POLL: $250K – $450K Defence selections
Ah, the mid-priced defender.
The Fool’s Gold. The burniest* of the burn-men. Heritier Lumumba, Garrick Ibbotson, Shaun Atley, Clancee Pearce, Brendan Whitecross, Nathan Bock, and the eternal and infamous Greg Broughton, mid-priced defenders are third-degree burn territory.
Yet each year, like moths to a flame, we are drawn to them. And why wouldn’t we be? The pass mark for a premium defender is just over 90, and 90 is easily achievable by the next David Swallow or Jack Newnes.
Have you got faith in the boys over 450K to get the job done, or are you looking for a bit more value in your backline? And Gary Ablett Jr knows we’ve got enough value back there this year – mid priced defenders played musical chairs last year, with *takes a breath* Seedsman, Yarran, Rosa, Adcock, Howe, Hampton, Bugg and of course James Aish all changing clubs.
On top of that, injuries to Rich, Smith, Jaensch, Yarran, Malceski and Walker all leave them undervalued, while the likes of McGovern, Rich, Yeo and Baguely could all go to the next level.
Either that or blow up in our faces.
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So, community, with the NAB cup about a week away, who have you got your eye on?

Of course everyone will be picking Zac Dawson, who doesn’t even need to be put in the poll. At 221K he’s an absolute steal and will c…
Oops. What do we reckon? Who’s value?
Love your work Patch! I'm going with Yeo and Smith from that list.
Rich or Malceski and Aish
2nd one
I'd prefer Rich, but none of those names fill me with much more than uneasiness.
Will Hampton get a regular game at the crows? Is he a good alternative to Aish?
Only NAB will tell us that.
I think you are better off with a pure rookie. A rookie priced at $117300 only needs to average 60 to make you more cash that Aish or Hampton averaging 80.
I totally agree and great advice for defenders, but the structure of my team at the moment means I already have 2 rookie defenders on the field (Having Goldy does that) and am a bit frightened going in with 3 cheapies on the backline.
Two rookies on the field is fine but not 2 + Hampton, that is too risky. Brown & Hartley (both Ess) have loads more job security than Hampton and I don't even think he would score much more than them even if he did play. So in short, Hampton is not worth the extra 100k. But if he tears it up in the NAB you can re-evaluate.
I agree. Would just add that you would have to make sure that the 150k that you save is reinvested wisely, so that it gives you back the 20 points you gave up by fielding a rookie. Like turning a Mid prover defender into Shaw.
I doubt he will get a chance to score much with Smith, Laird, Jaensch and Seedsman around him, so he's not high on my radar. He has to look very bloody good to be considered.
If he looks likely to be in the pies best 22 Aish all but picks himself at that price and as a DPP
Keeping a close eye on Smith, Yeo, Rich and a couple of others just over the 450k mark in KK and Langdon
Is Eric MacKenzie available for West Coast?
Remember he is Key Position and never scores big.
He'll be a stepping stone. He's only priced to average around 45 and should score 60's. Decent profit to be earnt
He's sub $250K so not subject to this particular poll.
But he's been training nicely and well on track for Rd1 if that's what you mean.
Will anyone be considering starting with key position defenders like McGovern, T-Mac, Rance, Johnson or Gibson? Most teams I have seen don’t have them.
Does anyone know how L.McDonald is travelling this pre season?
Wont be starting with them because of price. All are on my radar as potential upgrades. Interestingly hearing that Johnson may get mid time this year.
If that's come from Ross Lyon I think he is doing exactly that (lying). He always says players are going to play here, there and everywhere but it rarely transpires. You gotta ask yourself the question, why would Freo play one of the best forwards or defenders in the midfield when their midfield is already one of the best in the comp?
Zac Dawson gets another mention!
At the end of last year, i had quietly penciled in Jake Kolodjashnij at D5, thinking he would be around $280k.
Unfortunately $363k is too much.
Going with Yeo only on the assumption plays mid. Aish is this years burnman. I'd only select a cash cow if i think they can make me $150k. At his price if Aish averages 80 he wont make $150k. Cant see him averageing more than that.
