden Preuss’ late withdrawal and performed admirably. Connor Rozee (46 SC) struggled.

Injuries

Patrick Dangerfield twisted his knee early, then hurt his calf late and was subbed out in the last quarter.

Todd Marshall copped a boot to the eye and seemed hampered, but played out the game.

Reports

N/A

Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast

While the Dogs were able to get the job done, there was plenty to like about a Suns outfit that had plenty of opportunities to throw in the towel and yet kept this close until the final 60 seconds.

Marcus Bontempelli (130 SC) will chalk up a full three Brownlow votes for this game and deservedly so, with his 3.2 – a couple of them at crucial times – ultimately the difference in the two sides. Ed Richards (121 SC), Bailey Smith (117 SC), Josh Dunkley (116 SC) and Aaron Naughton (114 SC) were all important as well.

Jack Macrae (104 SC) looked on track for a massive score midway through the third quarter, but faded badly, which will frustrate many coaches who had the C/VC on him. Bailey Dale (94 SC) copped a lot of SuperCoach attention this week and was serviceable, while Adam Treloar (93 SC) was hurt by a 53% DE.

Rookie options Robbie McComb (78 SC) and Luke Cleary (75 SC) were both fantastic, and Cleary in particular looks a great downgrade option this week. Their spots in the side should be safe for the near future. The same can’t be said for Buku Khamis (12 SC) who couldn’t get near it and may also be in hot water for a late hit on Charlie Ballard.

Embed from Getty Images

Jarrod Witts (131 SC) rode a 70-point last quarter to another huge score in a massive bonus for owners after he looked mediocre to three-quarter time. David Swallow (119 SC) was fantastic and it was a breakout game for Joel Jeffery (95 SC), who kicked five goals straight. Priced at $125k and on the bubble this week, he’s an interesting option.

Touk Miller (59 SC) had his worst game for quite some time, going at just 42% efficiency, while Malcolm Rosas (51 SC) somehow managed to put up a decent score despite having just 5 touches. Matt Rowell (39 SC) was horrendous and needs to be traded out ASAP. I hope no one brought in Rory Thompson (23 SC)

Injuries

Thompson was subbed out in the third quarter with some sort of lower leg injury. Jy Farrar also hurt himself after a hot start and did not return.

Reports

N/A

North Melbourne v Melbourne

I can’t imagine many people were watching this game, but if you were then it unfolded exactly as expected, with the Dees way too high-class for an overmatched Roos outfit.

Clayton Oliver (178 SC) was the easy captaincy choice this week and duly delivered with a 45-possession masterclass, topping it off with 6 tackles. He’s a must-have for the second-half for the season, with Christian Petracca (114 SC) also an attractive option.

Max Gawn (89 SC) continues to spend a lot of time in the forward half, which must be becoming a worry for owners as Luke Jackson’s (74 SC) ascension continues.

Angus Brayshaw (54 SC) and Jake Bowey (41 SC) were both bad.

Luke McDonald (127 SC) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (97 SC) were probably North’s best and Todd Goldstein (88 SC) and Tristan Xerri (71 SC) battled manfully in the ruck department, but it wasn’t pretty again for the Roos.

They need more out of their young brigade, with Jason Horne-Francis (64 SC) and Tarryn Thomas (46 SC) both probably underperforming so far this season. Jy Simpkin (37 SC) had 21 touches but burnt the ball at a horrific rate. 

Injuries

Ed Langdon was subbed out in the second quarter after a big hit from Nick larkey.

Curtis Taylor’s ribs were in a bad way after a massive knock in the last quarter and was subbed out.

Reports

N/A

Adelaide v St Kilda

Gutsy performance from the Crows, but these are the games that good teams win and the Saints did exactly that.

Jack Sinclair (138 SC) looks like the natural inheritor for Jack Steele’s midfield time and was St Kilda’s best, chalking up 32 possessions at 87% efficiency. He certainly wasn’t alone though, with Bradley Hill (135 SC) and Brad Crouch (127 SC) also fantastic – Crouch now has three straight 110+ scores and is finally living up to the potential which has been touted for years.

Jade Gresham (115 SC) has been a fantastic forward-line starter and it’s encouraging to see him touch it 25 times, whilst also adding in 4 tackles. Max King (120 SC) kicked six and was way too strong for the Crows’ backline.

Familiar scene for Adelaide, with Jordan Dawson (130 SC), Brodie Smith (108 SC), Rory Laird (105 SC) and Ben Keays (96 SC) clearly their best, although unfortunately that means Keays’ impressive streak of 100s to start the season comes to a close.

Jackson Hately (88 SC) is having the best month of his AFL career and is looking like a shrewd mid-priced pick up, as the SCBandit was spruiking on the SCPlaybook podcast three weeks’ ago.

Josh Rachele (45 SC) has hit a serious rookie wall and it may be a merciful end for SuperCoach owners, with the young star subbed off in the last quarter with a corked hip.

Injuries

Zak Jones tweaked an ankle in the first half, but managed to continue.

Rachele is due a rest and will likely get one after the aforementioned corkie.

Reports

N/A

Pat and George from Mortgage Choice SCW are experts in all types of loans, so if you’re looking to purchase your first home or chase the lowest refinance rate, call on (02) 9521 1611, mention ‘SC Playbook’ for your FREE tailored expert advice session!

Richmond v Essendon

Encouraging to see the Dons show a bit of spirit and fight, but ultimately this was the same old disappointing result on the scoreboard.

