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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Big Cox Doubtful

West Coast have admitted star $436k ruckman Dean Cox is a doubt for the Eagles' clash with Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval this Saturday night.

Cox, owned by just short of 105,000 DT coaches, is rated a 50/50 chance to play by West Coast coach John Worsfold due to the groin complaint.

"[It's] certainly something that we’re monitoring, how he's feeling and how much we can push him up and test him out for this week," Worsfold told the media on Tuesday.

"We're still hopeful that he'll come up. We think he may, but we can't be sure on that."


Should Cox not pull up, young $146k ruck Nick Naitanui could fill his shoes at West Coast and provide emergency cover for many DT teams as well, as he's owned by almost 30,000 DT coaches.

And Worsfold inadvertedly acknowledged Naitanui would play again, saying, "
He has done a fair bit of ruck work with Swans, so he could certainly cope with a fair workload."

Worsfold also admitted $219k ruckman Mark Seaby would be in the mix should Cox not play.

The Eagles also revealed $343k midfielder Andrew Embley will face a test on his injured ankle later in the week, while $238k defender Adam Hunter is still in doubt with a shoulder problem.

Also $245k forward Brent Staker will miss another three weeks after breaking a knuckle playing in the WAFL for East Fremantle on the weekend
.

Boomer Boost For Roos

North Melbourne's popular $371k mid/forward Brent Harvey should make his return to AFL football this weekend after ten weeks out with an elbow injury.

Harvey, who despite missing so much action is still owned by just under 10,000 DT coaches, should be given the nod to take on the Western Bulldogs this Sunday at the MCG.

Kangas footy manager Donald McDonald said on Monday, “He got the all-clear from the specialist … so he’s just got to get through tomorrow’s training session.”

North Melbourne's caretaker coach Darren Crocker also revealed good news for many DT coaches admitting popular $86k midfielder Liam Anthony was in the mix for his AFL debut this weekend.

Despite not having made his debut, Anthony is owned by over 13,000 patient DT coaches.

North also revealed exciting $197k defender Jesse Smith could play in the VFL with North Ballarat this weekend after a long layoff with injury.

In other injury news from Arden Street, $309k midfielder Daniel Wells is doubtful for this weekend having missed out last round against Adelaide with a hip injury. Wells is struggling with a virus now and has only been able to train lightly.

Also $276k forward Lindsay Thomas should be fit to face to Bulldogs after scans revealed no hamstring damage after a scare last round, while $221k forward Matt Campbell will miss out with a hamstring strain.

And more good news for the Kangas, is that in the club's injury list released today, $216 forward Ben Warren, $136k forward Sam Wright and $203k midfielder Ed Lower all were named to face a test this week suggesting they are close to a return from injury.

McPhee To Face Test

Essendon's popular $288k def/forward Adam McPhee will face a test later in the week to prove his fitness for the Bombers' Friday clash with Carlton.

McPhee, owned by almost 20,000 DT coaches, hurt his calf in Essendon's win over Melbourne last Friday but played on and should probably be okay for this weekend.

Essendon's $368k midfielder Brent Prismall will also face a test after copping a nasty ribs injury against the Demons

But like McPhee, Prismall played on against Melbourne so it's likely he would be okay to play his third game for the Bombers. Prismall's lofty price has scared off many DT coaches, but with a breakeven of 108 this weekend his value could drop to an affordable level with his third game coming up.

Other news from Windy Hill is popular $134k defender Michael Hurley's (owned by over 15,000 DT coaches) return from injury is likely to be through the VFL.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said, "When I see Michael's name up on the magnet board, it's very enticing to put him in for a big game against Carlton.


"He's a young player we think a lot of. The reality is, he hasn't played a game of football yet in five or six weeks. He'll play in the VFL this week, between 80 to 90 minutes, as will Tom Bellchambers."


Bellchambers, a $139k ruck, is owned by over 5,000 DT coaches and hasn't played since Round 10 due to a knee injury.

Essendon also revealed $308k def/midfielder Bachar Houli would probably miss out again due to a virus, while Henry Slattery and Nathan Lovett-Murray were both close to a recall after injury and suspension respectively.

DreamTeam Update: Tribunal

Again, the tribunal hasn't had to convene this week, because everyone up for a charge has accepted their punishment.

