Transcript
Holmesy: G'day and welcome to the pod pod brought to you by Marera's Magic. I'm your host Holmesy, three -time top 10 finisher and twice runner -up in AFL Fantasy Classic. Boys, we finally had a round of fantasy footy when...
Holmesy: Everything came together. The scores were flowing. I mean, we had some Pretty decent scores in this chat, but as the community as a whole, we saw some monster scores that I haven't really seen before.
Holmesy: And now ahead of round 24, it does seem like... We are. heading into a round that may be the toughest that we have seen ever. which will be. Very interesting to talk about tonight. We do have a full panel on deck for our last review podcast of the year. And as alwayss as always, sorry, I'll go to our... two -time top 10 finisher and runner -up in 2019.
Holmesy: John Homme. Night. How are you?
Jon Harmey: Going pretty well. Thanks. How's time Z and, uh, Look. Sadly, a long way short of a top 10 finish in this season. Probably my worst finish for about 15 years, I'd say. But anyway...
Jon Harmey: I'm here um and yeah now looking forward to seeing what you boys how you went on the weekend
Holmesy: Yeah, it's been one of those years, Harmie, for most of us here on the pod. No one really soaring to the heights of last year, but that's okay. Swings around about. up and down it's been a pretty challenging year But we will continue fighting to the end as...
Holmesy: as this man is doing, Jordy. Joining us for the final time this year is... ah You know, I might have to work into your contract next year that we're only allowed one international trip per year. Can't have you traveling too much, but...
Holmesy: Where are you off to? Was it Sri Lanka tomorrow?
JORDAN DSENA: yeah so off to sri lanka tomorrow with dt lemon so it's going to be a ah great trip Yeah, we're doing the trades tonight. and We'll be checking the teams. but um yeah it should be really good Really good trip over there. So actually DT Lemon's idea and he said, do you want to come along? And I said, yep. let's do it but so i'm pretty keen to have a look but yeah i think next year i'll be laying low because running out of money so it'll be a It'll be focusing on our fantasy for sure.
Holmesy: a few more of your train contracts made and you'll get the you get the bank account back up where it needs to be.
JORDAN DSENA: ah Yep.
Holmesy: And we do have our perennial top 1k finisher. prior to 2026 but you know bit of a Bit of a, we'll just cross this year out, Louis. How are you? Hamstrings feeling all right? getting ready to for a finals charge in a few weeks.
Lew: Yeah, might have to adjust that to 10 ,000 now. ah but the well if i can get in there i'm just on the heels of it at the moment um yep hamstring starting to feel a bit better just doing a bit of rehab I'm still sick though. I've been sick for a... about nine days now, which is just ridiculously long for a cold. but um it's all right we're soldiering through it and uh yeah i'll just relax on the couch this week and watch the final round of fantasy footy should be good
Holmesy: yeah we're going to get to that it's always interesting round 24 few more dead rubbers this year compared to last i think unfortunately the The moving to the wildcard round and making it a top 10 has almost backfired on them this year. It would be far more interesting if they were chasing a top eight with a few more live games. of it is what it is but as always we'll start with our round review harmy unfortunately i need to go to you first so why don't you open the app for the first time and let us know how you went over the weekend
Jon Harmey: Oh, I did just five minutes ago when I was punching in these scores for Geordie. Look. Yeah, sadly, the lowest score of the round, it seems. 2 -3 -4 -1. Uh,
Jon Harmey: my rabble put up which puts my rank So we'll just, just... 21 ,000 something. Badly. Um... Yeah, but ah look on Thursday not I was feeling pretty deflated with my Bond.
Jon Harmey: Durham. Read. Naz all out and looks like That's not going to improve much this Thursday night by the looks of things. so I'll give my Stato Pick of the VC.
Jon Harmey: Brad Hill when I checked the app at half time and he was on a hundred I was getting pretty excited I believe he got some attention, but still. 145 as my VC. I couldn't really turn turn that down, so he ended up.
Jon Harmey: been my captain for the round. I think maybe... My Dossie pick of the week. i think I don't think I've really given... I think he's got a bit of a free ride in my team because he's been there all season, basically, apart from when he was injured. But track.
Jon Harmey: I thought we were together. For the journey. But now you've let me down 55 and injured in my round 24 time of need so I'm afraid.
Jon Harmey: I'll have to throw the Dossie Pig his way.
Holmesy: Just on that, Harmi, so I've done some quick maths here. Dossie got you by another 153 points. This round and has actually moved Inside the top 10 ,000 for the first time in his career with an overall rank of 9 ,042.
Holmesy: Congratulations to Dossie. I haven't listened to his podcast this week to see how his team's shaping over there on Supercoach. But yeah, we're we're proud of the big man.
Jon Harmey: Just checking if you had to go searching for that result or... by any chance he let you know about that one, Holmesy.
Holmesy: Nah, quick search. It's... ah Yeah. one of the good things our fantasy app has done with the foes. Ah, wasn't hard to find your boy Dossie. in there so Nah, wait. As I said, we're happy happy for the gripe, man.
Holmesy: Louie, how'd you go?
Lew: Yeah. i'm Surprised that I'm the third highest scorer on the podcast this week because I scored the 2486, so... That might be my highest score for the season so far. I was i was quite happy.
Lew: about and that's got me right into the mix for top 10 000 i don't think i'll be catching dossie uh unfortunately but uh as i said around the bars if i can just get top 10 000 i'll be happy I've come in from 26 ,000 at the start of the buy. So I feel like I've come a long way and and sort of. corrected the ship a little bit but The state of pick of the week, it's going to go to Brad Hill, the 145 VC.
Lew: I was having coffee with Geordie on Saturday and I had it on Sheazel, who obviously went on to score the 51. And Geordie just said, well, why don't you put it on hill? And I said, I don't care. I'll just put it on hill then. And flicked it straight over.
Lew: And I was pretty happy at quarter time, half time, and then at the end of the game as he kept motoring along. Um, But slight asterisk in that Errol Goulden was my... full back c so i would have had the extra two points there Geordie, maybe you'll owe me a coffee next week. But, Dossie, the pick of the week. ah Got to give it to Zach Merritt. He's one that has been a bit of a shaky iron since I brought him in. I thought he was cheap.
