AFL JLT Week 1 wrap: Stand out players; biggest talking point; SuperCoach scores

It may only be the pre-season, but one AFL legend hasn’t been able to hide his glee over the prospects of one burgeoning superstar.

Clayton Oliver is a midfield jet.

The AFL is back for 2019 and fans got their first real look at their respective teams and players when the JLT Community Series opened up last Thursday.

Of course with the home and away season not officially getting underway until March 21, teams and players alike were keeping their cards close to the chest.

They weren’t giving away their game plans and plenty of the star’s either watched on from the sidelines or only took part in half of the games.

But there was still plenty to take away from the opening weekend of action and if you missed any, we’ve got you covered.

JLT WEEK 1 SCORES

The Eagles spread their wings against the Cats.

Carlton 15.10 (100) defeat Essendon 14.7 (91)

West Coast 15.9 (99) defeat Geelong 8.17 (65)

St Kilda 15.12 (102) defeat North Melbourne 11.11 (77)

Adelaide 16.10 (106) defeat Port Adelaide 14.5 (89)

GWS Giants 12.9 (81) defeat Sydney 8.11 (59)

Brisbane 15.12 (102) defeat Hawthorn 8.12 (60)

Richmond 16.17 (113) defeat Melbourne 16.5 (101)

Gold Coast 11.11 (77) defeat Western Bulldogs 10.12 (72)

Collingwood 17.9 (111) defeat Fremantle 12.12 (84)

PLAYERS THAT STOOD OUT

Clayton Oliver: The Demons superstar brushed off a double shoulder reconstruction in the off-season and showed off his prowess in the middle of the ground.

He finished the first hitout of the year with 32 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles and added a goal.

The incredible showing led former Melbourne skipper and AFL legend Gary Lyon to proclaim him the best midfielder in the club’s history.

“In my time on this earth, I think Clayton Oliver is Melbourne’s best ever midfielder,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.

“Since probably the 70s, I can’t think of a better midfielder.

“He’ll win a Brownlow.

“I’ve said he’s the best of this bunch that’s come through since day one.”

Sam Walsh had the football world fawning.

Sam Walsh: Not only did Carlton claim the win, they unleashed their newest beast and every football fan couldn’t avert their eyes.

The No. 1 draft pick was the talk of the town and even had teammates in awe of what he’s achieved so far.

“For a guy who’s 18, he’s just really professional, a really hard trainer,” Simpson said.

“He does that on the track so I’m not surprised he’s doing it out here on the bigger stage. He’s a freak.”

AFL great Terry Wallace told SEN Radio that Walsh reminds him of Cats superstar Joel Selwood.

“There’s very few first-year players and Joel Selwood comes to mind, who can do what Walsh is doing in this game.”

BIGGEST TALKING POINT FROM THE WEEKEND

They created plenty on controversy when they were announced and the new rule changes were once again at the forefront of the conversation.

While it’s still incredibly early and the umpires themselves will still be growing accustom to the changes, the new 6-6-6 format caused plenty of confusion.

The rule stipulates that six players from every team be stationed in the forward 50, defensive 50 and in the middle of the ground.

Two players, one from each team, must also be stationed in the goal square before the ball is bounced after a goal.

But on Friday night players, fans and even commentators were left scratching their heads after a free kick was paid.

West Coast defender Shannon Hurn alerted the goal umpire to the fact Patrick Dangerfield wasn’t in the goal square which resulted in the free kick.

But as the players scampered to rush forward, the umpire called them all back and forced them back into their zones. Causing a delay of close to a minute as the field reset.

“We don’t want 40 seconds of this. Maybe they will get better and quicker at it but we don’t want this in our game,” AFL great Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy.

The moment however was later highlighted as a big miss as at the other end of the ground, both players were standing outside of the goal square at the exact time the free was paid.

TOP TEN SUPERCOACH PERFORMERS

Patrick Dangerfield is a genuine lock.

1: Dom Sheed ($394k) — 144 (West Coast)

2: Stephen Coniglio ($588k) — 140 (GWS Giants)

3: Jamie Macmillan ($440k) — 136 (North Melbourne)

4: Lachie Neale ($607k) — 136 (Brisbane Lions)

5: Patrick Dangerfield ($660k) — 129 (Geelong Cats)

6: Heath Shaw ($492k) — 128 (GWS Giants)

7: Clayton Oliver ($622k) — 127 (Melbourne)

8: Patrick Cripps ($648k) — 124 (Carlton)

9: Scott Pendlebury ($562k) — 121 (Collingwood)

10: Tim Taranto ($481k) — 120 (GWS Giants)