Toby Nankervis (135 SC) dominated in the middle all night and was able to give the likes of Dion Prestia (126 SC) and Jayden Short (110 SC) first usage all over the ground. Daniel Rioli (106 SC) is having a magnificent season off the halfback line, while Dustin Martin (78 SC) did enough to suggest he’s on his way back to being a dominant force.

Nick Vlastuin (68 SC) looks like he might have been fool’s gold a couple of weeks ago, but it was great to see Maurice Rioli Jnr (67 SC) bounce back and Josh Gibcus (60 SC) continue his fantastic debut season.

Darcy Parish (128 SC) and Mason Redman (113 SC) were clearly Essendon’s best, as Dyson Heppell (103 SC) scored well despite having no material impact on the game. The same could be said for Zach Merrett (102 SC).

Ben Hobbs (73 SC) has been absolutely excellent in the last three weeks and has become an invaluable midfield cash cow for those who took a bit of a punt on him at a higher starting price. 

Nick Martin (49 SC) has now had two poor weeks in a row, but it’s worth noting that he ran the most k’s of any Bomber and is every chance to bounce back at some point soon. 

Injuries

Kane Lambert had a recurrence of a pesky hip injury and was subbed out. Tom Lynch tweaked a hammy and didn’t return after three quarter time.

Matt Guelfi was subbed off the Bombers.

Reports

Redman got Prestia high and was reported – he’ll miss a week.

GWS v West Coast

A comfortable GWS win and a dominant performance from Stephen Coniglio (140 SC); ahhh it’s good to be back.

Cogs was simply magnificent, sticking the needle in to the 11% (!!) of coaches who traded him out during the week. 36 possessions, 6 marks, 4 tackles at 91% disposal efficiency is just about the best performance anyone – including me – could have expected.

As it tends to be when teams play the Eagles at the moment, it wasn’t just a one-man band. Harry Perryman (138 SC), Matt Flynn (133 SC), Josh Kelly (125 SC) and Tom Green (102 SC) were all fantastic. 

Toby Green (89 SC) slowed after a strong start, Isaac Cumming (71 SC) put in a rare poor performance and Jacob Wehr (51 SC) was solid on debut.

Not a lot to write home about from the Eagles’ side of things. Jack Redden (112 SC) was their best, and Isiah Winder (77 SC) and Connor West (75 SC) tried hard, but it’s grim times in the West. Jeremy McGovern (68 SC) couldn’t get near it, and Hugh Dixon (56 SC) and Greg Clark (55 SC) didn’t quite do the job for coaches relying on them.

Injuries

In more bad news for West Coast, Luke Shuey was subbed off at three quarter time.

Reports

N/A

Hawthorn v Brisbane

What an incredible win for the Hawks, holding off a furious late rally from the Lions to chalk up a huge win in Launceston.

Is… Tom Mitchell (129 SC) back? The former super premo spent a large chunk of this game in the guts and duly responded with 36 touches and 7 tackles in a throwback performance.

James Sicily (122 SC) is duking it out with George Hewett for bargain pick of the season, while Jai Newcombe (121 SC) was again brilliant. Dylan Moore (101 SC) rode a 70-point second half to finally repay coaches (*cough* me *cough*) who brought him in three weeks ago.

Max Lynch (67 SC) copped a head knock late and looked woozy, which is one to note given Jarrod Witts will be taking on the Hawks’ ruck unit next week. Sam Butler (49 SC) was solid in his second game of AFL footy and is worth a glance if you’re after a mid downgrade option.

For the Lions, Daniel Rich (127 SC) was fantastic and now has a three-round average of 112.3, making him a legitimate upgrade option if it fits your bye structure. Jarryd Lyons (113 SC) and Keidean Coleman (104 SC) were also great, with Coleman an interesting option at $319,900 if you’re looking for a cheap Def option with a high ceiling.

Embed from Getty Images

Lachie Neale (100 SC) copped a hard tag from Liam Shiels and did well to battle through it. Jarrod Berry (82 SC) was solid, but owners would have been nervous seeing the amount of time Dayne Zorko (84 SC) spent forward of centre.

Zac Bailey (22 SC) had the worst game of his young career.

Injuries

Will Day was subbed out at three quarter time. Max Lynch also looked poorly after that late hit.

Hugh McLuggage did a hammy in the last quarter and was subbed out.

Reports

N/A

Fremantle v Collingwood

Grim weather for the final game of the round, and it was a gutsy performance from the Pies to run out comfortable winners in the wet.

Darcy Cameron (130 SC) was superb, racking up 7 marks and 8 tackles to go along with his 22 hitouts. He now has a three-round average of 109 and is looking like an incredible pickup if you jumped on a month ago.

Jack Crisp (107 SC) has seven straight SuperCoach tons in a row and just one sub-85 score for the season (in round 1); he’s a jet.

Jordan De Goey (82 SC) and Scott Pendlebury (73 SC) weren’t quite as good as owners would’ve hoped, while Nick Daicos (65 SC) did just enough to keep his owners happy.

This was Will Brodie (144 SC) weather, and this season’s breakout star delivered in spades with 36 touches, 6 tackles and 11 clearances. He’s a star. Sean Darcy (134 SC), Luke Ryan (102 SC) and Andrew Brayshaw (94 SC) were all solid for the Dockers as well.

Injuries

Mason Cox was subbed out with a nasty looking finger injury.

Reports

N/A