Weekly wrap: Round 22 studs, duds, injuries

Only one week to go!!

First up, apologies for the lateness with this article. Ideally getting this out on Monday is the dream, but a Uni assignment had me more locked up than Lachie Neale against Marcus Windhager.

It was a do-or-die round of footy, with Carlton, Western Bulldogs, and St Kilda all still firmly in the hunt for a top-8 spot.

This is why we love footy!

SuperCoach wise though, I scored 2416 which moved me down 13 rankings to 8650^th.

To be honest, if you told me in Round 11 that I’d be finishing inside the top 10k, I’d be pretty stoked with that. However, it hasn’t been a successful year by any stretch of the imagination.

Being dubbed a “SuperCoach Expert”, I think it’s expected to finish at least inside the top 5k, but injuries and overall shitty trades certainly put a halt to that this year for me.

Anyway, let’s get into the wrap!

PRICE DROP! Our subscription package is down to $20 for the remainder of the season. Support the site, and more importantly your SuperCoach side’s title bid, with extra premium articles, access to our Whatsapp group chat with exclusive insights and feedback. SIGN UP HERE!

Embed from Getty Images

St. Kilda v Brisbane

I said this on the podcast we did yesterday, but watching this game was like watching myself drive into oncoming traffic.

I KNEW that Lachie Neale (76) would get shutdown, but I could do nothing about it. It was a terrific job by Marcus Windhager (71), who earned himself this week’s Rising Star nomination.

Rowan Marshall (113) continued his excellent month with another 20 disposal and 42 hit-out performance. Dare I say it, if Paddy Ryder retires in the off-season, Marshall looks like a must have.

Jack Steele (58) majorly struggled face-to-face with the Barometer, Rhys Mathieson (64), who certainly left his mark on the game; and although he played well, Brad Crouch (91) will be watching the game next week from the sidelines after his late bump caught Darcy Gardiner high.

I was worried about Daniel Rich (120) getting tagged, but he managed to roam free all day.

While Rich dominated, the rest of the Lions’ midfield struggled, with Hugh McCluggage (100), Jarryd Lyons (68), and Jarrod Berry (71) all playing exceedingly under-par alongside Lachie Neale.

Cameron Rayner (115) went full beast-mode in the last quarter though, kicking three of his four goals to win the match for the Lions.

Injuries – Dan Butler (corkie), Jimmy Webster (hamstring)

Reports – Brad Crouch (high bump)

Embed from Getty Images

Western Bulldogs v GWS

Must-win game for the Doggies and they delivered when they needed to most!

Caleb Daniel (111) and Bailey Dale (88) shared the fruits of playing the seagull role, combing for 14 marks down back.

As always, the midfield of Jack Macrae (114), Marcus Bontempelli (100), Josh Dunkley (90), and Tom Liberatore (95) all stood up, but Bailey Smith (86) was relatively underwhelming – although he did kick a clutch goal!

The return of Stefan Martin (29) caused doubt for Tim English (88) owners, who probably aren’t happy with an 88 and shared ruck duties at this point of the season.

Talk about elite teams, GWS had EIGHT players ton up!

Have you ever wanted to invest in property but don’t know where to start? Join us and the Blue Wealth Property team for a free info session that will help you build your wealth through property. When: 17/8/22, 7pm (6:30pm rego). Where: Tradies, Gymea. We’ve kept aside a limited number of spaces for our SC Playbook Faithful, so please click the link below to register as spots will fill up fast. FOLLOW HERE

Josh Kelly (112) was at the forefront of it, racking up 35 touches and 12 marks.

Harry Perryman (121) did a terrific job on Libba, with his score so massive largely due to the 14 tackles he picked up.

Down off half-back, Nick Haynes (101), Lachie Whitfield (92), and Harry Himmelberg (100) combined for 40 marks between the three of them. 40!! I’d be targeting James Sicily this week against the Dogs if I had any trades left…

Stephen Coniglio (116) and Tom Green (125) were monstrous, while Callan Ward (115) wound back the clock with 29 touches.

Injuries – Lachlan Keefe (hamstring)

Reports – nil.

Embed from Getty Images

Adelaide v North Melbourne

This had Rory Laird breaking the all-time SuperCoach points record all over it. But alas… It was not meant to be, as he could only muster up a measly 97 points.

Although the garden gnome struggled, Jordan Dawson (145) was un-be-lie-va-ble.

The rest of the Crows are pretty irrelevant though to be honest. After averaging 113, from Round 15 to Round 17, Ben Keays (66) currently has a three-round average of 65… Absolutely putrid.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (141) … Take a bow. I’ve had my doubts throughout the year of his legitimacy as a good AFL player, but he’s seriously proven me wrong. 37 touches, 11 clearances, and a goal is sensational.

Jy Simpkin (121) also got a heap of footy in the middle, while Aaron Hall (97) was solid off half-back and he’s probably my top trade target this week against the Suns.

The story of the round by far though was Ben Cunnington (57) returning to the field after a long battle with testicular cancer. SuperCoach aside, you’re an absolute hero mate.

Injuries – Shane McAdam (hamstring), Jaidyn Stephenson (back), Jed Anderson (concussion), Jack Ziebell (shoulder)

Reports – Tom Doedee (high bump)

Embed from Getty Images

Gold Coast v Geelong

Touk Miller (125) collected 36 touches and was superb, but what about Brandon Ellis (149)?!?! 32 touches, 9 marks, and 90% disposal efficiency is huge! With a three-round average of 122, he should definitely be on your radar for this week’s game against the Kangas.