Lew: He's been up, he's been down. and yeah to To have that last game of the round after having a pretty good week and him to just dis up dish up a 71. i was a little bit flat about so he's going to cop that one this week
Holmesy: Yeah, I don't know if you watch the game Louie, but they actually started with the Jai Sarong tag in the first half. You got it. Quiet first quarter and then went bang in the second. And then they said, ah we're not mucking around with this anymore and and went to James Jordan. and Essendon actually played a very one -on -one style of footy in that second half to not get destroyed which meant yeah Merritt just didn't have access to any pill whatsoever and he he copped that. cheek knock as well early in this in the second quarter so Unlucky for that.
Holmesy: and And just on that, you mentioned Geordie Owen, you won for for the Errol captain. Have you ever seen anyone celebrate as hard as Geordie did in the group chat with the late Errol plus three update after the game?
JORDAN DSENA: yeah
Lew: Yeah, Jordy loves a ah late adjustment to the scores. ah As soon as it happens, I know about it. He must just sit there refreshing constantly. But love the enthusiasm. And I ah reckon my Errol Cole a couple of weeks ago is looking pretty good so far with one week to play. he He'd certainly be up there as one of the highest scorers over the last couple of weeks.
Holmesy: Yep, here's a thirsty, thirsty operator and someone that will probably be... 80 plus owned at the start of 2027 if he maintains that forward status as predicted.
Holmesy: i was up next i had the 2498 which was a ah nice bounce back i'd been on the the slide for a few weeks now but that brought my rank up about 400 spots into 2170 so not Not the heights of last year, clearly, but... Hopefully I can finish inside the top 2 ,000, which would be a pretty decent effort. considering the forced trades I've had to navigate since the buys.
Holmesy: My Stato Pick of the Week. Have to go back to back with Errol. The 147 with the captaincy. um Wanted to go a little bit different. I i went Nick Dacos with the VC and and that was around that 115 mark that Lotz got with Baz and those others. So just thought I'd...
Holmesy: not really take a punt. I mean, he was playing Essendon, but the 147 was just yet unreal. unreal to finish off the round you combine that with heaney and warner and it was a pretty uh Pretty fun game to finish off the round with.
Holmesy: My Dossie pick of the week. luke parker 55 he's been up and down he's not someone i ever really wanted in my team but was forced to go there with the injuries and have had to hold on to him so unfortunately Well, hopefully, sorry, he can finish off strong this round against Sydney. Revenge game. And we'll talk about them a little bit later. and Special shout out, Geordie. Did you actually end up trading Dan Houston for the 92?
JORDAN DSENA: I did, yeah. I traded him. They did did do well.
Holmesy: Yeah, shout out.
JORDAN DSENA: Hmm.
Holmesy: He's been a hard, he's been a hard own, but yeah, getting the 92 from him, definitely kissed, but that was nice to, a nice score to have Geordie, but how did you go?
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, pretty well. I got... 25 .77, so that put me in. I think it was 491st. for the week which was nice and the rank came in 700 spots so into 1381 which yeah i'm quite surprised by that obviously after the buyers i was sitting I can't remember, but it was... It probably might've been six or 7 ,000.
JORDAN DSENA: after the buyers but since then it's just sort of Kept coming in. um And yeah, if I can get what top 1K, it would be pretty handy. So we'll see what happens. Obviously, there's a lot of outs this week.
JORDAN DSENA: um But happy with the score. I'm going to give the Stato a pick. to lucky ash For the 136. So the reason I'm giving it to him is. yeah this guy i mean we mentioned on the podcast last week is up and down we were like don't trade him in you can't really trade him in with much confidence So to see him get 136, and I think he had a heap of marks as well, that's a really good sign. So hopefully he can do that again this week.
JORDAN DSENA: Another shout out probably in my team we haven't mentioned him was Isaac Rankin. So that 164 against Frio. I was not expecting a big score like that. So he definitely needs to be mentioned here.
JORDAN DSENA: um And, you know, maybe you could even look at a VC this week with him against the the Giants, which is a good matchup. Dossie pick of the week. has to go to john noble so this was my lowest score in my side which is the 79.
JORDAN DSENA: But yeah, I brought this guy in two weeks ago after that 152. I just thought... You know, it was that. sort of chip chip i thought golfers to change their game style a little bit and they'll bit more lenient towards him but Since then, I think he's gone up on the wing a bit more.
JORDAN DSENA: I think McKenna may have done attention to him. I wasn't really watching the game. but Um, He's got the Saints this week and I'm hoping it's a bit of Bruce free footy. So I'm hoping he can pump out one of those big ones that he's done.
JORDAN DSENA: a couple of weeks ago.
Holmesy: yeah Yeah, we're going to get to the... the bruise -free element as it's been coined in a little bit. And we do know that some of these games can produce ceiling scores. and That's what it's going to be this week, trying to find the best matchups to get as many points as possible with those final trades. But before we do that...
Holmesy: um Just a quick. update on the pod pod challenge so we do have 19 coaches inside the top 100 so hopefully We can get a few more inside that to finish off the year. I think 20 coaches plus.
Holmesy: would be an amazing effort. Quick shout out, Holmesies Burners has fallen all the way to rank 143. So I need a lift from you, mate. You've got the name.
JORDAN DSENA: Hmm.
Holmesy: The reputation, I need you to lift it. I haven't done it this year, so we need a real bounce back from you. Hami, what I want you to do just now is... So the powerhouse has slipped to second place.
Holmesy: 37 points behind the leader now, Wag Mantle. 37 points is Definitely achievable, although it's going to be pretty tough with some of the forced outs that we're going to talk about in a second. but having been there and lived it.
Holmesy: What are some of the strategies that he should be looking at this week to try and hail Mary that top spot?
Jon Harmey: Oh, well, look, yeah.
Holmesy: Okay.
