The Bruyn Manoeuvre – Lockout
Howdy all,
Welcome to the last preseason edition of the Bruyn Manoeuvre.
Only days until lockout and by now your team should hopefully be starting to settle.
If not, don’t despair – you have (some) time. Whatever you do at this point however, stay clam and back yourself in.
If your reading this then chances are you’ve been working on a team for a couple of months. What ever you do try not to stress out during these last few days, chopping and changing your side.
I know – it’s bloody easy with the various ‘team reveal’ articles going up on this great site to start second guessing your team but trust me – just don’t do it.
Instead, take heed. I had a bunch of mistakes in my 2013 starting squad and things turned out pretty well for me.
With all that said there’s still a few questions I’m asking of my team.
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Ablett or no Ablett?
Ablett. The orange cap is off (what colors do other clubs have?) and that’s good enough for me. One week out is cutting it close, bloody close, so I understand those leaving him out. I won’t be though. Massive call.
Rockliff or no Rockliff
No Rockliff. Just don’t have the cash once Ablett comes back in. Will be an intriguing POD for some. May even end up being a more influential decision than the one required on Gaz
Can we stick a rookie at D5?
It’s tempting isn’t it? My take is that both Saad and Macintosh MIGHT score well enough early to take an on-field slot but come round 3-4 their scoring could stall. I’m nervous about being stuck playing one and being left with little bench cover. One on-field for mine.
NicNat or no NicNat?
A few people are a bit nervous starting the big fella after an apparent lackluster showing against Freo. I’m not concerned. The guy averaged 90 on busted groins, he’s value.
Goldy-lock
If your structures suit – Agreed.
Are TBC and Leuy still options?
It’s hard to start big Bellchambers without seeing a preseason game but if he lines up as the no 1 for the bombers I think he is still a very viable selection. Leuy is far less attractive given his ceiling will be lowered by Stef Martin’s presence. It’s interesting to me though that a Leuy TBC combo will be massively unique (and very cheap). Risk reward?
How many keepers should I have?
There is no real rule to rely on here but I think you’d want to be able to count 12 as a minimum in your starting squad. Any less and you’re probably rocking a few too many midpricers – they offer value but do require a trade. This season I think veteran coaches will be aiming for 14 keepers and that’s not including TBC and maybe even Swannie.
How many Premo mids?
For a long time I’ve been trying to get a 6 premo mid structure to work for me but it is proving difficult. As such I think 5 looks like the magic number. 4 seems a little light, particularly considering the green vest appears to be a threat to many of the popular mid rookies.
Newton v NVB v Cripps v Sheed.
In order – Cripps, Sheed, Newton, NVB.
Which mid rookies on-field?
Ellis-Yolmen, Cripps, Sheed, Newton, NVB, Heeney, Anderson, Vandenburg, Miller, Lambert…subject to change (massively!)
Is he really a lock?
Swan – May be safer following the crowd on this one but not a lock for mine. Call me crazy but if you think he will go at 95-100 (like me) I think its possible he can be left out.
Pendlebury – Lock
Griffen – Lock
Newnes – Hype player of the preseason by far! A lock? I can’t see it. Not because he is a bad pick but simply because I don’t think he’ll be a top 5 defender. Isn’t cheap at all and plays for a poor side. Will feature in heaps of teams (mine included I’d say) but he isn’t David Swallow.
Higgins – not a lock by far. A solid option though down back. Handy Def/Fwd eligibility which will come into its own late in the season.
Gray – Lock
Martin – Lock (backflip alert!)
Maric – too much risk to miss games to be a lock. The third most attractive ruck in my book still.
Bennel – not a lock for me. I’m tipping a 5 point increase. A top 6-12 forward to me which isn’t enough to start him. Same for Ziebell.
Bontempelli – Heard it straight from Pendles mouth, “will get sat on”. Good enough for me. Pass.
Tom Mitchell – just doesn’t look like he’ll get enough time in the guts. If a first choice Sydney mid goes down get him in ASAP
Rich and Wells – I don’t like either pick. Reason being is that it is likely 1-2 mid rookies will reach 80 pt averages which is enough (considering their cheaper prices) to fill your M6-M8 spots. Maybe you squeeze one at M5 but I’d rather go a premo there.
Deledio – I don’t like the balance of starting him and Martin so gets a no from me here.
This season is shaping as a real beauty due to the huge variety of sides we are seeing across the board. Embrace this fact!
How much more satisfying will it be backing your unique selection and seeing them perform then to watch on as the guy ‘you were going to pick’ smashes it out of the park?
