The Phantom’s Round 22 Review: If Max Gawn misses, there’s a number of other in-form SuperCoach ruckmen to choose from
Todd Goldstein’s 176-point performance was the highest for the week but he wasn’t the only big man to impress. The Phantom looks at the in-form ruckmen to call upon if Max Gawn is out.
- Live ladder: Tigers jump Pies — for now
- Refusal to play tag lets Treloar put Crows to floor
- SuperCoach: The best and worst picks in 2019
Grand final week is upon us, SuperCoaches.
To those who made it, firstly, well done, you have earned your shot at premiership glory.
But, secondly, I hope you kept a trade.
Because, if you got through the excruciating spectacle that was Sydney v Melbourne on Friday night, you would’ve noticed star Demon Max Gawn finish the match on the bench with hamstring tightness.
“He certainly hasn’t done it. The game was done and he’d had a huge workload,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said post-match.
“We put him on ice and make sure he’d right for next week.”
But with Melbourne finishing its season with a trip to Tasmania, will they risk any further damage — and a possible delayed start to pre-season — for its star big man?
If Gawn does miss, fortunately, for those SuperCoaches with a trade — or two — left, there were a number of noteworthy performances from other ruckman in Round 22.
Todd Goldstein (NM)
Round 22 score: 176
Round 23 opponent: Melbourne
The North Melbourne big man has now posted eight SuperCoach tons with his 176-point performance against the Power his highest score for the season. Goldstein tallied 34 disposals, 19 contested possessions, nine clearances and 28 hitouts in a dominant display which puts him at the top of the list to replace Gawn, if needed. And with North Melbourne taking on the Demons in the final round, he’ll be up against former teammate and second-choice ruckman Brayden Preuss.
On form, Goldstein is by far the best option but, unfortunately, his price has surpassed Gawn’s meaning you’ll need to have some spare cash. The next three options, you’ll make money on.
Stefan Martin (Bris)
Round 22 Score: 129
Round 23 opponent: Richmond
It’s been an inconsistent year for the Brisbane veteran with Martin recording seven SuperCoach tons and five scores of 76 or less. But if the Maritn’s performance against the Lions is anything to go by, there might still be SuperCoach life left in the 32-year-old yet. Against Geelong’s Mark Blicavs and Esava Ratugolea, Martin tallied 16 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 15 hitouts-to-advantage, seven clearances and 129 points. And if premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis cannot overcome soreness in time for Sunday’s blockbuster clash at the MCG, Martin is likely to be confronted with inexperienced Tiger pair Ivan Soldo and Mabior Chol.
Matthew Kreuzer (Carl)
Round 22 Score: 129
Round 23 opponent: Geelong
The Carlton big man, who has now scored 100 points or more in seven of his 14 matches this season, sent the SuperCoach community a timely reminder of his scoring power at the MCG on Saturday. Against, arguably, the competition’s most-improved player Rowan Marshall, Kreuzer was just about the best player on the ground in Carlton’s 10-point victory over the Saints, tallying 21 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine clearances, seven score involvements, six hitouts-to-advantage and a game-high 128 points. He’ll be too good for one of Geelong’s best defenders, Blicavs, who is now leading the ruck, in Round 23.
Jarrod Witts (GC)
Round 22 score: 119
Round 23 opponent: GWS
After another gallant performance in his side’s 18th loss for the year, Witts has now posted SuperCoach tons in six of his past eight matches this season and is the fourth-ranked ruckman in the game behind Brodie Grundy, Gawn and Goldstein. The 208cm 26-year-old finished with 12 disposals, 42 hitouts, five tackles and 119 points opposed to Hawk Jonathon Ceglar. Shane Mumford was a late withdrawal for the Giants on Sunday, with Dawson Simpson his replacement but whoever fronts up at Metricon Stadium next week, Witts should have their measure.
With Goldstein teaching the Port Adelaide combination of Paddy Ryder and Pete Ladhams a lesson on Saturday night, it’s worth keeping an eye on Scott Lycett (ruck/fwd) during the week, after the high-profile recruit tallied 18 disposals, 43 hitouts, seven tackles, seven clearances and seven rebound-50s in the SANFL.
THE PHANTOM’S ROUND 22
Score: 2307
Studs: Josh Dunkley (169), Tom Lynch (118), Nic Newman (117), Lachie Whitfield (114)
Duds: Tom Rockliff (57), James Sicily (47), Rory Sloane (76), Patrick Cripps as C (83)