Jon Harmey: the powerhouse here The - What you're going to do is you're just going through every team that's around you, every team sort of give or take 200 points of you, and then...
Jon Harmey: um You're identifying the points of difference and those that you feel you need to match and those that you feel... um might actually provide you the opportunity to make up some points so Yeah, targeting those softer matchups.
Jon Harmey: Um, that's That's what you will be doing. um I do feel a little bit sorry for the powerhouse in second who you mentioned there, Holmesy. judging on the... potential outs for them so anyway we'll see there'll be some looping with with them no doubt um But yeah, I mean, things like, yeah. jhf and um yeah certainly don't help do they
Holmesy: The one thing I will say, and it's... It's easier said than done because... you're never up there and looking at the looking at the app it doesn't look like the powerhouse has has had a top 100 finish before so You're in the top 100 for the first time.
Holmesy: That's such a big achievement. but the the big thing i believe in is when you're up there and you're so close to finishing first that you've almost got a risk coming fifth or sixth.
Holmesy: to try and take out the top prize, which I know... There's 10 grand on the line for second plus whatever other crypto and and stuff is available and it's a pretty significant drop down. to fifth or sixth, but...
Holmesy: Jordy, it's such an unbelievable opportunity to try and have a crack at number one. That. You've got to try and take the emotion out of it and and put everything into you know having a crack, just like the the bloke did that unfortunately got over Harmie in 2019 who traded in a Jeremy Cameron. for a, you know, a 10 -goal 150 game. Like it's...
Holmesy: You got to take that risk.
JORDAN DSENA: Mm.
Holmesy: to risk it all to try and take out the comp.
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, and this and especially this year, like the prize being so much as it is, like isn't it over $200 ,000? for the number one i think I think if it was me, like I haven't. had a hat before, I would be so happy that no matter what I do, I'm still going to get a hat, as you said, in that top 100.
JORDAN DSENA: So why not, you know, go for it. So yeah, maybe look at. you know, try and target some of these matchups. You know, Mirrors Magic has so has that on the a tab there to have a look at and maybe some players that aren't. highly traded in i always look at um They're the highest traded in players and traded out players as well on the fantasy up.
JORDAN DSENA: whether you take a pun or or try and... um There's also bit a bit of strategy of, you know, checking the guys. as team. avoid the rolling lockout where you you might be able to see it a trade already come in and then maybe you can pivot um to that so yeah it'll be a bit of a stressful weekend in a way, but so also exciting weekend.
Holmesy: Yeah, you do. I mean... the the coach wag mantle is sitting in first definitely i mean you have the advantage because you're sitting in first place right and they've got to come over the top of you but at the same time psychologically it's a far different game coming from second or third to have a crack at trying to win versus being in first place and and desperately hoping that you can hold so i dare say number one's probably going to look to try and match in a few places if they can to try and cancel out some uniques to
Holmesy: to hold on whereas um you know second and third have the edge of you know, having nothing to lose really and and being able to go a little bit different to try and um create more uniques to to get over the top. So yeah, beer.
Holmesy: A really exciting race towards the Tundra. And on that... Let's get into some of the hot topics. and boy we have a lot to sort of discuss it's almost you know there was some news that came out today which we can we can talk about but it's almost not irrelevant talking about it now but there's still so much water to go into the bridge before the Thursday teams, but as it stands currently.
Holmesy: We have Harry Schiesel, who's been ruled out. uh for his cheekbone we have Jason Horn -Francis who's out with a broken toe. We've got Petrarca who's out with a foot injury.
Holmesy: Durham has been confirmed out with a groin. We have the Sydney Swans situation, which is still up in the air, but still need to kind of talk about. we have An article from the Pies suggesting that Darcy Cameron might get a rest on top of some of their other superstars.
Holmesy: We've got Bont who Luke Beveridge came out on AFL 360 and said that it was always going to be a planned two -week rest and that they're going to try and hold him out again although he wants to play.
Holmesy: So there is a lot of forced trades. before we even get to any of the other ones that haven't been reported yet from these dead rubber games. so Let's just kind of talk through our own individual teams and where we're all kind of sitting. So Jordy.
Holmesy: where are you at at the moment and what sort of strategy are you going to look to go at? go with sorry around these sort of forced trades.
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, I think I've got about... four of these players in my side and they're across there's two in the forward line one in the mids and one in defense so it is spread out everywhere.
JORDAN DSENA: um I think I might be. a bit lucky where i've got hawkerhan on the bench i've got herbert on the bench as well so they could come on if they need to but I've also got a little bit of DPP. So Brad, he was in defense. I've got Ron Marshall in the forward line. So if Darcy Cameron's out, maybe I can flick.
JORDAN DSENA: these guys around so i think for me it's just going to be trying to get that best that best team um you know with what happens on thursday night so whether that's trading out two forwards or and flicking one to defense and putting hill forward the thing with the thursday night is Brad Hill plays.
JORDAN DSENA: Thursday night, so you really need to be on that thursday because if You leave it and he's locked into your defence and you actually need him forward. or even midfield um with his TPP. So definitely...
JORDAN DSENA: You need to be on it. Thursday night for stuff like that. um And. yeah i think for me it's just i'm hoping i don't get a donut which i think a lot of teams you know may be facing which there's a lot more outs and and a bench cover is such a big thing if you don't have bench cover like there's teams that are running a lot of red dots.
JORDAN DSENA: Um... And I guess that sort of comes back to your your team value over the year as well and the players that you targeted. and um If you didn't have the best team value, maybe you took a haircut and you've had to take your... get a red dot there so it's going to be very interesting because looking at these top hundred and top thousand numbers A lot of these players are...
JORDAN DSENA: Pretty much almost 50%. owned So you your Bont, your Petrarca's, Durham's are under that because... Probably had a bit more time to trade them out. But the other guys are...
JORDAN DSENA: about 50 percent and cheese was a hundred percent so um and she's always the highest price there so you he pretty much has to go because he can open up a lot of spots and things for you to do
Holmesy: Yeah. Okay. I suppose the awkward thing is that a lot of... A lot of these injuries currently or forced trades are in the forward line, right? So you look at Sheazel. You look at potentially Warner.