It’s an easy answer I reckon.
Happy lockout!
Great write-up. One question … when you reference starting either Saad or McIntosh @ D5 / D6, does this imply that you’re NOT selecting Goodes? Reasons?
Goodies is very injury prone..l..thrill seekers only
thoughts on Jarryn Geary? word is that he is no longer playing a lock down role so I think he will be good for cash generation
awesome write up, what are your thoughts on jimmy bartel this season? is he more worth it than gray or dusty?
Gray should average 10+ points compared to Bartel, Gray a LOCK since day one.
Bartel v Dusty tough call my gut tells me I can't help but think there wont be much of a difference between them. I'm going Dusty personally with obviously Gray.
Good luck no matter who you chose.
Cracking article JB. An M6-M7 line does leave you compromised on another line. There isn't a lot of JS in defence rookies. I understand your M5 status & may well cave & end up back there myself. Look forward to playing you in the leagues JB.
Great info there
Would love some feedback on my team
Malceski, Shaw, Gibson, Newnes, Hamling, Saad ( Oxley, Mcintosh)
Ablett, Fyfe, Selwood, Kennedy, Griffen, Cripps, Cockatoo, Heeney (Vandenberg,Elis-Yolmen, Miller)
Maric, Minson (Read)
Deledio, Zorko, Swan, Salem, Clark, Hogan (Steele, Lambert
Not sure about my back line and rookies on and off the ground
Cheers
malceski not worth the cash. better option would be to downgrade him to goodes or kk and upgrade elsewhere. vandenberg hasnt been upgraded yet either
Thanks mate I'll look into that now
Luey and TBC? Or TBC and Zac Smith? Or Zac Smith and Luey?
I reckon luey and tbc, I’m running it, gotta put them on the line sometime….
Brilliant article mate, awesome read.
Would really like some input on a few questions.
If Newnes isn't a lock who would you look at in and around that price?
I am currently running with the following :
Shaw, Murphy, Newnes, Goodes, McIntosh, Saad – Oxley, Hamling
Pendles (can become GAJ), Fyfe, Beams, Parker, Wines, Griffen, Cripps, CEY – Heeney, Miller, Krak (may change to Steele or Vander or Cocka)
Goldy, Maric
Gray, Bartel, Martin, Salem, Clark, Lambert – Daniel (may change to Hogan), Lamb
If people are saying how can you change Pendles to Gaj and say Lamb to Hogan or Krak to Steele or Cockatoo it would be because I would downgrade Martin or Bartel to Swan.
Please advise thoughts guys so close to lock out for me as I won't be on later this week!
Cheers guys!
GOOD LUCK!
3 Doggies down back worries me a bit. I had Goodes at D4 but he's now D5, just too much risk starting 2 def rookies on field.
Very risky starting 2 rookie defenders, Goodes ideally should be at m5. May be helpful to upgrade Pendles to Rockliff due to the bye rounds as well as a higher upside. Also be careful with your forward rookie, Lambert barely has any JS, Daniel's got sub written all over him, and if Darling comes back early in the season, your stuck with Lamb barely making any $$$.
What are your thoughts on gooded…. Not brett goodes. But adam goodes. Is priced to average a 60 but as this being his likely last season should definitely average 90+?
Would be a massive pod wouldnt be a keeper tho
Wants to be a politician – can't be trusted to produce!!!!
Great article !!! And watch all the gaz doubters do backflips now ……..haha
Thoughts?
DEF: Smith, Shaw, Newnes, Lumumba, Goodes, Saad (Hamling, Goddard)
MIDS: Ablett, Pedles, Fyfe, Beams, Griffen, Cripps, Heeney, Yolmen (Vandenberg, Freeman,
Miller)
RUCKS: Goldy, Naitanui (Read)
FWDS: Gray, Martin, Swan, Salem, Clark, Lambert (Hogan, Lamb)
Might take Pendles out but not unsure on who for..
If you're swapping pendles out, consider JPK, Sloane or Piddis. They'll score just as well and save you up to $65k
DEF: K.Simpson, H.Shaw, H.Taylor, J.Newnes, B.Goodes, K,Mcintosh (H.Goddard, A.Saad)
MID: G.Ablett, S.Pendlebury, J.Selwood, R.Sloane, C.Ward, P.Cripps, J.Anderson, I.Heeney (A.Vandenberg, C.Ellis-Yolmen, T.Miller)
RUC: I.Maric, N.Naitanui (T.Read)
FWD: D.Martin, D.Zorko, D.Swan, C.Salem, M.Clark, J.Hogan (C.Daniel, K.Lambert)
Money in the Bank: $20,800
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Cheers
Great article Bruyn!
