| Backline melting like Gelati: Which flavour next? |
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| Written by Jonny Coping |
| Monday, 08 June 2009 00:00 |
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The backline catastrophe of 2008 has again reared it's head in season 2009. Popular picks such as Chad Cornes, Luke Hodge, Josh Drummond, Sam Gilbert and Jarred Waite has caused many sides major heartache. For my side, all the players listed have affected the lineup. Fortunately enough, a zero was avoided in round 11, though Josh Drummond snuck a stat in early enough to register a 3. A clumsy error on the coaches behalf also cost the side 60 odd points, as Jimmy Bartel was kept on as Captain rather than the retraded star Gary Ablett Junior, who blitzed a 175. You can be assured the same mistake will not be made again come round 12. On the plus side to all the backline casualties, all the rookies are getting a run and producing handy scores. Greg Broughton and Jack Grimes in particular deserve special credit, as both have proven they can produce 90 - 100 in back to back matches. These are proving to be very valuable emergencies as the major stars fall over. Beau Muston hit the wall this week, after his cracking opening rounds. Likewise, Andy Otten posted an out of character 32, however he was utilised last week in the repurchase of Gary Ablett Jnr. Steele Sidebottom continues to hit the 60's consistently, once again becomming a valuable emergency first, and a cash cow second.
The side scored 2118 in round 11, and dropped 300 places to 784 thanks to the Gary Ablett Jnr captain clumsiness. The saviour and one of the sides more unique and controversial pickups was Jarryd Roughead, with a 139. On a sour note though, yet another injury was sufferred to Simon Goodwin, and this time it looks likely he will miss. With 10 trades in hand and eleven matches to go, trading will probably take a back seat for two or three rounds. Backline and Ruck need no more attention, barring long term injury. Midfield will probably see one further upgrade of either Daniel Rich or Ryan Griffin. The targets for these trades will St Kilda midfielders such as Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes and the flourishing Leigh Montagna, who continues to pump out the high numbers. Other options include Joel Selwood, Brad Sewell or Chris Judd. As far as forward line upgrades are concerned, Nick Riewoldt, Matthew Pavlich and Leon Davis are on the radar. The upgrade target to make way for these players include Taylor Walker and Steele Sidebottom. |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 September 2009 12:10 |