Holmesy: JHS. you know, does a Dugowie get managed leading into their wildcard game? We've been struggling for coverage in the forward line all year. So me, for example, I've still got Dev Rob floating around that I haven't been able to trade.
Holmesy: I've got Leo Lombard there, but a lot of a lot of coaches might not even have that or their cover was that sort of 23rd that might end up getting rested anyway. so Yeah. Crucial is it's going to be using your two most expensive forced trades that are out. and then trying to manage as best you can. So i'll I'll look at a Lombard score on...
Holmesy: on Thursday night and hopefully that will cover. one of the forward forced outs, which means I don't have to trade in a forward because I want to avoid that if possible. but it is yeah it's going to be playing the rolling lockout Yeah. really using your bench.
Holmesy: You mentioned Herbert, so there's Fitzgerald floating around. I still got Farrow floating around. So hopefully I can manufacture 22 players with with what we get. but If a Darcy Cameron is to get rested, then I'm in ah i'm in a world of hurt because that's ah that's a trade being burnt into the rock.
Holmesy: where there is i don't have cover So, Hami, did you put that donut in the group chat because you already... um facing a donut before We get to the official teams on Thursday.
Jon Harmey: Well, no, it depends on what the teams are. Unfortunately, as I said, I had... Like. four of my applies. Starting players from the week before. Out.
Jon Harmey: So two trades doesn't really add up, does it? I punted most of my bench in previous weeks. So it just meant that I i actually had to bring in two forwards, which means I've still got Naz sitting on my bench at the moment. I couldn't trade him out because I had to use Hulkahan on field and Fitzgerald on field. They're my only two bench players. so Depending on what happens, I've still got... Naz and Murphy read.
Jon Harmey: on my bench now one of those is definitely not coming back and one May not be coming back either. So, um yeah, it just becomes a numbers game, mate. those um Yeah, those injuries are certainly mounting up. So I can't really afford too many to drop out of the team with Petrarca and Sheazer already named out so far.
Holmesy: Got bad news for you, Harmie. I think it's reported that Murphy Reid's not coming back this week either against Carlton. so
Jon Harmey: Yeah.
Holmesy: Yeah, no idea. Louie, how's your team shaping up?
Lew: Yeah, I could be in some trouble for sure. um I've got bench cover across all lines, but then that last bench spot is a little bit shaky in all my positions. so i Certainly going to be watching the team sheets. I don't think I'm going to be putting much. thought into my trades until we can actually see something tangible ah Because, you know, there's potentially up to six players in my side that um are going to be rested or won't be playing next week.
Lew: Um, So yeah, that's where I'm at. i'm Definitely going to be taking some rookie scores. So I've got Herbert and Fitzgerald and stuff like that. I'm going to have to move. some of the deck chairs around those so um yeah it's a little bit grim at this stage. and um I've got...
Lew: After my current trades, I've got 450k salary remaining. So I've almost gone full circle. ah from my post round one. when i when I brought in about 900K into the season. so um Yeah.
Lew: the story of my season I guess
Holmesy: Yeah, I haven't actually looked at it, but I'm... relatively confident that my my team value is exactly the same now as it was after about round 10 or 11. just shows all the injuries and forced trades and Some poor picks along the way, obviously, but...
Holmesy: It's just, yeah, the second half of the season especially has just been... Very. very challenging. Um... let's Let's talk through some of the...
Holmesy: Some of the games that are live this week, because, Geordie, I agree with you that some of these dead rubber games, we might see some monster scores, but we also might see some players being rested.
Holmesy: as as you mentioned before. So... we've got brisbane melbourne and hawthorne that are all playing for that sort of top four spot so i think they're all going to play as hard as possible especially because percentage is going to play such a key role in how those positions finish up and you've also got geelong um and Adelaide who are around that sort of wildcard area that don't. don't want to slip down and and be forced to play.
Holmesy: in that wildcard week. so I think those teams are going to be okay. But at some of the other games, as you mentioned, the... The Saints versus Suns game. You want to you want to talk about this one and and some of the scores we might see here.
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, i just I just feel like this is a bruise -free game. So, yeah, both are out of finals. um they both probably want to finish on a higher note like
JORDAN DSENA: Obviously what's happened with the Suns and the Saints got pretty close and obviously everything that's around them in the media as well with Ross Lyon and Naz and the injuries. I'm pretty sure it was Brad Hill's 300th game. I think I saw that. out today so they'll want to um celebrate that so i just and Obviously, the Saints. as well play a bit of that game style of the chip chip mark we just saw he'll go 145 and max hall go massive so i think there could be a bit of opportunity here to target some players
JORDAN DSENA: Whether that's a Brad Hill, Max Hall, I'm probably definitely going to bring into my side this week just to one match with others. And he's done. He's he's on a pretty unreal run for the last five weeks, and it's not the first time he's gone over 150 this year.
JORDAN DSENA: Maybe Wilkie, if you've got a Wilkie, you know you're not trading him at the moment. Um, and the guy that I talked at the top, maybe Noble, can maybe get on the other end of it. But yeah, you've also got Anderson and Rau.
JORDAN DSENA: Could Riao put up a big monster score again? um Obviously, ah that game against the the Giants was a bit more contested than the other tackles, but just a game that I would be targeting. especially if you need some forwards. Max Hall and Brad Hill were probably to you.
JORDAN DSENA: i think for she's all i think you got to grab one at least one of them
Holmesy: yeah Those scores on the weekend were and were insane. I obviously went Max Hall and I'd planned to go Brad Hill for most of the most of the week. but decided to pivot to baz instead which i was fine with but yeah those Those scores, Hill 100 at halftime and Max Hall 97, yeah.
Holmesy: Not really going to see anything like that again, but yeah, this matchup should be pretty good. I want to talk about the Brisbane game a bit, Harmie, because there is... word that Collingwood are going to rest a fair few players and and Brisbane coming down and and playing at the MCG where they don't really get to play off.
