There’s a bit going on in the SuperCoach world! The story of this week was underperforming forward-line premos, with the likes of Josh Dunkley, Zac Butters, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Moore, Adam Treloar and Tim Taranto all failing to step up to the plate when needed.

Luckily, we were saved by the rooks yet again! In defense, Pat McCartin, Nathan O’Driscoll and Sam De Koning stepped up to fill the breach in George Hewett’s second-straight week on the sideline. Up forward it was Will Brodie and Nic Martin who did the business, with both ensuring their cash generation will continue for the foreseeable future.

It was another decent week for Eddie’s Eagles; a score of 2,327 and a jump of 400 ranking spots up to 1,197. The Gawnless rollercoaster continued, with Jarrod Witts again getting the chocolates against the big Demon to the tune of 50 points.

Jack Macrae with the VC ahead of Dunkley proved to be a master-stroke, while it was great to see Ben Hobbs finally get some midfield time and duly deliver with a 93 to get his cash generation rolling.

O’Driscoll on the pitch ahead of SDK felt like the right move, but ultimately losing out on 20 points there feels like a bit of a waste. Callum Mills and Jack Steele were both horrible but thankfully outweighed by monster performances from Touk Miller, James Sicily and Patrick Cripps.

Enough waffle – let’s get in to the recap!

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Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs

Another great result for the Power as they continue their resurgence from an 0-5 start, while it’s all pain for the Bulldogs with another lacklustre display compounded by a number of series injuries.

Travis Boak (149 SC) was yet again Port’s best, with some suggestions in the Adelaide media today that he will try and push for 400 games – it’s hard to see him missing 400 with this form.

Todd Marshall (130 SC) now has two 130+ scores in his last three games and is playing playing with supreme confidence. Ollie Wines (104 SC) was solid, while Sam Hayes (98 SC) is a cash-making machine.

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Dan Houston (92 SC) was slightly down on his average of 104 SC but continues a superb run of consistency, with only one sub 90 score for the season. Connor Rozee (74 SC) and Zak Butters (52 SC) struggled.

Jack Macrae (144 SC, 32 possessions) was easily the Bulldogs’ best in an encouraging return to form, rewarding 30% of coaches who went the VC on him. Popular forward option Tom Liberatore (107 SC) did some good things and looks a chance to finish as a top-10 player.

Otherwise it was a pretty dirty night for the Dogs. Bailey Smith (98 SC) tried hard, but Josh Dunkley (78 SC) and Adam Treloar (74 SC) were both well below their usual output.

Robbie McComb (73 SC) did his job as a cash cow. Buku Khamis (44 SC) is also an interesting prospect who just played his second game of AFL, and as a cheap defender is worth a second look if he plays another game next week.

Injuries

Riley Bonner hurt his ankle and was subbed off at three quarter time.

Laitham Vandermeer did a hammy in the third quarter. Tim O’Brien did a calf. Cody Weightmann tried to bump Sam Hayes and his shoulder came off second-best.

Reports

N/A

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Fremantle v North Melbourne

I genuinely feel sorry for people who felt compelled to watch this game; Freo did enough to win, but football was the real loser.

Sean Darcy (178 SC) was immense in every sense of the word. He could be a perfect upgrade target for Brayden Preuss when the byes come around.

Heath Chapman (136 SC) has rebounded from a horrible start to the season and now has three tonnes in his last four outings. The Dockers midfield dominated an outmatched Roos outfit, with Andrew Brayshaw (134 SC), Caleb Serong (117 SC), Will Brodie (115 SC) and David Mundy (111 SC) doing exactly as they pleased in there.

Jordan Clark (95 SC) has dropped below 88 just once this season and looks a shrewd bargain defensive option. Luke Ryan (75 SC) continues to give coaches all sorts of headaches and now has just one 100+ score in his last 6 games. Nathan O’Driscoll (61 SC) did his job as a loophole, with most coaches happy enough to take that 60+ return rather than rely on SDK (which ended up being a slight mistake).

For the Roos, it’s about as dire a situation as it gets. This team has no identity and seemingly no stars. Todd Goldstein (142 SC) battled hard but was torched by Darcy around the ground. Luke McDonald (91 SC) has a great role and is averaging 97 in his last three games.

Jason Horne-Francis (66 SC) tries his guts out, while it wasn’t the night for Paul Curtis (35 SC), with many coaches (including me) feeling instant buyers’ regret.

Injuries

Lachie Schultz collided with a goalpost in the third quarter but played it out. Ryan rolled an ankle but battled through it. Sam Switkowski copped a knee from Horne-Francis and was eventually subbed out.

Ben McKay was pummelled all night and eventually subbed out with knee soreness.

Reports

Jed Anderson hit Brayshaw late in an incident which will be looked at.

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Richmond v Collingwood

Another spirited performance by the Pies, who showed again they’re no pushovers, but the Tigers had too much experience and ran out comfortable winners.