I'm with you Luskin. Aish is not doing it for me at all – Seedsman the only one below 410K I'm really considering at this stage.
Yeah but if you can handle the coin 80 for a DDP bench player is very good.
What do we think of Birchall?
training in the midfield and only 465k
Is definitely on my watch list and might be the only hawk I really even consider all year (barring injuries to my premo mids). I've been looking for that +450k that will be rock solid. He might be the pick.
Shaw is too $$$, Not sure about KK at $482k; Boyd, McVeigh & Bartel are ancient and/or injured & will be managed throughout the season, Rance ??? McDonald ???
I have Birchall every year and he always consistently averages 85-low 90s. Never goes big, but very reliable as a defender.
Aim keely awaiting the NAB cup for him, Tommy. But defenders and forwards training with mids are a dime a dozen in February, so I'm taking the news with a pinch of salt.
He is consistant but nothing else
2006 16 69.6
2007 22 83.6
2008 22 84.8
2009 19 81.3
2010 21 79.5
2011 21 94.0
2012 20 94.6
2013 14 92.1
2014 22 88.9
2015 18 86.1
worth a look, but dont expect much in the way of game / supercoach wining ability
Forgot about Thurlow, really tapered off late last year but was his first full season and had no pre-season, classy player and I think pretty good job security.
Agree Leeds, but still can't see him breaking the 85 barrier. Might move into Kelly's role though, which would make things interesting.
Resisting temptation this year and going pure guns and rookies down back. There’s “possible” value sure, Yeo and Eski tempt, feel that the mid priced fwds on offer will outscore their defensive counterparts.
I agree Kev I reckon the mid priced forwards look better too, but I can't help myself I've got mid pricers on every line. I feel Eski, Bird & Libba could potentially be keepers, whilst I think Lobbe can hold down R2 until the second best ruckman reveals himself. It's the year of mid-price mayhem. If it fails, I'm GNR till I die.
I'm with you, Kev. I've got 2 premos and Seedsman at the moment, but that will change when rookies reveal themselves.
I'll be watching NAB closely and then probably picking just one of them.
Yeo and Aish are top of my list at the moment.
It will also be dependant on how many decent rookies put their hand up.
Very shocked to see more people have Yeo than B.Smith. I suppose time will tell whether Yeo will get into the midfield
Also surprised people have clicked on Chris Yarran.
Yarran is a tird that turns the ball over way to much and got traded 2 years too late
Shaw, KK, Malceski
or
KK, Bartel, Birchall
option2
option 2. get Shaw as an upgrade later
You can simplify it by dropping KK buddy, he stacks up against himself as you'd expect…….
I'd take option1 but it's really close.
How is everyone shaping there backline?
3 mid and 3 rookies?
1 premium 3 mids and 2 rookies?
Unsure this year on setup down back?
It's tough to tell at this stage as we don't know the rookie situation. We can lock in 3 key position defenders in the two Browns and Hartley, but six weeks of 50s are no good for cash generation or for points. It's very much a wait and see proposition.
I've gone 2/1/3 + bench at this stage, but it's by no means locked in.
Thanks Patch for the info. Really struggling this year to set it up
What do u consider a premo? Over $500k?
Yep over 500k
yeah. Premium in defence is over $490k. Anyone who can average 90+
you could stretch it to include KK at $482k.
I'm thinking 2 premiums, 3 mid & rookies to start with.
In that case 1 premo, 3 mids, 2 rooks. Unless some show up in NAB cup can’t see how u can field more than 2 rooks.
3/1/2 is what i'm floating with at the moment Krups.
Purely names at present, as plenty will change.
McVeigh, Simpson, Bartel, 1 of (Malceski, Br Smith or Aish) Dea, M.Brown (ESS) – 2 x rookies on bench.
2 premos ( i include kk in that)
rest rookies
i know i know, very light in the backline but with so much value in the other positions this year, id rather strengthen them. plus im not sure if i can trust to many in the backline
Suckling not on that list …. Could be link man at dogs up on wings ,, very tempting
suckling is fully priced imo. not much upside in his score or price. At times last year he played crap. His kicking was aweful and he was dropped by the hawks but he managed a couple of late changes that kept him in the team.