Holmesy: as much I think they're going to use it as a bit of a dress rehearsal for finals Could we see some massive scores from some of these? Brisbane plays.
Jon Harmey: Yeah, I think you you probably make a fair point, mate. um I think. Well... They're secured, aren't they? I mean, Collingwood secured in that wildcard loop. It's just a matter of...
Jon Harmey: who they play, um And then Brisbane's in the top four. It's just a... um a matter of whether they are. oh sorry they're not there's a chance that they could drop down out of the four if everything went against them. So certainly more incentive for Brisbane to get keep the double chance.
Jon Harmey: Um, And, look, I think you can predict who's going to be um high -scoring for them with Will Ashcroft, Lockie Neal. There's been some good scores and...
Jon Harmey: um I'm not sure who. Um, aid. uh is gonna go to from a tag perspective probably neil you'd say i reckon So, yeah, maybe a good one for Geordie's boy, Will Ashcroft.
Jon Harmey: But it does make me think of bringing in Zorko, who I don't have. I think he's probably... a good pick this round as well.
Holmesy: Is there a bit of an element of of Collingwood not wanting to upset Lockie Neal too much as they're trying to recruit him to the club? did today Do they send Alan to Will Ashcroft and just let Neil run around and have 40 and say, it come to us?
Jon Harmey: Yeah, I don't know. Don't know about that. Um,
JORDAN DSENA: I was going to VC with Ashcroft so I hope not
Jon Harmey: No, I don't.
JORDAN DSENA: ha
Holmesy: Yeah.
Jon Harmey: I don't know. I just...
Holmesy: Just joking.
Jon Harmey: it' It's Neil that usually gets a tag, isn't it? Because he so seems to um sit close into the stoppage and just look for the handball out. So he doesn't sort of... He doesn't have the the sideways movement. explosive that Ashcroft seems to.
Holmesy: All right. Yeah. So, I mean, Zorko is probably a good option as well, unless they're going to sort of manage his game time. I'm not sure they will, knowing they've got a week off and they really want him to get through, but it's always a flag. But Louis, I want...
Holmesy: Can you just give me some perspective? Because all I'm seeing in... twitter circles and our group chats is that Poor dad later. They don't necessarily want to win this weekend. So what's what's the deal there? Is it something to do with draft capital for Cochrane or what's the what's the go?
Lew: Oh, who knows? they Did come out today and say that every game they want to win, but you kind of do have to... to come out and and walk the walk. Um... There might be some... things going on behind the scenes i just know that obviously it's been.
Lew: Highly reported that Butters is... potentially interested in Richmond and um If they... come last on the ladder, then, um you know. potentially Port can get their hands on pick one. so That's where it's going to get.
Holmesy: Right, that's the connection. That's what I was missing, sorry.
Lew: That's the connection, yeah. So it's just a little bit of extra trade capital, which is, yeah, it's a little bit of a spoon bowl this week.
Holmesy: Yep.
Lew: Port versus Essendon. If port go down, then potentially they're in a better spot. because of that.
Holmesy: So with JH out. JHF out. Sorry, Geordie. who are Who's going to be the the main beneficiary for this this sort of main midfield distributor role that Horny's been?
Holmesy: pretty much you know has taken over since butters went down and and when he got back into the side just looking at the cbas from last week a lot of people went into jace burgoyne but he was down to the nine percent so i'm not sure why that happened but ah Joe Richards obviously came back.
Holmesy: 81%. You had. obviously Horne Francis, Willem Drew, Ollie Wines. Is Joe Richards? A play in the forward line. coming up against Essendon.
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, I think he's a really good pick. he As you said, he came into the side off that injury. I wasn't sure what role they would have, but he had the most CBAs, and that actually pushed Burgoyne out a little bit. It also pushed... miles bergman out to the wing so bergman actually scored 96 but and he was around the ball He didn't have the CBA, so but he he was still around the ball because he he was on the wing. And that allowed him to also...
JORDAN DSENA: roll back into defense um so yeah joe richard seems to be the the main beneficiary especially with Horn it out now. So I think he's a good option. um I think you know he's pretty well priced. He's like...
JORDAN DSENA: 800k just over We probably don't need the money, a cheap option this week with with some of these outs. but maybe, you know, it is someone with like petrarca um It wouldn't be too much of a jump to get Petrarca up to Richards. And you can also maybe go Sheasel down to a Max Hall.
JORDAN DSENA: that much. be enough money to do something like that. But I still really do like Jace Bergen. I think if it's going to be bruise -free football. I kind of... want him more than Richard's because I just think he...
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah, he can just rack it up. they They're going to kick it to him. He's going to get the kick outs. And he just looks. really confident last week. um And we saw him do a big 140 as well. But in saying that, Richards...
JORDAN DSENA: a couple of weeks ago, did do a 137. So they both seem to have the ceiling there. So I do like them both. as options.
Holmesy: On the flip side, we know Port Adelaide is not a ah strong side at the moment and and teams have been scoring quite freely against them. Louis, here was your Dossie Pick of the Week. ah ah Actually, Harmy, what does it look like for Zach Merritt in his final game?
Holmesy: as a bomber. Does he just go ham and try to go out on a high in it in a game that's... probably not going to be as as full on as normal or? Yeah, what's the go there? Is he an option is what I'm asking.
Jon Harmey: Yeah, you dominate I reckon. I actually legitimately think you'll have a very good game. um They'll probably run somebody like Ollie Wines or probably Willem Drew, actually, sorry, with him.
JORDAN DSENA: with Drew.
Jon Harmey: But I mean. What's it matter? fuck Sorry, I can't remember the point that Geordie made.
Holmesy: ah
Jon Harmey: earlier around bruce free yeah saints and um uh gold coast but this is this is a sunday afternoon game round 24 two teams down the bottom Um, without much incentive for a victory. so I think that he'll have a very good game. And yep, farewell the Bombers on a high.
