Sydney Swans 2014 Supercoach Profiles

[Thuggee_Cult]

I thought I would throw my hat into the ring, I'll do separate posts for Defenders, Rucks, Forwards and Mids. Please feel free to agree or disagree, here goes...

Defence

Overview:
With McVeigh likely to go back into the midfield, there could be a spot available for a young rookie or Laidler in the back line. If Shaw and Johnson return, Rampe might feel the pinch. A lot of attention this year is on our forward line but for me, how the defence is structured is just as intriguing.

Aliir Aliir
The Sudanese lad has been impressive from all accounts in his first preseason. Recruiting staff said he has the athletic attributes to be a good rebounding defender but needs to work on defensive/physical side of game. Will spend time in reserves but is a chance for some game time in NAB.

Matthew Dick
A long way off the pace. No for me.

Heath Grundy
Every club has a whipping boy amongst it’s supporter base. Reg is ours. Avoid.

Alex JOHNSON
Has only just started full training after a knee reco late last year, so I don’t think he will make it for Round 1. But once he is fit - make no mistake, this guy is not best 22. He is best 18. Possible downgrade target if no cheap rookies are available though 246k is an awkward price. Will average around 70 if fit, 75 tops.

Zak Jones
Longmire has sung this kid’s praises many, many times this preseason. 1st pick in 2013 National draft, Zak can play midfield or back and is a tough, strong bodied mongrel like brother Nathan from the Dees. IMO the strongest candidate of all the rookies to make a Round 1 claim. Watch NAB closely.

Jeremy Laidler
Was apparently bought in for the old Marty Mattner role i.e. third man up/rebounder, hasn’t been mentioned by Horse that much this preseason but if fit will be close to selection. I was bullish about him earlier in the preseason but have gone cold since. Watch NAB form.

Jordan Lockyer
Has been at the club for a few years but they rate this guy highly, will compete for a rebounding defender role with 2/3 others. May play NAB but will probably only debut if the injury count is high. Pass.

Nick Malceski
Definitely more of a POD than premium, can go big and if fit can average anywhere from 85-100 but there are too many good DEF options ahead of him this year for mine. Only for the ballsy and brave.

Jarrad McVeigh (MID/DEF)
Lockiest of locks for mine. 12th overall in total score last year - note total score, which means he rarely misses games. Will most likely be back in the midfield rotation but will spend time in the back line. He won’t be a 100 point per week Goddard type so if you have him be prepared for a bumpy ride at times as his scores will fluctuate a bit more - however when he breaks the tonne he really goes big. D1 or D2 for me.

Dane Rampe
2nd year blues? Was a good rookie buy last year if you had him but JS might be an issue if AJ and Shaw are fit. Avoid.

Ted Richards
I love Ted as a player but not in the SC sense.

Xavier Richards
Will need a truckload of injuries to get a game

Lewis Roberts-Thomson (DEF/FWD)
See Ted Richards. Even at 249k DPP I wouldn’t touch him.

Rhyce Shaw
Is attractively priced but he is a little too up and down SC wise for mine. Can tonne up on occasion but can also clanger his way to more mediocre scores.

Nick Smith
My daughter turns 4 this year. In 20 years time, when I finally let her start dating, I hope she brings home a fella like Nick. Thats were the love ends for me though. Small lock down defenders aren’t great for SC.

Next: Rucks

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Rucks:

What a minefield we have this year. Be warned, there is fools gold aplenty over the next month. Mikey Pyke has had a lighter preseason preparation this year, which suggests to me is taking most of the ruck duties. He will be rested over the NAB so you will see plenty of Derick X, Nankervis and maybe Naismith in this time but consider the team balance when Pyke is inevitably back in the team.

Tom DERICKX
Derick X, at first glance he looks like insurance and a back up for Pyke. Not confident he will play unless Pyke is out, the team looks too top heavy with both in there for mine. Possible downgrade option later in year.

Patrick Mitchell (R)
US international rookie, in his mid 20’s so he is a strong bodied, professional athlete. However he will be sitting in the twos all year for an education. Pass.

Sam Naismith
Has ‘project player’ written all over him. Looks to me to be 4th in ruck pecking order, still young and raw. Pass.

Toby Nankervis
Seriously, I think this guy has moved to number 2 Ruck position in just his first preseason, looks a talent and has a big body but is very mobile - from the looks of it Horse loves him too. He was bought in to a. replace an ageing Pyke and b. is a ruckman/forward so he has been bought in with the interchange cap in mind. Will almost certainly play NAB and I think he will play senior football this year, however it may not be Round 1. Watchlist.