Pendles is a lock mate , Change something but keep him
A superb checklist JB chock full of $50K wisdom just a couple days out from the first siren. Interesting to see you rate Sheed quite highly out of the $200K guys as I've barely seen him in any teams here but perhaps that is just east coast bias.
I know I and plenty others here would love to see a full team reveal here from a former winner. 🙂
I have 3 spots left in one of my leagues 'Jock's Good Eggs' (code=170111) if anyone is interested. All are welcome. (EDIT sorry all full now.)
See you for some playtime 2015 SCaddict Looking forward to some quality time in there.
For sure Dools! Looking forward to our new recruit Throttlefinger joining in on the action along with 3 other fresh faces.
Be careful the man has a plan!!! and it does not involve turnips!
Going to be a great league. Look out for the Bunnies!
It may involve turnips. Steamed, not sautéed. (there's 3 SC insights in that last sentence)
Taylor and Neale or Hibberd and Rich? Would really be appreciated.
Rich i could substitute with wallis also.
Wallis is a great POD mate, have a punt on him
Finding it hard to split them. Thanks for the tip mate
J. Hamling or Mcintosh?
THOUGHTS ON CHRIS JUDD EVERYONE?
Good question…. I hope he does alright!
Legend, he will do good and will play his heart out. Not in my team
Be brutal – thoughts would be great … $38k left ..
Shaw, Johnson, Harry T, Newnes, Goodes, Brown (Saad, McIntosh)
Ablett, Fyfe, JPK, Lewis, Griff, Cripps, Heeney, CEY (Anderson, Miller, Steel)
Goldy, Maric, (Read)
Gray, Bartel, Swan, Salem, Clark, Hogan (Lamb, Lambert)
I dont like the selection of Nathan Brown, think there are better rookie options including McIntosh (Rich), Hamling (WB) & maybe Oxley (COLL). Brown will play when his not injured, but gives you 50 points each week. I think the others will score 60+ per week.
Anderson for Hawthorn is not likely to get a game each week, he is borderline in the best 22.
I cant fault the rucks & forward-line.
even though Brown averaged 73 SC points from 3 games in NAB??
His JS looks good too. He'll certainly earn you cash… only trouble is his bad history of injuries
Hey community as a new player I'm wondering if it is still unlimited trades during round 1. Just worrying because Sunday and Monday teams won't be finalised before Thursday's game???
Yep you can chop and change as often as you like over the Rd1 weekend only with players who haven't played their game of course.
So as a hypothetical example you could swap Anderson out if he gets the vest for say Cockatoo if you have the available bank right up until 3:20pm on Easter Monday and not burn any of your 30 trades for the season.
Great advice mate. Terrific community spirit.
Pendles or Fyfe???
fyfe
Fyfe
WOW Derek , I not saying your wrong but the pedigree old dog V young gun ….. Playin' safe is more important Pendles even in a bad team everyday
I have both
Pendles here too. 2v2 who's gonna decide it?
Why not have both, ol'e
I've got both. Toss a coin.
Trying to find another 35k so I can turn Parker into fyfe
Fyfe
Both. otherwise the one that misses fewer games.
Anyone considering T.Watson ?
I meant J,Watson ,Tim might be over the hill a bit
I prefer hep to jobe this year.
Tipping a break in to elitehood this year. I’m enjoying that he’s a POD.
Yeah decent option. I prefer him to the extremely popular Griffen.
J Watson will show everyone this he’ll be back to his best! He’s a lock for me.
He generally starts the season pretty well when he's fully heathy too iirc.
This could be the POD of the year mate. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, magnificent result for all the lads caught up in this 2 plus year witch hunt, I hope he does well but 575K for a 30 year old who has carried this massive burden as the son of Tim, the Captain of the Club, spokesman for the players, watched his team penalised by AFL, I think he might just sit back and smell the roses. (I hope that's what he does he is not on my walk up team)
I'm not an Essendon fan far from it but this thing was horrible as an on viewer and the relief at windy hill 2 days before the bounce, This is their premiership…
Well said Dools, really well said. I don't have him either but I'd be happy to see him go well
But how will he go without all the jabs??
Thanks JB, I wasn't second guessing myself until you said don't second guess yourself
What are peoples thoughts on my team?