Holmesy: Yep. Interesting there. harmy Yeah, i don't I don't mind it. Not sure whether I'll end up going there with you know have obviously having Shizu and some other players that are... quite expensive there's probably going to be better options there but it yeah wouldn't surprise me if he if he winds back the clock and and wants to go out on a a bit of a high louis i i'm going to throw this one to you and it's a question without notice so i do apologize but For Darcy Cameron owners, if the worst is realized on Thursday night, and he is.
Holmesy: managed. Where do we go in the ruck line? Because we have to trade. but it's, you know, Grundy is in a dual ruck set up and, you know, what does that look like for Sydney this week?
Holmesy: you've got Tristan Cherry, who's coming up against the Jewel Rock setup, and he hasn't been scoring well enough this year anyway. You've got Luke Jackson, who you'd think they'd probably manage quite heavily with Mason Cox to get him through.
Holmesy: you know I'm already a Gorn owner. Is there any Hail Marys? Do you just go the safe play? Have you have you thought about it at all?
Lew: um Not particularly. I think you make good cases to... be a little bit skeptical of all those players. um Obviously, most weeks we would definitely consider them.
Lew: um i know sometimes i do wear my port hat a little bit too much but i think that jordan sweet could be um A half -decent chance against the Dons comes up against...
Lew: Vigo Vicentini, who's obviously a young ruck. Sweet's been dominating the last couple of games, 116 last week, and he's actually out of contract. so i think he would want to put up a a big result for himself to see if he can maximize those dollars so If you're looking for a little bit of a punt at $728 ,000, I actually don't mind Jordan Sweet in terms of a bloke that can put up some ceiling on his day.
Holmesy: Harmie, are we going to our rookie Essendon Ruck who just put up 120 against Brodie Grundy on the weekend? the better. Vicentini, are we going Vigo?
Jon Harmey: I can very confidently say that I would not be trading in... Ah. Um... Byzantine. Look, I don't know if I should come clean on this one. I actually traded in my ruck line last week targeting the Geelong matchup and brought in...
Jon Harmey: X. um Yeah, so I moved Romar into my forward line and brought in X. So, in a way, I did trade there. but Yeah, it's a bit of a hard one to... um to predict this week.
Jon Harmey: Dunno, maybe you're going back to the well. with Lockie McAndrew. um I saw ah Briggs roll his ankle at one point. other day So anyway, we'll see what the teams present for us.
Lew: Well, if if you're not a Gorn owner, that's just numero uno, isn't it, with the Western Bulldogs matchup.
Jon Harmey: Oh yeah.
Lew: um um I'm not even sure who the dogs are rucking at the moment. but
JORDAN DSENA: Love I think
Lew: um
Jon Harmey: now
Lew: lob yeah there you go so That could be an absolute layup if you're not a Gorn owner.
Holmesy: Yeah, it's very interesting. As I said, just speculating. But as Geordie said, Thursday night teams with the Saints boys playing on Thursday. you're gonna have to lock some things in pretty early so i just want to kind of Beat across it As we mentioned, some of the... some of the matchups to target to finish off the year. so Melbourne playing the Dogs. Jake Bowie, Geordie was a bit disappointing on the weekend with only a 75.
Holmesy: Do we think he could have the ceiling in this one? i mean Probably not looking to target a defender, but we just saw... Well, I think it was. Florent had a 120 -odd. Nick Haynes had a 120 -odd. but There was marks galore.
Holmesy: in that Carlton Bulldogs game. if if someone's looking to target a defender is how you... the option this week.
JORDAN DSENA: Um, He's not the worst. I just, yeah, I think I... For me, I've just sort of pushed him aside now after those two, after the 75 and the 80 score. Look, every chance he can eat tons, but yeah, I'm looking elsewhere.
JORDAN DSENA: I'd rather, for me personally, someone like Jace Burgoyne or Zorko, I think. Zorko might even be a bit cheaper. Okay. about the same price.
Holmesy: Actually, I ah forgot you might need a defender this week, hey? with ah with the lizard.
JORDAN DSENA: I do.
Holmesy: Under the heat lamp.
JORDAN DSENA: Yeah. I think I need to get in Jace Burgoyne. That's where I think I'm going to go.
Holmesy: Fair enough, I don't uh that the geelong richmond game's an interesting one because i remember last year It was Geelong, Richmond, and we all. targeted the Geelong.
Holmesy: game as a potential ceiling game, but they're very professional in what they do and they'll be they'll be heavily managing their players throughout this game. and We all thought Baz was going to have a ceiling game last year, but I think he was just a 110 from memory. I think he was my captain in round 24 last year.
Holmesy: Brian Myers was in great form. He only had a 60. I think Manna was in great form. He only had a 70. I think Jezza was the only one that really popped. in that game. Ami should...
Holmesy: Should we maybe of avoid the Geelong players, even though it it seemingly does seem like a ah green matchup, especially at GMHBA?
Jon Harmey: Ah. I don't know if you can just say that that's um That's going to be fact every time that they play against each other, I still think. judging on what the saints did last week mate it's going to be a very Good. match up for Geelong. and um I think if you're in a draft comp...
Jon Harmey: which I am. I think it's, uh... Pretty good week to be bringing in Geelong players if you... You can find any on the waivers.
Holmesy: Yeah, especially looking to replace Schiesel and some of these other. Popular players. I mean, I spare a thought for for draft owners that have played the game all year, got to finals, done everything right, and then... You get an Asaya go down the week before. probably captain if you're If you don't have the the time on ground rule in draft, then you cook there. And then Harry Shears will win a prelim this week.
Holmesy: Harme, you got a story for us?
Jon Harmey: Is this speaking from experience, Holmesy? Is this you and you're just getting that marathon training sorted on the back of the NAS?
Holmesy: I didn't.
Jon Harmey: injury.
Holmesy: I didn't make finals mate, you don't have to worry about that. Running's going well. Running's going well. Up to 15Ks for my long run, Geordie. You'll be happy.
JORDAN DSENA: Oh very nice.
Holmesy: I'm building. I'm building.
JORDAN DSENA: Everybody knows.
Holmesy: Uh...