Jarrod Witts (116) absolutely dominated the ruck contest.

Mark Blicavs (131) started the game on the wing but moved into first ruck after Rhys Stanley (57) was subbed off injured.

Cameron Guthrie (113) had 30 touches, and Jeremy Cameron (113) kicked 3.3 but unfortunately strained his hammy and will miss this week against the Eagles.

Tom Stewart (98) was tagged up until 3QT, and it looked like he’d score poorly again, but luckily managed to find a fair bit of footy in the final quarter to put up a respectable score.

Injuries – Sam Day (knee), Izak Rankine (shoulder), Rhys Stanley (knee)

Reports – Sean Lemmens (dangerous tackle)

Embed from Getty Images

Melbourne v Carlton

What. A. Game.

In the wise words of Kelli Underwood, “Kozzie Mozzie!!”.

Let’s just run through the midfield super quick because you already know how good they are. Angus Brayshaw (113), Max Gawn (129), Clayton Oliver (126), and Christian Petracca (99) … Outstanding.

Steven May (138) and Christian Salem (90) were brilliant in defence, but Jake Melksham was arguably BOG thanks to his four goals.

Umm Sam Docherty (121) playing inside midfield?? Look, I don’t mind it, and clearly he scored well on the weekend, but I’d probably prefer him down back where I KNOW he’ll get those cheap kicks and marks.

Throughout the week, Patrick Cripps (117) were stressing over his tribunal result and while I don’t really want to start an argument over this, how the heck did he get off?! I could understand if his two weeks went down to just one, but to go from two to zero is ridiculous. Anyway, I digress.

Sam Walsh (73) struggled for the second week in a row, but Adam Saad (114) scored his fourth 110+ score in a row. What a gun!

Injuries – nil.  

Reports – nil.

Embed from Getty Images

Fremantle v West Coast

Sean Darcy (155) oh my GOODNESS. 56 hit-outs, 16 touches, 5 marks, and 6 marks, and even a goal… What a performance!

Andrew Brayshaw (106) was tagged but still managed to ton up, while Will Brodie (104) was also solid with 28 touches.

Luke Ryan (65) finally came back down to earth after four straight 110+ scores including a 128, 128, and a 146.

Liam Duggan (139) and Shannon Hurn (139) were both enormous down back, as Nic Naitanui (100) performed admirably in the ruck. I actually really like Nic Nat as an option this week against the Cats who most likely won’t have a recognised ruckman.

Injuries – Rory Lobb (shoulder), Jamaine Jones (shoulder)

Reports – nil.

Embed from Getty Images

Richmond v Hawthorn

Oh deary me, my poor Hawks were totally embarrassed in this game, with Tom Lynch (177) kicking EIGHT goals! Congrats to Niko and Bandit who predicted this last week.

Dion Prestia (121) kicked two goals to go along with his 30 touches, as Trent Cotchin (105) also racked up 30.

Jayden Short (108) finally put up a good score, but Shai Bolton (57) was shut down by Finn Maginness (47).

James Sicily (118) actually attended some centre bounces, but then returned back to defence where he collected 30 touches and 9 marks.

In his penultimate game, Big Boy McEvoy (119) played brilliantly in the ruck and could potentially be a veryyy smoky option this week in his last game.

Both Tom Mitchell (108) and Jai Newcombe (111) enjoyed the lacklustre defensive efforts of the Tigers’ midfield, but Dylan Moore didn’t have the best game.

Injuries – Jack Graham (foot)

Suspensions – nil.

Embed from Getty Images

Sydney v Collingwood

Terrific job by the Swans to snap Collingwood’s win streak, catapulting themselves all the way into second spot!

Callum Mills (128) was a popular captaincy option and duly delivered and was joined by Luke Parker (112) and James Rowbottom (124) in the middle.

Jake Lloyd (93) found a lot of footy off half-back, while Lance Franklin (93) and Isaac Heeney (109) were electric up forward.

Darcy Cameron (100) capitalised on Brodie Grundy’s new injury and could be an incredible option next season if Grundy moves to the Dees.

Scott Pendlebury (91) scored his first 90+ score since Round 18, but Jack Crisp (74) – as usual – absolutely sucked.

As expected, Nick Daicos (62) was tagged by Ryan Clarke (59). He still managed 20 touches but could only muster up two marks.

Injuries – Jack Ginnivan (hamstring)

Reports – nil.

Embed from Getty Images

Essendon v Port Adelaide

If you told me this would be the tip of the iceberg for the Bombers, I would have laughed at you; but following their 84-point loss to Port, they’ve had an absolute disaster with their coaching staff and now their President has just left the club…

It’s a great time to be alive.

Jordan Ridley (116) looked to have taken up the Mason Redman (63) which looks promising if he can keep it up.

Dylan Shiel (140) put up his second 140+ score in three weeks, but Zach Merrett (73) was tagged for the second week in a row and has now scored back-to-back 70’s.

FANCY A SAME-GAME MULTI? Topsport offer the best in the business, where the market odds ACTUALLY add up. Give it a try, compare to other bookies, and see the difference for yourself! Use the code ‘SCPLAYBOOK’ when signing up.

Dan Houston (121) was huge on the wing/half-back, as was Ollie Wines (140) who scores his second highest score of the season.

Remarkably, Zac Butters (106) now has four tons in a row! If only he could’ve done that when we all had him at the start of the year.

Jeremy Finlayson (133) played incredibly well but got reported for a dangerous tackle on McGrath in the last quarter.

Injuries – nil.

Reports – Jeremy Finlayson (dangerous tackle)