Mike Pyke
Very interesting option. Has never been a top tier premo ruck man, but he has never rucked solo either. In the past he has scored well as a lone ruckman while Mumford has been injured/suspended. He will take the bulk of ruck work and rest up forward at times but I don’t think his scores will jump up massively. Personally, I think Ryder and even Jacobs are far better options for that price range. Pass for me.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Midfield

Where do I start? There are many questions to be answered. Bolton has retired, Goodes and O’Keefe are on their last legs. This creates a couple of spots in the midfield rotation. How will the midfield be restructured? Will JPK bounce back , will Jack go backwards?

Shane Biggs (R)
This guy is best 25/26, not 22. Can find a lot of the ball but JS will be an issue if he breaks into the team.

Harry Cunningham
Has had a big preseason, will get NAB time and is cheap cheap. However like Biggs, is best probably best 25 not 22. Is in vest territory if he plays.

Daniel Hannebery
Still has a lot of improvement left in him, a good option for his price. Personally I don’t think he will be a top 10 mid by years end but he is a good POD. Im no Dreamteam expert but he looks a better option for that than SC.

George Hewett
2nd round pick in 2013, looks a very classy mover but needs to be locked in the gym over the next summer or two. Will be given time in reserves this year but keep a look out for 2015.

Brandon Jack
Still under 200k and I think he is good value. IMO, Tom Mitchell aside, out of all last years 6 debutants he is the one most likely to keep his spot, his run and carry will keep him in the team. Keep an eye on NAB role.

Kieren Jack
At worst, will average 100-105. At best, could be in the top 4/5 mids by years end - there is a big difference between his best and worst. Worth noting he missed one month of preseason last year with glandular fever and has had a full preseason this year so the upside could be huge, however I think he will get more opposition attention in ’14. Could be the player who makes or breaks your year. Consider.

Lewis JETTA (MID/FWD)
IMO he will have a big year. Being an outside player he isn’t a great SC option but might be a good Supercoach Draft option for that price range. Risky pick but he is capable of jumping 80-100k. For the ballsy and brave.

Josh P. Kennedy
IMO will bounce back from last year. If you don’t have him in Round 1 keep a close eye on form. Had groin trouble in the second half of last year which may have explained the the preference to handball. Lock for me but I can understand the scepticism from most SCers. Like McVeigh, might not have highest average but will have a high aggregate as he rarely misses games.

Jake Lloyd (R)
Too far off the pace for mine

Harrison Marsh
Like Zak Jones, has been spruiked a lot by Horse through out this preseason and intra club games. Looks like a certain NAB starter. If he does play it might be down back as he was drafted as a rebounding defender but he has the tools to play inside mid from all reports. Is JPK’s preseason training partner. Watch NAB form closely.

Ryan O'Keefe
Was a SC warrior in the past but not for mine, is getting on a bit and IMO 2014 will be his last year. Good SC Draft option though.

Lloyd Perris (R)
Swans Academy recruit who attracted interest from Paul Roos who wanted him to come to Melbourne. Strong bodied mid but will need a lot of luck to get promoted and then a game. The again we said the same about Rampe last year.

Daniel Robinson (R)
Cant see him being promoted

Dean Towers (MID/FWD)
First Round pick in 2012 national Draft as a VFL mature ager, drafted as a running midfielder who could rebound from defence. Spent 2013 in twos starting off in defence but was moved to high half forward mid by years end, which may suggest he is in contention for Jude Bolton’s spot. Is regarded by coaching staff and has been mentioned by Horse a few times this preseason, but will definitely need an impressive NAB campaign as he might find it harder to break into team the longer the year goes. Watch NAB form.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Forwards.

Another minefield Where does the Budwah fit in? Sam Reid? Tippet? Goodes?
The other area of intrigue is Jude Bolton’s departure, it opens up an opportunity for a young high half forward/mid.
I also have a suspicion O’Keefe could spend time up forward, too.

Craig Bird
If you are in a Supercoach Draft League, he is an ok option for his price but otherwise avoid.

Lance Franklin
Can’t be any worse than last year. Will have a new role but I can see him getting points anywhere he plays, be that as a high half forward/ stay at home forward/ midfield burst player. The wide wings and short length of the SCG will suit him perfectly - there will be lots of space to run into for leads, then less distance to run back forward on the spread. At that price he is a lock for me.