JORDAN DSENA: What have you got, four weeks? Five weeks. No, it's the cricket, isn't it? Not the grand final.
Holmesy: Yeah, start of December, I got...
JORDAN DSENA: Yep.
Holmesy: Got plenty of time, although. starting to really... break down a little bit. Um... Yeah, I don't think there's too many other. players that we haven't sort of spoken about. I mean, The Melbourne boys, they took they took a chance to rest last week. I know Tom Sparrow was pretty highly. owned in terms of a trading option louis and If you went a Tom Sparrow over a a Max Hall.
Holmesy: 90 points difference, that's that's insane.
Jon Harmey: Hmm.
Holmesy: But he did I think he only had 69 % time on ground, was flying early and clearly didn't score late. Is he a consideration or a good trading option? um to replace some of these forwards.
Lew: Yeah, I still think so. um Just a little bit of a one -off on Tom Sparrow. I think he's he's signed his contract now. so As they get into the finals, you'd you'd like to think that he'll... returned to sort of his um his previous form so Maybe there was just a little bit of nervousness with um obviously the club that was chasing him prior to that. so
Lew: Coming up against the Dogs at the MCG, I think they'll be up and about. and they They both play a pretty quick style of football, so I think he'll be involved in that.
Holmesy: Yeah, I'm just wondering whether it is a Tom Sparrow game. We know he has those ceilings where he has his sort of eight to... 8 to 12 tackles. Whether that's there or not, it's a different story. But yeah, he's he's been a good option all year. down score last week, but I dare say.
Holmesy: He will bounce back all right boys for the final time this year let's get stuck into the questions and the first one Here's a question. Kind of a statement, but ah still a question, Geordie. This one's from Rowan, good friend of the show from the Fantasy Marketplace.
Holmesy: How did we get here? What is the meaning of it all? Why is there another injury? What even is fantasy football? What do you have to say to that? Statement.
JORDAN DSENA: I don't know. That's a hard... It's... has been a interesting year. To say the least. um I don't know. I think I always just try and Just kind of... Roll with the punches, right? Just keep trying to. um Yeah, mate.
JORDAN DSENA: be agile i think i don't know i don't have any stories for that one i think harmy's put his hand up he might have a a story but yeah i think and next year is going to be different as well like we're going to not have opening rounds so and pretty keen but yeah i mean um i love fantasy football no matter what happens so i'll just try and keep roll Rolling with the punches.
Jon Harmey: ah the meaning The meaning is... um testing our resilience guys isn't it quite clearly And I think we've all passed because we're all still here. And we've all got the courage to continue on. so um We passed the test.
Holmesy: Resilience is about bouncing back, Hami, so we haven't determined whether we're able to bounce back next year or not.
JORDAN DSENA: Hmm.
Jon Harmey: a
Holmesy: whether it breaks us but yeah i will say it's been clearly been one of the hardest fantasy seasons in memory and Fire at them. very grateful that we play afl fantasy with our two trades a week spar spare Spare a thought for the super coaches that.
Holmesy: probably burnt through most of their trades by about round 17 and 18 and have had probably 10 forced trades since. um But yeah, it's just been one of those years. but I wouldn't say it's clearly going to be different, Geordie, but I am. Still a little bit skeptical that this might become more of the normal that we see because of the way that the AFL has changed the game, sped it up.
Holmesy: but also has shortened pre -seasons and, you know, they're only... They're only getting More. uh cautious around pre -season in terms of wanting to limit head knocks and what they can do at training and things like that so um The management of players and the injuries I think is something we're going to have to combat for a few years to come yet.
Holmesy: louis this one is from olivia calvi dear pod pod i actually have she's jhf durham petrarca And raid. Any suggestions? I got a bit excited when I saw ZZ's name popped up on my timeline and thought I would have had an extra bench player.
Holmesy: But the news was that he did his ACL. I love this game. so What's your thoughts and strategies for someone that already has five forced trades before we see teams? on Tesla.
Lew: gee well at that point there's not a whole lot you can do but rely on your bench and you know Use the two trades that you've got. um every single week. um Yeah, there unfortunately, there is no magic cure for something like that. um Yeah, you're just going to have to look at some of your best options and maybe with those two trades, you can bring in some guys with some really high ceiling. and and mitigate what you're going to obviously lose on the on the back end of that five.
Holmesy: Yep, it's just going to be looking at where you can get your best scoring rookies on field if you've got them. So your bench players and then trading around that. Trade out your two highest. highest value players so you can maximize the trades from that point of view and then and then see how you go, but yeah. We're with you. or we all We all rattled off most of those players within our team. so we're rolling it together we just have a cracking yeah Unlucky for ZZ Top. Not.
Holmesy: Ideal. um Geordie? I'm going to give you a bit of time while we go to the last question just to do a bit of research here and I'll have a quick look as well while Hami's answering this question. So while you... While we're doing the last question, can you just have a look at some pods for the best pods to finish off the year?
Holmesy: Harmie, this one is from Rose. Hi, thanks for a fabulous year. Really enjoyed the information and the banter. Thanks Rose, appreciate that. Should I trade Reid and Wilmot to Manor and Broome?
Holmesy: or Reid and Wilmot to Smith and a rookie. so Do you like the manner? and Bruun play, or do you like the... um gun premium and then taking a punt on ah a rookie.
Jon Harmey: um look if it were me and This time of year. I would probably go with... two reasonably
Jon Harmey: priced players that you think will be a bit of fun and have a chance at getting a ceiling score. So I can see why you would... have picked manna and brune and that's all good So I'd probably go lean that style of trade rather than Smith and a rookie. Everyone's got Smith anyway. If he bombs, you you get a leg up. So, ah yeah, I'd find a couple of nice mid -price players that you think might have ah a good one -week play.
Holmesy: Yep. no that's a that's a fair call i think i'd yeah I wouldn't be going the rookie at this time of year. We're playing them because we're forced to. but uh yeah i think you take the punt on two middle middle guys and and try and get some ceiling scores out of that which the rookie you're not going to be able to Geordie, have you managed to find anything for us?
