tomorrow if you lose this weekend!
LESTER (Av73), Tim MOHR (Av 70) or Michael JAMIESON (Av 66) look to be the best options, with JAMIESON probably just having the edge in job security.
The next player with his neck on the chopping block is Essendon big man Patrick RYDER (Av 90).
Selected in 7% of SC teams, RYDER has performed at about the level most owners would’ve expected this year, without being outstanding. The time may have come to move him on however, after he received an annoying one week suspension after last weekend’s games. If you have coverage in the ruck with GRUNDY or someone similar, I’d probably use it – if not, look to replace RYDER with Zac CLARKE (Av 92) or David HALE (Av 82). As a forward, the best options look to
be Matthew STOKES (Av 92) or take a punt on Jack RIEWOLDT (Av 86).
Geelong power-forward Tom HAWKINS (Av 71) has been under an injury cloud for the past few weeks and - despite the grumpy protestations of his stubborn coach – this week looks set to be given a rest to try and allow his back to recover in time for some serious Finals action. That’s all well and good for the Cats, but unfortunately it comes at the worst time for the 5% of SC teams that still have him, and have stuck by him during what has been a pretty ordinary year. If you’re in that boat, move him on – look to replace him with Greg BROUGHTON (Av 74), Lindsay THOMAS (Av 72) or Aaron BLACK (Av 75).
Jason WINDERLICH (Av 77) looks like being one of those footballers whose career may well be remembered more for the number of times his body broke down than the type if game he
played. This time WINDERLICH has another hamstring issue that looks like it will keep him out of action for at least a couple of weeks, meaning the 2% of teams that have him must move him on. Fortunately there is some quality to choose from in his replacements, the best of them being Matthew STOKES (Av 92), Jarrad GRANT (Av 90), Michael WALTERS (Av 87) or Jack RIEWOLDT (Av 86).
Although he hasn’t officially been named in the inured lists, Hawthorn forward Jack GUNSTON (Av 83) looked likely to miss this week’s action after injuring his quad muscle in last weekend’s match against the Saints. Selected in 1.7% of SC teams, GUNSTON has been impressive as the Hawks third tall this year, but will probably be rested this week, especially with FRANKLIN apparently returning to the lineup against the Pies. If he misses out, look to replace him with Jarrad GRANT (Av 90), Cyril RIOLI (Av 87) or, as a point of difference, James PODSIADLY (Av 80) – especially if HAWKJINS is also rested as
expected.
That’s it for this week, pending any unexpected results at the
selection table. Remember, we’re right in the middle of ‘general soreness’ time,
so hopefully your team comes through at all unscathed this week.