Tom Lynch (184 SC) was wayyyy too much for Darcy Moore to handle, kicking 6.1 to go along with 25 disposals in one of the best key position displays you’ll see. Toby Nankervis (121 SC) is one of the more serviceable starting rucks going round, while Jayden Short (109 SC) continued his magnificent start to the year as his midfield time increases.

Dustin Martin (83 SC) was good in his return to footy, while Daniel Rioli (85 SC) and Maurice Rioli jnr (72 SC) were again excellent. Josh Gibcus (66 SC) continues to be a fantastic option as a defensive rookie.

For the Pies, Jack Crisp (121 SC) would comfortably be leading their Best and Fairest and was again brilliant. Darcy Cameron (108 SC) now has two straight 100+ scores in Grundy’s absence and is a legitimate option at $330k and in 0% of teams.

Scott Pendlebury (97 SC) was solid, Nick Daicos (80 SC) impressive, while Aiden Begg (37 SC) probably ruled himself out as a downgrade option this week.

Injuries

Isaac Quaynor hurt a finger in the fourth quarter.

Reports

Rhyan Mansell elbowed Jack Ginnivan at three quarter time to spark a fracas, which will probably see him miss a week.

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Sydney v Gold Coast

Boilover at the SCG!! The Suns have a weird affinity with this ground and this opponent, and managed to pull off another stunning upset of a Sydney side which has looked shaky after a strong start to the year.

Jarrod Witts (132 SC) has been one of the pickups of the season. He’s now averaging 119 and has just three scores for the year below 130. Yes, you read that right – three scores below 130.

Touk Miller (122 SC) was on 60+ points at quarter time, but couldn’t sustain the rage after being locked down by James Rowbottom. Connor Budarick (102 SC) was a popular preseason option and is averaging 73 from his three games so far this season.

Matt Rowell (88 SC) did his job, while Malcolm Rosas (18 SC) was terrible and has successfully stifled his cash generation.

Jake Lloyd (116 SC) reminded coaches looking for defensive options of his existence with a 26 disposal, 80% efficiency display. Nick Blakey (116 SC) has had an up-and-down season, but when he’s good he’s really good.

Paddy McCartin (94 SC) has been an excellent pickup for Sydney and even better one for our SuperCoach teams, with many relying on him to fill the George Hewett sized hole in our defensive lines.

Luke Parker (89 SC), Isaac Heeney (75 SC) and Callum Mills (60 SC) were all supremely disappointing, with Parker scoring just 9 points in a horrific second half performance.

Injuries

Jack Lukosius picked up a lower leg injury and was subbed out.

Buddy Franklin hurt a finger but played out the game. Peter Ladhams rolled his right ankle in the third quarter but was strapped up and returned.

Reports

N/A

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GWS v Geelong

Clinical display by a Geelong side who’ve been questioned over the last couple of weeks, with much of the smart money pre-game coming for the Giants.

Mitch Duncan (116 SC) roamed across half back and did exactly as he pleased all game. It was an even spread for the Cats, with seven players chalking up 100+ scores – Tyson Stengle, Mark Blicavs, Jake Kolodjashnij (WTF), Jeremy Cameron, Zach Guthrie and Zach Tuohy the others.

Sam De Koning (82 SC) was fantastic across half back, with coaches who took the O’Driscoll 61 left shaking their heads. Cooper Stephens (66 SC) was solid on debut.

For the Giants, Isaac Cumming (128 SC) is breaking out in a big way. He’s now averaging 109 for the season and is a legitimate defensive premo option.

Brayden Preuss (103 SC) was solid without being spectacular, as was Tom Green (96 SC). In potentially some very SuperCoach relevant news, Lachie Whitfield (94 SC) switched into the midfield in the second half and looked great.

Tim Taranto (84 SC) and Stephen Coniglio (70 SC) couldn’t get into the game, while Toby Greene (56 SC) was also quiet. Cooper Hamilton (55 SC) started well but fell out of the game late – he’s an interesting downgrade option this week.

Injuries

Jed Bews copped an elbow to the head early doors and was subbed off.

Reports

N/A

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Essendon v Hawthorn

The Essendon Football Club making me feel good? What is this strange feeling?

Fantastic performance from the Bombers, particularly in the last quarter, with a host of young players stepping up big time in a rare exciting performance from the beleaguered club.

Darcy Parish (139 SC), Zach Merrett (108 SC) and Jye Caldwell (91 SC) were immense through the midfield, each providing a host of big clearances at key times. They were ably fed in the centre by Sam Draper (108 SC), who is finally starting to deliver on his preseason hype.

Peter Wright (113 SC) kicked six goals straight in a dominating performance, while cheapy options Ben Hobbs (93 SC) and Nick Martin (88 SC) were both immense, with Martin arguably BOG (not for the first time this season).

Kaine Baldwin (60 SC) played his best game of AFL footy and Nick Bryan (50 SC) was serviceable backing up Draper in his second senior game.