JORDAN DSENA: Well... George Hewitt's been gone under the radar, 138, 92 at 135. Does play Fremantle, but... Has the ceiling there? that's That's definitely a pod.
JORDAN DSENA: Um... The other one I saw, so obviously he was talking about Geelong. Did they say that Jeremy Cameron's coming back? I don't think he could go there, but you remember it last year. you get you always going to...
JORDAN DSENA: aim for kick it back um But, yeah.
Holmesy: He played half back in his last game, didn't he, as well?
JORDAN DSENA: think Yeah, I think so.
Holmesy: I wonder if that continues.
JORDAN DSENA: Heh. True. um Could you go Oli Dempsey? 105, 88, 125.
Holmesy: Ooh.
JORDAN DSENA: He's a midfielder only.
Holmesy: Yep, like it.
JORDAN DSENA: but could get on the...
Holmesy: Yep.
JORDAN DSENA: end of it he could be a ah real pod these are obviously yeah um Yeah, players that... We haven't really talked about it all, all year. Um, That's probably three there that have...
JORDAN DSENA: jumped out at me. Um... Obviously... you know Port also have a good matchup, so it's just maybe targeting that, but we've sort of talked about Joe Richards. I would have thought he'd be pretty.
JORDAN DSENA: holly Trade it in. But I like him.
Holmesy: Amen.
Jon Harmey: Got one for you that I looked at the other day, Holmes E. in potentially his last game for gws toby green i think could be Not a bad shout this round as a mid price forward.
Jon Harmey: Um... Only Florence being... Getting it done, going. going pretty well i guess now that the blues have made it maybe not so important and harder game against.
Jon Harmey: freeo But there's a couple of guys that are kind of... 1 % owned I suppose.
Holmesy: Yep. ah You know, Grundy's 8 % owned in the top 1 ,000, so he's very lowly owned. So if we see, is it Will Green, the other Ruckman get dropped. um That could be one, although the management would scare me.
Holmesy: Uh... Dyson Sharps been getting it done if you need um you know a cheaper option in the forward line doesn't have the ceiling but has been i think 96 ish over the last five Definitely one to put in the black book for 2027 if he maintains that midfield role. He's an elite scorer.
Holmesy: Um, Yeah, outside of that, I mean, your Bergoins that we've already spoken about, 18 % in the top 1 ,000, that's a pod. Zach Bailey against Collingwood. What does that look like? He's got the ability to pop a ceiling.
Holmesy: outside of that, yeah. Pretty, yeah. that they're all pretty highly owned. Louis. This one I just forgot. So last one. And I'm unsure whether this is still relevant with all the news we've had, but this one's from Nate.
Holmesy: Who goes first? Mills, Oliver or LDU.
Holmesy: You on mute, Louie?
Lew: Oh, apologies. I have been muting just because um I'm sniffling and coughing still. but um Well, gee, I'm never going to be a fan of Luke Davies' Uniac. I think that...
Lew: he He has some really good games and they're just so good from a football sense that the very next week. um the coach you know, basically clamps him. so I think it's too far up and down for me, so I'm ruling out LDU off the bat.
Lew: Um, Clayton Oliver's been in a bit of a lull, I think, so... that would make me a little bit nervous i'm not sure how he wants to perform in the last round of the year with with nothing really to play for.
Lew: um um I'm probably... over I'm probably getting rid of one of those two, and I think Oliver might be the one, actually. but um Mills, I'm...
Lew: pretty up on um i think depending on how the swans sort of line up on the weekend and what sort of goes on there that potentially that Mills might be. a little bit of a last man standing so to speak he he's probably got a few roles that he can play on the weekend so that's one that i'd definitely be wanting to hang on to
Jon Harmey: I think in a normal course of events, Holmesy, we would look at this round and go, look. LDU is getting a copper tag from James Jordan and he's the one you'd be trading out.
Jon Harmey: So we will see if that happens.
Holmesy: Fair. I mean, Jaisalong probably goes to him anyway, right? Hasn't been as good a tag. Bye. Yeah, I think... I'd be out of you as well. It's got to be LDU with that.
Holmesy: Potential tag. I think you're right, Louis. i think Mills, regardless of whether he's in defence or maybe plays in the midfield with extra responsibility, I think as the captain of the club, he'll want to play well. and um clary's clary i i don't think he's going to have the floor that ah potentially an ldu or a mills might do in the right In the wrong row, sorry.
Holmesy: All right, that is going to wrap us up for the year. We'll be back next week for our final podcast of the year reviewing. the the season as a whole. But Geordie, this is your final podcast for the year. You've been a great addition to the podcast this year.
Holmesy: Night. Why don't you give the listeners a bit of a sign off as the number one coach on the pod, which you'll be able to. take through all pre -season and sort of let us know about.
JORDAN DSENA: Oh, I absolutely loved it this year, boys. So thanks. Yeah, thanks for having me on. I've had an ah absolute ball and coming on every every week as well. so Look, we might be able to sneak another pot in the trade period. Maybe we can start getting talking about preseason because I think I'm going to be on a high. um still so um but yeah thanks thanks boys and i'll be sure to send a lot of messages this weekend if I can.
JORDAN DSENA: whilst overseas. and any plus late plus threes as well i'll let you know
Holmesy: You give us a little bit of time to... you know. refresh Geordie but man if you're going to do the show doc i'll I'll be there, mate.
JORDAN DSENA: ah
Holmesy: You know how it goes.
Jon Harmey: Ha ha.
Holmesy: You know how it goes.
JORDAN DSENA: So that's good
Holmesy: army louis uh we'll chat obviously next week um but yeah obviously thanks for a big year to everyone else make sure you are still following us on x at pod pod afl i'm at homesies heroes make sure you subscribe to us on spotify apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your content I'll be back with Selby on Marrera's Magic for the final time on Thursday, which I'm sure there'll be a lot to discuss there. So if you're an in -season member.
Holmesy: Please make sure to check that out. I hope everyone has a... Good final round as well as it can be. Brace for the chaos. Embrace the challenge and we'll be back next week. Bye.