Shaw, Gibson, Newnes, Lumumba, Goodes, McIntosh, (Saad, Oxley)
Ablett, Fyfe, Beams, Dangerfield, Griffen, Sheed, Cripps, Heeney, (CEY, Miller, Vandenberg)
Goldstein, Minson, (Read)
Gray, Martin, Swan/The Bont, Salem, Clark, Lambert, (Lonie, Lamb)
Not sure on Swan and 52k or Bontempelli and 95k so i'm open to suggestions
Thanks in advance
Hey Shayne, really like your Sheed pick in the midfield, has a heap of talent and will outscore Newton this year (who seems a more popular pick). Your back/fwd lines look solid but pretty generic, if you're fine with that then run with Swan but Bont would separate you from the pack – your choice. Can't fault ruck selections and bench looks solid. Good luck mate.
Jordan Lewis or Ryan Griffen?
Reckon Griffen is the greater 'must have' of the two although I'm going with both myself given how well Lewis closed out 2014 and flown in the preseason. Similar to how Rocky closed out 2013 and continued that form into 2014 or at least so I'm hoping.
That said Griffen looks superb value at just $530K all freshened up with a change of scenery and a stacked GWS midfield and will be too irresistible to pass up for many coaches.
Lewis great POD
Lewis. The best midfielder in the best team in the comp. Easy.
Wombats are you there mate???
Been waiting for him to Dools… High quality player this one.
The Wombat has been noticeably silent.
NEWS UPDATE- The AFL tribunal has found all players NOT GUILTY of using TB4 so feel free to select any Bombers players like Jab Whatsinitson and Patty Rideher or Monchips if you wish.
Time for the Cripple to limp out of here and maybe stumble or fall into something else.
L…L…..La….La….Later boys. Sorry thats my stutter. Sometimes its more P…P….P…Power….Powerf…..Powerfu…..potent than my limp!
Tempted in Bellchambers and Watson now T_T
Do not pick Jack Newnes.
Why do you say that ? He's in most teams
Jordo, why not he is not on my team but why spill yur guts mate??? did he eat meat from a Collingwood eatery??? What ???
Yeah why NOT Jordy??? I'm guessing you have Newes in his side. lol
Whos a better stepping stone, Jack Steven or Juddy?
I'd lean towards Juddy although I also like Scooter Selwood for this purpose too.
Righto, I read somewhere he'd be playing a tagging role, but my sources always seem to be off.
He's always had a stopping role but is a far better player than your average tagger and gets plenty of the pill himself and is a tackling machine. Had 123pts in just 63% TOG against Freo in NAB 3.
Would of probably garnered more attention had he played a full preseason but I fully believe he's bit of a hidden gem in 2015. Nothing wrong picking Juddy or Steven if you don't like the idea though.
Thoughts on lachie Neal this year?
Seems on the rise but it's always a devil of a thing trying to pick who will be the breakout contenders from the mere pretenders. Much easier I reckon to go with proven premiums whose high ceilings are known who are either coming back from injury or had a bad 'one off' season for whatever reason such as a Wells, Scooter or Judd.
Perhaps Neale will go to the next level as indicated by his impressive preseason or perhaps he will go back to more modest output when Fyfe, Barlow and Mundy take over the midfield once the real stuff starts. It's always tough to say but he'll likely improve his 2014 average I just have no idea by how much.
Brodie Smith or Matt Jaensch or Kade Simpson community?
Havent seen Brodie Smith in many sides. Nice POD.
K. Simpson….
Will Elliot Kavanagh play Rd1 now that the full team is back?
is it worth have tbc in the forward line to swing into the rucks starting with maric and nat. would be trading out bont to bring him in but can swap rich to bont in the middle. just don't want to have to burn a trade when a ruck man goes's missing for a couple weeks
oh bugger that's a interesting thought…. have the same thing….. bont to tbc and replace rich with the bont…. to cover my rucks or not hmmm
My defence
Malceski, Simpson, Newnes, ? , Goodes, Saad (Rook, Rook)
Bewick a good pick for D4?
Ibbotson?
Geary?
T.Hunt?
Hendo?
Any other options?
All sound picks… I'd personally pick Ibbo though.