For the Hawks, James Sicily (132 SC) was again far and away their best. He is having some sort of season. Jai Newcombe (102 SC) is soaring into Rising Star calculations and was again brilliant with 28 possessions, although he did cop a head knock late and was ineffective in the last quarter.

Max Lynch (100 SC) battled hard in the ruck, while Josh Ward (53 SC) and Connor Macdonald (43 SC) were fairly ineffective.

Injuries

Dylan Shiel looked like he had a sore left leg for most of the game, but refused to pack it in and played out the game.

Lynch and Newcombe both copped head knocks but apparently passed concussion tests and returned.

Reports

Wright may be in trouble for a late hit on Jarman Impey.

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Brisbane v West Coast

As expected, this was a bloodbath, as the in-form Lions demolished an Eagles outfit depleted by injury and struggling for motivation.

It wasn’t a fair fight in the midfield. Hugh McLuggage (154 SC), Dayne Zorko (123 SC) and Lachie Neale (123 SC) were all fantastic, although coaches with the C on Neale may have been left slightly underwhelmed.

It was also a free-for-all off halfback, with Daniel Rich (117 SC) and Noah Answerth (100 SC) doing as they pleased. Jarrod Berry (65 SC) again was rocked by a big hit early and struggled to impact the game, while Keidean Coleman (47 SC) showed he is not a legitimate SuperCoach option (yet).

For the Eagles, Shannon Hurn (129 SC) and Jeremy McGovern (107 SC) repelled a stack of Brisbane attacking movement and the scoreline could have been a lot worse had it not been for them.

First-gamer Jake Florenca (102 SC) showed some promising signs; if he can hold his position when Greg Clark returns he’s worth a look next week. Callum Jamieson (72 SC) held his own in the ruck department in his second game. Patrick Naish (46 SC) struggled.

Injuries

Daniel McStay hurt an ankle early and was subbed off in a disaster for Brisbane. Berry and Jack Payne both had head knocks but played out the game.

Connor West was subbed out in the third quarter.

Reports

N/A

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Melbourne v St Kilda

Valiant effort by the Saints, but this is why the Dees are premiers and undefeated this season; they never fail to respond when challenged.

Clayton Oliver (135 SC) has had a huge few weeks and continued it today, taking BOG honours in my book.

Ed Langdon (126 SC), Angus Brayshaw (107 SC) and Christian Petracca (106 SC) were all fantastic for the Demons as well. Max Gawn (82 SC) was the big SuperCoach news out of this game; he spent a lot of time forward with Jackson in the ruck and his scoring took a hit as a result. This is one to monitor very closely.

It’s time to trade Jackson (55 SC) and Jake Bowey (49 SC) if you’re still holding them.

Unfortunately for those coaches holding Saints players, none of them performed to standard. Jack Sinclair (83 SC), Rowan Marshall (81 SC) and Jack Steele (75 SC) had down days, while Jade Gresham (55 SC) was terrible. I’d back them to bounce back next week against the Cats back at Marvel; Steele in particular has plenty of room to tighten up after giving away 4 free kicks today and going at just 65% efficiency.

Injuries

Jake Lever picked up a nasty corkie early but played it out.

Dan Butler was subbed off in the third quarter with an ankle injury.

Reports

N/A

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Carlton v Adelaide

A sign of a good team is getting the job done when you should, and Carlton certainly did that today against a Crows side which will cause the top sides some serious problems this season.

Patrick Cripps (151 SC, 35 possessions, 2.0) was simply immense yet again. He is the outright Brownlow Medal favourite and deservedly so; teams can’t stop him anywhere on the ground.

Charlie Curnow (149 SC) will fight it out with Cripps for BOG honours after kicking 6.3 and looking every bit the Koutofides clone we’ve been promised he is. Sam Docherty (115 SC) and Adam Cerra (114 SC) were also fantastic, while Sam Walsh (89 SC) was a little bit underwhelming.

Adam Saad (63 SC) crashed back to earth after a monstrous start to the season and two straight tonnes prior to this. Rookie options Corey Durdin (59 SC) and Jack Carroll (59 SC) both did enough, with Carroll an enticing trade-in option this week on the bubble.

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Jordan Dawson (134 SC) had 30 touches and pushed in to the midfield, which makes him a very attractive prospect. Rory Laird (123 SC) was brilliant again, while Ben Keays (100 SC) has gone 100+ in every single game this season – remarkable consistency.

Taylor Walker (104 SC) is averaging 100 and has scored less than 100 just once this season – worth a look as a forward option.

Rookie options Mitch Hinge (54 SC) and Josh Rachele (40 SC) again battled; it’s probably time to move on both of them.

Injuries

Jack Martin was subbed off at halftime with calf tightness.

Lachie Murphy had his neck crunched in a Cripps tackle and was subbed out at three quarter time.

Reports

It will be a nervous wait for Cripps after the aforementioned tackle on Murphy.

Shane McAdam may miss some time after whacking Jordan Boyd in the first quarter.

Weekly wrap: Round 8 studs, duds, injuries

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