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SWANS V BULLDOGS
Game Info:2:30pm (AEST) Saturday October 1, MCG
FANTASY FOOTY SHORTS
There is something special about all grand finals but what coaches witness at the G on Saturday will go down as one of the truly magnificent games of fantasy footy ever played.
As i’m sure it was at the Swans and Dogs camps Thursday, selection rooms for coaches will be crammed with tension as well as incredibly tough calls to make.
This game will be as contested as they come so be sure to include a few premium ball-winners in your midfield.
Kennedy was quiet last game and while he hasn’t seen a price drop, his effort against Adelaide in the Semi was sublime. Ton beckons.
Feel like Heeney is the Diva before her third Cup – surely the kid can’t produce a third straight effort??
…can and will. Well priced still too.
The backline looks full of bargain options but the choice really comes down to anticipated game style and coaching preference.
Personally in these heated big games I like to take at least one key position defender in who can take big contested grabs and is very clean by foot as opposed to those zippy back pocket or running half backs who can butcher the ball in pressure games (or worse, cop a defensive tag).
Fortunately I’ve got two to choose from in Wood and Grundy.
Grundy is never rushed and always chooses the safe option –100% disposal against Geelong from his 17 touches for a 62pt return is brilliant for his price and no Allir means he will get even more of a look at the ball in flight as that intercept option.
Easton Wood is 62k cheaper coming off a 47pt game (went at 17/19). Appeals on potential to increase given he had just the 2 contested marks – coaches can bank a 50+ from Wood which is a steal at the price.
Up forward the strategies become even more with two premium Swans midfielders available on the half forward flanks in Mitchell and Parker as well as Macrea for the Dogs.
Taking two of them will cost you a gun in the Mid’s section (at least) but more importantly it will deny you Franklin (who will go nuts) and/or a few cheaper options who I really like to bob up for a score here in Dickson and McGlynn.
The Dogs will head into the game with one plan here – .Operation Don’t Do What Geelong Did’.
The Cats butchered the ball going inside 50 and the Swans rebounded accordingly – making Dickson’s leads crucial for the Dogs possession game plan. They will hit him on the lead all day which makes his 420k price tag appeal strongly. Can clear 70pts here.
McGlynn knows more than most what it means to miss one of these, as well as play in a losing one – expect superhuman work rate from the little Swan.
Little pricey compared to Dickson but still well priced when you consider he can return you 70pts fairly safely.
Brave coaches will be looking at Stringer and wondering…as I am. Very tempting at that price for a guy who can have 20 disposals and kick 4 goals.
Weather
Showers all week in Melbourne but bureau says clearing Saturday so every chance the sun is out come first bounce. Ground will still be a little damp at best though and any rain at kick off will dramatically impact strategy with many coaches likely to leave out the key position/contested marking players in favour of a midfield-dominated list build.
Stats View
Player Focus
Lance Franklin (Swans – FWD – $604,000)
Franklin was a joy to watch last Friday night against Geelong, scoring 69pts against one of the best defenders in the competition. Majority of his work was done in the first quarter (37pts). Ended up with 16/19 effective disposals and 2 goals which is solid from Buddy but he has at least another gear if not two more to go to. Hamling/Roberts are not Lonergan/Taylor. Franklin kicked 5.4 when these two sides met earlier this season. Expect he is set for a similar haul here to go with his 20 touches. Laid just 1 tackle last Friday so you’d expect that goes up rapidly as well. Up up up for big Buddy on the biggest stage there is. Pay the money. Can ton up here.
