First cab off the rank this week is Melbourne co-captain Jack GRIMES (Av 85). In 5% of SC teams, GRIMES had been solid without setting the world on fire so far this year, but that all came crashing to a halt early last weekend when he was crunched to the ground in a tackle. Renowned for being injury-prone, GRIMES popped his shoulder/collarbone and will be missing for 8 weeks or so. That’s obviously not acceptable, and he must go. If you have a little spare cash look to Paul DUFFIELD (Av 85) or Shannon HURN (Av 91), however if you need a direct swap look at Corey ENRIGHT (Av 88), POD Jarrod HARBROW (Av 92), or Courtney DEMPSEY (Av 92). Another to definitely consider is new Saint Dylan ROBERTON (Av 93) – he looks at home in the Saints backline and as a bonus, will leave you with $46,000 in the kitty.
CURRIE (Av 0). The reason CURRIE gets a mention is because he is in 33% of teams as a backup big man, however he has done his thumb and will be out for 6 weeks. After his great NAB cup, he has been nothing short of very disappointing so far. The only real option looks to be Fremantle’s Jack
HANNATH (Av 58), who is set to rise in value after this week. If you need the coverage, make the trade.
Things go from bad to worse down at the struggling Saints, with two more injuries from last weekend’s game against Collingwood. Midfield leader Lenny HAYES (Av 97) went down with a calf injury before the ball was even bounced, and looks to be missing for at least three weeks. As an older player that might stretch to four or even five, so I’d be moving my personal favourite AFL player on. In 1.7% of teams, the options are pretty good. Michael BARLOW (Av 102), David ARMITAGE (Av 102), Dyson HEPPELL (Av 102), Matt PRIDDIS (Av 90) and Luke HODGE (Av 102) are the best options for a direct swap.
The second Saint to succumb to injury was running defender Sam GILBERT (Av 74), who was yet another player to hyperextend his knee in a sickening tackle. GILBERT had been getting back to his best footy – something he hadn’t been doing for at least 12 months, and his loss will hurt. Only in 1.5%
of teams, look at Harry O’BRIEN (Av 83), Lee SPURR (Av 78) or Trent MCKENZIE (Av 92) to fill the void.
No major news from the MRP this weekend – except of course to note that Carlton spearhead Jarrad WAITE lived up to his reputation, back for one week and suspended for a stupid act already. Nice to see some things never change.