The defenders who caught The Phantom’s eye in first games of JLT Series

WHILE it’s always important to remember they are still practice games, here are the defenders who impressed The Phantom in the first three games of the JLT Series.

Adelaide Crows training at Adelaide Oval. Rory Laird. Picture Sarah Reed

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WHILE it’s always important to remember they are still practice games, here are the defenders who caught The Phantom’s eye in the first three games of the JLT Series.

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Michael Hibberd will be money well spent. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Michael Hibberd (Melb) $545,200

121 points

It didn’t take long for the rebounding Melbourne playmaker to reaffirm his top-six defender status, racking up a huge 121 points, on the back of 27 disposals at 74 per cent efficiency in his first JLT Series hitout against the Kangaroos. If you’re having second thoughts about his starting price, just ignore them, Hibberd is money well spent.

Tom Doedee should slot straight into the Crows line-up.

Tom Doedee (Adel) $123,900

85 points

The third-year Crow all but confirmed his spot in Adelaide’s side for the season opener against the Bombers, upstaging some of his more experienced team-mates in defence. Doedee tallied 18 disposals — at 84 per cent — and 85 SuperCoach points. The Phantom has seen enough.

Rory Laird (Adel) $550,800

101 points

The All-Australian picked up where he left off in 2017, recording 27 disposals — at an elite 90 per cent efficiency — and 101 SuperCoach points. Get used to this — there will plenty more of it in 2018. Laird’s average last season of 30 disposals and 100 points is almost identical to his numbers yesterday.

Adam Saad impressed in his first game for Essendon after crossing from Gold Coast. Picture: Michael Klein

Adam Saad (Ess) $399,800

85 points

Couldn’t have started his career in red and black in better fashion. Saad gathered at half-back, put the afterburners on, took two running bounces and unloaded a bomb from inside the centre square for the Bomber’s first goal of the afternoon. The former Sun only finished with 15 disposals but he went at 100 per cent efficiency to finish with 85 points. But, at that price, given he’s only score 100 points or more in three of his 48 career games, his selection is hard to justify.

Ryan Garthwaite could force his way into Richmond’s defence after shining in the JLT Series against Essendon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Ryan Garthwaite (Rich) $123,900

72 points

Do we have a round-one bolter on our hands? After holding his own in the Tiger back six and tallying 72 points against the Bombers, the 190cm second-year defender is one to add to the watchlist. It’s a tough side to crack, but premiership defender Nathan Broad will miss the opening few rounds through suspension so keep him in mind. But just remember, three or four games isn’t want we want from our cash cows.

Elliot Yeo looks to have bounced back from a nagging hip injury. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Elliot Yeo (WC) $561,300

96 points

A nagging hip injury restricted Yeo over summer and the news began putting many SuperCoaches off. But he played 85 per cent of the Eagles’ opening JLT Series clash against the power, splitting his time between half-back and the midfield, while also getting forward for a goal. The 24-year-old, who averaged 104 SuperCoach points last season, recorded 20 disposals, nine contested possessions and 96 points yesterday and looks to be over the hip complaint.

Bernie Vince reminded us of his SuperCoach value. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Bernie Vince (Melb) $407,100

96 points

Vince showed he is still an important — and experienced — member of Melbourne’s back six, tallying 18 disposals — at 83 per cent efficiency — one goal and 96 SuperCoach points against North Melbourne on Saturday. The 32-year-old only averaged 74 last season but, in the three seasons prior, Vince averaged more than 92 points in each of them.

Christian Salem showed he was capable of having an impact at the centre bounces. Picture: Michael Klein

Christian Salem (Melb) $437,100

73 points

Sure, 73 points isn’t a huge return but it was interesting to see Salem attend 21 centre bounces — the second-most for the Demons — and win 11 contested possessions and five clearances. Given there was no Nathan Jones, Jack Viney or Dom Tyson, it’s unlikely Salem will see this much midfield time once the real stuff starts but it’s good to know Salem, who has been threatening to breakout for a number of years now, is capable of having an impact in the middle.