Week four of the JLT Series was the final chance for teams to showcase their new talents, tactics and players that might be in contention for that Round 1 spot. All 18 clubs played over the weekend, with some performances from some that might warm the hearts of supporters.
LYNCH MAKES EARLY COLEMAN STATEMENT
In a game that saw the reigning premiers come from behind against a battling Gold Coast side, premium Suns forward Tom Lynch was a deadeye in front of the sticks. A cornerstone in Gold Coast’s remarkable start was formed by Lynch’s ability to kick six straight goals. On a warm Queensland night, the Suns got out to a 49-point lead right before the main break. The story of the night however was the Bulldog’s massive turnaround in the second half, delivering 10 goals and 3 super goals after half time to come home 21-point winners. For the Suns, the return of their champion Gary Ablett Jnr was something to take home, as Ablett finished with 22 disposals on the night. Young Suns Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth had quiet games so making their debut in round one is not yet set in stone.
THE GREENE MACHINE
Friday night featured a dominant Giants side and an inexperienced Kangaroos outfit. Toby Greene excelled in his side’s 38-point victory, booting five goals to add a nice touch to his 28 disposals. For the opposing side, we saw a flashback from early last year as Jarrad Waite led North’s goal kicker with five himself. Greater Western Sydney’s win was dampened by the number of players who left with injuries. Both Steve Johnson (concussion) and Aidan Corr (hand) were done in the first quarter, as Stephen Coniglio also injured his ankle. Although it’s not ideal for the final tune-up game, the Giants still have plenty of players who can fill their voids if necessary.
GIMME THE FYFE
The Dockers handed Carlton one more loss heading into round one, with all eyes on Nat Fyfe as he accumulated 38 touches, seven marks, six tackles and a goal in what was one of the most dominant displays of the JLT series. Fremantle still have a long way to go before talk of finals, and a hamstring injury to forward Hayden Ballantyne doesn’t help in that regard. Newest recruit Cam Macarthy gave his side something to cherish with six goals, an encouraging sign for hopeful fans. Although a win wasn’t achieved, some good signs for Blues fans with reliable defenders Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty continuing to perform well. New recruit Caleb Marchbank secured his round one spot with 22 disposals, while his former Giant teammate and number three draft pick Jarrod Pickett kicked three goals on the night.
ED, EDD and EDDY
Fantasy favourite Brett Eddy told Ken Hinkley he wants a spot in two weeks with five goals as Power blew away Hawthorn in their final JLT series showing. The 27-year-old, who is yet to make his AFL debut booted four goals over a short period in the third term. Hawthorn’s Jaegar O’Meara happily got through one more game unscathed, finishing with 27 disposals in a solid display. We may have found a better fend-off than Dustin Martin out of this game, with draftee Sam Powell-Pepper launching a powerful ‘don’t argue’ on Hawthorn great Shaun Burgoyne.
With the preseason over and out, it’s time to see who made waves heading into a blockbuster home and away season. Here are your best players of the JLT Community Series.
CAPTAIN READY
From what we’ve seen, the move to make Dayne Beams skipper of the Lions is a step in the right direction. Of course, as the story goes, the key is for him to remain on the park. With two out of two in the JLT matches out the way for him, Brisbane fans can rest easy heading into round one. In his first game since round eight last year, Beams tallied 24 touches against the Bulldog’s in week 3 of preseason. He then backed it up with a sublime display 35 disposals and one goal against Adelaide one the weekend. The Beams we know may be back in 2017.
SAINTS MAY HAVE FOUND A STEELE
Although his first game may have not interested many, former Giant Jack Steele proved his worth to new coach Alan Richardson with two quality performances in the JLT series. In week three he was best on ground with 25 possessions and eight tackles against the Blues. He didn’t shirk the occasion in the final week either, Steele managed an even more impressive 28 disposals, 12 tackle outing against the Swans. Steele, who never got the time at GWS (managing just 17 games) will be keen to make an impact in 2017.
ROOKIE WATCH: TIM TARANTO
The No.2 pick in last year’s draft, Tim Taranto wanted people to know why as he showcased his talents over the three JLT matches. Taranto averaged 17 disposals and five tackles over the three weeks, and proved he was ready for AFL standards when he got up after a bone crunching welcome from Sydney’s Lance Franklin. Taranto has all but secured himself a debut in two weeks, and just adds to the plethora of young talent the Giant’s still have running around.