Adam Goodes
Best SC days are behind him unfortunately. If fully fit and up and running he might be worth considering in the 2nd half of the year as a strong POD, but I’ve got concerns over his knee.

Ben McGlynn
Generally not a great SCer as he has been more of a defensive forward over the last couple of years. However, he will get more midfield time this year and can tonne up. Consider for SC Draft.

Tim Membrey
Played NAB last year and was emergency at times. He is a traditional stay at home forward, not very quick but is big bodied with a very smart football brain. However now with Tippett and Buddy in the team I can’t see him getting a look in.

Tom Mitchell
Could be anything - and Im talking a Wingard 2013 type year but the biggest concern for me is his body. Has been injury prone in the past and is coming back from a bad ankle injury. Not trolling but if he is your team and not getting NAB games I would be concerned, too much of a risk at that price for mine. Conversley if he is fit and matches his output from last year the payoff could be huge - he is a make or break player. Watch NAB closely.

Luke PARKER
Has improved steadily as a player and SCer since debut, has a lot of upside and may get more midfield responsibility this year with Goodes and O’Keefe reaching their footballing mortality. There is still a big difference between his best and worst but he is in my team for now.

Sam Reid
I think for the first time in quite a while, his JS is under threat. Played up forward in last weeks intraclub but was rumoured to be playing up back at times this year. Pass.

Gary ROHAN
Not a player I would normally pick as an SCer as he is an outside player who doesn’t get a lot of the ball. However, this year with not many attractive forward rookie options and many others getting injured, he might be a player many SC coaches may just have to pick. At best will average 70. Personally, I would like to see him as a rebounding defender but I don’t think it will happen. Not the best point scorer but he will have JS. Could be in my starting team by Round 1.

Kurt Tippett
Will most likely be back up ruck to Pyke and rotate forward ala Jarryd Roughead. Possible a Top 10 forward this year. Even if Pyke doesn’t play NAB, keep an eye on his role with Dercik X/Nankervis/Naismith. Has had a delayed preseason though, could be a slow starter and possible upgrade mid year.

Tommy WALSH
Will be on a potato farm back in Ireland come September, unfortunately this Irish experiment has not paid off.

 

[CaptainChardonnay]

Forwards.

Another minefield Where does the Budwah fit in? Sam Reid? Tippet? Goodes?
The other area of intrigue is Jude Bolton’s departure, it opens up an opportunity for a young high half forward/mid.
I also have a suspicion O’Keefe could spend time up forward, too.

Craig Bird
If you are in a Supercoach Draft League, he is an ok option for his price but otherwise avoid.

Lance Franklin
Can’t be any worse than last year. Will have a new role but I can see him getting points anywhere he plays, be that as a high half forward/ stay at home forward/ midfield burst player. The wide wings and short length of the SCG will suit him perfectly - there will be lots of space to run into for leads, then less distance to run back forward on the spread. At that price he is a lock for me.

Adam Goodes
Best SC days are behind him unfortunately. If fully fit and up and running he might be worth considering in the 2nd half of the year as a strong POD, but I’ve got concerns over his knee.

Ben McGlynn
Generally not a great SCer as he has been more of a defensive forward over the last couple of years. However, he will get more midfield time this year and can tonne up. Consider for SC Draft.

Tim Membrey
Played NAB last year and was emergency at times. He is a traditional stay at home forward, not very quick but is big bodied with a very smart football brain. However now with Tippett and Buddy in the team I can’t see him getting a look in.

Tom Mitchell
Could be anything - and Im talking a Wingard 2013 type year but the biggest concern for me is his body. Has been injury prone in the past and is coming back from a bad ankle injury. Not trolling but if he is your team and not getting NAB games I would be concerned, too much of a risk at that price for mine. Conversley if he is fit and matches his output from last year the payoff could be huge - he is a make or break player. Watch NAB closely.

Luke PARKER
Has improved steadily as a player and SCer since debut, has a lot of upside and may get more midfield responsibility this year with Goodes and O’Keefe reaching their footballing mortality. There is still a big difference between his best and worst but he is in my team for now.

Sam Reid
I think for the first time in quite a while, his JS is under threat. Played up forward in last weeks intraclub but was rumoured to be playing up back at times this year. Pass.

Gary ROHAN
Not a player I would normally pick as an SCer as he is an outside player who doesn’t get a lot of the ball. However, this year with not many attractive forward rookie options and many others getting injured, he might be a player many SC coaches may just have to pick. At best will average 70. Personally, I would like to see him as a rebounding defender but I don’t think it will happen. Not the best point scorer but he will have JS. Could be in my starting team by Round 1.