That's interesting Derek because the perception around most people is that his kicking is really good, but I heard a few Hawthorn supporters now saying it's terrible. Don't where the differing opinions comes from it might be that he has a similar technique than Darren Jarmen so people get confused
Yeah his kick is rated great but truth be told he is the last person running around the player on the mark outside 50 that I want to see. That being said us Hawks supporters are spoiled rotten with Gunston & Bruest & no Cloke 😛 Technique sound and did come back better post being dropped.
one point in his favour is how the doggies use their half backs, they get a ton of ball and are encouraged to run and kick long.
Word is he’ll play wing/forward but let’s see how this pan out this pre-season – but I can’t see myself picking him
3 premos , 2 mid pricers, 1 rookie on field for me krups
Thanks smithy
Duryea and Rosa interesting stand-outs so far – would love to hear the thought process behind ticking those two, Duryea especially.
Also proud Marty Gleeson has managed to pull 4 votes and isn't languishing at the bottom of the poll. You go, son.
I think dureya is in for a big season been in my team since first Draft. Avg over 100 in the finals, no more chance of being a sub and with suckling now gone h gets his chance to own that position.
Duryea is very likely to improve this year. He will have competition for his place from Whitcross, Litherland, Langford, Hartung, O'Rourke, but i think he is currently in the Hawks best 22. He maybe given more lock-down roles on small forwards that will keep his scores low.
The problem with Hawthorn players is their willingness to share the SC points around
Fair call with lock-down small defence role, I feel if you pick a hawthorn defends it should be Birchall even with the higher price tag
Out of the names listed he is only competing with whitecross and Litherland at a stretch and he has a big lead on Whitecross after last years finals.
Yeah in the 22 and will win plenty of his own ball running it out of the back line.
<3
<3
My POD aint even on the list? Valued at 350ish. In 8 of last 9 games last year (subbed in the 9th) inlcuding finals averaged 20 plus possessions and 91 at supercoach. Identity to remain undisclosed, in keeping with this pole 🙂
I know who you're talking about!
Me too I’m pretty sure …
Wouldn’t be from the state of Perth?
Purple
Don't give the game away Shaneo 🙂
it's not Zac Dawson……?
I can confirm it is not the Golden Fist aka Ross's Love Child.
any chance he dropped an important mark in last years prelim?
Thus reducing his score that game. We all fumble now and then.
He has got something in common with Tori Spelling and it's not her looks or acting ability (he trumps her in both those things)
Spoiler Alert: it's her initials!
Might start with S? lol
That could be an initial.
Does he have something close in common with the type of footys the AFL use?
🙂 yes…ish … similar but not precisely
I like that as a POD meda. Have to admit he wasn’t on my radar but he sure is now, keeping an eye over Nab for sure.
Def worth consideration. Good motor and no Duffman to compete with anymore. Once he settled into the team he looked comfortable in the rebounding role off half back. Good skills … until that fumble of course but that's history.
Yeh once he got settled he played out the season so good job security, wish he was 50k cheaper. Still heavily considering though
Nope wrong bloke. Got a similar surname to a wide world of sports presenter
I don’t think he is talking bout Sutcliffe Krups
Lol well im stuffed then. Who?
Just for you Krups I guess the game's up … it was Tom Sheridan in the Conservatroy with the Candslestick 🙂 …there was a Tim Sheridan who worked at Wide World of Sports then moved to Foxtel … so you were almost there.
Thanks bloke 🙂
Ok I have a real POD for yous. Orazio Fantasia from the Bombers. I know he scored over 100 in his last game whilst playing off the half back line. Thoughts?
Love it Mac. Love a bloke that steps up – and presents his community a real nice point of difference. Just off now to research him further. Impressed son.
No worries Jock mate, get back to me in what your thoughts are on young Orazio!
Funny that you say that because he's been on my radar and I would agree……but its a wait and see…..in NAB We Trust!