That means Essendon's $318k midfielder Mark McVeigh will miss Friday's match with Carlton after a striking offence on Melbourne's Jared Rivers.

Geelong's Cameron Ling is free to take on Port Adelaide down at Skilled Stadium this Sunday after copping a reprimand for a hit on Freo's Nic Suban.

While Fremantle's Antoni Grover took the reprimand for striking Geelong's Steve Johnson, meaning the Dockers' defender will be available for his side's journey to the MCG to play Collingwood on Saturday.

Latest On Pendlebury

Collingwood believe star $455k midfielder Scott Pendlebury could be back in action in the next month after injuring his knee on the weekend against Sydney.

Pies footy manager Geoff Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au, “We think it’s something that might keep him out for anywhere between one match and four matches … he’s pulled up OK in the context of it.

“Certainly he’s strained his medial. To what extent … we’ll judge that symptomatically over the next seven to 10 days.

“We wouldn’t expect him to play this week obviously, but from anywhere there to the next month will depend on what happens in the next seven days as to how well he responds.”

Walsh also revealed $155k defender Nathan Brown will be available to play next week after missing the Sydney game as a late withdrawal.

“Browny was close, he just pulled up a bit sore after the training session on Friday,” Walsh said. “He’ll certainly be available [to play Fremantle].”

There was less positive news for young $125k forward Brent Macaffer who injured his knee in the VFL last week.

“I would think Brent will certainly miss another two weeks,” Walsh said.

Monday, June 22, 2009

MRP Update: Week For McVeigh

Essendon's $318k midfielder Mark McVeigh will miss Friday's match against Carlton after accepting the match review panel's one-match suspension for striking Melbourne's Jared Rivers.

McVeigh would have put him self at risk of a two-match ban if he contested the charge, so wisely he accepted the one-game suspension.

Geelong's $391k midfielder Cameron Ling has been offered a reprimand for striking Freo's Nic Suban. If Ling contests the ruling, he risks a one-match suspension.

Freo's $223k defender Antoni Grover is in the same boat as Ling, offered a reprimand for striking Geelong's Steve Johnson, but should he contest the charge he risks a one-match ban.

News From The Reserves

- First off, in the VFL, plenty of axed Richmond stars were in action for Coburg Tigers as they lost to Port Melbourne by 45 points.

Popular DT defender Joel Bowden was one of the Tigers' best with 27 disposals and 8 marks down back, while Jordan McMahon collected 27 touches and those performances will push their case for an AFL recall. It wasn't a great game though for $294k mid Mark Coughlan, while ruckman Troy Simmonds didn't play because of a groin injury.

Williamstown thrashed Geelong by 61 points with Bulldogs defender Tom Williams getting through the game despite some back soreness and he'll be a chance for an AFL recall at Whitten Oval next weekend. Bad news for Dogs fans was that young ruckman Ayce Cordy sustained a nasty neck injury, while defender Tim Callan will be monitored
during the week after concussion.

For the Cats, forward Matthew Stokes responded to the seniors axe with a best ground performance for the losers collecting 43 possessions and booting 2 goals. Key forward Tom Lonergan was also named in Geelong's best.

The Box Hill Hawks defeated Sandringham Zebras by 26 points this weekend too, with Hawthorn-listed midfielder Josh Kennedy the best for the victors with 30 possessions. Brendan Whitecross also kicked two goals for the Hawks.

For Sandringham, of their St Kilda brigade, Raphael Clarke pushed his AFL case with 21 disposals and 5 marks in midfield. Ben McEvoy claimed 33 hitouts in the ruck and Leigh Fisher racked up 22 disposals down back. Also defender Sean Dempster got through the game unscathed after a long injury layoff and will be in contention for the seniors next weekend.

Bad news for the Saints though, was that Fisher ended up injured with a hamstring problem along with young midfielder David Armitage who had a shoulder problem.

- In the SANFL, Central Districts beat North Adelaide, but there was bad news for Crows fans with forward Nick Gill ending the game on crutches and confirmed out for 5-6 weeks with an ankle problem.

For North, Crows-listed $86k midfielder Tony Armstrong had a good afternoon off half-back with 21 touches, while Phil Davis did well too with 20 disposals.