Kurt Tippett
Will most likely be back up ruck to Pyke and rotate forward ala Jarryd Roughead. Possible a Top 10 forward this year. Even if Pyke doesn’t play NAB, keep an eye on his role with Dercik X/Nankervis/Naismith. Has had a delayed preseason though, could be a slow starter and possible upgrade mid year.

Tommy WALSH
Will be on a potato farm back in Ireland come September, unfortunately this Irish experiment has not paid off.

I think you've over rated tommy Walsh massively

 

[Jiska]

Great write up Thuggee_Cult thanks mate..

 

[karaoke]

Thuggee_Cult how is Dean Towers (m/f) looking for rd 1 in your opinion?

 

[Test Tickle]

Thuggee_Cult how is Dean Towers (m/f) looking for rd 1 in your opinion?

wouldn't that be a bonus for us

 

[Colson]

Sydney actually put a picture of Towers on twitter today and said look out for this guy making a big impact in the forward line for 2014

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Thuggee_Cult how is Dean Towers (m/f) looking for rd 1 in your opinion?

I think he is a chance for Round 1 krk004, however if he does get a game he will most likely occupy a high half fwd/defensive fwd role. Unless we win the first month of games comfortably with him in the team then I don't think he will be a prolific scorer. We have GWS (A), Collingwood, Adelaide(A), North, Freo which is not an easy start by any means. I think he is a natural accumulator and good ball user but the role he plays might not permit that.

If he can't crack a round 1 debut with Tippett and Goodes missing then TBH it will be hard for him to get a look in this year.

 

[kananooks]

I see no reason why grundy is an automatic no.
2010 2011 was averaging 85-90 iirc

 

[BORK]

When I see the Swans list and realise supercoach points are capped per game I wonder where they will be distributed with so many guns around. People are hoping for higher averages from JPK, Mitchell, Parker, Buddy, Shaw etc. How many players averages will be lower elsewhere to enable this? Really keen on more info about Parker's eye injury. The latest video on the Swans website did not really state how definite he is for round 1. Mcveigh, Parker, Buddy are my interests from this team right now.

 

[KardiniaPark]

Thuggee_Cult Any more thoughts on the ruck, you still think Nankervis is #2 ? Derrickx took the bulk of #2 duties in NAB 2 and Nankervis didn't play. I'm thinking of taking a Syd ruck but I have no idea which one.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

Thuggee_Cult Any more thoughts on the ruck, you still think Nankervis is #2 ? Derrickx took the bulk of #2 duties in NAB 2 and Nankervis didn't play. I'm thinking of taking a Syd ruck but I have no idea which one.

I initially thought it would be Nankervis but Derick X has looked better in the preseason games, we tend to give the bigger bodies a game before youth. The big question is whether the second ruckman keeps his spot when Tippett comes back, but other than Thurlow from the Dons there isn't a lot of rookies to pick from. Dercikx is my R3 ATM.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

When I see the Swans list and realise supercoach points are capped per game I wonder where they will be distributed with so many guns around. People are hoping for higher averages from JPK, Mitchell, Parker, Buddy, Shaw etc. How many players averages will be lower elsewhere to enable this? Really keen on more info about Parker's eye injury. The latest video on the Swans website did not really state how definite he is for round 1. Mcveigh, Parker, Buddy are my interests from this team right now.

Parker listed as 1 week, Tippett 3-4

http://www.afl.com.au/news/injury-list

 

[Jiska]

When I see the Swans list and realise supercoach points are capped per game I wonder where they will be distributed with so many guns around. People are hoping for higher averages from JPK, Mitchell, Parker, Buddy, Shaw etc. How many players averages will be lower elsewhere to enable this? Really keen on more info about Parker's eye injury. The latest video on the Swans website did not really state how definite he is for round 1. Mcveigh, Parker, Buddy are my interests from this team right now.

I don't understand the points cap TBH. Your stats are your stats.

 

[CaptainChardonnay]

When I see the Swans list and realise supercoach points are capped per game I wonder where they will be distributed with so many guns around. People are hoping for higher averages from JPK, Mitchell, Parker, Buddy, Shaw etc. How many players averages will be lower elsewhere to enable this? Really keen on more info about Parker's eye injury. The latest video on the Swans website did not really state how definite he is for round 1. Mcveigh, Parker, Buddy are my interests from this team right now.

Easy. Swans will win 2700 of the 3300 points available each week such will be their dominance.