Absolutely love the call mate – didn't even cross my mind.
What DEF/MID/FWD premiums are a MUST have for the start of the season?
I'm not sure there are too many MUST HAVE players this year. Look at the midfield for instance…is fyfe 100%? How will GAJ return from injury? Will danger perform in New colours? Can selwood do better than last year? Will Sloane struggle without danger? I think it's very open this year.
No premiums are a must. Pretty sure there is 8% (correct me if I'm wrong community) decrease in price over the season as rookie prices increase. Therefore you want the ones with the most upside to even maintain value (and they score points too…) I'm looking to take sig$ into round 1….crazy I know…
Would starting Dusty, Dahlhaus and Barlow be better than going Dusty, Devon Smith/Toby Greene, Barlow and upgrading a rookie to Wells/Simpkin?
No, do the latter definetly
Why is no one considering Andrew Walker?
Durability I guess. Would be great pick if it paid off but that is if. Maybe a Blues supporter could advise how he is tracking?
Awkward price
Injury prone?
Was in my first team, nab watch
Still unable to run properly mate, expect his name on the LTI list soon or maybe even retirement so he can get 500k for the year as a top-up at the cheetahs
Any more news on Nat Fyfe
Hello, Im just looking for anyone to check out my team, im open to all critizsm
B: J. McVeigh, Docherty, Bartel, Rich, A. Francis, J. Wagner (M.Brown (Ess) R. Bonner
M: Pendles, GAJ, Rockliff, Wines, Libba, O'Meara, C. Oliver, Hopper (Gresham, Petrecca, Mathieson)
R: S. Martin, Lobbe (T.West)
F: Wingard, Barlow, Franklin, De Goey, Simpkin, Cockatoo (H. Mckay, Kerridge)
G'day Adam! Just a couple of things I'll suggest to make your team better in my opinion. Drop McVeigh for KK, McVeigh hasn't had a full pre season to date. I think you have far too many expensive rookies in Oliver, Francis, Hopper, Cockatoo, McKay. I suggest trading them down to players around the 123k mark for example Keays in the midfield. In downgrading all of those players, it should allow you to upgrade one of the rookies (Oliver) to another premo mid. Also I would only select one of De Goey and Simpkin and use that cash into your midfield, (upgrade a rookie to Brad Crouch). Good luck
Thank you for your input 🙂 yeah, I have the expensive rookies in there, so after the NAB I can change those overpriced ones for cheaper, better performing rookies.
Thank you Mac 🙂
Good advice!
Would also switch Petracca to the forward line as he could prove to be a handy onfield scoring option at F6 or emergency loophole, if he stays healthy and performs near expectation.
Also frees up a valuable midfield bench cash cow spot.
Thoughts on my team please! All feedback good/bad is much appreciated.
Shaw, KK, Yeo, Smith, Hartley, Brown (ESS), Broad, Collins (FRE)
Ablett, Pendles, Priddis, Shiel, Rockliff, Libba, Hopper, Gresham, Keays, Mathieson, Cuningham
Goldstein, Lobbe, Wyatt
Martin, Dahlhaus, Barlow, Simpkin, Kerridge, Petracca, Grimley, Skinner
12k in the bank.
Pretty much the same setup as i've currently got mate haha will still make some adjustments post nab chllenge matches of course
That is a solid side Stiffy. I am mulling over Yeo/McGovern. Goldstein quality but extremely expensive and with teams more likely to play two ruckmen this year maybe he might be pushing it to achieve his outstanding ave from last year? Actually, I really like your side – beware of Stiffy Mk2!
Excellent side Stiffy. Very similar to my team. In my backline I went for Gibson instead of Yeo. (POD play) In my midfield I went for Wines over Shiel. (Toss of the coin that one)
I went for Martin instead of Goldy in the ruck. I think Goldy is very pricey and may drop around a 100K. Will look to get him in a mid season.
My forward line is a carbon copy of yours.
Cheers
Thanks for the reply guys, what did you do with the spare cash from goldy hawk?
