This team consists of players who underperformed in Round 17 of the 2018 AFL season.
B: Dale Thomas (Blues), Alex Keath (Crows), Jed Lamb (Blues)
HB: Jack Henry (Cats), Liam Jones (Blues), Caleb Marchbank (Blues)
C: Scott Selwood (Cats), Trent Cotchin (Tigers), Shane Biggs (Bulldogs)
HF: Taylor Walker (Crows), Wylie Buzza (Cats), Jermaine Jones (Cats)
FF: Brandon Parfitt (Cats), Jarryd Roughead (Hawks), Luke Breust (Hawks)
Foll: Toby Nankervis (Tigers), Bryce Gibbs (Crows), Steele Sidebottom (Magpies)
Int: Hugh Greenwood (Crows), Tim O’Brien (Hawks), Cameron Polson (Blues), Jarrod Pickett (Blues)
Backs
Dale Thomas collected twenty-four possessions but was largely ineffective. Hopefully he bounces back in his new role as a defender as he is on a one year contract and is playing for his career.
Alex Keath didn’t do much and conceded four goals to Taylor Walker, but may not have the opportunity to improve his performance as Daniel Talia should be back from injury.
Jed Lamb wasn’t up to standard, but it was more his behaviour that wasn’t acceptable as he got suspended, so therefore he will have to wait at least two weeks to improve his performance.
I rate Jack Henry highly as a defender, however, he was largely ineffectual as he amassed a poultry eight possessions.
Liam Jones may have rejuvenated his career by changing from a forward to a defender, but he had one of his poorer games on Friday night against the Saints.
Caleb Marchbank may struggle to keep his place in the side following a disappointing game from him but has the capability to improve his output should he retain his place in the Blues’ line up.
Midfielders
Scott Selwood had a bad game for the Cats, not having much of an impact on the contest with his disposals predominantly ineffectual. The only positive to take from his perspective is that the defensive side of his game was reasonable, with eight tackles.
Trent Cotchin had one of his poorer games for the season with just eighteen possessions; if he had played better the Tigers would have won. He is regarded as one of the best leaders in the competition and will get the opportunity to bounce back on Friday night against a much-improved Saints outfit.
Despite having his equal most possessions for the season with fifteen, Shane Biggs had little influence on the game.
Forwards
Taylor Walker was suspended for a crude act, but it was out of character for the Crows captain, so he will only get the chance to redeem himself in two weeks.
Wylie Buzza didn’t kick a goal and did little to prove that he deserves to remain in the Cats team, but I hope he does so that he can justify he is a player of AFL standard.
Jermaine Jones played his second game in a row, but I doubt that he will play three in a row following a disappointing performance against the Crows, although he could improve if he is fortunate enough to retain his place in the Cats line-up.
Brandon Parfitt had his worst game for the season statistically on Friday night but should be able to improve as he had one of his better games in Round 16.
Jarryd Roughead was goalless against the Lions in Round 17, which was a surprise, however, there is a good chance that he will perform admirably in Round 18 against a lacklustre Blues team.
Luke Breust didn’t kick a goal and had a poor game in Round 17 but could regain his form in Round 18 as he showed in Round 16 that he has the capability to hit the scoreboard with a season-best six goals.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Followers
Toby Nankervis had under ten possessions for the first time this season in possibly his worst display this year. I can envisage him improving against the Saints on Friday night as he is still one of the Tigers’ most important players from a structural point of view.
Bryce Gibbs had his lowest tally this season from a disposal perspective. He is a quality player and should bounce back against the Lions.
Steele Sidebottom also had the least possessions that his had this season and had little effect on the contest, but he should show that he is a prodigious talent against the Kangaroos this weekend.
Interchange
I rate Hugh Greenwood highly as a player, but he had a poor game against the Cats.
Tim O’Brien did little to prove that he deserves a spot in the Hawks team, but the fact that he has played twelve games for the season may mean he can play again and redeem himself in Round 18.
Cameron Polson is an up and coming youngster, but perhaps he needs a spell in the VFL to regain his confidence.
Jarrod Pickett didn’t do much to prove he belongs at AFL level, however, he did have a season-high nine possessions and has played three games in a row for the Blues.
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