Thumper
bont and tbc as fwd 4?
or*
come on comminuty what does every one think
Bont over TBC
who are you starting in the rucks i have maric nat. current have bont but considering downgrading him to tbc just for coverage for a week or two
Goldy Maric ATM. TBC we’ve seen nothing of preseason. Not sure on ruck setup. Risky. Hasn’t been a great scorer. No chance to land in my team. Bont either. Will get hard tagged
i just can't see any ruckman playing every game thats the only reason I'm considering tbc but the risk he is going to miss games is probably more than maric nat
surely mccrae will get tagged before bont
Guys can I PLEASE have a vote on teams :
TEAM 1 :
Shaw, Murphy, Newnes, Goodes, McIntosh, Saad – Oxley, Hamling
Pendles, Fyfe, Beams, Parker, Wines, Griffen, Cripps, CEY – Heeney, Miller, Krak
Goldy, Maric
Gray, Bartel, Martin, Salem, Clark, Lambert – Daniel, Lamb
TEAM 2 :
Shaw, Gibson OR Murphy (IF YOU VOTE TEAM 2 PLZ PICK WHO YOU WOULD TAKE), Newnes, Goodes, McIntosh, Saad, Oxley, Hamling
Ablett, Fyfe, Beams, Parker, Wines, Griffen, Cripps, CEY, Heeney, Miller, Krak
Gold, Maric
Gray, Martin, Swan, Salem, Clark, Hogan, Lambert, Lamb
Thanks guys and best of luck for the season!
CHEERS!
wouldn't be starting lambert on the ground would downgrade a parker or wines and upgrade him to much of a vest canidate. have him on your bench if you want him
Second team has Hogan ahead. Other then that the overall pick?
Griff or watson?
i have griffen reckon he will kill it. have had watson in or out but at this stage suit my team as a whole better with out him but i reckon he will start the season of with a couple huge scores
Griff. Cant imagine many people with Watson in their side, he's gotta put the whole ASADA thing behind him now and hes in his 30s. Could be a great POD though.
Watson is more of a chance to end up a top 8 mid.
I rate Griffen more than Watson as an all round midfielder….
wouldn't be stating lambert on the ground would downgrade a parker wines and upgrade him to much of a vest canidate
Thoughts on Geary?
I think there's enough justification to have him but perhaps there are better options. Personally I'm avoiding the whole 300-400 region at the beginning, but that is my personal strategy.
Brilliant work JB….. Just wanted to ask you why you think. Dom Sheed will do so well this year?
Tossing up over Dom Sheed or Jed Anderson…..
Great article John, just what we needed to help prevent the panic and last minute questioning of our teams pre-lockout.
Lachie Neal or Chris Judd
I like Lachie Neale a lot, nice POD. Have had him in and out of my team. your main question for every player is what you think his role will be in your side for the year, if you think he can tick all the boxes for that role than go for it. Neale could be breakout year but it's harder to pick breakout years. Juddy is proven but if your purpose for him is to stick out 22 games at 100+ it's doubtful.
Personally, Neale because I like having POD's
Community, is there enough justification to make Gray (Robbie) M5 and use the vacant spot in the forward line on the various midpricers? (400-500k range)
Also I'll be able to make a swing later in the season and I'm worried that the midfield spread from the 400k-600k range is too much hit and miss.
Mid midpricers are better value imo.
Has Mcintosh from Richmond been elevated to the senior list and will he play Round 1?
He is on the senior list. Good signs from what Hardwick said in a press conference, chance to play against the Blues.
If anyone is keen join my league. we were pretty solid last year with a lot of decent competition so lookin to do the same thing again.
The Bounty Hunters.
500675
Just joined dannyyboyy – WithAllDueRespect – game on thanks for the invite.
Is this league full?
it is now sorry champ
Help please
Option 1
Shaw. Johnson. Newnes
Ibbo. Mcintosh. Saad
Edwards. Hamling. Bout 130k left
Option 2
Shaw. Johnson. Ibbo.
Kolo. Goodes. Saad
Mcintosh. Edwards. Bout 83k left
what would you guys rather –
oxley, rich and goldstein
or
kade kolodashnij, sheed and nic nat
thanks 🙂
Rather Goldy than Nic Nat in ruck.
thanks mate
with the first option ill have 22,300 left
with the second option i have nothing keft
Yeh, personally Id got with option one, with the bit of insurance in the kitty.
Option 2…
Thoughts?
DEF: Simpson, shaw, newnes, Lumumba, Pearce, Hamling, (Saad, Mcintosh)
MID: Selwood, Sloane, Griffen, Swallow, Steven, Rich, Cripps, heeney ( Blakely, Vandenberg, Ellis yolmen)
RUCK: NicNat, Jamr (Read)
FWD: Ryder, Martin, Roughy, Dahlhaus, Clark, Hogan ( Daniel, Lambert)
I have 52K in the bank. Any suggestions?
Interesting side, imo midfield lacks 1 more premo such as GAJ, Pendles, Fyfe, Beams type player. Very heavy forward line.
Hey Mick the Mad Irishman-Where’s your team mate???
Yeah mate – there's not much time left