Oops, looks like my mate changed my name! He borrowed my laptop and changed my name to ask a question for himself! His name is Jim! What did you do with the spare cash from Goldy?
had gibson all last year and was great but concerned about him this year with lake retiring. he may need to play on the goliaths again which wont allow him to play as loose in that backline as he normally would.
Communities thoughts on Andrew Gaff and or Bernie Vince as potential POD's?
i am considering bernie myself would be a great POD, i believe if vine stays fit he will take the lockdown role at the dees and bernie can just roam and win the footy
My thoughts exactly Bill. And thinking even if Viney doesn't get the tag, then surely Nat Jones will. Which would still leave Bernie to roam around freely and hunt the pill
Gaf for sure very under rated should be in more teams hard run at the start of the season thou Hawks freo Tigers swans rounds 2 – 5
I'm surprised that Yarran made your list let alone your introductory note. He's as supercoach fantasy relevant as I am. He turned up to training overweight after making a strong statement when leaving the Blose. He's also carrying a calf injury (as the club line goes) and isn't expected to be ready for round one.Buyer beware.
G'day community,
I have set up a SC league for the upcoming 2016 season. (343891) If you are super competitive and fired up, feel free to join the
Guns and Rookies league. Cheers
I’ve taken the 17th spot. 1 left
would really appreciate some advice for my team
DEF- Simpson, Bartel, Birchall, Brown, Hartley, HIbbered (collins x2)
MID- Pendles, Gaz, Rockliff, Wines, Parker, Gibbs, Libba, Cuningham (jansen dunkley marcon)
RUCK- Jacobs, Sandilands
FWD- Zorko, Barlow, Billings, Greene, kerridge, petracca (o'brien tipungwuti)
i've gone with gibbs but could change him to hanley as a stepping stone. i have 142k left in the bank what improvements could i make to my team
Personally, I would downgrade Gibbs to Crouch and upgrade a rookie in Defence to a Smith or Malceski type
Devon Smith or Toby Greene
Have to see who gets the extra midfield time now that Treloar has gone.
Smith with better DE on the outside, but less mid time, Greene to get more hard ball but gives away stupid frees. I'm not sure yet.
When are the cheat Sheets coming out?
No point of these until nab cup starts bloke
I was burnt last year with my defence so going with only two keepers and will look to do most of my upgrades this line as its the cheapest.
Current defence
H. Shaw, J. Bartel, C. Hampton, J. Weitering, M. Dea M. Hartley (Broad, Collins)
Thats a very cheap backline you have there! Understandable as well given there is so much more value in the other lines. Whats the rest of your team look like? I'm thinking you spent big in the mids this year.
Thanks mate I am hoping Hampton is in best 22 otherwise will have to find another player similar price, my current team is
Defenders
H. Shaw, J. Bartel, C. Hampton, J. Weitering, M. Dea M. Hartley (Collins, Broad)
Midfielders
P. Dangerfield, S. Pendlebury, G. Ablett, T. Rockliff, O. Wines, T. Liberatore
B. Crouch, Simpkin (Summer, Polkinghorn, Cunningham)
Rucks
Goldy, N. Naitanui (M King – can link him with Grimley for ruck backup)
Forwards
D. Martin, M. Barlow, T. Green, D. Wells, S. Kerridge, M. Brown (Grimley, Petrraca)
Bench
S. Collins
M. Hibberd
L. Sumner
J. Polkinghorne
D. Cuningham
M. Korcheck
N. Kommer
M. Brown
Ignore those other benchies wrong past and copy 🙂
Put grimley at R 3
Guns and rookies, as i would like as many keepers as possible.
Defence so far:
Shaw, McVeigh, Bartel, Smith, Brown, Hartley
Ablett has hurt his foot and will miss the first 2 nab challenge games.
Where did you get this info? If true, then that could be of serious concern. Foot injuries can often be long term. (Slow healing)
Been reported on news websites
Plus the man himself Jock has confirmed it
Just read the news. Doesnt appear too serious. (So they say)
Suckling ??
Salem? meant to spend more time in the midfield this year