Every week of the pre-season, we will post our take on any news that comes through. We’ll get sucked in by who’s burning up the track, getting more midfield time and those who are locks even though we are weeks away from locking our teams in. This is anything goes and we’ll be updating the rolling blog regularly. Come back, have a read and get involved in the discussion in the comments.
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LAST UPDATE: Tuesday 10 January, 2017.
Hawthorn price reveal
Roy has posted his article on AFL.com.au along with the prices for the Hawks.
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Dom Tyson dislocates patella
The Melbourne training camp was intense judging by the video below, but a main casualty from it was 23-year-old Dom Tyson who “suffered a partial dislocation of his patella tendon”. He should be able to return to full training ahead of the JLT Community series starting mid-February. This news would cross him off any Fantasy Classic list, but would make the midfielder drop a few places in my Draft rankings.
Melbourne have held a secret training camp which has resulted in a few wounded warriors heading into the pre-season competition pic.twitter.com/UqU3bOnmVo
— AFL on 7 (@7AFL) January 9, 2017
Naitanui is running post-surgery, Redden on track
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui ran today for the first time since surgery on the ACL injured late in the season. He is aiming to play in the later stages of 2017. Maybe consider him mid-season as a free agent pick up for your draft league if the Eagles look to bring him back.
Another thing to note in the article are these comments on Jack Redden from assistant coach Justin Longmuir. Some have put a line through the former Fantasy premium, maybe this could change your mind?
“I’ve been really impressed with the way he has applied himself,” Longmuir said.
“He’s run PB times both times we’ve run 2km (time trials) and that shows that he’s really dedicated himself in his break to become a better footballer.
“We’re not forgetting that he came to the footy club banged up – he missed all of the pre-season last year, so that was a really difficult time for him.
“At the moment, he’s put every foot in the right direction and hopefully he can continue to do that.”
Nic Nat aiming for a playing return late in the home and away campaign. pic.twitter.com/1sth3k6Ve0
— Travis King (@TravisKing) January 9, 2017
Brodie Smith to stay across half-back
Although he has been training with the midfield group this pre-season, Brodie Smith believes he will play most of his footy on the half-back and wing. He may, however, spend some time inside. How the Crows line up is a big question of this pre-season with Rory Laird, Curtly Hampton and Scott Thompson being mooted for role changes.
Pre-season buzz boy Riley Knight won the 2km time trial on Monday following the Christmas break.
Sunshine impressing
Former Giant and new Docker Cam McCarthy pushed himself in match simulation. Not a huge deal? Well, all is looking good for us to grab the $211K FWD for our F6.
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