Woodville-West Torrens Eagles beat South Adelaide by 21 points this weekend too, with more Crows impressing. Robert Shirley racked up 24 stats, Jared Petrenko did well with 15 touches, while Shaun McKernan was amongst the best again for the Panthers and must be close to an AFL game after nearly 30 hitouts in the ruck. Port's Matt Broadbent was good for the Eagles too, collecting 19 possessions in a solid game full of hard chases and tackling. Bad news for Adelaide, is Jarrhan Jacky did his hamstring during the game.

Port Adelaide rallied themselves to defeat Norwood at Alberton on Friday by 27 points. Port Power forward Nathan Krakouer was dangerous with 18 possessions and 8 marks and he booted 2 goals for the Magpies. For Norwood, Port's Nick Lower was okay with 21 disposals.

- In the WAFL, Subiaco went top of the ladder after beating South Fremantle by 28 points. For Souths, Daniel Gilmore must be close to an AFL recall after 15 kicks, 20 handballs, 4 marks and 5 tackles in midfield. Another Freo-listed player, Ryan Murphy, was well held.

Claremont surprised East Fremantle this weekend too, with a good win in bad conditions. Bad news for Eagles fans though is Brent Staker was injured during the match and it's been confirmed as a finger problem and will see him out for 3-5 weeks.

- In the Canberra AFL, Sydney's reserves were thumped by Belconnen by 109 points. Luke Ablett was the Swans' best with 40 touches, while much-hyped youngster Patrick Veszpremi did well with 4 goals. Mike Pyke was good in the ruck before injuring his calf late, while defender Nick Malceski was named in the best too.

- In the QAFL, the Lions reserves weren't in action this weekend.

DT Round 12 (Split-Round) Movers & Shakers

OK so here's where I assess the price changes and fluctuations going on in the world of DreamTeam. Of course, as it's the second-half of the split-round, today's edition is a rather short one, but nevertheless hopefully a helpful one.

For Essendon, star midfielder Mark McVeigh's value becomes all the more affordable by the week after a score of 86 saw him drop $24k to $321k. The concern is his date with the tribunal though.

Also at Windy Hill a couple of veterans are on the move, with Scotty Lucas (106) up $24k to $307k, while Matthew Lloyd (51) is down $23k to $259k.

For Melbourne, it seems popular DT defender Jack Grimes may have hit a wall with a score of 55 seeing his price increase only $1.7k to $261k and with a breakeven of 83 next week, many coaches are thinking 'trade?'.

Other news from the Dees, is young lads Neville Jetta and Kyle Cheney are on the rise both posting substantial increases, while midfielder Cale Morton's (47) value drops significantly to $359k down $27.5k.

For Collingwood, Alan Didak and Heath Shaw are the talk of the town with improving performances equating to better scores and increasing prices. Forward Didak posted 141 so he's up $26k to $375k, while Shaw is becoming more consistent with a score of 85 and he's up $8k to $355k which is very affordable.

Also I wanted to make a special mention of star onballer Dane Swan who smahed the $500k mark this weekend with a score of 127 taking his value up $11k to a ridiculous $507k. On the flipside, fellow midfielder Leon Davis is down $25k to $397k despite an 89.

For Sydney, forward Ryan O'Keefe is really hitting form with a score of 149 taking him up $24k to $419k.

Also worth a mention is midfielder Kristin Thornton who played his fifth game this season scoring a 43 taking him up $14k to $133k much to the delight of 3,500 DT coaches.

For Geelong, there's a bit of attention with a few sliders coming in starting with DT fave Gary Ablett. Ablett scored 76 this weekend, so his value drops $6.5k to $484k with a mammoth 141 breakeven next weekend. If you haven't got him, watch this space.

Other sliders at the Cattery are Joel Selwood (55) who is down $17k to $414k with a breakeven of 176 next weekend, while Stevie Johnson didn't slide as much as hoped by many DT coaches down just a measly $400 after scoring 130.

For Fremantle, defender Greg Broughton is winning many DT admirers after posting a superb 122 to inflate his value $50k to $233k. Broughton's got a breakeven of minus 7 next weekend, so if you're thinking about trading him, don't sell him just yet.

Also for the Dockers young midfielder Matt de Boer had a good game scoring 68 and is up $28k to $168k.

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